Fitness
Once bodybuilders, Gold Coast couple breaking world records in their 80s
David and Gioia Berry aren’t your typical octogenarians.
Rather than travelling the world, the 81-year-olds have opted to spend their retirement years breaking world records in fitness competitions.
“Our prime function is to try and stay as fit and healthy as we can for as long as we can,” Mr Berry said.
The pair already have an impressive list of achievements between them.
David currently holds three world records for various indoor rowing events in the men’s 75-to-79-year age category and another for the 100-metre sprint for his 80-84 age group, with a time of 17.9 seconds.
Gioia, on the other hand, recently broke the world record on the SkiErg – short for skiing exercise machine – in the 80-to-84-year age category for 100 metres, clocking 25.5 seconds.
The Gold Coast couple, who have been married for more than 60 years, have no plans of slowing down either.
They’ve spent the past few months training at their local gym and pool for the indoor rowing event at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast this week.
“I do a split body routine: chest and triceps on a Monday; back and biceps on Wednesdays; and we do legs and arms as well as shoulders on Fridays — so that keeps us pretty busy,” Mr Berry said.
On alternate days, they swim about a kilometre, followed by an ice bath for recovery.
“I used to do yoga and pilates but I can’t fit that in anymore because I’m trying to train for the Pan Pac games,” Mrs Berry said.
Bodybuilding after having kids
Despite their lifelong love for health and fitness, it wasn’t until they were in their late 30s that they decided to take it more seriously by opening a gym and entering body building competitions.
“I was training with weights in the backyard when I was 16 years of age, but I was pretty skinny then,” Mr Berry said.
“I trained reasonably hard up until I met Gioia [at 17 years], and then we got married [three years later in 1964], and we had kids, and everything went on hold for a few years, and we started again probably 10 years after we were married.”
At 37, Mrs Berry entered the very first Miss Australia bodybuilding competition in 1990.
But Mr Berry said convincing his wife to compete was “a real challenge”.
“She was horrified but like a true champion she bit the bullet and lined up for the comp and did very well,” he said.
“She placed fourth out of about 25 girls, most of them aged between 19 and 22 … but she got the Most Outstanding Achievement Award.”
Mr Berry entered his first bodybuilding competition about a year later at 39 and won the masters category for his age group in the Mr Australia contest.
He ended up going on to become the first person to also win the 50s, 60s and 70-year age categories.
Mr Berry says despite being prone to injuries these days, he hopes they’ll be able to continue doing what they love together.
“So far, the future is looking good as we both are still breaking records in our age categories and certainly hope we can continue for a while yet,” he said.
‘Never too late to start exercising’
Bond University academic Kieran Le Plastrier says the couple are proof that it’s never too late to start exercising.
“It turns out the literature is pretty good in that it reminds us that even if we don’t make changes till our 30s, 40s or 50s … the things we do in our 40s can make a huge difference into our older age and even into advanced age, which is anybody over 80 years of age,” Dr Le Plastrier said.
He encourages older people to prioritise resistance training, like lifting weights, because it reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and falls.
“Now, you don’t necessarily need to enter a competition and become a bodybuilder, but we know that resistance training actually leads to long-term health benefits,” he said.
“So what I would encourage us to all take away from this story is that no matter when we start, as long as we get started, we can improve our health outcomes into old age.”
Fitness
13 interesting ways to make exercise more fun and enjoyable
Working out can be boring for some. But exercising can offer health bene6, including weight management. So, learn how to make exercise more fun.
Regardless of how fond you are of working out, the same old routine can get flat-out boring. Getting to the gym regularly must be something important, but after a while it can become tiresome and monotonous. But before you find another excuse to not work out, you should know there are ways to make exercise fun. And now that winter is in full swing, many will find an excuse to skip working out. If you also come up with excuses to give working out a miss, you need to stop thinking of it as a boring task or one of the household chores. The good news is there are ways to make exercise more fun and we are here to help you figure it all out.
What are the health benefits of exercising?
Before exploring the ways to make exercise more fun, know that there are some health benefits of exercising, including:
- Aids in weight management: “Regular physical activity helps increase calorie burning and improve metabolism,” says fitness and nutrition expert Aman Puri. Exercising improves the body’s metabolic rate, which helps improve body composition by promoting fat burning. This helps shed those extra kilos and manage weight.
- Protects against chronic diseases: Regular exercise like running, and jogging helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Exercising contributes to prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and can improve overall well-being, according to the World Health Organization. “Exercise improves blood circulation, manages blood pressure and enhances aerobic capacity. This protects from diseases such as heart diseases, blood pressure, and diabetes, and improves immunity,” shares the expert.
- Boosts mood and mental health: Exercise improves mood and wards off feelings of depression, and anxiety. Exercising can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance brain health, as per the World Health Organization. “Daily exercise improves the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones, promoting relaxation,” says Puri.
- Improves flexibility: Exercise improves flexibility by increasing joint and muscle movements. “Stretching, Yoga, Pilates and other dynamic movements help enhance joint mobility and muscle elasticity,” says the expert.
- May increase life expectancy: Exercise may increase life expectancy by improving cardiac health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, and enhancing mental and overall well-being. During a 2012 analysis published in the Journal Of Aging Research, researchers found that life expectancy was higher in physically active participants. It ranged from 0.43 to 6.9 extra years.
What are the ways to make exercise more fun?
Here are some ways to make exercise more fun, and not boring:
1. Give importance to personality and interests
One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to do something that goes along with your personality and interests. If you are a social person, join a group dance class or start a walking group with your friends, according to the American Heart Association.
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2. Take someone along
Working out alone can sometimes be boring. One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to take a companion along. Exercising with your loved ones can make it a more enjoyable social experience. Take friends or family members with you for a workout to make it more fun. “A friendly competition during a workout session also brings out your best performance and makes working out less mundane and more interesting,” says the expert.
3. Turn on music
Sometimes repeatedly exercising can be boring for some, so distracting yourself with some music may help you workout longer. A 2017 study published in the International Journal Of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology showed that people exercised longer when they listened to music than without. “Playing your favourite playlist while working out also elevates mood,” says Puri.
4. Turn exercise into a game
Bored with lifting weights and running in the park on the treadmill? Team up with your friends for a session of cricket or football match, and turn your exercise routine into a game. This is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. “This may increase your competitive spirit along with burning calories and boosting your health,” says the expert.
5. Reward yourself
Rewarding yourself with your favourite treat after achieving each sub-goal can be one of the ways to make exercise more fun. It is a way of raising the target standards in a fun way. Set a target for yourself by increasing the reps or sets or even weight amount. But don’t go overboard with your favourite treat.
6. Make exercise a social activity
Attending parties or going to concerts are not the only social activities. Add exercise to the list, as it is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. You can take a walk during lunch-time with your colleagues. You can also use family gatherings as a time to engage in outdoor activities or play team sports, according to the US National Institute On Aging.
7. Connect with nature
Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to make exercise more fun. “Exercising outdoors and getting some fresh air can lower stress levels naturally,” says the expert. Hiking can add adventure to your daily routine in a fun way because of the enjoyable view. Those who don’t like working indoors in a gym can exercise outdoors by going on a walk or a long cycling session. “The added benefit of working out outdoors is you get to soak up the sun, which improves Vitamin D levels in the body,” says the expert.
8. Do it for a good cause
Give your exercise a purpose – walk or run to support a noble cause or charity events such as walkathons and marathons. This gives your routine exercise purpose as well as motivation. Participating in these events can be a motivating factor for others apart from being one of the ways to make exercise more fun for yourself.
9. Play with different intensities
Despite your regular routines being beneficial, sometimes experimenting with different intensities of exercise may also prove beneficial. HIIT (High-intensity interval training) can add more fun to your regular exercise besides being a convenient and fast way to achieve your fitness goals.
10. Connect with technology
Using fitness bands, trackers or watches can fuel up the fun, raising the competitive spirit or interest by tracking your fitness levels. Tracking your steps, amount of calories burnt, progress, and heart rate can keep you engaged by tracking your health status, making it one of the ways to make exercise more fun.
11. Treat yourself to new clothing
One of the ways to make exercise more fun is by getting hands on new clothes for workout. Buying activewear for your workout can make you feel good and boost your confidence, motivating you to workout more often. A 2023 study published in Body Image showed that activewear browse time correlated positively with desires to be muscular and athletic.
12. Try virtual options
Going for virtual options is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. If you don’t like working out with a large set of people at the gym, try exercising through apps or virtual online classes and start working out from home. “Watching exercise videos while working out at home is a convenient and easy way to stay motivated,” says the expert.
13. Try different activities while working
Those who do not have time to exercise can engage in activities in their day-to-day work routines like cycling to work, climbing stairs instead of using lifts, parking far away and walking down to the parking area, or using a standing desk at work. Those at home can engage in daily household chores like mopping, cleaning, gardening, and washing their car to burn some extra calories.
Working out does more than just help you manage weight. If you dislike your fitness routine, experiment and try out different ways to make exercise more fun.
Related FAQs
How can I enjoy working out alone?
If you prefer working out in a gym, go alone when it’s quiet, but ask for help whenever you need it. Listen to music of your choice while working out alone. At home, you can check out online workouts and follow the instructions.
How to motivate an elderly person to exercise?
Encouragement, and companionship can help elderly family members stay active. You can join them for a morning or evening walk, or buy them fitness gear. You can ask their friends to exercise together.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with How To
Fitness
Communal agenda or fitness fad? Exercise routine stirs controversy in Kerala
KOZHIKODE: The Sunni group led by A P Aboobacker Musaliyar has come out against the Multi-Exercise Combination (MEC 7), the workout plan that has become increasingly popular among all segments of people in Malabar.
Muhammdali Kinalur, district secretary of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), has raised serious apprehensions over MEC 7, saying that the intention behind the seemingly innocuous physical exercise appears to be mysterious.
MEC 7 is an exercise plan developed by P Salahudeen, an ex-paramilitary person from Thurakkal in Malappuram district, in 2012. From a modest beginning, MEC 7 has become the latest trend among the health-conscious people of all ages, especially in Malabar. Currently, there are over 1,000 units spread across north Kerala and the organisers are planning to introduce it in other states and even other countries.
It was the CPM Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan who cast aspersions on the physical activity. Addressing a public meeting held as part of the area conference of CPM in Taliparamba last month, Mohanan alleged that the Jama’at-e-Islami is organising physical exercise in many areas with the support of the workers of the Popular Front of India (PFI). He alleged that the exercise is only a cover for the ‘extremist intervention’ of the organisation.
The allegation was later taken up by the Kanthapuram faction of Sunnis, though from a different angle. SYS state general secretary Abdul Hakkim Azhari said the exercise is “an affront on the modesty of women”.
“WhatsApp groups are formed in the name of exercise and women are dragged from their households,” he said.
Perode Abdurrahman Saqafi, another Sunni leader, said Jama’at-e-Islami has come out with a plan in the name of kalari and exercises “to destroy the Sunni ideals”.
Fitness
From HIIT to yoga: The best online workout programs for every exercise preference
Raise your hand if you’ve ever started a gym membership with the best intentions… only to bail after a few weeks — or days! If so, you’re in good company. But here’s the deal: Consistency is key when it comes to fitness, and that’s where the best online workout programs swoop in to save the day. You can exercise whenever it’s convenient, so no more excuses about being unable to get to your step or Zumba class on time! And another bonus? No awkward wait for the treadmill or Stairmaster to free up while your motivation dwindles away. It’s just you, your mat and all the gains right from the comfort of home.
Although you might think that home workouts can’t compare to sweating and grinding away in a gym, here’s the truth — research proves that they can be just as effective, with the added bonus of flexibility. Plus, studies show that exercising online can boost your mental health, helping you feel happier and more energized.
Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or simply manage everyday tasks with ease, there’s an at-home workout that’s perfect for you. We’re talking HIIT, yoga, strength training — you name it, it’s all at your fingertips. As Jenny Liebl, Certified Professional Trainer (CPT) and Senior Product Developer at the International Sports Sciences Association, explains, “There’s a wide variety of online fitness professionals offering an even wider variety of programs, guidance and coaching in the online format — there’s someone out there for everyone!”
We spoke with four fitness specialists and evaluated 11 workout platforms to pinpoint the essentials and understand what to look for in the best online workout programs. If you’re ready to toss those excuses aside, clear some space and explore the digital fitness options below.
Best overall online workout program
Alo
Cost: $13 monthly/$156 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: dance, yoga, HIIT, Barre; mindfulness, reiki | Standout features: accessible price, impressive mix of classes
Massive range of classes? Check. Diverse group of instructors? Check. User-friendly platform? Check. Fantastic value for money? Check. Alo Moves delivers on all fronts, securing its place as our top pick.
Staying consistent with fitness has always been a challenge for me, and I often get bored quickly. But Alo Moves kept me engaged, and I even looked forward to the classes. Definitely a first for me!
The dance workouts were fun, easy to follow and the classes were one of the first times in my life that working out didn’t feel like a chore.
The yoga selection is particularly impressive, featuring a variety of styles, including vinyasa, hatha, restorative and ashtanga. Classes range from short 10-minute flows to 45-minute full-body routines, ideal for targeting specific areas like shoulders or back. But it doesn’t stop there — Alo Moves also includes Barre, sculpting, core work and even meditation and mindfulness sessions for a well-rounded approach to fitness.
If you appreciate structure, you’ll enjoy the curated series, such as the DanceBody program with Katia Pryce and the 4-week strength starter series with Roxie Jones. This makes it easy to stick with a plan that matches your goals, whether it’s improving flexibility, building strength, or simply finding your inner zen. It’s also easy to sort through classes by duration, difficulty, or instructor, allowing for a customized experience.
Another plus is the app’s intuitive design, which makes it simple to save your favorite classes in the “My Practice” tab or stream sessions from your phone, desktop or TV.
Alo Moves’ variety and convenience make it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy fitness from the comfort of home. And at $13 per month, it’s difficult to beat.
However, if you’re hoping for live classes to capture that in-studio vibe, Alo Moves might not be the best fit. If you’re uncertain, take advantage of the free 14-day trial to see if it’s a good match.
- Low price point
- Suitable for all levels of users
- Range of instructors, workout styles and lengths
- Workshops for specific yoga poses and skills
- No live classes
- Can’t filter workouts by required equipment
$13 monthly at Alo
More online workout programs we like for 2025
Pvolve
Cost: $15 monthly/$150 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: functional fitness, strength, sculpt | Standout features: combines low-impact functional fitness workouts with resistance-based equipment
For anyone seeking a gentle yet effective workout, Pvolve is our top recommendation. It focuses on functional exercises that mimic everyday movements to improve strength, stability and mobility, making it suitable for people at any fitness level. With input from a panel of health experts, it’s a science-based workout that’s accessible and safe.
An unusual feature of Pvolve is its resistance equipment. The Signature Bundle ($200) includes tools like the P.ball to isolate small muscle groups, particularly in the inner thighs, the P.band to target upper body muscles effectively without needing heavy weights and the precision mat, with its numbered grid to help you stay aligned during fast-paced exercises. You can also invest in additional accessories like ankle weights or gliders to further challenge your stability and core strength.
While Pvolve offers a range of unique resistance equipment, there’s no need to invest in it immediately. A large selection of Pvolve’s workouts require no equipment at all. For example, the Bodyweight Sculpt series is designed specifically for those who prefer a minimalist approach to exercise but still want to see results.
Pvolve offers a wide variety of classes, catering to different needs — from full-body sculpting and progressive weight training to more specialized classes like pre- and post-natal, pelvic floor and menopause-focused programs. You can even opt for plank-free options — a favorite of mine!
The classes were highly engaging, and the instructors were upbeat and explained the movement clearly, making it easy to follow along, even for beginners. And I loved that you could choose your preferred music style or opt for no music at all. Despite the gentle and low-impact nature of the exercises, which were forgiving on my bad back, they still felt effective.
At $15 a month, a Pvolve membership won’t break the bank. However, the cost of equipment bundles, which range from $200 to $625, might be steep for users who wish to unlock the full range of classes.
- Low-impact, high-intensity workouts that reduce the risk of injury
- Focuses on functional movements to improve strength for daily tasks
- Thousands of live and on-demand classes, so there’s always something new
- Live Q&A sessions with a Pvolve trainer every week
- Some workouts require Pvolve resistance equipment, which adds extra cost
- Free trial is only 7 days
$15 at Pvolve
FitFusion
Cost: $15 monthly/$150 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: yoga, strength, cardio, dance, Pilates, barre | Standout features: stream workouts to any device, downloads for offline use
Fit Fusion has earned its place as the best choice for streaming thanks to its smooth, high-definition streaming capabilities. No matter if you’re watching workouts on a smart TV, through Roku, AmazonFire or Chromecast or on your Apple or Android phone, the platform provides high-quality, clear playback.
I was impressed at the library of workouts from various celebrity trainers, including Jillian Michaels. You can choose from dance, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, Barre, kickboxing, circuit training and others. I also loved that you can focus on specific goals like sculpting abs or toning buns. Plus, saving your faves is straightforward, and you can download videos, so you’re never without a workout — even when your Wi-Fi is having an off day.
While the app is super easy to use, I wish it had more advanced features that enable you to plan a workout schedule. Customer service was good, but there was no live chat available. But for $15 a month, it’s an excellent price for an extensive variety of workouts for all levels.
- Effortlessly stream to various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast
- Choose various fitness classes, from kickboxing to ballet
- Download videos to watch even without internet access
- Engaging celebrity trainers to choose from
- The 7-day trial isn’t as long as some other platforms
- Gym equipment required for some workouts
$15 at FitFusion
The Sculpt Society
Cost: $20 monthly/$180 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: blended cardio, dance and strength | Standout features: targeted sculpting sessions and structured routines
If you’re looking for vibrant, high-energy classes that make fitness feel fun and accessible, look no further than The Sculpt Society. Its dance-based workouts combine dynamic cardio routines with sculpting exercises, offering a full-body workout that got my heart racing and my muscles feeling like jelly after 45 minutes.
The workouts were enjoyable and straightforward to follow, which is a must for people like me with two left feet. I also appreciated options like sculpting, stretching and low-impact sessions, which allowed me to mix up my routine based on my energy level or mood.
With over 400 workouts to choose from, there’s something for every schedule, whether you’re looking for a quick 5-minute pick-me-up or a challenging hour-long session that leaves you feeling like you’ve earned a delicious treat. The platform also offers a live class schedule and specially curated programs like booty-boost, beginner, pre-and post-natal and advanced plans, making it easy to tailor and plan your fitness routine.
That said, while there are options for various fitness levels, some advanced users may find that the workouts don’t push them as much as they’d like. Not that I had that issue!
- Engaging and fun workouts
- Suitable for beginners and seasoned users
- Flexible workout lengths from 5 to 50 minutes
- Structured programs for a range of needs
- The 7-day trial is somewhat short
- Advanced users may not find the workouts challenging enough
$20 at The Sculpt Society
Glo
Cost: $30 monthly/$245 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: yoga, Pilates, HIIT, barre, mindfulness | Standout features: Practice Together feature that enables you to host group classes of up to seven participants any time, anywhere
If you’re serious about yoga but don’t want to leave your living room, Glo is a superb option. Packed with everything from beginner-friendly flows to advanced Ashtanga, Glo covers it all — plus some Pilates, barre and HIIT for when you’re in the mood for shaking things up. And for all you meditation lovers? Glo’s got your back with hundreds of options ranging from quick breathwork to in-depth mindfulness practices. I found the walking meditations an enjoyable twist on the typical seated sessions.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to create a practice that’s totally your own. Filter by duration, skill level, or intensity and jump into live classes whenever you need a community boost. You can save your fave classes to your library and check your completed workouts at a glance.
At $30 a month or $245 a year, Glo isn’t the cheapest platform, but for the variety and quality of teaching, it’s worth it, especially when compared to in-person classes.
Just beware: If you’re hoping for a seamless app experience, it can be glitchy — at least for us Android folks. The screen flickers and freezes at times, which affects the user experience. That said, it doesn’t seem to be an issue if you’re team Apple.
- Wide range of classes to suit different fitness goals and preferences
- Live daily classes in addition to an extensive on-demand library
- Download classes to practice when you’re offline
- Beginner paths that cover all the basics of yoga, meditation and Pilates
- Loses your place in a workout if you exit the app
- Android users may have issues with the app glitching
$30 at Glo
Aaptiv
Cost: $15 monthly/$100 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: running, walking, strength, mobility | Standout features: curated playlists across multiple genres like pop, reggae, electronic, indie, hip-hop and rock
Being a visual learner, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Aaptiv. Our top choice for audio classes, Aaptiv, features spoken-word coaching that allows you to focus entirely on your movements without needing to stop and adjust a screen. Video workouts often made me lose focus as I checked my phone, but the audio format provided seamless guidance, letting me stay engaged and focus on my body.
The app offers a variety of workouts across 12 categories, from outdoor running to treadmill, cycling, rowing, elliptical, strength training and yoga. There’s even a training program for 5Ks and half-marathons if that’s your thing.
The app categorizes the workouts by duration, intensity and format — yes, there are video classes, too. There are also programs like “Walk to Run with Confidence,” “Pilates for Healthy Hips” and “Train Like a Boxer” to teach specific skills in an easy-to-follow schedule.
I didn’t try them personally, but many people appreciate the running workouts, which deliver cues on form as you run with reminders about breathing, posture and foot placement.
Aaptiv is fairly priced at $15 monthly, but if you want to take advantage of it you’ll need to opt for the $99.99 annual membership.
- Guided workouts with personal trainer-style motivation
- Use Aaptive while at home or the gym
- Train for specific fitness goals, like training for a 5K run
- Great selection of music from pop to rock
- No live classes
- App doesn’t feel as advanced as some other options
$15 at Aaptiv
Centr
Cost: $39 monthly/$120 annually | Free trial: yes | Platform: online and app | Types of workouts available: strength, Pilates, HIIT, boxing | Standout features: workout planner and Facebook community
Centr is our best holistic wellness option thanks to its comprehensive approach to health. Designed by Chris Hemsworth — otherwise known as Thor — and his expert team, it integrates fitness, nutrition and mindfulness, catering to all fitness levels.
Whether you’re into strength training, HIIT, yoga, or boxing, Centr has you covered and is one of the best online gyms. One of the app’s highlights is its planner, making it easy to maintain consistency by organizing workouts, meal plans and wellness routines in a seamless, user-friendly way.
A standout feature is the variety of programs aimed at specific fitness goals. I particularly loved the 28 Days Strong program because it fits perfectly into my hectic day. With workouts under 10 minutes, it’s easy to stay on track. And with everything from gym routines to no-equipment bodyweight workouts, you’ll never run out of options.
However, according to , a few users have noted difficulties with subscription cancellations. While I found Centr incredibly versatile and motivating, potential subscribers should be aware of this aspect before committing to the platform.
- Huge variety of clear, understandable and effective workouts
- Track workouts and recipes in the intuitive planner
- Private Facebook community for support and advice
- No live classes
- Subscription issues
$39 at Centr
CorePower Yoga
Cost: $20 monthly online/around $180 monthly for studio membership | Free trial: yes | Platform: online, app, in person | Types of workouts available: yoga, sculpt, meditation | Standout features: Hot Power Fusion style that combines hot and power yoga
Love yoga and want to level up? CorePower Yoga is an excellent choice for advanced users due to its dynamic, challenging classes, pushing even experienced yogis to new limits.
I found muscles I never knew existed during the high-intensity Yoga Sculpt classes. These innovative classes blend traditional vinyasa yoga with strength training, offering a combo that builds endurance, muscle and flexibility. I’m sure doing these classes regularly will yield impressive results, but I found them pretty hard-going as an unfit beginner.
The Core Restore classes were more my thing. These slower, more restorative sessions are designed to stretch and relax the body, working the connective tissues. I felt the tension melt away as we held poses for longer periods, allowing for deeper stretches and a calming, meditative experience.
With CorePower, you’re not just limited to online and live sessions. You can also attend in-person classes at one of over 200 studios nationwide. The in-studio membership costs around $180 monthly, depending on the location. Additionally, CorePower offers comprehensive Yoga Teacher Training programs certified by Yoga Alliance, which is ideal if you’re keen on deepening your practice or even transitioning into yoga teaching.
- Massive range of yoga classes, including hot, sculpting and restorative sessions
- Choose from on-demand, live, or in-studio classes
- 50-, 200- and 300-hour programs available for aspiring yoga teachers
- Studio location availability varies depending on the area
- Not as suitable for complete beginners
$20 at CorePower Yoga
Factors to consider when choosing an online workout program
Before starting your search for a fitness program, it’s essential to take time to reflect on what you want in a program to ensure it’s the right fit. “Clearly define your own fitness goals and consider what you want to achieve in a specific timeframe,” explains Kyrie Furr, Certified High-Performance Coach with BarBend.
Liebl agrees, emphasizing that users should select a fitness platform that suits their individual needs. She explains, “If they prefer a live class with a specific training style, they can likely find that option. For those who just need a plan to follow at the gym and then provide feedback, that’s easily available too.” It’s all about finding a program tailored to your preferences, whether it’s live interaction or independent workouts.
She continues, “Online clients should find a fitness professional they connect with or an app they like the functionality of. The training style, philosophies, personality and expertise should align.” She also explains the importance of reviews, advising, “Try performing an online search of the trainer or application name for reviews, or, if you have a hard time finding any, ask the fitness professionals themselves for any reviews or client testimonials they can share!”
Here are some other factors to consider when selecting the best online workout programs:
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Variety: Ensure the platform offers a wide range of workouts such as strength training, yoga, or HIIT to keep it interesting.
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Qualified trainers: “Certification indicates that a trainer is familiar with best practices in fitness, including proper form, technique and programming tailored to different fitness levels and goals. Certified trainers have undergone formal education and training in fitness principles, exercise physiology and injury prevention, which helps ensure that the programs they create are safe and effective,” advises Furr.
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Progression levels: “Choose a program that matches your current fitness level — beginner, intermediate, or advanced,” explains Furr.
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Cost: Evaluate subscription fees versus the value provided.
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Community support: “Some platforms offer community features, like forums or social media groups, which can provide motivation and accountability,” says Furr.
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Flexibility: Opt for programs that offer on-demand or live classes to fit your schedule.
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Coaching and feedback preferences: Liebl notes that understanding how you like to be coached and receive feedback can influence your decision. Perhaps you need continuous motivation from a coach or prefer a more independent approach. Also, consider your comfort level with doing a program on your own. Are you self-motivated enough to follow an online workout, or do you need the structure and guidance of a live class or personal trainer? Tailoring these factors to your preferences will help you choose a fitness program that really work for you.
Michelle Ditto, VP of Training and Technique at Pure Barre suggests experimenting. “Allow yourself to trial and error fitness concepts you like, and don’t be afraid to avoid what you don’t; there is no rule that you have to run or do yoga or HIIT or even barre to be fit! You are an experiment; find what works for you with the goal to find a program that you can stick with long term. Give yourself six months. Break it up into smaller chunks if you need to, and commit to one month or even one week at a time. You are worth the effort to find something that you both enjoy and that is also health promoting. And luckily, myriad modalities fit both of those parameters.”
How we chose
We collaborated with four fitness professionals to identify the best online fitness programs and conducted a detailed review. They included certified personal trainers (CPTs), a certified high-performance coach and a doctor of physical therapy.
Over six weeks, I — your author, no fitness qualifications! — personally tested 11 platforms, exploring various workout styles and formats from each. This in-depth analysis allowed us to evaluate the quality, user experience and effectiveness of different digital workout programs.
FAQs
What are online workout programs?
“Online workout programs are fitness routines that are delivered through digital platforms,” explains Michael Masi, Sports Doctor and Certified Personal Trainer at Garage Gym Reviews. “The key feature of online workout programs is their accessibility, meaning users can engage in workouts from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection,” he continues.
What are the advantages of online workouts?
The best online fitness programs have many advantages. “First, online programs are generally more cost-effective, making them accessible to a wider audience,” says Masi. “Second, they offer greater flexibility, allowing individuals to work out when and where it’s most convenient for them. Third, online platforms typically provide a broad variety of workouts, from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), ensuring that users can find programs suited to their fitness levels and goals. Beyond that, some online programs allow users to work out in the comfort and privacy of their own home. This has a fairly large appeal, especially for beginners who may feel intimidated by a gym environment,” he notes.
Are online fitness programs as effective as in-person training?
Research shows that online exercise classes are effective for increasing strength and muscle mass and improving cardiovascular health. A study comparing body mass-based exercises performed online via Zoom and in-person training showed similar results for both groups.
Our experts agree. According to Ditto, online fitness programs can be as effective as in-person training, though there are key differences.
“Online workout programs can offer a simple starting point to engage with physical activity from the comfort of anywhere you need to be,” says Ditto. She emphasizes that these programs offer greater flexibility and convenience, allowing you to work out immediately from home without needing to travel.
However, she also points out that “in-person programs feature one-on-one, tailored interaction,” providing personal accountability and a sense of community that many online programs might lack. She suggests balancing these aspects based on your fitness goals and preferences.
Liebl adds, “When created with a level of individualization for each client and with appropriate detail, online workouts and programs can be just as effective as in-person training.” She elaborates that comprehensive instruction can take different forms based on the client’s needs. For example, video demonstrations of movements can help visually guide the user through proper form and technique, making it easier for them to follow along. Alternatively, detailed written instructions can benefit those who prefer step-by-step breakdowns of how to execute a movement. These can include specific cues for body positioning, timing, or modifications. Both methods are tailored to the client’s learning style to ensure the successful performance of exercises.
Other online workout programs we tested
When searching for the best workout plan, we tested a range of platforms. Below are three notable mentions that stood out for their approaches but may not be the all-in-one solution that some people are looking for:
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The Floss: Bonnie Crotzer founded this innovative platform dedicated to fascia flossing, a practice designed to release tension, improve flexibility and promote better circulation by remodeling the fascia — your body’s connective tissue. It offers comprehensive tools and guidance on using fascia flossing to relieve pain and improve function. However, because it focuses solely on fascia-based practices, there was little variety in workout styles, so it didn’t make our list of finalists.
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Peloton App: You don’t need the iconic Peloton bike to enjoy its world-class classes. From cycling to strength training, yoga and more, there’s a massive variety of enjoyable workouts led by motivating instructors, and you can use whatever equipment you have. The app tends to focus on workouts that require equipment (cycling, rowing, treadmill), and it lacks a broader selection of dance cardio options, so for me, it fell short.
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8fit: If you’re looking for personalized workout and meal plans in one place, 8fit is a solid option. Workouts include boxing, Pilates, HIIT and meditation, but there wasn’t as much variety as with some similarly priced options.
Meet our experts
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Michelle Ditto, VP of Training and Technique at Pure Barre
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Kyrie Furr, Certified High-Performance Coach with BarBend
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