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To answer that, you need to think about what you want from an online fitness program. Are you someone who struggles to stay consistent and wants a structured plan to keep you on track? Maybe you're a former athlete looking for challenging workouts to push your limits? Or are you a busy parent who only has 20 minutes a day to squeeze in some movement?
Whatever your reasons, online fitness programs offer great convenience and flexibility for people with busy schedules. Unlike going to a gym with set hours, online programs let you work out whenever you have time. Whether you're an early riser or like to work out late, you can access your workout anytime. You can also exercise from home, which saves you time and money that would otherwise be spent commuting to a gym.
Thursday, March 20th
Short FitOn is your gateway to high-quality fitness that won't cost you a dime. You'll get access to celebrity-led workouts, personalized training plans, and a variety of exercise options - all through a user-friendly app that works on nearly any device. With quick 10-30 minute sessions designed to fit into your busy schedule and clear indications of equipment needed, you can easily maintain a consistent fitness routine. FitOn is perfect for anyone who wants premium fitness content without the premium price tag.
SHRED is your personal fitness coach that delivers expert-designed workouts adapted to your goals using AI. You'll enjoy customized training sessions for the gym or home, with options to fit any schedule (from 20-75 minutes). The app offers six different workout styles targeting specific outcomes like building muscle, getting lean, or improving athletic performance. With features like exercise alternatives, built-in timers, and social capabilities to keep you motivated, SHRED eliminates workout planning hassle while providing professional guidance. If you need structured, efficient workouts without the cost of a personal trainer, SHRED is an online fitness resource we highly recommend.
Jillian Michaels' Fitness App brings her famous no-nonsense training style right to your phone with workouts that will push you to your limits. You'll get access to a huge variety of exercises from yoga to HIIT, plus nutrition guidance that helps you manage your diet alongside your fitness journey. What makes this app stand out is how customizable it is - you can ban exercises you hate, adjust rest periods between moves, and even create your own workouts with the Generator tool. Jillian Michaels is perfect for motivated exercisers who appreciate straight-talking guidance and want a comprehensive online fitness solution that addresses both workouts and nutrition in one well-designed package.
Fitness Blender offers you over 700 free, high-quality exercise videos created by certified trainers who focus on proper form rather than showing off. For $8.99/month or $79.99/year, you'll get access to premium features like customizable workout programs, but be prepared to provide your own music as the videos don't include any. While the platform lacks a dedicated app and feels somewhat scattered compared to competitors, its approachability and focus on making fitness accessible to everyone (regardless of budget) makes it stand out. We give Fitness Blender a solid rating - it's an excellent option if you're looking for free, quality online workouts without the flashy marketing.
BODi (formerly Beachbody) offers an impressive library of structured fitness programs spanning everything from cardio to yoga, including programs that integrate workouts and nutrition guidance. You'll get access to 146 programs for as little as $0.27/day with the 3-year plan, though you should be extremely vigilant about their strict auto-renewal policy which has frustrated many customers. BODi is a solid choice if you thrive on variety and structure in your online fitness routine, but you might want to look elsewhere if you're uncomfortable supporting a company with questionable MLM-style business practices.
All Out Studio is your gateway to video workouts from popular magazines like Men's Health and Women's Health, though you'll find the platform surprisingly pared down for its price tag. You'll get access to a decent variety of exercise styles from recognizable fitness brands, but don't expect modern features like progress tracking or community support. This service works best if you're already a fan of these publications and want their workout routines demonstrated on video; anyone seeking a comprehensive fitness platform with tracking capabilities and regular updates will be disappointed. With mediocre app ratings and minimal recent improvements, All Out Studio earns a lukewarm score from us - you can definitely find better online fitness platforms for your money.
Daily Burn lures you in with promises of effective workouts and nutrition guidance, but hides everything behind a paywall that requires your credit card information upfront. You'll be dealing with misleading "risk-free trial" claims, questionable billing practices (some users report surprise charges years after cancellation), and zero transparency about what you're actually signing up for. If you value transparency, fair billing practices, or simply want to know what you're getting before you pay, you should absolutely steer clear. Our recommendation: skip Daily Burn entirely - it's a classic case of "trust us, we're great" marketing that leaves us wondering what they're trying to hide.
Short Transform is a fitness app that might catch your eye with its celebrity founder and wide range of workout options, but the technical issues will likely frustrate you more than motivate you. You get access to thousands of workouts, nutrition tracking, and community features for $14.99/month, which would be a decent value if the app actually worked consistently. This service might work for die-hard Chris Powell fans willing to overlook constant crashes and freezing, but it's absolutely not for anyone who expects basic functionality from an app they're paying for. Transform's program is solid, but the technical problems and absent customer support make it hard to recommend.
Aaptiv's audio-driven workout approach offers a hands-free alternative to screen-based fitness programs, guiding you through exercises with expert trainer audio cues. You'll find it useful if you prefer focusing on your movement rather than watching demonstrations, though this format isn't ideal if you're new to complex exercises like weightlifting or yoga where visual form checks are crucial. While Aaptiv once excelled with its innovative audio workouts, its shift toward corporate partnerships has led to technical issues and a declining user experience for individual subscribers. Aaptiv isn't recommended for most fitness enthusiasts, especially beginners who need visual guidance or anyone seeking reliable app functionality.
At its core, Obé Fitness offers a colorful, body-positive workout platform inspired by 80s fitness culture, with thousands of on-demand videos across cardio, strength, yoga, and recovery categories. You might enjoy Obé if you're looking for entertaining, judgment-free workouts with a strong aesthetic, but you should absolutely avoid this service if you value privacy and technical reliability. With problematic data practices (especially concerning menstrual tracking), declining service quality, and persistent technical issues across platforms, we cannot recommend Obé - particularly for women in states with restrictive reproductive health laws.
Another benefit is the variety available in online fitness programs. There are many types of workouts to choose from, such as yoga, pilates, HIIT, or weightlifting. This range of programs helps keep things interesting, and you can easily change up your workouts if you want to try something new or challenge yourself in a different way. Many programs also offer personalized plans that match your fitness level and goals, so you get a workout routine that's perfect for you.
And most people are pleasantly surprised when they discover that online fitness programs are generally much more affordable than traditional gym memberships or personal training. With online programs, you can access a wide range of workouts for a low monthly fee. Some platforms even offer free workouts, so you don't have to spend much money to get fit.
There's an online fitness platform for just about every situation. Some programs are designed to hold your hand every step of the way, providing personalized workout plans and progress tracking. Others offer massive libraries of workout videos, letting you choose what you want, when you want. Some include meal planning and nutrition coaching, while others focus purely on exercise.
No matter what you're looking for, most online fitness platforms follow a similar model: you can usually try them for free before deciding whether a paid membership is worth it. If you're on a tight budget, don't worry - plenty of great options offer free workouts. While you might see some features locked behind a paywall, you can often get a solid workout experience without spending a dime.
Once you have a clearer idea of what you're looking for in an online fitness program, it's time to narrow down your options. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming, but keeping these factors in mind will make your decision easier:
To make your search easier, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best online fitness programs available. Whether you're looking for structure, flexibility, or a mix of both, we hope this guide helps you find the perfect fit for your fitness journey!
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