2020 has been the year of home workouts. With the closing of gyms, home workouts are the only option. Trying to find sufficient space in your home where you won't feel physically restricted - or break anything! - isn't the only home workout challenge. Knowing exactly what to do, how long to do it, and staying motivated all the way to the end is hard without an instructor shouting at you (at least for me).
So, in order to stick to our workouts, our editors tried out 2 of the top-rated at-home workout apps - Aaptivand Beachbody. Here are our thoughts on both:
Key Similarities
- Both offer apps to follow along with their workouts
- Both use expert personal trainers
- Both start at about $8/month when you opt for an annual membership
- Both offer free trials
Key Differences
- Aaptiv has 1000s of workouts - Beachbody offers 40+ workout programs
- Aaptiv workouts can be done at home and in the gym - Beachbody is only suitable for at-home workouts
- Beachbody is a video follow-along workout- Aaptiv offer audio follow-along workouts along with video workouts.
- Aaptiv focuses on customized individual workouts stacked together along with "pre-designed" programs - Beachbody's pre-designed workout programs encourage you to follow from start to finish
- Aaptiv offers more flexibility as you can personalize your workout schedule - Beachbody doesn't offer any flexibility or program modifications
- Aaptiv's app layout and interface is user-friendly - Beachbody's app is less so
Aaptiv
Audio Workouts
1,000's Of Trainer-Led Classes
Get A 7 Day Free Trial Now
Aaptiv
Aaptiv gives you access to 1000s of audio-guided workouts and video workouts, whenever you need them.
When you sign up, you'll enter brief information about your fitness level, your goals, and your preferences. Then Aaptiv will build a custom workout schedule just for you. The best part is you aren't locked into any particular program or set of workouts. At any time you can change your workout plan to suit new goals or adjust to how you're feeling that day.
They offer everything from HITT, to strength and cardio, to yoga and meditation. There's indoor cycling, elliptical, treadmill, outdoor running, the options go on! The structure of their workouts is amazing. And with 30+ new workouts added each week, you'll never get bored.
Besides individual workouts that align with your schedule, you can also join programs that help you reach specific goals like training for a 5k or a half marathon. There are multi-week plans for weight loss, flexibility, maternity, and more.
If you want to keep it under 20 minutes - or over 40 minutes - Aaptiv has options for all levels. Their coaches are fun, highly-motivating, and it really helps to have someone in your ear cheering you on.
Aaptiv's 7-day free trial can help get you started and from there it costs $14.99 a month for a month-to-month subscription. But if you sign up for the annual membership, it's only $8.33 per month!
Beachbody
Beachbody is an on-demand app that delivers all their programs right to your phone.
Signing up is easy, just enter your details and payment information and you have immediate access to Beachbody's 40+ workout programs. Them, choose a program and goals for the coming weeks or months. As the workouts are in video form and you follow along with the trainer, Beachbody is only for at-home workouts.
Beachbody has yoga, HITT, muscle building, slimming and toning, and dance-cardio workouts. Plus, their programs come with nutritional information as well.
When you start you're given very little guidance. You have to pick a program and stick with workouts packaged strictly for that program. The course descriptions didn't provide specifics about what's included which may be confusing.
Once you choose what program is right for you, there's no flexibility because each day is already set up in advance.
The workouts are cool if you enjoy watching a video as you workout, but this requires space to workout and easily view your screen.
Beachbody offers a 14-day free trial and if you opt for the annual membership it's $8.25 per month. There's also a $13 per month option if you go with a 3-month membership.
Final Notes
Figuring out how to workout from home can sound daunting. But the right app can make it a lot easier to adjust. Aaptivwins because of their huge variety of workouts, how convenient the app is to use, and the fact that you can do the workouts anywhere.
Beachbody's app is a little cluttered and confusing. Their programs offer zero modifications, making it a lot harder to navigate
Aaptiv is the definition of something-for-everyone. You can use it at home, while out for a jog or bring it to the gym. And no boring stock music, but motivating tunes from hip hop to 80's rock, as well as your favorite hits. You'll actually want to workout.
With so many classes and music playlists you can switch up your routine depending on your mood, or if you need to make the most of the last 15 minutes available in your busy schedule.
Aaptiv offers everything you need and with audio-guided workouts on offer, there's no need to worry about looking at a damn screen while trying to work out.
Aaptiv is giving our readers a special offer. Follow this link and try Aaptiv for 7 days FREE now!