I may be new to the Peloton app, but I’m not stranger to at home workouts. In fact, I was working out at home long before Safer At Home orders made it a necessity.
First I hopped on the bandwagon with the Sweat With Kayla app about 5 years ago and instantly loved it. I’ve done several rounds of BBG and seen amazing results each time. Kayla’s workouts helped me tone up for my wedding and I even did them throughout my pregnancy! Post-pregnancy I tried the Tone It Up app, and found it to be a gentle approach to jumping back into fitness.
I’m always trying to mix up my workouts, so when my husband surprised me with a Peloton bike for Mother’s Day, I was eager to test out a new program. I’ve been using it since our bike finally arrived in July and really enjoy it so far.
My current weekly workout goals are: two workouts on the bike, one strength training or yoga class, 2 runs outside, one walk and a rest day. This week looks like this.
Scroll down to download your own copy of this weekly planner. I’m going to share it on IG stories too for some extra accountability. 😉
Now that I’ve tried three different programs, I decided to round up my list of pros and cons for each. Ultimately, all three apps are really well done. Selecting your favorite between them will come down to your preferences, workout style and goals. There really seems to be something for everyone!
PELOTON
- PROS
- Never do the same workout twice – The size of their class database is unmatched!
- Diverse range of workout types – Strength, Yoga, Cardio, Meditation, Running, Outdoor, Cycling, Stretching, Walking, and new Bootcamp.
- Keeps track of your workout history.
- Schedule live or pre-recorded classes with reminder notifications.
- Social aspect integrated to connect with other Peloton users.
- Interface is full of features and search capabilities – easy to search by length, type, or instructor (can also be a con to some).
- CONS
- Can’t use full capabilities without investing in the bike.
- Pricey compared to competitors- About $40/month
- Interface is full of features and search capabilities, can be overwhelming (but can also be a pro to some. :))
- Depending on the class, you don’t get a lot of form or safety guidance – better for someone with moderate fitness experience.
SWEAT WITH KAYLA
- PROS
- Extremely user friendly interface.
- Integrates with Apple Watch.
- Stream your own Spotify music through the app.
- Can be used at home or in a gym with equipment.
- 5 trainers and multiple programs to choose from: BBG, BBG Stronger, Post-pregnancy, Build, Lifting, PWR, Fierce, Mind & Body
- Designed for women!
- Post-Pregnancy program addresses concerns and needs specific to postpartum.
- Huge online community! You can find support using BBG hashtags and Facebook groups (founder Kayla Itsines has over 12.6 million followers on Instagram!)
- Impressive, noticeable results.
- CONS
- Price – It’s definitely more expensive now than it was when I first signed up. BUT if you’re most of the features regularly in place of a gym membership, then $20/month seems extremely reasonable.
- Nutrition plans – personally I found them to be complex and not attainable. I ignored this feature completely when I used the app!
- Workouts can get repetitive – I loved doing a full 12 week program, but you definitely start seeing the same moves popping up each workout by the end.
- All workouts are 28 minutes – most of the time that was the perfect amount of time! But sometimes I wished I could continue if I were on a roll, or sneak a quick 15 minute workout in if I were short on time.
TONE IT UP
- PROS
- Affordable – $15/month or $60/year making it the more affordable option I tried.
- Cute interface. 😉
- #TIU community is extremely kind and encouraging. Karina and Kristina have contagious positive energy.
- Tons of programs offered at different time commitments + many geared towards moms.
- Pregnancy workouts available!
- Strong emphasis on form and body placement explained through each workout.
- Great for beginners or someone easing into a fitness routine.
- Lots of simple and healthy recipe options to scroll through.
- CONS
- Lower impact workout programs compared to Peloton and SWK (only a con depending on your fitness level 🙂 )
- Workouts are also available on YouTube, which is only a con if you’re paying for an app to get access to them!
I’m curious, have you tried any of these apps? Is there another one I should try? 🙂
