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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 review
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...
5 reviews
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...
68 reviews
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,...
4 reviews
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...
3 reviews
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...
63 reviews
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...
11 reviews
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...
17 reviews
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...
1 review
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...
84 reviews
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...
17 reviews
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.
22 reviews
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...
5 reviews
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...
4 reviews
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...
5 reviews
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...
1 review
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.
6 reviews
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.
4 reviews
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.
3 reviews
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...
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...
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.
Studio SWEAT onDemand is a subscription-based fitness program that gives you access to full-length workouts taught by real fitness experts, not actors.
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.
Aaptiv is an audio-only fitness subscription service that provides more than three thousand workouts for over a dozen ways to exercise.
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...
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.
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...
Seniors can remain fit in their golden years by honing endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. We’ve compiled research and expert advice to provide a list of 19 best exercises for seniors.
