How did we go from scavenging Youtube for one decent core workout to absolutely having no clue where to begin navigating the sudden influx of 1000s of video options online- even more, reputable fitness brands now, available in the comfort of our own living rooms?

If you are like me, sometimes you just need someone to give you that motivation push- to yell at you FINISH THOSE LAST 30 SECONDS OF BURPEES like your life depends on it. Luckily, (or not) this is an option available with the abundance of free fitness classes now offered online.

Personally, I can’t think of a place I would rather be LESS than a crowded hot yoga class right now.

In Mid-March, just about every boutique fitness studio, countrywide gym chain, and trainer was forced to adapt to an upheaval of their current business model overnight (set in motion by none other than our good old friend, COVID-19.)

As class attendance quickly began to dwindle, and more and more states transitioned to sheltering in place, these studios quickly caught onto the fact that if they didn’t move their businesses online, they would soon have no business at all. While various groups like Peloton and Popsugar Fitness, already had systems in place which either revolved around or partially incorporated virtual access, this was new territory for the majority of industry.

NOw, Moving on to what you all really came for,

Here are some of my own favs to get you started on your journey to become a #quarantine #fitness #queen:

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 1.01.07 PM.png — 305 Fitness

You **DON’T** need to be a good dancer to do this class.
Although I have been loyal to other fitness brands in the past, If I HAD to pick one quarantine favorite, I think it may have to be 305. This class is described as an “addictive cardio dance party”; Every day at 12pm and 6pm, 305 fitness goes live, with an instructor guiding viewers through a fun and easy to follow cardio dance routine. The difficulty level may vary by day and instructor, but I have never ended a class without being fully *drenched in sweat* and feeling GOOD. 305 classes are a combo of traditional cardio moves like jumping jacks, toning, and choreography. This class flies by, and gets your heart PUMPIN.
Difficulty: 8/10
Enjoyment: 11/10
Ease Doing Inside: 5/10: you will need a decent amount of space to do this workout- may have to move some living room furniture

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 12.40.43 PM.png — CorePower Yoga

Corepower has a paid membership, “Yoga On Demand” with loads of videos released on a weekly basis. Additionally, the studio offers an online, more limited version of Yoga On Demand, “Keep Up Your Practice”, available and free to all. Each week, new C2 (traditional vinyasa), Yoga Sculpt/(YS) (yoga/cardio/HIIT), and HPF (Hot Power Fusion) (Similar to Bikram Yoga Style: less movement, more holding poses), are released. Every video, regardless of which type of class, has a focus on core strength.
Difficulty: 6-7/10
Emjoyment: Depending on instructor: 7-8/10
Ease Doing Inside: 9/10

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 12.34.38 PM.png — Peloton

Peloton’s app (made free for 90 days In March) offers great variety; Users can find strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, running, cycling, stretching, bootcamp, and walking videos. Music is good, and other users rate difficulty levels on each video to help others understand what they are getting themselves into.
Difficulty: Range: Spinning and Running can be 9/10-10/10, Yoga can be 4/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Ease Doing Inside: Do-able/ depends on video!

Screen+Shot+2020-05-21+at+1.05.06+PM.jpg — Nike Training Club

This is a free app similar to Peloton. The yoga, strength training, HIIT, and mobility classes are taught by “Nike Master Trainers.” Users who want a more structured approach to their workout regimen can design a unique and personalized training program. You can choose to pick videos which target certain muscle groups or a more full-body targeted routine.
Difficulty: 6/10-10/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Ease Doing Inside: 7/10

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 1.09.47 PM.png — Yoga With Adriene

You can find Yoga With Adriene videos on Youtube. The videos are usually dedicated to a specific body part which may need a little TLC, or an intention to keep in mind during your practice. While Corepower may only have 8 free classes each week, there is much more variety on Yoga With Adriene’s youtube page. That being said, you may encounter advertisements at various points throughout the videos.
Difficulty: 5/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Ease Doing Inside: 9/10

Ig Live

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 1.16.24 PM.png — Rumble

This popular boxing workout is typically split into bag and bench portions. While users can sign up and pay $15/ 30 minute class on Rumble TV, Rumble frequently goes live with classes on their instagram account, @doyourumble. (Turn on post notifications to get alerts!!) Each Sunday, they post their weekly IG live schedule. Videos are 25 minutes, and incorporate a challenging combination of boxing and cardio/bodyweight exercises. Equipment is not necessary. These videos are sure to get your heart rate up and have you sweating pretty quickly. PLUS they are fun and a nice change-up from traditional cardio workouts. Music is good and instructors are fun and motivating. Can’t catch a live video? The videos stay up on Rumble’s feed afterwards!
Difficulty: 8-9/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Easy For Doing Inside: 6/10

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 1.21.20 PM.png — David Kirsch Through HoneyComb.fit

Honeycomb.fit ‘s bio describes itself as a Home of Health and Wellness, and home to a platform for celebrity professional trainers, The training schedule is updated weekly; Kirsch’s repertoire includes “Kirsch Your Core”, “Master of the Ass”, “Plank Workout Deluxe”, “Plyo Bootcamp”, “No Squat Bootcamp”, “Yogates”, “Triple A, Arms, Abs, and Ass.” David Kirsch has clients such as Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Upton, Kerry Washington, and Anne Hathaway, so if you ever wanted to train like the celebs or just feel a little bougee with ya workout, now's your chance to do it, for free. I don’t know whether it’s his celebrity trainer status or dad-like energy, but I just *trust David Kirsch* and his workout routines. Guy knows what he’s doing, and takes a pretty holistic approach to health and wellness. PLUS, he shows his audience ways to do exercises with makeshift equipment such as canned goods as weights. Hell ya David, let’s get resourceful.
Difficulty- 8/10
Enjoyment- 8/10
Easy for Doing Inside- 7/10

Screen Shot 2020-05-21 at 1.33.49 PM.png — Barry’s bootcamp

Barry’s is offering virtual 35 minute classes you can pay and sign up for, but also is doing free ~25 minute videos everyday on it’s IG live, usually at 12pm EDT, and 3PM EDT. While it’s not a traditional Barry’s Bootcamp, involving a treadmill and tons of equipment, the workouts, taught by Barry’s instructors across the USA, are still sure to kick your booty. Follow Barry’s on instagram or check out the website to get their live schedule. Most of the time, the only equipment necessary is a mat and occasionally resistance bands.
Difficulty: 8/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Easy for Doing Inside: 6/10

Note *I’m HERE for the free workouts especially considering right now is a time of prominent financial stress for so many of us. However, if you can afford and feel comfortable paying for an online workout class you really enjoy, DO IT!!! Workout instructors and studios need to make money too!!!*