Working out is my favorite way to clear my head after a particularly hard day. Since I have so little free time, I want to make sure that when I exercise, I really push myself and make it count. I've been wanting to up my fitness game this new year, but can't afford a personal trainer (who can??). So my secret weapon has been Aaptiv, an audio fitness app that has thousands of trainer-guided workouts that are paired with lively and motivating music from hip hop to 80's rock.

I went online and loved that you get to see all of the features and workouts that the app offers before you commit to downloading it. It has a perfect mix of workouts I'm familiar with and new ones that I was excited to try. It ended up completely changing the way I work out.

Here are my 6 favorite kinds of Aaptiv workouts that changed my fitness game for good, take a listen to the audio snippets to hear how they can change yours, too

Treadmill

Personally, I always found the treadmill kind of boring. I didn't think there was a way to maximize the workout (except doing it for longer!) but Aaptiv showed me hundreds of ways to optimize the time I spend on the treadmill. They have beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, all with upbeat soundtracks that are designed to give you a little push of motivation when you need it most. Plus, treadmill workouts are perfect when it's snowing or just too cold for an outdoor run!

Outdoor Running

On those winter days when it's not below zero, I love nothing more than getting outside for my workout. I've been a runner for years, but even I felt challenged by the 30-minute intermediate class with Jamie, who has fast become my favorite trainer. Her positive reinforcement and the fast-paced music made me push myself further than I ever have before.

Strength Training

I've been trying to get better about lifting weights over the past year, but I've never really known how many lbs I should use or if my form is correct. Aaptiv's strength training classes have everything from workouts that don't require any equipment, like my favorite 18-minute No Gym, No Problem class. You can pause strength training classes if you're unsure about form, and check out the visual cues feature that will show you a video of the instructor doing each move.

Spin

When I downloaded the Aaptiv app, I was curious if it could help me use the stationary bike at the gym -- usually I'm useless unless I have a group spin class to motivate me. It's a super efficient workout -- you can burn up to 200 calories in 18 minutes and the trainers are with you every step of the way to make sure you don't lose stamina. I'm never paying for SoulCycle again!

Elliptical

The elliptical is the one machine that I've always avoided. No matter how long I used it, I always got bored and never felt like I was *really* working out. The Aaptiv elliptical are different. You start off slowly and build yourself up to a big push at the end with a higher resistance. I'm glad I finally know how to utilize this machine to really enhance and diversify my workouts.

Yoga

If I've had a stressful day, I love nothing more than unwinding with a yoga class. I'm a total newbie, but Aaptiv's classes have made it so much less intimidating. Yoga is the perfect way to unwind, and a surprisingly good workout, too. It helps me loosen up my stiff muscles and recover from other strenuous workouts.

Aaptiv has changed the way I workout. There are so many different classes and music playlists that I'm able to constantly switch up my workout routine depending on my mood, or if I'm trying to make the most out of a short 15 minutes. Aaptiv is just $14.99 a month, the trainers are fun, motivating, and it really helps having someone in your ear, cheering you on all the way to the finish line.

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