Even with a post-pandemic sales slump, the home fitness equipment industry is expected to see significant growth in the coming years — from $14 billion in 2021 to nearly $22 billion by 2028, according to data released by Research and Markets.
But not everyone can afford expensive equipment, and many don’t have room for a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical trainer.
That’s why 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 any equipment. This is also ideal for business travelers who might want to exercise in their hotel room before setting out for the day.
“The portability of fitness apps that can be used on the go, anytime, anywhere adds to its appeal,” said Tim Bajarin, a veteran technology analyst and chairman of San Jose, Calif.-based market research firm Creative Strategies, 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 fit at a much lower cost,” adds Bajarin, who says he’s added virtual reality ( VR) fitness app Liteboxer to his routine. “Training in VR could be the next big frontier in fitness programs.”
Peloton isn’t just hardware
As home fitness giants like Peloton merge video trainers with its exercise equipment, its popular Peloton app ($12.99/month after 30-day free trial) can be used with or without at-home hardware 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 transformed the way people approach and prioritize their physical and mental health,” said Tom Cortese, Peloton’s co-founder and chief product officer, in a statement provided to USA TODAY. “Consumers now have the opportunity to seek services that fit and support their lifestyles by offering convenience, accessibility and flexibility while providing personalized and engaging experiences.”
Peloton App Membership provides access to thousands of live and on-demand classes covering various workout types including indoor cycling, running, walking, boot camp, strength, yoga, and outdoor audio-only classes as well curated music.
“Our app gives you the power and motivation of the Peloton experience, anywhere, really,” adds Cortese. “It is a key product in our portfolio, allowing new and existing members to benefit from thousands of high-energy classes taught by experienced instructors.”
Similar to the $44/month All-Access Membership (required for Peloton gear), you can see metrics and performance tracking to keep you motivated, and you can see how other members are taking the same course as you.
Note: The Peloton All Access Membership gives you access to the Peloton app at no extra charge, but not the other way around.
Apple Fitness+ on course for success
Launched in late 2020 during the pandemic, Apple Fitness+ ($9.99/month or $79.99/year) is an exclusive service for Apple devices that offers access to thousands of 4K video and audio workouts that are led by experienced trainers, from five to 45 minutes each.
Exercises include walking, running, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), strength training, yoga, Pilates, biking, dancing, rowing and more – even guided meditation – and each with music playlists. New workouts and meditations are being added every week, Apple says.
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Apple Fitness+ supports up to five family members per subscription and works on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch (with personalized metrics captured from your wrist). Apple Fitness+ is free for three months with the purchase of an Apple Watch.
While most classes don’t require any equipment, some may require items like a yoga mat, free weights, an indoor cycling bike, a rowing machine, or a treadmill. You can use devices of any brand.
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 must download the fitness app from the App Store and it is available on Apple TV.
Fun fact: Peloton tweeted On the day Apple announced Fitness+, “friendly competition is in our DNA. Welcome to the world of digital fitness, Apple.”
More video streaming options for fitness fans
From countless (and free) YouTube videos of personal trainers and fitness instructors to national fitness clubs that offer virtual workouts (including Planet Fitness and GoodLife Fitness), there’s no shortage of streaming video classes to find online — and on which 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 live and/or on-demand fitness class offerings 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 it with us on Twitter by pasting 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.
