11 of the Best Home Workout Videos to Stream (and How to Find One You Actually Like)

Staying active has never been more convenient.

Healthy woman training at home
Photo: JLco - Julia Amaral/Getty Images

Once you know how to start working out, getting hooked is easy (especially if you enjoy the workouts you're doing!). Both general exercise and working out more formally are linked to all sorts of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, so it's clear why so many people rely on it for maintaining their mood, immune system strength, energy levels, strength and stability, and overall health.

But going to the gym isn't always feasible. A busy schedule makes shlepping to the gym a chore; group workout classes can get expensive; and not everyone likes to do burpees in a hot room with 25 strangers. And these are just a few of the factors that make a consistent, in–person fitness routine hard to sustain. Of course, taking good walks and learning how to start running are both great (free!) options to get you up and moving, but running every day can be hard on the body. Plus, extreme weather and environmental factors (like the lack of a safe route nearby) can hinder a regular walking or jogging habit.

That's where home workout videos and online fitness streaming platforms can save the day. A virtual workout video or app offers the same expert instruction, variety, and motivation as a studio class—all from the comfort of home. If you have an Apple Watch, for example, it's very easy to access workouts through Apple Fitness Plus. And thankfully most online fitness services accommodate small spaces and limited workout equipment. When you're ready to mix things up beyond your usual squats, planks, and stretches, here's how to find an at-home fitness option you actually like.

How to Choose the Best Home Workout Videos (for You)

With so many virtual exercise options available, finding the right program for your lifestyle and fitness level can seem like a challenge, but it doesn't need to be. The most important thing to keep in mind: No matter what your goals are, the best home workout videos are the ones you'll actually do.

"Any fitness app [you use] should feel like it speaks to you," says Danny Saltos, NASM-certified personal trainer and creator of the Train With Danny app. "Like walking into a fitness studio, you want to feel like you belong. If your initial reaction is overwhelmed, scared, or intimidated, it's probably not the right fit, and you should exit.

It's helpful to try a variety before you commit, especially if there's a membership fee involved. Fortunately, there's more than enough free content available on YouTube (but do a little homework to make sure your pick is a credible source for health/fitness advice), as well as free trials available with most subscription-based services. Just don't forget to cancel before the trial is over if you're not interested.

You may also benefit from investing in a few small pieces of exercise equipment—such as light weights, resistance bands, a jump rope, or yoga blocks—in order to maximize options and strengthen specific muscles and skills. At the very least, get yourself a thick, non-slip exercise mat (Bala and Alo make super-comfortable ones), which will make exercise safer and reduce stress on the body.

Below is our definitive list of the top at-home workouts available right now. Some of them are free via YouTube, while others require nominal to reasonable fees. While you might be hesitant to spend extra money when the free content exists, you may find that investing in your health and wellness may motivate you to exercise more, and many of the fee- or subscription-based services can offer perks you value, like progress tracking, a supportive (virtual) member community, access to real trainers, and more.

The Best Home Workout Videos

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Alo Moves

No matter your fitness level or workout preference, Alo Moves offers more than 3,000 different videos and has something for absolutely everyone. Say good-bye to boredom with yoga, HIIT, barre, Pilates classes, and more, right at your fingertips every day. We also love the free daily meditations. Classes range from five to 75 minutes, and are doable with or without equipment, so you can squeeze in a workout on even the busiest of days.

Enjoy a free 14-day trial, then pay $20 per month, or $199 per year, if you're hooked by the end of week two.

02 of 11

Blogilates

Blogilates has both free and paid options. The Blogilates YouTube channel has been around for over a decade and has tons of free content including daily workouts, challenges, and individual videos for abs, arms, glutes, and beyond.

Those who can't get enough can always download the Body by Blogilates app. There's a seven-day free trial as well as two membership options. The Workout pass costs $4 per month or $40 per year. There's also a new All-Access pass, which includes the Journeys program that allows users to track their progress for 90 days including photos and journal entries. It costs $7 per month or $70 for the year.

03 of 11

Balacize

The creators of Bala Bangles, the comfortable wrist and ankle weights, have also developed an entirely free app that doesn't require the purchase of any Bala products. Balacize currently has over 100 short-but-fun modules available (with more coming), so you can create and save custom "playlists." This is a great choice for anyone who likes to focus on working out specific parts of their body, use a variety of equipment, or fit in shorter workouts. With efficient sessions led by renowned trainers including Saltos and Ridge Davis along with a colorful backdrop, this app is ideal for anyone who likes to have fun while they sweat.

04 of 11

The Sculpt Society

Love to dance? Then join The Sculpt Society, created by professional dancer Megan Roup. The fun never stops on this app, which offers both live and on-demand classes. One thing that sets TSS apart is its unique offerings including pre and post-natal, beginner, injury-safe, and quickie videos. There's a free seven-day trial, and then it costs $20 per month or $180 annually to join.

05 of 11

Train With Danny

If you've ever wanted to work with a certified personal trainer without the cost, you'll love the Train With Danny app. Designed for all levels, this one is great for home exercisers and gym-goers alike. It features customizable workouts, goal-specific programs, corrective exercises, nutrition guidance, step-by-step demos, and fresh content every month. There's a free seven-day trial, then pay $15 per month or $99 per year to keep going.

06 of 11

Obé

Working out at home alone doesn't mean you need to be lonely! Obé not only provides a treasure trove of never-boring exercise classes and distinctly '80s vibe, but also a positive community of supportive members. Thanks to thousands of on-demand, instructor-led classes —plus 20 new live classes every day—this digital platform is the antidote to your usual yawn-inducing fitness routine. It offers 16 workout varieties—strength training, dance HIIT, barre, yoga, cardio boxing—you name it, and Obé probably has it. It's fabulous for beginners, anyone who needs a dash of variety, and even offers a set of kid-friendly moves for active little ones. It's free to download and try for seven days, then join for $25 monthly or $170 annually.

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Peloton App

Known for its convenient stationary spin bikes and treadmills, Peloton is also a fitness app with a wide range of workout videos for running, boot camp, yoga, and strength training—all of which you can do on your own time and in your own space. Some require no equipment and others call for a set of weights or a yoga mat (read: no Peloton Bike or Tread purchase necessary). The Peloton App is currently offering a 30-day free trial, so anyone can stream effective, motivating workout videos to their preferred device. When the trial's up, pay $13 per month for the Peloton Digital Membership.

08 of 11

Daily Burn

Long enjoyed by at-home workout enthusiasts, Daily Burn offers workout videos in any category imaginable. From intro classes to barre to yoga to kickboxing (and HIIT, of course), you can stream whatever type of workout video you prefer to your TV's streaming device, phone, tablet, or computer. Daily Burn offers trackers, goal-setting, and more to help you stay motivated, and it's offering a 30-day free trial for those interested in giving it a try.

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Yoga With Adriene

If you're looking for a convenient way to practice free yoga, turn to Yoga With Adriene, an online community and source of completely free yoga videos, created by yoga teacher and actor Adriene Mishler. Adriene's YouTube channel—a refreshingly un-intimidating place—has more than 11 million subscribers and an abundance of options: beginner-friendly videos, heart-pumping yoga flows, goal-specific challenges, and lessons on everything from finding focus and connecting to the breath, to stretching for back pain and strengthening certain muscle groups. Pick a yoga video based on your desired practice length or focus area, then let Adriene guide you through (without heading to a yoga studio and competing for a spot for your mat.)

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Centr

Led by the team behind Chris Hemsworth's (yes, that Chris Hemsworth) impressive fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness goals, Centr is a comprehensive app that offers trainer-led workout videos, healthy eating recommendations, and guided meditations to help users achieve their wellness goals. It's a solid bet for anyone looking for a workout streaming service that goes beyond just the physical. Centr is currently offering a seven-day free trial with subscriptions starting at $10 per month.

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MadFit

MadFit, the fitness-focused YouTube channel was created and hosted by Maddie Lymburner, features free workout videos in every theme: no-equipment to apartment-friendly to low-impact. Try a full-body HIIT session or target one area: Whatever your workout preference, MadFit has a heart-pumping video for you.

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