30 Different Virtual Platforms in 30 Days
At home workouts- love ‘em or you hate ‘em? Maybe they bring back memories of March 2020. Maybe you are a magnet to your kids and dog and husband the second you put on your sneakers. But maybe you like the convenience of picking when and where you exercise. Maybe you peer outside at the cold, dark and icy winter morning and smile with delight that you get to exercise from your warm house.
Maybe you are just getting back into working out and feel more comfortable exercising with just you and the screen. Maybe you have a baby napping upstairs and are getting in a workout when you can. Maybe you are motivated and inspired by the countless number of trainers and companies that are putting out new content every day to keep you engaged and moving. I sure am!
I just completed my 30-day Virtual Studio Tour. Yep, I did a different virtual workout platform every single day in January, starting on January 2. Personally, I got so much out of each workout. Every platform I did after week 1 was completely new for me. This tour forced me to try workouts that I had heard about, or have been watching, or learned about from this community. If you want to see what each workout looked like and hear my detailed review, head over to my Instagram and check out all 30 reels, as well as my story highlights titled, “Virtual Tour.”
Here are my big takeaways from the month: 1). I am continuing (and have already started regularly) with two of the platforms - one is new for me and one is an old favorite. 2). Most platforms allow for a free trial period to test the workouts before you commit for the month. And most can be cancelled before the trial period is over without any charge. 3). I love the flexibility of being able to workout early from home while the kids are still sleeping (most of the time). 4). I find that I am more engaged when I do a LIVE virtual workout, as opposed to a pre-recorded one. If a workout is pre-recorded, I am more engaged if the trainer is conversational and makes it more personal. 5) The quality of the video and sound and the overall vibe does matter when viewing from home. 6). The idea of a set program that tells you which workout to do and on what day is overall more effective, in my opinion. 7). Last and probably most shocking (at least for my husband), I learned that I actually like to workout like a golfer! Who knew?!
Below is what the past 30 days looked like for me. Read on to learn which two platforms are now part of my regular fitness routine. I am also giving out some FFML Awards, as I do with my regular studio tour in June. They are just a fun way to highlight some of the workouts that stood out for me. But like I said, I truly got something out of every single workout that I did last month, and I applaud the people who put everything into these programs.
Day 1: I kicked off the tour with Rachel Fitness. Rachel broadcasts her 30-minute workouts live every weekday morning from Miami. She uploads these workouts to her platform later that day. Each day of the week focuses on a different body part. Her monthly subscription costs $75 and includes exclusive workouts, live workouts, treadmill runs, meal plans and support. She is my personal OG of at-home workouts (after the Peloton). And guess what— I have re-subscribed to her platform and have already done her workouts four mornings in a row this past week. Here is why: I find her to be engaging through the screen, whether she is broadcasting live or not. I find her workouts fast and easy to fit into my schedule, all while being super effective. Her workouts are strength based but cardio is mixed in— so this workout can stand alone or be stacked with another workout. Because Rachel gives you a program, I know what I am doing each morning and where I am headed. I love the routine of it all. If you would like to subscribe too, don’t forget to use the code FITNESSFINDS10 for 10% off your subscription. *Award: BEST 30 MINUTE FITNESS PROGRAM.
Day 2: Hype and Tone with Nikki Carlson. Nikki Carlson teaches in front of a live class from her studio in Southern California and uploads 5-7 new and edited workouts to her platform each week. Hype and Tone is an on- demand video library of 60-minute, full body workouts using various Bala products. She also offers a few 20 and 30 minute workouts. Try it for 14 days free. Thereafter, it’s $29 a month. *Award: BEST MUSIC.
Day 3: Remix Fitness. Remix Fitness livestreams almost every one of their many in-studio studio classes (except for spinning), all day long, 7 days of the week. They offer a huge variety of floor classes including yoga, barre, bootcamp, kickboxing, sculpt, tabata and lift. Membership is $99 a month for unlimited access to all live classes. *Award: MOST LIVE CLASSES AVAILABLE.
Day 4: Physique57 Philly. Physique 57 livestreams their unique barre workouts a few times a week from their studio in Philadelphia. This is a great option for its members who can’t make it into the studio. Classes are included in monthly membership or packages, or you can drop in for $32 (new clients can do 2 classes for $20).
Day 5: Melissa Wood Health. Melissa Wood Health started as a mat Pilates and toning platform taught by Melissa Wood Tepperberg. But now, MWH has expanded to include yoga, meditation, sound bath, dance and barre from a bunch of specialized instructors. All classes are pre-recorded (even the “live” ones) and are various lengths. *Award: BEST DEAL ($9.99 a month).
Day 6: LivFit. LivFit is a dance cardio + sculpt platform taught by local instructor, Olivia Dolan. Liv offers 3 chances a week to dance live with her, as well as her on-demand video library of pre-recorded classes. Try it for 7 days. Thereafter, it’s $20 a month.
Day 7: Working Wellness Yoga. Working Wellness Yoga is a local virtual yoga company that offers live and on-demand yoga classes to individuals, groups and companies. This platform also includes guided meditations, Pilates and nutrition courses. Prices based on the size of the group are available upon request.
Day 8: Tracy Anderson Method. Tracy Anderson is another trainer who has been around for as long as I can remember but people are still talking about her workout. She offers a unique style to movement and toning in her various studios across the country, as well as virtually. The 2-week free trial period only includes the on-demand video library. Full, paying members ($90 a month) have access to Tracy’s live virtual classes. The on-demand classes are pre-recorded and broken into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes. I recommend starting at “beginner”, regardless of your fitness level, if you are new to Tracy. I also recommend watching the “breakdowns” to explain the movements each week. *Award: FAVORITE DANCE WORKOUT.
Day 9: Sanctuary Wellness Studio. Alli Bradley, the owner of Sanctuary Wellness Studio in Flourtown, offers pre-recorded Pilates classes on her virtual platform. Try it for 3 days free. Thereafter, it’s $14.99 a month.
Day 10: SLT NYC. SLT offers a variety of pre-recorded, on-demand mat and reformer Pilates classes using the various Lagree reformers. This program is great if you are lucky enough to have this kind of reformer in your home. Their mat classes mimic reformer work with the use of sliders, light weights and slow and controlled movements. Try it for $22 for two weeks. Thereafter, its $45 a month.
Day 11: The Sculpt Society. Megan Roup teaches “the #1 sculpt and dance cardio workout” through The Sculpt Society. Workouts range from 10-45 minutes and members can take live classes (a few times a week) or pre-recorded classes. Try it for free for 7 days. Thereafter, it’s $20 a month. I joined in for a live class so I really got to see Megan engage with her members (she responds to comments before and after class).
Day 12: Fluid Form Pilates. Fluid Form Pilates by Kirsten King offers a variety of pre-recorded mat Pilates classes from Australia. You get a fitness program with set classes based on your level, whether you are paying or are part the free intro. Kirsten also teaches reformer classes on a Balanced Body Reformer. Prenatal and post natal classes are offered from this platform. With the free 14-day trial period, you get access to all of their top notch Pilates classes that are personalized to your level, plus nutrition and healthy recipes for a total body boost. After the trial period, membership is about $23.50 a month. *Award: MOST AVAILABLE OPTIONS DURING THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD.
Day 13: Housework Official. Housework Official is Sydney Miller’s sculpting and conditioning full body workout set to electronic house music. Most of Sydney’s classes are taught through her virtual platform that includes one live class a week from the Sagamore Hotel in Miami (where about 30 people who are lucky enough to be in Miami can take the class in person, while the rest of us tune in via zoom). You can try her on-demand workouts for 14 days but her live class costs $22. Memberships vary in price based on the type. Thirty plus joined the live class that I took last month- the largest participation that I saw on a virtual platform all month long. *Award: BEST COMMUNITY.
Day 14: B the Method. Lia Bartha is a Pilates instructor out of New York who brings low impact movements, with a focus on the core, to her members. Using just a Pilates ball, Lia offers a variety of types of classes for a full body workout. Some unique formats include “Length and Reach”, and “Myofacial”. B The Method is largely prerecorded classes of varying lengths, but Lia does go live 2 times a week. Try it for 7 days. Thereafter, it’s $17.99 a month. *Award: FAVORITE PILATES PLATFORM.
Day 15: Sweat App. The Sweat App has a large variety of workouts put together by some of the most well known Australian trainers. Each “class” consists of a timed demonstration of the type of exercise. There is no talking from the trainer- it is simply the exercises and the timer. This platform is great to do from your phone. It’s a $1 for the first two months and $20 thereafter.
Day 16: Nike Training Club for Netflix. The newly launched Nike Training Club for Netflix allows Netflix subscribers to stream a variety of workouts… no password sharing though! For a new platform, there are already a bunch of workouts available to keep you moving for a while. Most of the workouts are quick, 7-12 minutes. **Free with Netflix subscription.
Day 17: Balacize. Balacize is a fun way to learn how to utilize your Bala equipment. You can search for a workout based on the type of class but also based on the equipment you want to use. While you could substitute a dumbbell for the Bala Bars, a barbell for the Bala Beam and a Kettlebell for the Bala Power Ring, I guarantee you will end up purchasing the Bala equipment that you don’t have after a few days of workouts here. And I guess that’s their goal! **Free.
Day 18: Les Mills. With the Les Mills platform, there is every kind of workout you could imagine. Some formats require special equipment but others don’t require anything. The workouts are prerecorded in a large studio (sometimes arena-like) setting. This subscription is free for 30 days. Thereafter, it’s only $15 a month for a ton of content. . *Award: BEST DEAL WITH MOST VARIETY.
Day 19: PVolve. PVolve comes with specialized equipment that is unlike anything I have in my home gym and is really necessary to get a feel for the workout. This platform focuses on functional training, building stability and strength, and increasing mobility. There is a 7-day trial period. Thereafter, the 3-month membership includes all of the Evolve equipment plus 3 months of access and costs $129.99. *Award: SOMETHING DIFFERENT and BEST EQUIPMENT.
Day 20: Obe Fitness. Obe Fitness has one of the most extensive online libraries and live class options that I have seen. You can chose from a few dozen kinds of workouts, and if you want a live workout, there are about ten that you could join each day. The instructors’ energy level and their brightly colored clothes keep the members motivated. Try it for free for 7 days. Thereafter, it’s $25 a month. *Award: LARGEST SELECTION AND VARIETY
Day 21: Calm. Calm is the number one meditation app and there is good reason. It has a ton of content for every kind of meditator. There are also sleep stories, soothing sounds and now, movement. Even kids can get in on the calming action. I pay $129.99 for my family’s annual membership, but there is currently a limited time offer for $69.99 for the year (after 7 days free). I guess I’ll be calling to get that lower price on Monday.
Day 22: AJ Core Performance. Here is the other platform that I’ll be sticking with after January. Amanda is a local trainer and mom of 4 boys. I tell you this because I found her to be very relatable. She kept going while her one- year-old son, the dog and the Roomba closed in on her mat. With all of that happening around her, she didn’t miss a beat. It was inspiring to watch. If Amanda can keep going, I most certainly can, too! She calls her platform “fitness for moms”, not just because she is also struggling to get her workout in while raising a family — Amanda teaches a lot about pelvic floor health. She offers pre and post natal workouts. And the focus of her platform is all about the core. These types of classes are very valuable for moms at any stage. Here is what I love about her program: Her core workouts were super quick and very effective and incorporated so many new and different core exercises. We worked the abs and everything attached without a single sit up or crunch. I figure that I’ll add an AJ Core Performance workout quickie to any other workout that I do that day, and I hope to have killer abs, a stronger core and a healthier pelvic floor by summer! *Award: FAVORITE CORE WORKOUT and BEST WORKOUT BY A LOCAL TRAINER.
Day 23: ALO Moves. Alo Moves has a large selection of on-demand fitness classes — not just yoga (although, I loved the yoga class that I took). They just added a Pilates program and they offer guided mediations, as well as strength, HIIT and barre. I particularly love the “skills” section of this platform which gives instruction on some of the most challenging yoga poses. There are all sorts of specialized yoga programs to commit to. Try it for free for 14 days (30-60 when you purchase Alo clothes). After that, it’s $20 a month *Award: FAVORITE YOGA
Day 24: Aaron Hines Fitness. Aaron Hines teaches his workouts out of his home in southern California. He offers 45-minute cycling classes and 30- minute HIIT and strength workouts. There is a 7 day free trial period. Thereafter, it's $24.99 a month.
Day 25: ACTV Club by Vuori. ACTV Club is Vuori’s new community of guided fitness classes. Find it under “community” on the Vuori website. They have a large variety of pre-recorded classes brought to you from trainers all over the country. And they do feature the clothes that the instructor is wearing. Best part is the price. **Free.
Day 26: Fab Fit by LW. Fab Fit by LW is an online fitness and nutrition program that local trainer, Lauren Wetten, teaches from her basement. She offers 6 training and nutrition programs for busy women. Her workout focuses on strength training. I took one of her “SHRED” classes where her husband joins her for strength or HIIT workouts. Creating an account gets you the ability to browse and test out Lauren’s workouts for free for 7 days. After that, her platform is $25 a month. Use the code “fitnessfinds” for 20% off the quarterly membership (which normally costs $60 for 3 months). *Award: BEST REASON TO GRAB YOUR PARTNER TO WORKOUT (“SHRED”).
Day 27: Free People Movement Community. Free People Movement offers free fitness classes on their website, under the heading “community.” Their platform has that community feel because trainers from all over the country post their various types of workouts, including the Main Line’s own, Olivia Dolan (who you may recall from Day 6 of the tour, “LivFit”). **Free. *Award: FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND PLATFORM.
Day 28: Living on Purpose. Local trainer, Cyndi Kosloff, teaches from her studio in Merion Station, with the option to join by zoom. She offers rebounding classes so if you have a rebounder at home, this is a fun way to incorporate a great cardio workout. The other types of classes are strength focused and her signature IntenSati workout incudes low impact cardio movements set to chanting of positive affirmations for a unique and inspiring workout. The first class is free.
Day 29: GolfForever. GolfForever is the virtual golf fitness program to be used with the Swing Trainer. This platform includes over 500 targeted workouts taught by top golf trainers, doctors and professionals. After a fitness assessment, a personalized training program is sent to each member that includes 1-3 workouts a day. The platform is free for the first 30 days with the purchase of the Swing Trainer. Thereafter, it’s $24.99 a month. You will need the Swing Trainer for these workouts to build strength, improve balance and flexibility, and target mobility… oh, and to improve your golf game. You can purchase the Swing Trainer from GolfForever and use code “BrookeGoldstein” for free shipping. *Award: BEST TRAINING PROGRAM FOR A SPORT.
Day 30: Aireforme. Aireforme is the baby of Main Line resident, Pilates instructor and dancer, Meegan Rubin. Meegan is currently creating the video library from her studio in Bryn Mawr. Soon this innovative workout that combines Pilates, dance, yoga and gryotonics, will be available online. Aireforme is designed to power up the core and support the spine, all while getting a full body burn. The Aireforme Wave (the s-shaped unit that is required for this workout) is available to purchase and comes with long and short resistance bands, a moon ball and a strap. You can buy the Aireforme Wave for $50 off, using code “Brooke”. *Award: MOST REVOLUTIONARY WORKOUT.
When it’s 7 and 8 degrees outside on a weekend, I sure am glad that I have some great options to move from my house. And with the above list as a handy reference, you can stay warm inside, too, friends!