One pandemic bummer (among many) is the inability to go to the gym. Even when gyms open, I don’t know how we’re all going to feel about going back while the Covid is still an issue.
So what to do? If you are a runner – that’s easy – just go running. But, if you like to partake in resistance training or take classes, not having a gym to go to sucks.
Fortunately, there are some pretty great apps out there with some good workout programs that require little or no equipment. Below are some of my favorites:
1. Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute 7 Minute Workout App
What it is: A library full of interval workouts of varying length and intensity (they aren’t all just 7 minutes!).
What you need: your own body weight and a chair
Cost: Free
I’ve used these workouts a lot over the years – primarily when traveling. They really get you in shape and also offer a fair amount of resistance training using just bodyweight.
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/j-j-official-7-minute-workout/id784797900
2. All Out Studio App
What it is: A collection of many different types of workout program videos all within one app from the publisher of Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Runner’s World. Workout programs range from yoga to super intense HIIT workouts like Anarchy and Metashred. I used the “Kettlehell” program for six weeks and then “6-Week Sweat Off.” Kettlehell required just one kettlebell while the 6-Week Sweat Off required two sets of dumbbells. Killer workouts!
What You Need: It varies by program. Some are bodyweight only while others require a kettlebell, dumbells, resistance bands or a weight bench. You definitely don’t need a full gym set up for any of them.
Cost: $14.99/month
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/all-out-studio/id1464002763
3. Daily Burn
What it is: This app is similar to the All Out Studio described above – it provides many different exercise programs, including yoga, total body strength, and cardio classes. Like All Out Studio, you follow along with trainers on videos. The workout I’ve been doing from Daily Burn is called “Live to Fail” and all it requires is a box (or chair) and two sets of dumbells. The concept is to use light weights but lift to failure. It’s brutal!
What You Need: It varies by program. Some are bodyweight only while others require a kettlebell, dumbells, resistance bands or a weight bench. You definitely don’t need a full gym set up for any of them.
Cost: $14.95/month
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/at-home-workouts-by-daily-burn/id472322122
4. Others
Ones that I haven’t tried but have good reviews include:
- Beach Body on Demand which includes the popular progams P90X, PiYo, 21-Day Fix, and Insanity.
- Aaptiv – audio only classes for use on cardio machines or outside running
- Asana Rebel: I LOVE this app, but I’ve only used it for their yoga videos. They also have HIIT workouts and guided meditation
- Peloton: You don’t need to own a Peloton bike or other equipment to benefit from Peloton’s suite of guided workouts!
Nike Training Plus is a free app that is also excellent! It has a variety of everything from body weight, yoga, cardio, endurance, etc