Work out without leaving home
These cheaper options available when there’s no time to hit gym
Between bomb cyclones and deep freezes, it’s hard to find the motivation to leave your toasty home for a sweat session. Or maybe you’re just too cash-strapped after the holidays to fork over $25 for your usual barre classes.
We’ve rounded some at-home workouts at all price points that deliver challenging routines with easy-to-follow instructions so there are no excuses.
You can even train just like the celebrities with some streaming services that feature the same routines being taught in New York studios.
FREE
Fitness Blender:
This app rivals pricey competitors. Solid video workouts, tons of options for beginners and elite athletes with programs targeting all various body parts. Cuing from husband and wife duo Kelli and Daniel Segars is easy to follow. Some workouts require weights but there are tons of videos that require nothing.
Heart and Soul HAS fit:
Straightforward high-intensity interval training (HIIT) video routines that pack a powerful punch. Clear instructions make everything in their arsenal a good choice whether you want to work out in 15or 45-minute increments.
Body Rock: Each workout starts with a 20-second video that demonstrates each move. Photo explainers break it down further, along with details about how many reps and rounds. Better for intermediate levels who have some knowledge of basics like lunges, mountain climbers and flys. Some workouts require bands or weights.
Amazon Prime Zumba:
This 70-minute interactive dance workout features 16 high-energy routines that will burn calories while you get your groove on. From Bogota to Beijing and beyond, these international rhythms are so fun it doesn’t even feel like a workout. Great for beginners.
30 Days:
This 30-day challenge uses slide-style photos to break down moves like donkey kicks and lateral lunges. The app increases exercise intensity step by step to help you build strength and stamina. Each challenge has three difficulty levels, from beginner to pro.
$20 or less (all figures U.S.)
Weight Loss Fitness:
Find a personalized training plan focused on your problem area. Choose from over 1,000 workout mixes. $9.99 a month
Better Me: Workouts (also known as Better Me: Weight Loss Plan): Targeted workouts just for women. Choose from 28-day programs that target abs, butt and thighs and arms in 15-minute increments. $9.99 month
8fit:
Enter your weight loss and muscle goals, measure your fitness level and wait for your customized workout and meal plan. Workouts are 15 minutes or less and are based on HIIT workouts where you move for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds and repeat. Free option or $30 plus for workouts and meal plan
Fitness Buddy:
Create your own workout routine with 2,400 exercises. Tailor workouts to moves you like or based on the equipment you have at home like resistance bands, kettle bells or no equipment or choose from more than 75 already designed workout routines. Clear instructions and videos. Bonus: This app is also great if you want to transition the gym and need a plan for tackling free weights and machines. $2.99
HIGH ROLLER
Nicole Winhoffer:
Loved by Madonna and Kate Hudson, Nicole Winhoffer mixes dance cardio and strength training. NW Church gives you access to the hour-long class Winhoffer teaches in New York every Sunday. You’ll feel muscles you didn’t know you had. $80 per month.
Tracy Anderson:
Trainer to J. Lo and Gwyneth Paltrow, Anderson’s streaming service includes the Master Class routine she does each week with her clients so you’re sweating right alongside her. $90 month or $808 a year. A premium service, which launched on Feb 1, offers additional content for $40 month.
Body By Simone:
Jennifer Garner and Chrissy Teigen are fans of Simone De La Rue’s workouts. Each video is only 20 minutes long. Get in and out or string a few together to customize your workout. Videos are broken down by dance cardio, upper and lower body or core. New workouts are added each month. $14.99 monthly or $120 annually.
Barre3:
Choose from 300 low-impact workouts that deliver some major core and booty burn whether you have 10 minutes or an hour. Target specific body parts or get energized with a total body workout. Get ready for some seriously high reps and isometric holds. $29 a month; great for beginners or those with injuries.