Cheer apps for crushing New Year’s resolutions at home

• Freebies install free apps and YouTube workouts. These are great for getting your feet wet – you may start working out after a long time off. YouTube is where you can try out almost any type of work. The downside is that you have to spend time hunting for one, and even that little break could keep you from exercising if you’re feeling sluggish.

• Premium Programs they are like Netflixes for fitness. You pay between $ 5 and $ 25 per month, on average, to access a large library of on-demand workshops of various kinds. The fee seems to be cheaper than a gym membership. These apps aim to be a one-stop shop for exercise. Cardio, strength and yoga are usually offered in the same app. Some include live streaming classes.

• Zoom studio the virtual version of brick-and-mortar fitness offerings is high-end. They’re expensive, but it’s worth working out with others in real time and getting personalized guidance with a webcam.

The key to any exercise, of course, is to show up for it. These are workouts that I have turned on again and again this year. But fitness is a very personal thing – and the instructors, music selection and exercise styles vary widely from app to app. For some, live classes are a great way to stay responsible. For others, short workouts can push you into a busy day.

My top tip: Take advantage of free trials before you join. (On iOS and Android, for “free” trials that require you to sign up, you can immediately unsubscribe to avoid being charged.)

Freebies

Nike Training Club
Platforms: iOS and Android

What do you like: The Nike Training Club app includes workouts with a focus on strength, endurance and movement. From yoga to body weight pumping cardio, there is something for every skill level. Integration with Apple Watch shows your heart rate, upcoming drill and play / stop controls.

Prior to the pandemic, “trainer-led classes” cost $ 15 per month or $ 120 per year. Nike did the free 15- to 60-minute workouts once so many people stopped at home.

That’s not so good: NTC doesn’t come with any music – you have to bring your own. You can play Spotify or another streaming app of choice in the background.

The body project
Blender fitness
Cycling by Kristina Girod
Yoga with Adriene
Platform: YouTube

What do you like: YouTube videos are a great way to try out different fitness styles before committing to a program. I like these channels because they offer mix and match new content on a regular basis. Paid membership unlocks additional techniques and coaching.

That’s not so good: You sit through the hat from time to time, and there is no option to download workouts to do it offline.

Premium programs

Peloton Digital
Price: $ 13 per month

Free trial: One month

Platforms: iOS, Android, web, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV

What do you like: Peloton membership includes live streaming classes and a Peloton library covering 11 topics, such as cycling, strength training, yoga and meditation. The app’s music-themed classes cover a range of genres, from Beyoncé to the Beatles, and the instructors provide inspiration and suggestions on form. There’s also a bit of built-in community support: You can see which users work with you and send or receive digital highs.

Some equipment (such as weights or a basic stationary bike repaired by a cadence sensor) has the best experience. But the outdoor running feature, which only requires shoes, is my favorite. The workplaces are audio-driven by pros-led (one instructor, Robin Arzon, is a certified running coach and ultramarathoner), with compliments, and set to music that matches interim effort.

That’s not so good: Although classes can be downloaded, you cannot take them offline. So if your home gym is Wi-Fi ground floor, Peloton is not a good choice. Users of the app also can’t see how their metrics compare to other Peloton members – the dashboard is unique for those with the company’s smart bike ($ 1,895 and up) and a smart treadmill ($ 2,495 and up), plus paying for the total accessibility. $ 39-monthly membership.

Apple Fitness +
Price: $ 10 per month or $ 80 per year

Free trial: One month

Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV HD (fourth generation) or Apple TV 4K

What do you like: In my first review, I mentioned Fitness + great value. With one subscription, everyone in your iCloud home (up to six) can access the on-demand library. There is studio style cycling, interval training, treadmill running, yoga, cardio, strength, rowing and dancing, as well as “mind-cool downs” (aka stretching). All workplaces include modifications for beginners and intermediate users. The sessions are short – the longest are 45 minutes but most are 30 minutes or less.

That’s not so good: The app is for Apple Watch owners (Series 3 and later) only. The service itself is hard to find, as is a new tab within Apple ‘s Fitness app. You can’t stream the workspaces through Apple’s AirPlay, backed by some TV and streaming boxes; you will need a newer Apple TV to view workplaces on your TV.

(Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has a commercial agreement to provide news through Apple services.)

Obé’s fitness
Price: $ 27 per month, $ 65 per quarter, $ 199 per year

Free trial: One week

Platforms: iOS, web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV

What do you like: There are 22 live classes each day, taught by friendly, smiling tutors in a colorful, minority studio. There is also a backup of thousands of on-demand videos. In live classes, instructors often shout out users by name – even though they won’t see you, of course. The workplaces focus on topics such as barre, sculpture, dance and Pilates. Cardio boxing and the trampoline-assisted “kick” work are two of the most notable sacrifices. There are workplaces made specifically for children (with Kidz Bop soundtrack) and the elderly (featuring low-impact, friendly chair exercises). The “exercise party” feature lets you share experiences with seven friends about video chat.

That’s not so good: Workplaces have one type of music – an engaging sexual mix with a popular focus – and there is no option to pick up music off so you can listen to your own. It’s busier than other digital fitness offerings, and lacks native Android experience. (A spokesperson said that an Android app is launching in the coming months.)

Glossary Alo
Price: $ 20 per month or $ 199 per year

Free trial: Two weeks

Platforms: iOS, Android, web, Apple TV, Chromecast

What do you like: Alo Moves features different types of flow yoga – including Ashtanga, Vinyasa and prenatal variations – as well as strength themed yoga, barre classes and Pilates. I love the multiday series, with a focus on one type of exercise, where each class builds on the next. The guided meditations are excellent.

That’s not so good: Alo Moves’ large content library can be daunting, and class names (eg “Drop In” and “Coming Home”) are not always informative. The beginner offers are very small, with many of the videos aimed at more advanced yogis.

Zoom Studio

At-home Barry
Price: $ 20 per class; $ 70 for 5 classes; $ 120 for 10 classes

Free trial: None

Platforms: Glossary

What do you like: The bootcamp fitness chain went viral with its invaluable work ($ 35 per class in San Francisco, where I live). You can choose from Barry’s signature treadmill classes and weights as well as body weights, protective bands and weights. The 45-minute sessions are led by a live tutor, and participants can turn on their webcams to receive personalized changes. There are dozens of time slots to choose from on a daily basis. You will receive an email with a Zoom link to enter your class 20 minutes before it starts.

That’s not so good: There are technical difficulties from time to time. (Zoom requires strong Wi-Fi on each end.) While the first ones get two classes for the price of one, there is no trial period that allows you to try out the experience. But you can check out non-live, abbreviated workplaces on Barry’s Instagram page.

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Write to Nicole Nguyen at [email protected]