Gone are the days when we would need to leave our homes to get an effective workout in. With at-home workout subscriptions, you can bring the in-studio experience to your living room, bedroom, backyard — wherever — making it even easier to set and accomplish New Year’s workout resolutions and exercise goals.
With many studios going digital, there are more at-home workout subscription options than ever before. And finding one that makes you want to get a sweat session in at home can be a challenge. If you’re not sure where to begin, we created a guide to at-home workout subscriptions, with everything you need to know about the benefits, what to consider, and our top exercise picks, ahead.
The Benefits of a Workout Subscription
In addition to all of the benefits that come with getting a sweat session in, workout subscriptions are highly beneficial for a few reasons. According to Amanda Jenny, a founding instructor at Bande, one of the best things about a virtual live class is that you can book them last minute and, without the additional travel time, “you can be logged on in just a few seconds and ready to go.” Additionally, if you choose an on-demand class, you can get a workout whenever, wherever, and at the click of a button.
Another benefit of a workout subscription is “it encourages consistency,” says Dani Schenone, RYT, ACSM-CPT, and Holistic Wellness Specialist at Mindbody. Being consistent “helps you stay committed to your movement goals,” she adds.
Workout subscriptions are typically much more cost-effective, too. Compared to drop-in prices, they can be a more “budget-friendly choice,” says Schenone.
What to Consider When Choosing a Workout Subscription
With so many workout subscriptions available, figuring out which one is the best for you can be a challenge — and overwhelming. But, there are some things to consider, which can help make your selection easier. First, Jenny says “you’re more likely to make working out a habit when you enjoy the movement that you’re doing,” so it’s important to “find a studio or platform that offers a wide range of modalities so that you can not only find what you like best but also have the option to switching things up from time to time to keep it fresh.”
On top of that, Schenone says you might want to try a few workouts before making a subscription commitment. Most online subscriptions have free trials, so you can check those out and “make sure you’re investing in something you love to do.” If your subscription has live classes that you wish to participate in, Schenone also says to “make sure the class schedule fits into your life” and “don’t make the mistake of trying to work around their schedule.”
How to Stay Accountable for Workouts at Home
The benefit of working out at home is one thing, staying accountable is a whole other thing. First, it helps to have a designated area to exercise. “I find when I have a dedicated spot where my mat is constantly rolled out, I am more apt to use my subscription,” says Schenone. This area could be as simple as a spot that fits your yoga mat and equipment or as intentional as an entire room dedicated to an at-home studio experience.
Another way to hold yourself accountable is to “sign up in advance,” says Jenny. If a sign-up sheet is offered for a live class, it’s a great way to help make that commitment. In addition to signing up, you can also carve out the time on your calendar just like you would for an in-person class.
The Best At-Home Workout Subscriptions to Try in 2022
Whether you’re looking to switch up your routine with a new at-home workout or giving workout subscriptions a try for the first time, we put together some of the best at-home workout subscriptions, ahead.
Melissa Wood Health
Price: $9.99/month
If you don’t have a lot of time but want to get a good, effective workout in (at an affordable cost, no less) Melissa Wood Health is a great at-home option. Founded by Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, this method is inspired by strength-building and restorative pilates and yoga exercises that are short, sweet, and pack a punch (seriously, the arm workouts are killer!).
P.Volve
*Price: $19.99/month *
P.Volve is an online and in-studio workout method that utilizes functional resistance-based, high-intensity, and low-impact movements to tighten and tone the body. We love their forward-thinking tools — such as the P.Ball and Slant Board — that elevate the exercises and promote an effective full-body workout. On top of that, P.Volve also offers various programs with interactive plans to help hold users accountable and reach their exercise goals.
Mirror
Price: $39/month
If you want that in-studio feel without leaving the comfort of your home, Mirror is a great choice. The Mirror itself doubles as an interactive workout screen where you can stream live and on-demand classes of all types, including cardio, strength, barre, yoga, Pilates, boxing, stretching, and more. We love that this device comes with a built-in camera so that instructors can see you and correct your form during live classes — and you can see and exercise with your friends from the comfort of your own home. Talk about accountability.
Peloton
Price: $12.99/month
You don’t need a Peloton bike or treadmill to reap the benefits of their at-home workout subscription. In fact — you don’t need any equipment at all. In addition to running and cycling, the Peloton subscription features a library of classes for strength training, yoga, cardio, stretching, Pilates, barre, and even mediation. In our opinion, this subscription is best for someone looking for more bang for their buck with a variety of workouts to choose from.