New Year, New Me: The rise of at-home workouts

2020 was the year people adapted to the at-home everything: work meetings and classes through Zoom, family dinners on FaceTime, and workouts over Skype.

As the world continues to adapt to an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no doubt 2021 will continue to embrace the virtual alternatives to various aspects of our lives—including fitness. The rise of at-home workouts continues to soar, below are some of the industry leaders today.

Apple Fitness+

Cost: $12.99 (CAD) per month or $99.99 (CAD) per year;
Fitness+ can be shared among up to six family members for the same price

The tech giant has made massive strides in the services, with the launch of Apple One subscription that bundles many of their favourites from Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and Apple Fitness+. These are available on their own, too, but are optimized to work with the Apple ecosystem—something the company has for a long time owned as their competitive advantage. Now, the launch of Apple Fitness+ aims to help users workout from home, inclusively.

Users of Apple Watch are already familiar with the obsession of “closing the rings”—hitting your move, stand, and exercise goals for the day. The company has partnered with the world’s top fitness trainers with deep integration of Apple Music, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, to enable people to access “studio-style workouts” anytime and anywhere. Intelligently, securely, and with privacy in mind, Apple Fitness+ integrates data through Apple Watch and iPhone to create a personalized experience, daily routine, and a connection to talented trainers to match every fitness level, activity, and environment.

Apple Fitness+ currently offers 10 different workouts from High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown. Users can build on how they love to move, and layer on new activities to enhance their fitness experience. Coupled with Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ competes well with other services that require costly home gym equipment.

Peloton

Cost: From $2,495 (CAD) + $50/month membership

A dark horse in the game of home fitness, Peloton has for a long time been a gold standard for creating a strong community online, through a connected indoor spin cycle.

In Canada, Peloton’s Bike, connected by Wi-Fi and a smart display, is in thousands of homes, beloved by families for the social experience, strong trainers like Cody Rigsby, has now expanded to Bike+ (a larger touchscreen, enhanced audio, and Apple GymKit integration) and Tread (a smart treadmill).

The brand has excelled in its marketing game, fostering a loyal community and propelling the at-home fitness industry. Its membership program has expanded from just spin and yoga classes to other classes you can take from cardio to strength training workouts on your smart TV through a downloadable app. You can also take running classes using their mobile app.

The bike starts at $2,495, increasing for Bike+ and Tread, alongside a pricey monthly membership, but if you commit to the ecosystem and make use of their wide variety of classes, this can be a very strong workout solution at home.

Lululemon Online Classes

Cost: FREE

If you’re a yoga lover, Lululemon has posted some very strong workout videos online that you can follow, for free!

15-Minute Full Body Workout

Jumpstart your day with this short, active workout. These bodyweight exercises will fill you full of energy, and you can do it from the comfort of home. Instructed by lululemon store ambassador, Jordan Bowers.

25-Minute Stretch & Strengthen Workout

Get ready to take on the day. This invigorating stretch-based workout strengthens your body and mind with a series of fluid movements. Instructed by lululemon legacy store ambassador, Aaron De Jong.

35-Minute Core & Kettlebell Workout

Try this fun workout at home. It’s designed to help you build up a sweat and make you feel powerful, with or without kettlebells. Instructed by lululemon legacy store ambassador, Leonel Franco.

45-Minute Bodyweight Workout

A great workout with all fitness levels in mind, this routine combines HIIT and LIIT bodyweight exercises and a five-minute stretch session. Instructed by lululemon legacy ambassador, Leonel Franco.

Support local!

Last, but certainly not least, support your local gyms. Many have pivoted their operations online and are now offering virtual classes.

Give them a call, check them out on social media, and see what’s being hosted on a weekly basis and keep them in business. Cities across Canada are home to unique fitness offerings from boxing to dance, so make sure to help them out and keep moving from the comfort of your own living room.

What recommendations do you have? Leave them in the comments below!