Best At-Home Workout Programs

By Lydia Noyes  •  Updated on Aug 21, 2020

Use our expert insights and customer reviews to research and compare popular at-home workout programs to help you decide which one is right for you.

A woman exercising at home

Getting Started with At-Home Workout Programs

Getting in shape is always a worthwhile goal, but sometimes it’s neither prudent nor practical to join a gym.

Welcome to the world of at-home workout programs. Designed for flexibility and convenience, these programs typically have minimal space and equipment requirements, meaning that you can get in a sweat right in your living room.

But with so many options available, how should you determine which at-home fitness program best fits your needs?

Signing up for endless trial offers can get overwhelming, and purchasing equipment can be a costly endeavor if you quickly lose enthusiasm and abandon it within weeks.

Which Program Is Right for You? Out Top Picks

We’ve analyzed many of the top options in the at-home fitness industry to help you make that decision. We’ve put these programs through an unbiased testing process to see which ones stand out from the others, and which are worth skipping.

Everyone’s fitness needs and requirements will differ, which is why it’s essential to articulate what you’re looking for so that you can make a more informed choice.

Based on our analysis, the programs below are best suited for the following situations:

  • Best for Studio Class Enthusiasts: Obe Fitness
    For those who love Zumba and other studio classes, Obe Fitness channels the same energy at home. A daily live class schedule lets you work out with others in real-time for extra accountability.

  • Best for People Who Want Community: Peloton App
    This high-tech spin bike and treadmill brand relies on connected equipment that allows you to see how you’re comparing to everyone else taking the class. Even the instructors can see your stats and offer you real-time encouragement.  

  • Best for Runners: Aaptiv and Peloton
    If you prefer to get in your cardio by putting in miles, both Peloton and Aaptiv offer a variety of running content designed for both the treadmill sessions and screen-free outdoor runs.

  • Best for Strength Training: Tonal
    Tonal’s tech-integrated weightlifting machine will take the place of a traditional bench press to give you a solid weight lifting workout without the space-hogging problems associated with standard equipment.

  • Best for Yoga: Glo
    Alo Moves offers a wide variety of yoga workouts for different skill levels, and practice styles, with new content added regularly. The platform succeeds in mimicking the feeling of flowing in a yoga studio while still at home.

  • Best for Dance Lovers: TapFit and Figure 8 Fitness
    If you’d rather get your sweat in through dance, than these two tap dance and Latin dance-inspired workout programs will help you forget you’re even exercising. 

  • Best for People Who Love Variety: Beachbody On Demand
    A Beachbody On Demand subscription gives you access to a broad range of workout programs taught by dozens of instructors, meaning that you can switch from heavy strength training to cardio dance classes or beginning yoga classes under the same subscription.

  • Best for Tech Lovers: Mirror
    If you love the idea of exercising with the newest technology, then Mirror belongs in your workout room. You can watch fitness classes while monitoring your form, and the device reverts to décor once you’re done.

Tips for Finding the Right At-Home Workout Program for You

Finally, take note of these top tips for succeeding with an at-home workout program.

  • What’s your timeframe? Some programs, like Obe Fitness, focus on the 28-minute workout, while others, such as Beachbody On Demand, tend to require a longer commitment per sweat session.

  • Do you want to be tied down to one equipment brand? Think carefully about whether you want to put down thousands for premium equipment like Tonal, Mirror, or a Peloton Bike, or if you would rather subscribe to programs like Les Mills or Aaptiv and use your preferred equipment instead.

  • Do you want the option to join live classes? Many platforms, like obe Fitness, Peloton, and Daily Burn, have opportunities to live-stream classes each day, while others like Beachbody On Demand, offer only pre-recorded programs. Some people like the accountability associated with “showing up” for class at a set time, but this might not matter to you.

  • How much flexibility do you want with workout style? Some at-home fitness programs specialize in one type of exercise, like strength training (Tonal) or yoga (Glo, Alo Moves, DDP yoga, etc.). In contrast, others like Peloton and Beachbody offer a little of everything for one subscription price.

  • What are your space restrictions? Many at-home fitness programs require little more than the floor space for a yoga mat, while others require you to keep bulky equipment like a spin bike or barbells on hand.

Reviews of Popular Programs

Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each of these programs. Each review contains our expert analysis of the program’s strengths and weaknesses, including who we think it would most appeal to.

You’ll also see user reviews from other people who put these programs through their paces.

TAPfit

TAPfit

140 Reviews

TAPfit

TAPfit’s dance fitness program will get you burning calories while you learn the basics of tapdancing. Customer reviews indicate this niche workout strategy is an excellent option for many, but the...

Daily Burn

Daily Burn

84 Reviews

Daily Burn

Daily Burn offers a range of fitness classes and programs you can follow anywhere—minimal equipment required. It’s one of many great options for getting in shape at home, but there are some...

Figure 8 Fitness

Figure 8 Fitness

70 Reviews

Figure 8 Fitness

Figure 8 Fitness workout program combines dance moves with core exercises to give you a six-pack while you’re having fun. This program is ideal for those who dislike traditional workout classes,...

V Shred

V Shred

47 Reviews

V Shred

The V Shred program is fitness model and personal trainer Vince Sant’s solution to your workout woes. Many users experienced real results, but others thought the program was too expensive for its...

Abs After 40

Abs After 40

18 Reviews

Abs After 40

Mark Mcilyar’s Abs After 40 is a resistance training workout program that allegedly helps boost testosterone and reduce body weight in men. Learn what customers are saying.

80 Day Obsession

80 Day Obsession

17 Reviews

80 Day Obsession

Beachbody promises that its 80 Day Obsession program will jumpstart your fitness goals and challenge you to reach the next level physically. Most users love it, and if you don’t, Beachbody On...

Glo

Glo

14 Reviews

Glo

Glo is an online platform for yoga and meditation classes. It’s designed for yoga beginners and experts alike to get stronger and improve their practice at home. Android users might be disappointed...

Kinobody

Kinobody

11 Reviews

Kinobody

Kinobody claims to help you get a bulked-up body with strength training and intermittent fasting strategies that lead to long term results. However, restricting your calories might be a bad idea for...

Mirror Workout

Mirror Workout

8 Reviews

Mirror Workout

Mirror is a home gym system that is designed to stream live and on-demand classes from NYC instructors in the comfort of your own home. It has a very positive reputation among its users, but you are...

Beachbody On Demand

Beachbody On Demand

7 Reviews

Beachbody On Demand

Beachbody on Demand is a fitness streaming service that gives you unlimited access to more than 1,000 workout videos, as well as guidance for better nutrition. It’s great for those who want to...

Obé Fitness

Obé Fitness

7 Reviews

Obé Fitness

Obé Fitness is a home workout platform that turns your living room into a personal fitness studio. This program wins points for a variety of workout options, but class quality can vary considerably.

Les Mills On Demand

Les Mills On Demand

6 Reviews

Les Mills On Demand

Les Mills on Demand is a fitness platform that covers everything from Barre to indoor cycling classes. Customer reviews indicate that it’s a great option for a home workout.

DDP Yoga

DDP Yoga

5 Reviews

DDP Yoga

DDP Yoga is a home fitness program from a professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page that makes yoga accessible for people all fitness levels. While it might be a great way to get into yoga if...

PiYo Workout

PiYo Workout

5 Reviews

PiYo Workout

PiYo (Pilates and yoga combined) is a fast-paced, low-impact workout program from Beachbody On Demand that claims to challenge your cardio fitness and get you in shape quickly. Though marketed...

Alo Moves

Alo Moves

5 Reviews

Alo Moves

Alo Moves is a yoga subscription service that connects you with expert instructors who lead classes and courses in a range of styles. Users love the variety of workouts, but you might struggle with...

BodyBoss Method

BodyBoss Method

4 Reviews

BodyBoss Method

The Body Boss Method is a form of circuit training that provides a blend of exercise activities that are alleged to speed up fat loss, improve fitness, and tone the body. Based on the available...

P90X3

P90X3

3 Reviews

P90X3

Building off the hit fitness series from Beachbody, P90X3 is designed to give you a high-intensity workout in just thirty minutes. The program delivers a quality workout, but it might be...

Studio SWEAT onDemand

Studio SWEAT onDemand

1 Review

Studio SWEAT onDemand

Studio SWEAT onDemand is a subscription-based fitness program that gives you access to full-length workouts taught by real fitness experts, not actors.

Morning Meltdown 100

Morning Meltdown 100

1 Review

Morning Meltdown 100

Morning Meltdown 100 utilizes Jericho McMatthew’s peppy coaching and a live DJ to deliver quick cardio workouts that will get you in shape at home. Beginners may love it, but Beachbody enthusiasts...

Body By Simone

Body By Simone

1 Review

Body By Simone

Developed by Simone De La Rue, Body By Simone includes fitness studios, a subscription app, TV channel, and DVD workouts designed to get you toned through dance-inspired exercises.

Sworkit

Sworkit

Sworkit

Sworkit is a subscription fitness app that gives you complete control over the length and style of your workouts from a collection of 300+ exercise moves.

Peloton App

Peloton App

Peloton App

The Peloton App gives subscribers access to the fitness brand’s content without the cost of purchasing a Peloton bike. My experience with this app has been great, but it has its limitations.

FightCamp

FightCamp

FightCamp

FightCamp offers a way to complete a studio-quality boxing workout at home with virtual classes and real-time movement tracking. Boxing enthusiasts love it, but beginners might need some extra...

P.volve

P.volve

P.volve

P.vovle is a virtual fitness platform focusing on low-impact movements that let you follow this Victoria’s Secret model’s workout at home. However, you may not find it rigorous enough to give you...

Aaptiv

Aaptiv

Aaptiv

Aaptiv is an audio-only fitness subscription service that provides more than three thousand workouts for over a dozen ways to exercise.

LIIFT4

LIIFT4

LIIFT4

LIIFT4 from Beachbody on Demand is a HIIT and strength training workout series designed to help you bulk up through four weekly workouts. Expect it to be a challenge, but effective if you commit.

Additional Resources

The Beginner’s Guide to At-Home Workout Programs: Important Things to Consider

The Beginner’s Guide to At-Home Workout Programs: Important Things to Consider

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You’re in good company if you’re considering ditching your gym membership for an at-home fitness program, but is this the right decision for your health? Below, we look at the five top...

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