The Best Online Workout Programs of 2024

If you want to kickstart your fitness journey, lose weight, or run your first marathon next year, there’s nothing like an online workout program to help you meet your goal.

Our Picks for the Best Online Workout Programs of 2024:

These programs and fitness apps offer a robust selection of on-demand and live home workouts. You can choose classes to add variety to your daily workouts or follow recommended programs. And if you’re looking for an online personal trainer, some of these programs even connect you with a fitness coach who can create a custom program of daily workouts based on your goals. We’ve highlighted the key need-to-know information about the best online workout programs. 

At a Glance:

• Free trial: Free 30-minute consultation with a fitness advisor
• Workouts offered: Strength training
• Compatible devices: Android, iOS
• Price: Varies based on your package selection
• Best for: People who want a full-service online personal trainer

Caliber is an all-in-one online workout program. You’ll get customized workout plans, nutrition plans, form coaching, accountability, and more. Instead of a general survey, Caliber offers a free 30-minute consultation with a fitness advisor to gather information about you, such as goals, habits, workout preferences, and available equipment. With this information, Caliber can offer you different subscription options.

Caliber is a science-based fitness and nutrition program that uses advanced analytics to help you reach your goals. Because of this, you’ll need a compatible smartwatch or other fitness tracker that gathers the information Caliber uses—things like heart rate, calories burned, etc. Your coach makes adjustments to your routine based on the data.

Caliber is also unique for its strength-training focus. Workouts will help you build muscle and lose weight instead of just losing weight. If you opt for the nutrition plan, your meals will focus on that goal. Plus, the nutrition plan can accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.

Why we chose it:

If you’ve ever worked out at home, you know how easy it is to lose motivation and sit back on the couch after a few reps. Caliber is our pick for the best online personal training program because your coach keeps you accountable and engaged with your routine, so you won’t want to press pause. The paid version connects users with a personal trainer starting at $200 per month, and each package is customized based on your needs, which can include strategy calls or live training sessions with your trainer (at an additional cost).

Pros:

• Fully customizable workout program with a nutrition plan
• 27/4 access to coaches through the app
• Science-based coaching that adjusts based on collected data from your workouts

Cons:

• Costs up to $7 per day, depending on your plan

At a Glance:

• Free trial: No, but your first month is 50 percent off
• Workouts offered: Fully personalized, so it will depend on your goals
• Compatible devices: Android, iOS
• Price: $149 per month
• Best for: Those looking for a customized HIIT routine and access to a personal coach

Future is an online workout program fully customized to your fitness goals. When you sign up for the app, you are paired with a personal trainer whom you get to select from a pool of potential trainers after you’ve answered an introductory questionnaire. Each week, your trainer will send you a set of workouts based on your goals and the type of exercises you want to do.

If you like HIIT, you probably know there are almost limitless live or on-demand workout series available online. What differentiates Future from other HIIT online workout programs is that your coach receives your feedback to ensure you’re maximizing your workouts. If something doesn’t work or isn’t challenging enough, you can ask your trainer to exclude it the following week.

Your coach will review your form if you’re worried about doing specific exercises incorrectly. You’ll simply video yourself performing the exercises and send the files to your trainer, who will review them and contact you for improvement tips. This aspect of Future is a significant advantage when doing HIIT because the high intensity can lead to injuries with poor form.

To make the most of Future, you’ll need a compatible smartwatch to track your heart rate, calories, and other metrics. Your trainer will also review this information to ensure your workouts are not too challenging or too easy, which can sabotage your fitness goals.

Why we chose it:

HIIT is one of the best workout plans you can do from home because it’s effective even if you only have 30 minutes and often don’t need home gym equipment other than your body weight. With that in mind, if you want results, it’s essential to have good form. Future is our pick for the best HIIT online workout program because your trainer guides you through the exercises, ensuring you’re doing each one correctly. Plus, they can help you switch up your routine so you don’t plateau or get bored.

Pros:

• Customized HIIT workouts from a personal trainer you choose
• Ability to get individual feedback on your performance and form
• Your coach is a real person, providing accountability and encouragement

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other online programs
• You need a smartwatch to get the most out of Future

At a Glance:

• Free trial: No
• Workouts offered: Running
• Compatible devices: Android, iOS
• Price: Two months for $66, four months for $92 and six months for $132
• Best for: Runners and people who like to make cardio their primary training method

One-on-one customized support is not for everyone, and that’s okay. If you prefer to do your research and want an online workout program that gives you the tools you need to design a personal program, then Joggo is for you.

Joggo is a running app with several features that can help you lose weight and get fit. It offers pre-designed training plans for specific events, like a 5K or half marathon. Joggo also has an entire library of educational material about avoiding or treating injuries, why you should or should not train a certain way, and how you can eat to support your fitness goals.

Joggo has a coaching option, but unlike other online workout programs, you don’t have to use the coaches to benefit significantly from the app. However, you do have to run because running is the centerpiece of Joggo, whether you’re looking to lose weight or just get fit.

Joggo also includes a nutrition plan with an ingredient list to take to the grocery store. All of the customization comes from a survey you’ll take when you create your account. The survey will consider your goals, experience level, body composition, and where you like to run.

Why we chose it:

Joggo is our pick for the best online workout program for runners because of its training tools. Joggo becomes your workout planner online, helping you plan runs based on your goals, whether taking on your first 5K or preparing for your next marathon. We also love the access to wellness tips, such as better nutrition, to help fuel your runs.

Pros:

• Some personalization, but not required to benefit from the app
• Running plans available to train for specific races
• Extensive library of educational content to give you the tools to prevent injury, eat well, and train

Cons:

• Running needs to be your primary training method

At a Glance:

• Free trial: Four-day trial with unlimited access to content; cancel anytime
• Workouts offered: Guided workouts, yoga, mindfulness, HIIT, strength training, Pilates, core, and more
• Compatible devices: Works with iOS and available on Google Play for Android, available on computers, Chromecast, and Apple TV
• Price: $20 per month or $199 per year
• Best for: Those who want to focus on yoga, mindfulness, and meditation

While many online workout programs offer yoga classes, only some of them go into the depth and variety that Alo Moves offers. You can choose from Ashtanga, Hatha, kids yoga, Kundalini, restorative, prenatal, and Vinyasa yoga classes, allowing you to explore each method and perhaps discover your new favorite yoga method.

In addition to a broad assortment of yoga workout classes, the Alo Moves app also offers plenty of mindfulness videos and more traditional fitness workouts on topics like arm balances, backbends, and flexibility.

This unique assortment of specialized workouts is appealing if you want to pursue yoga and are looking for an alternative to the traditional weight training, cardio, and HIIT workouts common on other platforms. Alo Moves categorizes each workout based on intensity and difficulty levels from beginner to advanced, which can help you determine which workouts are right for you.

Why we chose it:

Alo Moves is our pick for the best online yoga workout program for its various classes. From restorative stretches to more challenging flows, plus strength training and meditation, you’ll be able to find a workout that fits your needs on any given day. We love that there are options whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your practice.

Pros:

• View videos focused on seven yoga methods, as well as on mindfulness and traditional fitness
• Download videos ahead of time when you know you’ll be without WiFi
• Accessible on nearly any device

Cons:

• No live classes
• Workout log doesn’t automatically add completed workouts

At a Glance:

• Free trial: App is free
• Workouts offered: HIIT, yoga, strength training, cardiovascular training, mobility, trainer-led classes, and more
• Compatible devices: Works with iOS and Android
• Price: Free
• Best for: Those looking for quality workouts on a limited budget

The Nike Training Club app gives you access to an impressive library of class video workouts, making it one of the best free online workout programs available. You can choose workouts targeting body parts or workouts by type, including yoga, cardio, and more. A narrator guides you through exercises and reps, but there are also trainer-led workouts that provide a more engaging experience. You can schedule workouts and receive reminders to help keep you accountable.

The app’s interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can pause and resume workouts as needed. The app tracks your daily activity, including the number of workouts you completed and the duration of your workout, so it’s easy to review your progress.

After you complete a workout, you can rate the training. Nike’s algorithm uses that information to suggest future workouts, but you can also choose your own or use one of the workout programs, which will guide you through a series of videos. While training is available for athletes at all levels, the workouts lack low-impact modifications, so some of them can be tough to tackle if you’re just getting started with a workout routine or are recovering from an injury.

Why we chose it:

Regarding a workout subscription, there’s no better way to budget than using a free program. We chose Nike Training Club as the best free online workout program because it provides an effective workout plan with tons of variety at no cost. Whether you’re in the mood for a restorative yoga flow or a heart-pumping cardio workout, there is something for you, no matter your fitness level. Access to coaching and wellness tips can help you create healthy habits for long-term, sustainable success.

Pros:

• Choose from a broad selection of workouts focusing on yoga, core and strength training, stretching, full-body workouts, and more
• Insights and tips about mindset, nutrition, recovery, movement, and sleep deliver a holistic wellness approach
• New workouts added weekly

Cons:

• There is no option to engage with a personal trainer

At a Glance:

• Free trial: Yes
• Workouts offered: Mobility, flexibility
• Compatible devices: Works with iOS only
• Price: $15 per month, $10 per month with an annual subscription
• Best for: Those seeking improved mobility and injury prevention

Movement Vault is a fitness program that improves flexibility, mobility, and joint health. Developed by Grayson Wickham, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, it emphasizes active stretching and muscle activation techniques rather than traditional static stretching. This approach aims to alleviate pain, prevent injuries, and improve overall performance in daily life and athletic activities.

The Movement Vault app offers a variety of video routines, including daily stretching classes, pre-workout warm-ups, post-workout recovery sessions, and specific programs for pain and injury prevention. The current program list addresses issues like hypermobility, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.

I took advantage of the seven-day free trial to test out Movement Vault. Over the week, I participated in several classes, with my favorite being a full-body mobility flow led by Wickham. Wickham provided numerous helpful cues and coaching tips to ensure correct movement execution throughout the workout. However, it’s worth noting that these weren’t live classes, so unlike in-person fitness sessions or physical therapy, there wasn’t any direct interaction with the instructor.

Another notable feature of the Movement Vault app is the Virtual Mobility Assessment, designed to pinpoint areas of the body that require the most attention. This tool generates a mobility score for each major joint, which can be retested over time to track progress. This feature is highly beneficial, as it provides direct, personalized feedback on the improvements made in overall mobility, helping users to stay motivated and focused on their physical health goals.

At this time, Movement Vault is only available on iOS devices. However, Android support is currently in the works.

Why we chose it:

Movement Vault offers a structured and scientifically backed approach to improving flexibility, mobility, and joint health. What stands out about Movement Vault is its extensive range of instructional videos and inclusive design, catering to all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. The app aims to deliver noticeable improvements in flexibility and mobility within 30 to 60 days, with users reporting significant reductions in pain and enhanced physical performance through consistent use.

To achieve results, you need to follow the programs or daily routines regularly; this may be challenging for those struggling to maintain a consistent exercise or stretching routine. Additionally, while minimal equipment is required, having essential items such as a padded mat, mobility ball, and foam roller can help users get the most out of Movement Vault’s routines.

Pros:

• 1,500+ classes available
• Daily stretch and mobility classes created by physical therapists
• Caters to a wide range of ages and skill levels
• Little to no equipment is necessary

Cons:

• No resistance training workouts are available
• No direct one-on-one coaching is available

At a Glance:

• Free trial: Yes
• Workouts offered: Strength training workouts designed for both in-the-gym or at-home use
• Compatible devices: Works with iOS and Android
• Price: $12 per month
• Best for: Individuals looking to improve their strength through structured and progressive workout programs

Developed by Meg Gallagher, an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, and Precision Nutrition L1 Coach, Stronger By The Day (SBTD) is our top pick for individuals dedicated to achieving their strength training goals. Catering to all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned lifters, SBTD offers a comprehensive strength training program centered around the training principle of progressive overload. This program involves gradually increasing the exercise demands placed on the body over time by challenging muscles with heavier weights, more reps, or higher intensity, stimulating muscle growth and strength gains.

The app features two main programs tailored to weight training or bodyweight workouts. The weight-training plan accommodates various setups, whether in a commercial gym or a home gym, requiring equipment like squat racks, barbells, and dumbbells. Substitutions are available for those needing more advanced gym equipment. Alternatively, the bodyweight program provides exercises that can be easily adjusted for home gyms with minimal equipment needs, typically requiring only resistance bands.

Regarding the actual training, Stronger By The Day follows a structured four-day per week training split, with an optional bonus workout available depending on your needs. Sessions typically last about an hour and are supported by video demonstrations and detailed instructions emphasizing proper form for safe and effective workouts. The app also tracks your progress by logging weights and volumes for each exercise and graphing your stats over time.

Why we chose it:

This app stands out for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive workout plans, and effective strength training guidance, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about improving their strength and fitness levels. One of the app’s key strengths is its emphasis on proper form and technique. Each exercise is accompanied by video demonstrations and detailed instructions, empowering users to perform movements correctly and safely. This attention to detail not only minimizes the risk of injury but also maximizes the effectiveness of each workout session. Whether users are targeting specific muscle groups or working toward overall strength gains, Stronger By The Day offers a variety of exercises and routines designed to challenge and enhance performance.

Pros:

• Structured strength training programs suitable for beginners to advanced lifters
• Progress tracking and performance analytics to monitor improvements
• Robust Facebook community
• Nutrition courses, “Habit Hacker” and “Macro Mastery,” available at an additional cost

Cons:

• No individual check-ins or movement feedback
• Weekly programming removed every Sunday and not archived

Benefits of Online Workouts

According to the CDC, adults need 150 minutes of physical activity each week. However, paying for a gym membership can be costly, and the gym scene can feel intimidating. That’s why we love online fitness classes. You can work out from the comfort of your own home on your schedule, and online programs are often much less expensive than a gym or boutique fitness club membership.

Online workouts are a great way to find a fun, engaging form that keeps you returning for more. Experts say you’re more likely to stay motivated, stick to your workout routine, and meet your goals if you’re doing something you enjoy.

Online workouts benefit physical and mental health. One study found that people who took online workout courses during the COVID-19 lockdown reduced anxiety and created a sense of community.

How to Choose the Best Online Workout Program for You

Cost

Consider how much you can comfortably spend per month on a workout program, and remember to budget for any equipment purchases you need to make. Many programs offer discounts if you purchase a quarterly or annual subscription.

Fitness Goals

Defining your fitness goals can help you determine your needed classes and programs. Consider whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, run a marathon, or achieve another specific goal. Look for a fitness app that offers a variety of workouts for your fitness level, whether you’re looking for low-impact exercises or high-intensity workouts.

Live or On-Demand Classes

Attending live workouts can be a significant motivational factor, and it can help keep you excited about your fitness journey. Live workouts also change your workout routine and can provide a chance to connect with others, which is important if you work out at home. Some online workout programs offer live workouts, but others don’t, so you need to consider how important these classes are to you.

Accessibility Options

Consider what type of accessible environment is best for you. If you often use a particular device, like your phone or computer, make sure you can access the workout program on your device. You will also want to think about how the program is structured. For example, do you like the freedom to pick and choose your workouts from all of the available videos, or would you rather have the guidance of a structured program that picks your workouts for you?

Required Equipment

If you’re considering enrolling in a program, ensure you have—or can get—the type of equipment required. Many programs offer workouts that require no equipment, while others might need some basics or even more expensive equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, treadmills, and ellipticals.

Add-Ons

Think about whether you want a program that offers any specific add-ons. These include options like meal plans and nutrition plans, community groups, and even one-on-one support from a personal trainer.

Online Workout Programs FAQs

What Do I Need To Get Started Using an Online Workout Program?

Many online workout programs allow you to get started with minimal fitness equipment. That equipment might be as simple as a yoga mat, resistance bands, or hand weights, and many fitness classes require no equipment. You may also need a way of streaming live classes, such as through a smartphone or tablet, or you might just need to be able to log onto the platform and log your workouts. Some apps integrate with an Apple Watch or other wearable devices, enhancing biometric tracking.

Are Online Workout Programs As Effective As In-Person Classes?

You can get the same value from online workout programs as in-person classes, depending on your motivation. Online programs are often more affordable and accessible than in-person classes, so you may be able to work out more consistently. However, there’s less accountability with an online workout program, so it’s easier to start skipping workouts than attending a live class that follows a specific schedule.

Which Online Workout Program Is Best For Weight Loss?

The best online workout program for weight loss depends on how you prefer to work out. The most effective program will motivate you to lose weight and get fit.

How Long Should a Workout Be?

Health experts say adults need 150 minutes of physical activity every week; this equates to about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Final Thoughts

Whether you can’t make it to the gym or don’t have the budget to hire a certified personal trainer, these online workout programs can help you achieve your fitness goals. Offering everything from dance-inspired at-home workouts to HIIT workouts like what you would experience at the gym, these programs deliver convenience, affordability, and valuable resources, too. These top picks offer quality programming at various price points, so chances are you’ll find that one is the right fit for you.