Don’t Sweat, I’ve Got You Covered
The last thing you have time for in your busy schedule is yourself. Let alone your health and fitness. I try to carve out at least a little bit of time several days a week to work out. And, the STRUGGLE is real. One thing that helps me is… having a workout option I can pull up on my phone or laptop. I simply do not have time to go to a class or the gym every day. I thought it would be helpful to share some of the most popular workout apps. You can do all of these from home, and most of them require very little equipment.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4659288″]
P.volve
Last year, after trying Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide (BBG) and Tracy Anderson, I wanted to try something new. After researching a bunch of exercise programs, I decided to try P.volve. The workouts range from 15 to 60 minutes, require minimal equipment, and…the Victoria Secret models swear by these workouts! If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me. 😉 This program focuses on elongating your muscles and building strength without bulk. The movements are based on your everyday movements. I really liked the workouts but have since gone back to my tried and true Tracy Anderson!
P.volve Price
The first 14 days are free. Then the digital membership is $20 for the monthly plan, $17 for the six-month plan, and $15 for the yearly plan. You can get access to the Live Virtual Studio with hundreds of classes. When you first download the app there is also a free workout for you to try.
Shop P.volve equipment here.
Body By Simone or BBS
The BBS app is cool because it combines celebrity trainer Simone De La Rue and celebrity nutritionist Kelly LeVeque. This is great if you need help with workouts and nutrition. The underlying technique and the movements derive from dance. You use body weight and light weights to develop long lean muscles. You can also customize your workout by choosing what kind of workout and the time you want to work out. In the app, you can stream live classes, track your progress with photos, weight, and measurements, AND you get three meals to try per day!
BBS Price
It’s $18 a month and charges the card you have on your iTunes account. Plus, you get a free 14-day trial!
Tracy Anderson Method
I started Tracy Anderson after I had Gage and it really helped me get back into shape after pregnancy and my c-section. I loved that I could do the workouts in 30 minutes. The moves focus on longer leaner muscles, kind of similar to Pilates or barre, but definitely unique. I suggest trying some of the free YouTube videos out to see if you like it first.
If you’re interested in trying Tracy Anderson, I recommend watching YouTube videos to make sure you like the workouts. You can also buy some of the DVDs on Amazon here. There’s also a TA Online Studio where you get new, weekly on-demand workouts for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels designed and led by Tracy. You also get 12 new weekly elective classes like stretching classes, body boosts, and more. If you are a Tracy Anderson lover, there’s also a TA Live that you can add on to your membership that includes access to 180 virtual live classes, live streaming classes from LA and NYC studios, and more!
To get rid of stubborn menopause weight, I started doing Tracy Anderson 6 times per week and it was a game-changer! I did a post on how I lost weight during menopause here in case you’re interested!
Tracy Anderson Price
You can buy Tracy Anderson DVDs on Amazon here.
Or stream on Youtube for free!
If you want to take the next step with TA Online Studio classes, the first 14 days are free and then it’s $90 per month.
The TA Online Studio + TA Live is $130 per month.
For more info on the Tracy Anderson Method, read my review posts:
Tracy Anderson: The Post Pregnancy Magician
Tracy Anderson Update & Review
Tracy Anderson Continuity Review video
Sweat: Kayla Itsines Fitness
The Bikini Body Guide (BBG) or Sweat With Kayla is a very challenging, high-intensity workout routine. Each workout is 28 minutes and you do those three days. Two days of the week are reserved for some form of cardio training, and one day is for a stretch/rehabilitation session. If you want a rocking body and can stay on a disciplined workout schedule, then this is the one for you. But it can be hard on your joints and can get a little repetitive after a while. Another thing I didn’t like was that it kept adding more equipment. You can read more about BBG in this post on surviving week one of BBG. And, I gave my review after completing a 12-week BBG program in this post. I also did a video review on BBG here.
Sweat by Kayla Itsines Price
The app is free for the first week and then it is $20 monthly or $120 yearly.
Kait Hurley: Move + Meditate
This is the perfect app if you’re looking for a good workout but want something a bit more mellow or less intense. All of the workout videos are organized by class including restorative, high intensity, meditation, and more. But each class has at least a little bit of meditation at the end of each workout. It’s a really soothing and mindful cooldown that truly helps you relax. Workouts range from 30-60 minutes and you can choose what length and type.
Kait Hurley: Move + Meditate Price
You get the first 14 days free and then it’s $25 per month. Or you can do a plan of $180 for the year billed annually.
Studio Tone It Up: Workouts
Tone It Up is led by its two founders, Katrina and Karena. They used to have a TV show called Toned Up and it’s now evolved into a workout app. One advantage of this app is that you don’t need a ton of equipment. I’d say about 90% of the time you only need dumbbells and a mat. Workouts are categorized (legs & cardio, arms, abs, etc.) but you can customize your workout completely and it never gets boring!
Another thing I like about it is that you get a real sense of community from this app. So if you’re the kind of person who likes to attend classes but doesn’t have the time, this is similar to actually going to workout classes. You can’t pause them, they go on without you, you have someone telling you exactly what to do, and other people are doing the workouts at the same time you are.
Tone It Up Price
Some workouts on the app are completely free (they call them Daily Toning Moves) but you get tired of those after a while so you’ll want to upgrade to get more classes. It’s $15 per month for the premium which includes Daily Toning Moves, Studio Tone it Up classes, and On-Demand workouts. They have studio classes you can sign up for that last about 30 minutes and begin about every 30-45 minutes. So if you miss the 6 pm class, there will be another at 6:30 pm!
They also have a line of nutrition items at Target including weights, powders, protein shakes, and more that you can shop here.
Melissa Wood Health
I’ve recently tried the Melissa Wood Health app. I love that it’s more controlled, low-impact movements. It combines yoga and Pilates styles so if those are the classes you went to before, you should try this app! The exercises help with and focus on strengthening long lean muscles throughout your entire body. They release an exclusive new workout every Monday but have unlimited access to 50+ workouts int eh library. They also have pre and postnatal workouts, treadmill workouts, and meditations!
Melissa Wood Health Price
The first 7 days are free! It’s $10 per month or $100 per year and it charges the card set up with your iTunes account.
OpenFit
This app has fitness and nutrition rolled into one. You can stream live classes and have access to hundreds more! And it has personalized nutrition programs with daily meal plans and tracking, monthly exercise challenges, and a virtual fitness community. The workouts have everything from running, barre, HIIT, weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, walking, cardio, Tabata routines, and more! I love the XB Pilates…it’s a great workout!
OpenFit Price
You get a 14-day free trial! Then it’s $39/quarter, $59/6-months, and $89/year.
Bonus App: Daily Water
Sometimes it’s hard to remember to drink water…but it’s SO important! Two-thirds of our body is made up of water! You should be drinking water all day, every day…not just when you’re thirsty! This is a do as I say, not as I do scenario since I personally need to drink WAY more water. I’m excited to try this app that lets you set reminders to drink water throughout the day.
Which App Is Right For YOU?
P.volve is good for working with your body and has pilates-style movements. Body by Simone is perfect for someone who wants help with workouts and nutrition. Tracy Anderson creates long, lean muscles. Sweat with Kayla or BBG gets major results, but can be hard on your joints. Move & Meditate has great workouts meshed with meditation. Tone It Up has a very wide variety of workouts. Melissa Wood Health is another Pilates-style movement option. And OpenFit has a ton of options. My favorite right now is Tracy Anderson…
What is your favorite workout app? Have you seen great results…? Please share in the comments below.
If you haven’t already subscribed, you can sign up for my exclusive newsletter here. Thank you so much for stopping by!
You should try some Heather Robertson classes on youtube. She has an incredible array of classes and programs and it’s all free. I love her HIIT classes
I’m so glad you found something you love, Virginia! Thanks for sharing! ~Erin xo
I love the new Walk At Home app. It has many of the qualities of the apps described here. Whole body fitness incorporating walking, running, lifting, HIIT training, pilates type core workouts & more without the need for loads of equipment. There are videos that can be done along with a daily schedule or you can choose your workouts according to your own preferences. Live streams have recently been added to this app, but are still in the testing phase. All for the budget friendly price of $4.99/month or $49.99/year after a one week free trial period. I am a 52-year-old postmenopausal woman who has been able to maintain 110lbs on my 5’4″ frame for the past 3 years using the Walk At Home app on my Android phone. This app can also be accessed on your computer, tablet, Roku, smart TV, etc for convenience. Free workouts can also be found on YouTube.
Thank you so much for sharing, Mindy! It sounds like a great app and I’m so happy you’ve found something that works for you! ~Erin xo
Great suggestions! I have been streaming workouts from DailyBurn.com for about 3 years and i lOve that its a different trainer every day and the workouts are 30min. Lots of posItive messages and a great supportive community on facebook Too!
This is great erin…I am lucky enough to have my own fitness guru…my daughter. as she is out of a formal job right now due to the cv effect, she is offering digital fitness training to individuals and groups. the resources you have shared here are great however, and i forwarded the newsletter to her for her input. once she is back at it in the real world, i might not have access to her! if you might be interested in her story, you can find her on instagram @abbymoskal. yes it’s a shameless plug for my daughter’s business but it got me thinking that you, as such a wonderful influencer, and looking for ways to enhance your contributions in this unusual time, might think about looking for stories like hers…for women who are getting creative and trying to make lemons out of lemonade right now…women empowering other women. You have such a wonderful platform, and i have been inspired by everything i’ve seen you do! you’re a class act, lady…thanks you for sharing your work with us!
For some reason, i can’t control the capslock on this format…please excuse the wierdness.
Erin,
THANK YOU! THIS IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TODAY. YESTERDAY I TRIED A COUPLE OF YOUTUBE WORKOUT VIDEOS THAT WERE SO UNSATISFYING. TA IS too jarring for me. melissa wood’s sounds right up my alley. Thank you so much!
Yay! SO glad it is helpful… let me know what you think of MW!
There are some really great youtube fitness programs: Fitness blender, sydney cummings and heather robertson. All are free and all are excellent. Two are smaller creators who could benefit from a plug from a fellow creator. Thanks for everything erin. Melisa
Thank you so much for sharing!! Very helpful…
Erin xo
Thank you for this! Looking forward to more organization videos with clothes, closets, jeweLry.
Yes, those videos are coming… Erin xo
Hey! I do tracy anderson too. I was doing beach body for the last couple years bt the jumping and squatting…was getting hard on my old lady knees! Timely post!
HAve you checked Out daily burn? They do a new 30 min workout every day at 9 and then it is aVailable on demand for 24 hours. They also have lots of programs that you can do any time. Great community!
I haven’t, but thank you for the hot tip! Going to google it! Erin xo
Thanks for a nice variety. I subscribe to thewkout.com two sisters based in London Lisa Marie and Theresa. You’ll need Some equipment or gym membership if you really want to do most of the workouts – i love them and their workouts wHich can be intense but fun- you can always modify. The also have free video on youtube.
Thank you so much for sharing, Kim!! xoxo
This is a great past … and timely. I was thinking about cancelling my gym membership. Do you have any Recommendations for a good yoga/pilates app?
BBG has a yoga option, but I might ask real yogis about this one. I’m NOT a yogi. 😉 Erin xo
Very comprehensive post. Thank you so much. Love the leggings in picture. Might need to get those!
Thank you so much!