Group fitness classes are some of the most effective movement motivators. Especially if you're someone like me who thrives on structure and instruction. However, my gym's schedule doesn't always line up with mine. The only thing worse than not getting the satisfaction that comes with closing my Apple Watch rings is getting hit with a$15+ cancellation or no-show fee. If your day-to-day schedule varies, but you want to fit workout classes in wherever you can, whenever, like many things these days: there's an app for that. 

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I personally turn to fitness apps to get my workout class fit -- either on-demand, which has more of that "live" feel to keep you accountable -- or in the app's usually stacked library. As a self-proclaimed class junkie, I've made my workout app rounds, and these are the ones I find pretty comparable to in-person. 

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Peloton Digital app

The best fitness app overall

Peloton/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Extensive class library
• Instructors are motivational and high energy
• 30-day free trial
• Less than$20 a month for membership
• Offers a personalized quiz to fit your exercise preferences

Cons

• A lot of classes require extra equipment
• Classes can be fairly advanced

More Details

Peloton Digital app features: 

• Pricing:30-day free trial,$12.99 per month after 
• Compatible with:iOS and Android devices, Android TV, AppleTV, FireTV, Chromecast, Roku, LG TV and AirPlay 
• Workouts available:Strength, boxing, running, cycling, yoga, meditation, rowing, row bootcamp, bike bootcamp, tread bootcamp, pilates, barre, cardio, stretching, walking, hiking

Even though Peloton is most famous for its in-home bike revolution, you don't need to own Peloton equipment to benefit from the Peloton Digital app. The app features on-demand and live classes of all kinds, led by Peloton's renowned high-energy instructors, and ranging from quick 10-minute cardio to an hour-long sweat session. 

"I love the Peloton app and I've only used an actual Peloton bike once," said 's Emery Wright. "Even though it's a bit pricey, I love how you can choose between so many types of classes (I love the strength and bootcamp ones), with or without equipment."

The only downside is with the more advanced classes, extra equipment is often required. If you have access to a treadmill or rower, the app also serves as a great running and rowing guide to prevent workouts from becoming monotonous. 

And if competition is a major motivator in your group fitness classes, Peloton Digital also lets you follow other members so you can see their workout stats. 

The Peloton Digital app offers users a 30-day free trial before charging the$12.99 monthly fee. Between the high energy feel, class range and availability, and under$13 per month cost, Peloton Digital easily gives that endorphin-high feeling and keeps me accountable without excessive fees.

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Nike Training Club

The best free fitness app for quick classes

Nike/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Effective bite-sized workouts
• Whiteboard classes provide structure for those who don't like classes
• App is free
• Trainers, doctors, and nutritionists give digestible, practical tips
• Netflix partnership provides even easier streaming access

Cons

• Navigating the app isn't the most intuitive, user-friendly experience
• Some bodyweight-only classes aren't very challenging

More Details

Nike Training Club features:

• Pricing:Free 
• Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, TV via HDMI or Apple AirPlay, and Netflix 
• Workouts available: Strength, yoga, stretching, HIIT, whiteboard workouts, pre and postnatal

Nike Training Club's app might be free, but it's definitely high-quality. With around 500 workout classes to choose from and healthy lifestyle tips, it's kind of like having a 24/7 coach in your pocket. 

If I don't have a class to go to or a structured workout planned, finding the motivation to get off the couch and get in physical activity is even harder, especially after a long day and a busy schedule. Nike Training club provides bite-sized workout classes that are guaranteed to get your heart rate up. 

These quick classes have also made their way over to Netflix, giving me encouragement to fit at least five minutes of movement in before binging the new season of Love is Blind.  

Nike trainers, doctors, and nutritionists give advice on how to make small changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. So if you don't find yourself with free time often, Nike Training Club is a free option that can help you make room for some simple yet effective habits. 

My only quibble is that the app doesn't have the easiest UX. The time I save in a quick workout, I waste trying to find the perfect class to do. Same with finding tips -- I have to do a deep-dive to find one. 

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The Sculpt Society

The best fitness app for pilates and barre

The Sculpt Society/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Fun moves and music feels more like a dance party than workout
• Easy to do in a small space or on the go
• Can get strong and lean without heavy weights

Cons

• Often requires ankle weights
• No workouts over 50 minutes long

More Details

The Sculpt Society features:

• Pricing:7 day free trial, then$179 annually or$19.99 monthly
• Compatible with:iOS and Android devices, desktop and laptops, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku 
• Workouts available:Dance cardio, lightweight, low-impact sculpting, pre and post natal workouts, yoga, stretching, and meditation sessions 

Created and led by ex-dancer Megan Roup, The Sculpt Society is truly one of my favorite ways to get my body moving. The dance cardio classes combined with Megan's high energy and clear instruction makes it feel more like a dance party in my living room than a workout, but I definitely work up a sweat. 

If you're not much of a dancer, TSS still offers pilates and barre-based workouts so you can achieve that lean-dancer look. My only complaint with the sculpting and toning classes is that they often require hand weights or ankle weights that I don't usually have lying around. 

The classes range from 5 to 50 minutes and from beginner to advanced levels. TSS also has over 400 classes on demand in the app library and hosts several live classes a week. Low impact and easy to stream from your phone, TSS is a great option for those who travel or live in a small space, like an apartment. 

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Beachbody On Demand & Bodi

The best fitness app for a bootcamp feel

Beachbody/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Programs foster accountability
• Nutrition integration inspires for lifestyle changes
• Classes are effective and high energy

Cons

• Classes can take a bigger chunk of time
• Interface isn't the most organized

More Details

Beachbody On Demand & Bodi features:

• Pricing:30 day free trial, then$119.88 
• Compatible with:iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku
• Workouts available:Cycling, barre, cardio, core, strength, bootcamp, yoga, meditation, 2B mindset, portion fix 

Before Beachbody was on demand, their workout tapes (remember those?) were my first introduction to at-home workouts. My nostalgia aside, Beachbody's classes are still effective, fun, and up-beat on the On-Demand platform. 

Like the DVDs, the classes have a slight 80's exercise feel in a good way, making the workouts simple and fun yet effective. Like any good bootcamp, the classes may introduce you to moves that fire up muscles you didn't even know you had. The instructors are great at introducing strength training to safely build up muscle. 

With a nutrition integration, gamified activity and progress trackers, and one-on-one support from coaches, I will say this app can be a piece of your overarching fitness journey. 

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Form

The best fitness app for low impact training

Form/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Designated programs help with accountability and trackable productivity markers
• Nutrition plans help with an overall lifestyle change
• Interface is extremely navigable

Cons

• Need equipment for most workouts

More Details

Form features:

• Pricing:7-day free trial, then$22 monthly or$119 annually 
• Compatible with:iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku 
• Workouts available: Low-impact strength training, pilates, and HIIT 

I've been following fitness Instagram influencer Sami Clarke for years. During the pandemic, her easy-to