Even with a slowdown in sales following the pandemic, the home fitness equipment industry is expected to experience significant growth over the next few years – from $14 billion in 2021 to nearly $22 billion by 2028 – according to data published by Research and Markets.
But not everyone can afford expensive equipment, and many don’t have room for a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical.
Therefore, streaming video fitness classes are a popular alternative, usually in the form of an app that you can access on multiple devices and often don’t require equipment. It’s also ideal for business travelers who want to exercise in their hotel room before heading out for the day.
“The portability of fitness apps that can be used on the go, anytime, anywhere adds to the appeal,” says veteran technology analyst Tim Bajarin, president of market research firm Creative Strategies based in San Jose, Calif., in an interview with USA TODAY.
“For the majority of people who don’t want to spend hard-earned money on expensive exercise equipment, these fitness software apps can help them stay in shape at a much lower cost,” adds Bajarin, who says he has added a virtual reality (VR) fitness app, Liteboxer, to her routine. “Exercise in virtual reality could be the next big frontier in fitness programs.”
Peloton is not just hardware
While home fitness giants like Peloton are merging video instructors with its exercise equipment, its popular Peloton app ($12.99/month after a 30-day free trial) can be used with or without equipment at home and is accessible on multiple devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android tablets, Fire tablets, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku or the web.
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“Connected fitness has changed the way people approach and prioritize their physical and mental health,” Peloton co-founder and chief product officer Tom Cortese said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. “Consumers now have the ability to seek out services that fit and support their lifestyles, providing convenience, accessibility and flexibility, while delivering personalized and engaging experiences.”
Membership in the Peloton app provides access to thousands of live and on-demand classes, covering multiple types of training, including indoor cycling, running, walking, boot camp, strength, yoga and outdoor audio-only classes, and organized music.
“Our app gives you the power and motivation of the Peloton experience, really, anywhere,” adds Cortese. “It’s a key product in our portfolio allowing new and existing members to benefit from thousands of high-energy classes taught by expert instructors.”
Similar to the All-Access membership for $44/month (required with Peloton gear), you can see metrics and performance tracking to keep you motivated, and you can see other members taking the same course as you.
Note: Peloton’s All-Access membership gives you access to the Peloton app at no additional cost, but not the other way around.
Apple Fitness+ on track
Launched in late 2020 during the pandemic, Apple Fitness+ ($9.99/month or $79.99/year) is an exclusive service for Apple devices that provides access to thousands of 4K video and audio workouts, led by trainers experts, five to 45 minutes each. .
Exercises include walking, running, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), weight training, yoga, Pilates, cycling, dancing, rowing and more – even guided meditation – and each with music playlists. New workouts and meditations are added weekly, Apple says.
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Supporting up to five family members per subscription, Apple Fitness+ works on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch (with custom metrics captured on your wrist). If you buy an Apple Watch, Apple Fitness+ is free for three months.
Although most classes don’t require any equipment, for some you may need items like a yoga mat, dumbbells, indoor bike, rowing machine, or treadmill. You can use any brand of equipment.
Apple Fitness+ can be found in the middle tab of the Fitness app on iPhone, while Apple Watch wearers will find Fitness+ Audio Workouts in the Workout app and Fitness+ Audio Meditations in the Mindfulness app. iPad users will need to download the Fitness app from the App Store, and it’s available on Apple TV.
Fun Fact: Peloton tweeted the day Apple announced Fitness+, “Friendly competition is in our DNA. Welcome to the world of digital fitness, Apple.
Other Video Streaming Options for Fitness Fans
From countless YouTube (and free) videos from personal trainers and fitness instructors to national fitness clubs offering virtual workouts (including Planet Fitness and GoodLife Fitness), there’s no shortage of streaming video classes to be found online. – and whatever device you rely on.
Even Roku, the popular video streaming platform, has several hundred fitness (and mindfulness) channels to watch, including both free and paid services.
Other popular choices for live and/or on-demand fitness classes include Daily Burn (Android and iOS), Nike Training Club, Obé Fitness (Android and iOS), Popsugar Fitness, Beachbody on Demand, and Fitness Blender. to name a few.
USA TODAY readers, what’s your favorite online fitness class or video workout? Share with us on Twitter including the handles @USATODAYTech and @marc_saltzman.
Follow Marc on Twitter for his “Tech Tip of the Day” posts: @marc_saltzman. Email him or subscribe to his Tech It Out podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
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