With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting gyms around the country, many people are scouring the internet to find at-home fitness equipment, only to be met with products that are out of stock. Online stores are selling out quickly. And while there are dozens of fitness programs out there, it can be time-consuming and expensive to test them out until you find the one that’s best for you.
That’s why we’re introducing a comprehensive, crowdsourced guide to help you stay fit at home. This guide covers the basics you need to know to build a home gym; includes a checklist of places to search for fitness equipment; and reviews several workout programs and apps so you can find the one that’s best for you.
Keep reading to learn more about how to get in shape right from your living room – no gym membership needed.
Build Your Home Gym
Building your own home gym? You might feel overwhelmed by the amount of options out there! If you’re new to the idea of a home gym, take a look at this list of basic equipment to include. You can mix and match the equipment you want based on the amount of space you have and your fitness goals. We’ve also included standard pricing for each item to make sure you don’t fall prey to inflated prices.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are elastic bands used for workouts, physical therapy and rehab programs. They work by adding extra resistance but not much extra weight. Some are thick and wide, meant for intense strength training workouts. Others are smaller and designed to provide light resistance. To use a resistance band, you’ll anchor the band in place and push or pull against it.
Why buy:
Resistance bands give you a great strength training workout while going easy on your body. If you are new to working out, have joint pain, or your body is just getting older, physical therapist Jennifer Heberton tells Popsugar that bands are a good choice because they promote stability and are easier on your joints. They’re also affordable and give you a wide range of options as far as exercises to perform – including stretching and mobility exercises in addition to just strength training.
Standard pricing:
Since resistance bands are so small and light, they can cost as little as $5. High-end resistance bands can range up to $100 for a set of four. In general, $15 will probably get you a durable, high-quality resistance band.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are free weights that range in size from one pound to about 60 lbs. They can be used for strength training exercises that target muscles all over the body.
Why buy:
Dumbbells are a must-have piece of equipment for any home gym. They’re incredibly versatile, lending themselves to just about any exercise – cardio workouts, strength training moves, core activation, and more. And since they’re a free weight, they help improve your range of motion. Try purchasing adjustable dumbbells so you can tweak the amount of weight you’re holding as you progress.
Standard pricing:
Dumbbell pricing really depends on what you want. Purchasing a whole set of dumbbells, for example, will set you back a lot more than just purchasing a pair. Depending on how heavy the weights are, you can likely find a good pair of dumbbells for $30; as a general rule of thumb, dumbbells often cost about $2 per pound. Adjustable dumbbells normally cost around $300. And if you want a full set of dumbbells (multiple pairs of dumbbells in different weights), expect to fork over $1,000 or more.
Kettlebells
A kettlebell is a ball, often made of iron, with a handle on the top. Kettlebells offer a great full-body workout – they’re most often used for exercises that incorporate several different muscle groups. And since they’re free weights, they’re easy to have in a home gym.
Why buy:
Kettlebells are also a versatile equipment, while providing a better grip for workouts like squats. Swinging around the heavy piece of equipment will help your balance and stability, too. Kettlebells can combine cardio and strength training workouts into one. Finally, many kettlebell workouts are short and intense, saving you time that you can spend on other things.
Standard pricing:
Kettlebells are somewhat expensive, although the final price depends on the weight. Low weight kettlebells (think 5-20 lbs) generally cost between $15 and $100 (or higher depending on the brand). True cast-iron kettlebells commonly cost a couple of hundred dollars for a set of two.
Barbell
A barbell is a bar (ranging from four feet long for curl bars, to over seven feet long for Olympic bars) that’s used for strength training workouts – put weights on either end and you can perform various weightlifting exercises. Squats, rows and curls are all examples of effective barbell exercises.
Why buy:
Barbells are an integral piece of equipment for your home gym. They allow you to lift heavy weights and to safely work multiple muscle groups at the same time.
Standard pricing:
For a basic barbell, you can probably expect to pay around $250. Specialized products like a deadlift bar, powerlifting bar or Swiss bar will cost more. But to get the true benefits of your barbell, you’ll want to purchase plates to put on either end and a squat rack, too.
Squat rack
A squat rack or squat stand is the most basic, large piece of equipment that allows you to add weight and get into position. If you want a rack that supports your weight and your form, power racks are made of four tall posts with two horizontal bars on the sides that you can adjust.
Why buy:
Basic squat stands are essential for lifting and squatting heavy weights, and a minimalistic option compared to power racks. But for a home gym where you might be working out alone with no spotter, a power rack helps you safely lift heavy amounts of weight. Power racks are also very versatile and can extend to many other exercises beyond just squats – add a dip station to your rack or some pull-up bars.
Standard pricing:
A squat rack will set you back a few hundred dollars. While you may be able to find a used squat rack for under $100, in most cases, squat racks cost around $300. Power racks will be pricer.
Plates
Plates are weights that you put on either end of a barbell to create a balanced weight to lift. There are two primary types of plates: bumper and steel. Rubber bumper plates can be dropped from overhead (while doing Olympic lifts) without hurting the plates or yourself. Steel plates work better for exercises with a smaller range of motion, such as basic curls.
Why buy:
Once you start accumulating plates, your barbell has a whole new range of workout potential! Barbell training is a good workout for athletes or weekend warriors of a variety of levels. Doing exercises with a barbell and plates works multiple muscle groups at the same time, and as you increase plates, you can increase strength and muscle volume as well.
Standard pricing:
Plates typically run around $2 per pound, meaning a set of 50 lb plates could set you back approximately $100. Bumper plates normally cost more than steel. And the higher the weight goes on either type of plate, the more the price will rise.
Bench
Adding a bench to your home gym gives you more options for the workouts you can perform. Benches are typically a few feet high and range from simple flat-top benches that you can lean on, to adjustable benches with add-ons to aid with other exercises.
Why buy:
The right bench will provide stability and keep you safe as you work with free weights to get stronger.
Standard pricing:
Benches can cost $30 to a few hundred dollars, ringing up at $100 on average.
Finding Fitness Gear
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating shipping delays and making home gyms more popular, you might be struggling to find enough choices for fitness equipment. Use these sources as a checklist to make sure you can get all the workout gear you need.
Marketplaces
Online marketplaces can be a good way to find fitness equipment. Since the equipment is used, it’ll be much cheaper than the original retail value, offering a budget-friendly way to stock your home gym. Marketplaces are also convenient because you can find sellers who live in your area and meet up with them in a safe, nearby location.
However, you do have to be careful when it comes to buying from marketplaces. Make sure you aren’t being cheated due to price gouging – which refers to a seller increasing the price of goods that are in high demand (like fitness equipment during the pandemic). At the end of the day, you might be better off buying new equipment at a slightly higher price than purchasing price-gouged secondhand equipment.
If you decide an online marketplace is a good choice for you, use this list of marketplace options to know where to look.
Craigslist is a well-known marketplace that’s been around since 1995. This platform is full of ads separated into categories – a lot like newspaper listings. You can search according to the category you’re looking for and your geographical location. If you’re interested in an item, email the seller and arrange a time to meet up.
Craigslist is affordable – it’s easy to find good deals, and you won’t have to worry about shipping costs. Just make sure you’re being safe and using common sense as you meet up with strangers.
On any given day, you’ll find a wide range of gym equipment available for sale on Craigslist. Narrow your search by searching for specific fitness brands or pieces of equipment (“Reebok;” “dumbbells”). Craiglist also has an app called CPlus that can help you search more efficiently. Before you purchase anything, check the retail price of the item to make sure the seller isn’t price gouging the product.
eBay is another platform where individuals can buy from and sell to one another. There are two methods of buying on eBay – buy the item right away at a set price, or compete in a bidding war with other buyers.
eBay works to prevent scams and to keep everyone safe. The platform lets buyers and sellers give each other feedback and oversees the payment process. eBay also gets involved if any underhanded activity is happening.
On Sitejabber, eBay gets an overall rating of 3.7 stars. “eBay has gotten much better [at] providing prompt and accurate help when I phone them,” says reviewer Glenn W., who’s been using eBay for 15 years. Jennifer L. adds, “eBay is my favorite site always and forever. Items that are hard to find anywhere else… this site has it all. … And you can set the site to only show items with free shipping.”
When it comes to buying fitness equipment on eBay, it’s easy to filter the type of equipment you’re looking for (strength training, aerobic exercise, etc.). The categories and subcategories on the site allow you to be specific about what you need. Just make sure to read seller reviews and pay attention to whether the shipping prices seem inflated.
If you have a Facebook account, you have access to Facebook Marketplace, Facebook’s buy-and-sell platform for used items. If you see a product you’re interested in, message the seller to ask if it’s available. Then you and the seller can arrange a time and a safe place to meet up.
Facebook Marketplace doesn’t charge you to buy or sell. The filter system also makes it easy to hone in on what you’re looking for. And although there aren’t any buyer protection guidelines in place, you are able to see the seller’s Facebook profile and assess whether they seem legitimate.
You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of fitness products on Marketplace. Limit your search using keywords like exercise balls, yoga mats, pull up bars, and more. Most of the items are reasonably priced. But as always, don’t forget to compare with other websites and platforms.
The Letgo app is a free platform to buy and sell secondhand. The app has over 100 million downloads and hundreds of millions of listings. It matches you up with listings in your neighborhood or general area.
Letgo has mixed ratings on Sitejabber. However, many poor reviews are based around sellers or buyers not showing up – not about the app itself. And not everyone has a bad experience: “I love Letgo,” says Shonda K. “I have bought an exercise bike, a Playstation 3, Xbox games, and a cell phone from people using the app just in the last few months. I highly recommend it!”
Each Letgo user has a profile and receives ratings after they sell an item. That way, if you’re considering buying from a certain user, you can see whether they’re verified and what others have said about them. It’s easy to search for exercise equipment near you by using keywords such as the type of product (“weight bench;” “pull up bar”).
Offerup is a mobile app that gives you an easy way to buy and sell locally. You can search the app for items from various categories, including fitness equipment. The app has thousands of new postings each day. Payments take place in-app and a “Hold Offers” feature helps protect both buyers and sellers.
Offerup reviews on Sitejabber are mixed. Some people struggle with the customer service or have issues using the website. But others are satisfied with the experience. One reviewer listed the pros of Offerup: “Easy to list. Offers local pick up + shipping. Phone app easy to use. Can keep listings active for as long as you like.” If you steer clear of the scams and pick up items locally to avoid high shipping fees, you can have a good experience using this app.
Stores
If you want to purchase your fitness equipment brand new, check out the websites of the following stores.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is a large chain store known for selling a wide variety of equipment – fishing and hunting supplies, apparel, sports and fitness equipment, and more. You can find over 700 store locations across the U.S. or shop online.
Previous customers note the store’s poor customer service, trouble with online orders, and delayed shipping times. However, if you shop in-store, Dick’s might still be a good choice to help kickstart your home gym because of the range of quality products available.
The Fitness Armory is a California-based supplier that sells functional fitness equipment to gyms. Individuals are welcome to shop, too – Fitness Armory ships anywhere in the United States if you aren’t near a California warehouse.
You can find the following items at The Fitness Armory to help outfit your home gym:
FitnessZone is a well-known Internet superstore that carries dozens of brands and product types. When you’re ready to place an order, give the company a call to speak with a fitness advisor about your home gym needs. FitnessZone sells pre-made home gyms that can be tailored to fit your space and your fitness level, and also offers free shipping on all orders.
Here are some other FitnessZone items you might want for your home gym:
If you tend to lean toward yoga-based workouts, Gaiam might be the perfect place to shop for your home gym. Gaiam sells its products in several stores but focuses on e-commerce. Unlike most of the other stores listed here, Gaiam is a niched company that focuses on a specific aspect of fitness – yoga – and sells only fitness-related products. The yoga products you can get from Gaiam are likely higher quality than what you’d find elsewhere.
However, some Sitejabber reviewers say Gaiam’s customer service leaves something to be desired. “In the process of returning the yoga pants because the fit was ‘strange,’ I lost more than $20.00,” says Ana H. “Of course I will never buy anything from that brand again.”
If you want to shop with Gaiam, you can find the following products on Gaiam’s website:
Overstock is an online retailer that sells thousands of products from various brands. Prices are affordable and the website also offers free shipping; you can search by category or price.
Sitejabber reviews of Overstock are somewhat divided. Some customers say Overstock’s customer service was friendly and helpful, while others say it was non-existent. Many reviewers, however, can agree that the products sold are high-quality even if Overstock makes an error with shipping.
You can find many fitness products at Overstock, including:
Perform Better sells functional training equipment that can be ordered online or picked up at a warehouse location. The company is known for having fast, helpful customer service and a user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate while you shop.
You can find the following products, among others, at Perform Better:
Based in Colorado, Rep Fitness provides home gym equipment and weightlifting equipment. Purchase a home gym package where several products are sold together, choose the build-your-own home gym package or simply purchase the individual products you want. With a range of high-quality products available, Rep Fitness is a great choice to outfit your home gym.
You can find the following items and more on the website:
Rogue Fitness is a well-known manufacturer that puts out CrossFit and gym equipment. Headquartered in Ohio, the company makes most of its sales online and has a wide range of items, plus several daily shipping deals.
According to Sitejabber users, however, Rogue doesn’t offer the same high-quality service they used to. Many customers mention newfound issues with returns, customer service and inaccurate product descriptions on the website. But not everyone had a bad experience.
“I recently placed an order with Rogue in March 2020, about the same time as everyone else,” says Sitejabber user Darin A., citing gym closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Part of my order shipped out right away but the rest was stuck in limbo… Caity Henninger (Rogue’s Chief Sales Officer and wife of the owner) got involved and delivered far more than anything I had asked for.”
If you decide to buy from Rogue, you’ll have access to the following products:
Department store Sears might not be your first thought when it comes to outfitting your home gym, but Sears has a lot of fitness equipment to offer. Even better, the store regularly offers good sales and coupons. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Staples is another place you may not think to look – but think again, because this store offers a variety of home gym equipment. Physical locations of Staples and their employees get good reviews on Sitejabber, but the remote customer service is reportedly not quite up to par. Find a Staples store near you if you’d like to shop in person.
Target’s fitness section is a large one, encompassing everything from tall and sturdy outdoor racks to colorful Pilates mats.
“Ordered two items online, only one showed up and I was not happy about the quality,” says Sitejabber reviewer Phil K. “Called and spoke to a nice woman who was very understanding and apologetic. Gave me a full refund.”
Titan Fitness sells strength training, gymnastics, and strongman equipment that’s perfect for home gyms. The company sells a lot of equipment, and most of the choices online are affordable. Do some extra research and read reviews to make sure a certain item is high-quality.
Walmart Supercenters, with stores all over the U.S., sell home gym equipment manufactured by a variety of brands. Like most products at Walmart, the gym and fitness equipment you’ll find is likely cheaper than the same equipment sold by a different retailer.
“I ordered a weight set for my home gym and it was pretty easy to find what I needed at a good price,” says Sean G.
Here’s what you can choose from when shopping at Walmart:
Bars
Battle ropes
Benches
Bikes
Dumbbells
Ellipticals
Exercise balls
Exercise mats
Flooring
Jump ropes
Kettlebells
Medicine balls
Plates
Plyo boxes
Pull up bars
Racks
Resistance bands
Treadmills
If You Want to Splurge
Want to go all out with your new home gym? Consider investing in a new and trending product. Here are three up-and-coming options.
When it’s off, it looks like a normal mirror. But when turned on, it’s your personal home gym live and in action.
Billing itself as “The Nearly Invisible Interactive Home Workout,” the Mirror Home Gym is a mirror that leads you through over 10,000 workout class options led by top fitness instructors from around the country. The Mirror Home Gym has the capability to:
Give you live feedback from trainers
Customize your workouts based on your goals and preferences
Measure your heart rate (when synced with a Bluetooth or Apple product)
Track your results and provide weekly analytics
Beginner workouts, expert routines, and more are all included. Choose from thousands of workouts based around kettlebell training, barre, kickboxing, and more. Some workouts require equipment – others don’t. You can pick your own playlist, too. And over 70 new classes are added to the platform each week.
The Mirror is also a great choice for small living spaces. All you need is two feet of wall space to prop up the mirror and enough room for yourself. Mirror also has an app if you can’t take your mirror on the go. Up to six people can use one Mirror subscription. more. Some workouts require equipment – others don’t. You can pick your own playlist, too. And over 70 new classes are added to the platform each week.
Price:
The Mirror costs $1,500, or $42 per month over 36 months. You can try the Mirror risk-free for 30 days. Classes are sold separately at $39 per month.
Peloton is a well-known company that makes an exercise bike and live-streams workout classes (on-demand classes are available as well) for users to follow along with. The bike offers a great aerobic workout that’s entirely indoors. Live stats track your heart rate and effort. Peloton also has an app that you can try free for 30 days.
One Sitejabber reviewer, Liz V., who tried Peloton’s free 30-day trial was hooked: “The class list is endless, the coaches great, easy, hard, whatever. Meditate, stretch, yoga, core, light weights, for five to 40 minutes. All for $12.99 a month and you can do it on your time in your underwear! Can’t beat it!”
Price:
The Peloton bike starts at $2,245 or $58 per month for 39 months (delivery included). The Peloton all-access membership is sold separately at $39 per month.
Tonal calls itself the “World’s Most Intelligent Gym and Personal Trainer,” using science and technology to help you see results. Essentially, Tonal is a mirror that attaches to the wall and has adjustable arms on either side. You use the mirror’s screen to play workout classes and use the arms as resistance for your muscles (the resistance goes up to over 200 lbs).
The digital weight system in the Tonal equipment adjusts each exercise specifically for you as you follow the on-screen instructions, letting you see your results in real time. Strength training, cardio classes, yoga, partner workouts, customized workouts, and more are all available in the Tonal platform (including in the mobile app).
Price:
The Tonal mirror itself costs $2,995 (or $149 a month for 36 months). You’ll also need to pay an ongoing $49 per month to access the workout classes. In order to do every exercise, you’ll need to buy a $495 extension kit with accessories like a bar and bench. (85% of the exercises can be performed without these supplies.)
Best Workout Apps & Programs
Once you have the equipment you need, it’s time to plan your workouts. For best results, use a workout program created by a certified trainer who walks you through the exercises step by step. Lea Badenhoop, a health coach from the leading Mark Lauren fitness team, provided some advice for your fitness journey:
“The true gatekeeper of fitness is consistency. Long-term, staying the course requires finding the right starting point and progressing smartly. The drive to keep going does not come from will power or phony motivation techniques; it comes from getting meaningful results without wasted effort! The key is to start tiny and to make it as rewarding and convenient as possible.”
As you continue your fitness journey during this time, here are a few workout programs the community recommends!
General
These apps and programs aren’t specific to any one type of workout. Instead, they’re great for simply gaining an overall fitness base.
The well-known Beachbody program has several on-demand programs so you can choose one that’s tailored to your personal fitness goals. Beachbody has over 1,100 workouts, plus nutrition advice and a community aspect.
“I think Beachbody is a great company,” says Sitejabber user Amy Y. “Any dealings with customer service have been awesome. My favorite thing they have come out with is Beachbody on Demand. They literally have every program for you to stream at a very reasonable price.”
How it works:
Select the workout program of your choice and stream it on any device. The workouts offer modified options so you can tailor the exercises to your fitness level, and you’ll get an eating plan, too.
Price:
Beachbody On Demand has several different pricing packages. A 12-month subscription costs $99.
The Daily Burn app is filled with thousands of group and individual workouts, including everything from intense kickboxing sessions to gentle postnatal classes designed for new moms. You can get your own customized schedule of workout videos to follow. Daily Burn also tracks your workout history and progress.
“I’m a fitness fanatic, so I was worried the workouts wouldn’t be hard enough for me. But there is actually enough variety to suit everybody’s fitness levels,” says Sitejabber user Joanna G.
How it works:
Register for Daily Burn and set up your profile with your fitness information. Choose a Daily Burn Program and watch the workout videos on your mobile device, TV, or computer from wherever you are. You can also opt-in to the Daily Burn 365 – a 30-minute live workout every day at 9:00 AM EST.
Price:
After a free 30-day trial, Daily Burn users can expect to pay $19.99 per month.
Daniel and Kelli, the husband and wife team behind FitnessBlender, both have years of experience working in the fitness industry and started their program to make fitness accessible to everyone. With hundreds of free workout videos, customizable fitness schedules and even meal plans, FitnessBlender has something for everyone.
How it works:
FitnessBlender has dozens of workout programs, most of them either four or eight weeks long, that you can purchase and go through at your leisure. If you don’t want to register for anything, visit FitnessBlender’s YouTube channel to use the free videos there.
Price:
FitnessBlender’s four-week programs cost $14.99, while the eight-week programs are $19.99. You’ll receive lifetime access to the videos. Over 600 workout videos are also available for free on YouTube.
Cardio, strength, and more are all available on the Nike Training Club app. In addition to workouts, you’ll also find recipes and nutrition tips.
How it works:
The NTC app offers several workout programs created by Nike Master Trainers. The programs are effective but easy to fit into your day. If you don’t want to set up a full training plan, you can also simply follow individual workouts within the app. Each workout includes short videos demonstrating how to perform the exercises that are included.
Price:
Nike Training Club is currently free for all Nike members.
SparkPeople is a website that focuses on weight loss and provides you with workout and diet programs to help. SparkPeople gets four- and five-star reviews on Sitejabber: “It has more content and community than you could ever need,” says Sitejabber user Rebbeca G. “Meal tracking. Exercise tracking. Medical stats. Auto-syncing. Daily goals. Meal plans. Monthly challenges. Cheesy but effective reinforcement system. A community which cheers each other on. SparkPeople’s got it.”
How it works:
When you register for SparkPeople, you can choose from several basic yet effective workouts to follow. You’re also able to keep track of your nutrition and weight so you can see your progress at a glance.
Price:
You can register for SparkPeople for free. A premium subscription is $4.99 per month.
Stephanie Buttermore, PhD, is a cancer research scientist turned fitness educator who offers workout programs for women. She also has an active YouTube channel where she creates videos about fitness, nutrition and weight.
How it works:
Stephanie Buttermore offers several programs:
Women’s complete at-home strength training guide (6 programs)
Women’s foundations program (3 separate beginner to intermediate programs)
Women’s specialization eight-week program
Women’s optimization 10-week programs
The programs can be purchased separately or together. Each is designed to help women work out and build muscle at home. The programs range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, and upon your purchase, you’ll receive a downloadable PDF.
Price:
Stephanie’s programs range in cost from $39.99 for an individual eight-week program to $99.99 for a bundle.
The Aaptiv app is full of audio workouts – voice recordings made by professional trainers. You can listen to the workout as you go, getting tips on your form or how to set your cardio machine. The app currently has thousands of workouts, with over 30 new ones being added per week.
How it works:
Register for the app and answer some questions about your fitness goals. Then choose your workout type, choose your playlist, and get going. While many of Aaptiv’s workouts are cardio-heavy (including many programs to help you train for 5Ks or marathons), you’ll find other types of workouts, too.
Price:
After a free seven-day trial, you’ll pay $15 per month.
Strava is a well-known app used by runners and cyclists. The app has both a free and a paid option and is a great way to track your number of miles logged.
How it works:
Strava syncs with devices like your phone or GPS watch and tracks your performance metrics. While Strava itself doesn’t necessarily provide you with workout content, it’s a great way to track the cardio workouts you’re already doing. The app also provides a community aspect to network with other athletes.
Price:
Strava Premium, which offers upgraded features like advanced metrics and analytics, costs $5.00 per month after a 60-day trial.
The Sculpt Society was created by Megan Roup, a dancer and fitness trainer who brought her love of dance cardio to the platform. If you aren’t a professional dancer, however, don’t worry: The app was specifically created for the non-dancer so everyone can enjoy this fun way to break a sweat.
How it works:
The app’s four-week program can be streamed on any device. It provides workouts that are five to 50 minutes in length and has beginner and advanced options. You receive access to the app’s library of workout videos upon signing up.
Price:
The Sculpt Society costs $19.99 per month or $119.99 per year and has a 14-day free trial.
No Weights
You can do bodyweight exercises wherever you are without having to spend money on supplies – and you can still get a great workout. Use these apps to help.
Freeletics has several apps – one that’s bodyweight, one for gym, one for running and one for nutrition. The bodyweight app can help you get a good sweat regardless of what equipment you own.
How it works:
Upload information like your fitness goals and current level. Then get started with a training program (available to paid subscribers only). If you’d like to use Freeletics at no cost, you’ll still be able to access the individual exercises with demonstration videos and several free workouts.
Price:
The bodyweight app is completely free. To take things up a notch, pay $2.30 per week for training or $3.35 per week for both training and nutrition to access training plans in the Bodyweight, Gym, and Running apps.
Openfit is a platform where you can take live, interactive classes from fitness trainers. These on-demand workouts encompass cardio, strength, yoga, and more. You can also get a personalized daily meal plan as an extra perk and choose whether to join Openfit’s Monthly Challenge.
How it works:
The live fitness classes are available at virtually all hours of the day and night, with 350 total classes offered each week. Choose the class that’s best for you and follow along from home, messaging the trainers during class with any questions. You can also stream on-demand workouts at any time.
Price:
After the 14-day free trial, you’ll pay $8 per month.
The Mark Lauren On Demand app has over 350+ workouts for people to take the next step in their fitness journey from home.
How it works:
The app focuses on total body workouts to create better posture, mobility, and strength. Once you download the app, you’ll gain access to training plans for all levels. The app includes various program types for your training goals, including recovery, high intensity, agility, and more. Their team states that they created these workout progressions to promote meaningful results.
Price:
A Mark Lauren On Demand subscription is $9.99 per month, or $69.99 per year.
Weightlifting
Worried about losing your weightlifting progress while gyms are closed? These apps can help you maintain (and improve!) your current fitness level from wherever you are.
The Bodyfit app created by Bodybuilding.com is comprehensive. Not only does it offer dozens of detailed weight training plans, it also helps you figure out nutrition goals and specific meals.
How it works:
Search through the 60 training programs to find one that meets your fitness goals – then get to work! The app places a big focus on nutrition and meal planning, too, in addition to offering workout demonstrations and advice. Track your workouts over time to see how you improve.
Price:
When you finish your seven-day free trial, you can expect to fork over $13 per month.
When you have Fitbod, there’s no need for a personal trainer – the app does the job for you. Fitbod uses a smart AI system to create and track your workouts.
How it works:
Upload your fitness information and the app will build a workout program for you based on your specifics. The more you work with the app, the smarter the AI interface will become, making your workouts harder. Just follow the exercises the app tells you to do (demonstration videos available).
Price:
Download the app for free and pay $10 per month to unlock the Elite version (which includes perks like unlimited workout tracking).
The JEFIT app is a great choice for beginner weightlifters because it offers comprehensive instructions on how to perform each move. It also has a vibrant community of users who are ready to interact and connect.
How it works:
JEFIT has a library full of over 1,300 exercises, with demonstration videos for each one. Choose a weekly routine to follow or plan your own workouts. You can also track your workout sessions, logging your reps and sets of each exercise into the app.
Price:
You can use JEFIT and access all of the exercises for free. Upgrade to the Elite Monthly plan ($6.99 per month) or the Elite Yearly plan ($3.33 per month) for more perks.
At-Home Fitness During COVID-19
No gym? No problem! Use these retailers, apps, and websites to build your own home gym and find a workout program that will keep you in shape during quarantine. And your home gym isn’t just a one-time investment. Putting time and money into a home gym now allows you to enjoy the convenience of a home gym long into the future.
Have more questions? Reach out to others on our COVID-19 community Facebook group.
