Five Best Virtual Workouts

The past year forced all of us to do a lot more from home -- including working out. And while gyms are now opening back up across the country, there are always going to be those times where you simply can’t make it in person. Thankfully, virtual workout classes really kicked it up a notch over the past 12 months, making it easy to get in a gym-worthy workout in your living room. But which ones should you try? Here we break down five of the best streaming workouts available now.

Bande

If you’re more of a boutique fitness kind of person -- barre, boxing, Pilates, etc. -- bande will be your jam. Dubbed the world’s first virtual boutique fitness studio, the platform offers various classes hailing from Barry’s, SLT, [solidcore and Xtend Barre, to name a few. Each one is provided real-time in a beautiful intimate studio setting so that you can get one-on-one attention from instructors just as you would in person. Plus, they offer several connection-focused features like group chats, friending and the whisper function that allows you to have private conversations mid-class with other participants. Bonus: Read our first-hand experience with bande HERE!

TRX

Courtesy of TRX

The TRX Training system has become a favorite of trainers as the compact resistance straps allow for an intense full-body workout pretty much anywhere in the world. The Navy SEAL-founded brand just launched TRX Training Club, with live and on-demand classes as well as one-on-one personal training. You can learn how to do everything from yoga and core exercises to upper and lower body, all using the straps. Bonus: Some of the classes are as quick as 15 minutes so you can always sneak in a great sweat session.

Steezy

Courtesy of STEEZY

Want to feel like Beyoncé while working up a sweat? Then STEEZY Studio is the platform to try. The dance-based program offers hip-hop-inspired classes taught by world-renowned choreographers who have worked with stars like Beyoncé, J.Lo, Ariana Grande and Lizzo. Now Steezy is introducing more classical courses such as ballet, contemporary and jazz designed for adults getting started for the first time. The platform’s tech features allow people to learn faster and better, with intuitive video controls to see the routine from the front and back, break down sections, loop moves, control speed, and see yourself in a split-screen “mirror” setting that replicates the dance studio. Bonus: Try our exclusive SI Swim Fit x STEEZY workout for free HERE!

Peloton

Sometimes it’s wise just to go classic. You know Peloton offers heart-pumping spin classes on their bikes or you can download the app and use it on a spin bike of your choice. But beyond the cycling classes, the fitness brand now offers a variety of live and on-demand classes like yoga, running, stretching, HIIT, strength and even meditation. You can sign up for a structured program that will tell you exactly which classes to take each week. Or you can choose to create a mix of your own. It’s become a one-stop shop for head-to-toe wellness.

p.volve

Trainer Stephen Pasterino developed the celeb-favorite p.volve to ensure that your muscles will constantly be challenged through functional movement. And you can do the same at home through the studio’s Live Virtual Studio, with hundreds of workouts on demand. Although it’s recommended to get the specially designed ball that wedges between your thighs to maximize effectiveness, you can still opt for classes that are entirely prop-free. Either way, you’re guaranteed a workout that really fires up that core and promotes stability.