Below is a list of my favorite workout apps, streaming services, equipment, and products for home gym and hotel room workouts.
APPS AND STREAMING SERVICES:
Forma Pilates App($49.99 per month or $480 per year).: Forma Pilates has quickly become the most in-demand workout. Started by Liana Levi in her Los Angeles home, Forma soon garnered attention as the Pilates workout of choice for Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Kendall Jenner.
The Forma Pilates app has a library of over 100 videos for all levels, new videos uploaded monthly, and a combination of reformer and mat Pilates classes.
Spier Pilates ($29/month): The Spier Pilates App is for more advanced pilates reformer classes.
Pilates on Fifth ( $12.99/month): The on-demand service gives you access to various classes, including the reformer. Subscribe to this one if you like to use props.
Eastwood Fit App (Free trial / $24.99 per month): Monique Eastwood is the trainer responsible for Stanley Tucci’s biceps. She also trains Emily Blunt. The Eastwood Movement Method involves high-intensity workouts with a particular focus on technique. Monique Eastwood’s classes combine pilates and high-intensity interval training.
To get a feel for Eastwood’s method, check out the workout she hosted on IGTV.
The Eastwood App allows you to train with Monique anywhere! The app offers live and on-demand workout programs for all ages .*This is my favorite HITT workout.
KICHGO (FREE): Kit leads classes that combine cardio and Pilates-inspired sequences on her YouTube channel.
Melissa Wood Health ($9/month): Melissa Wood offers several pilates and yoga classes that don’t require weights, so you can do them anywhere and can be downloaded offline.
Nike Run Club: If you’ve been looking for a running partner that allows you to go at your own pace, tracks your progress, offers personalized coaching, this one is for you. The app is popular for a reason and is a great place to log your jog or train for a more intensive run this year. If it’s available, running with local run clubs can be fun and a way to make friends in a new community.
Gunnar Made ($99 Six Week Transformation Program): Gunnar Moldrik is Madison LeCroy’s personal trainer. I like his strength training program.
Tracy Anderson ($90/month): The Tracy Anderson Online Studio is a streaming workout service featuring weekly workouts led by Tracy Anderson or one of her trainers. The method targets and strengthens the small accessory muscles to achieve a long and lean body. The workouts focus on repetitive movements, reps, and light weights. I did this workout for a few years when the price was much lower. I also ordered her DVDs before she launched her online streaming platform.
The Mat Workout ($19) has a killer arm series. The Metamorphosis Hipcentric ($59) is a 4 DVD set that I purchased. My Mode is Tracy’s latest online workout. It’s a workout series built around a multifunctional staff, mat, disk, multi-port anchoring system, and multidimensional workout platform with custom weights and resistance bands.
Arianna Elizabeth (FREE): Start with restorative yoga.
Adriene Mishler (FREE): Start with Adriene’s 30-day yoga challenge.
Yoga With Kassandra (FREE): Vinyasa & Yin Yoga. Here you’ll find weekly yoga classes for all experience levels.
Pilates By Amanda Core Club App: ($34.99/month): Celebrity pilates instructor Amanda Kassar’s app, Core Club, features introductory to advanced matt and reformer classes.
Urban 738 Joe Komar ($30/month): Over 600 classes are now available, as well as new daily content. Joe is a popular yoga instructor in California.
The Class ($40/month): Taryn Toomey’s workout combines yoga, dance, HIIT, meditation, and psychological discovery all rolled into one.
Glo ($24/month): The online classes, taught by some of the country’s best yoga instructors, will guide you through their physically challenging but very doable yoga, pilates, and meditation classes.
The Pilates Class ($29/month): This is ideal if you do not want to use props.
Obé ($19/month): Designed with all levels in mind, Obé’s 28-minute classes will help you sweat, define, and flow with over a hundred live classes at your disposal each week. Obé also has 10-minute express classes.
Sculpt Society ($20/month): This workout combines cardio dance & sculpt classes by Megan Roup.
The Sweat App ($120/year): Kayla Itsines’ BBG (Bikini Body Guide) program consists of high-intensity, 28-minute workouts.
Carve It Fitness ($17.95/month): All classes incorporate rebounding, aka jumping/training on mini-trampolines. Rebounding provides unique health benefits and a tremendously fun and effective way to train the whole body.
AK! ($19.99/month or purchase videos individually): AK! was launched by former Obé instructors Megan Roup and Amanda Kloots. Each follows a similar formula of dance cardio with easy-to-follow choreography, strength classes, and jump rope.
Kemtai ($29/month): The Kemtai app uses A.I. to analyze your movements and provide real-time feedback about improving your form. As you exercise, Kemtai works as a virtual fitness trainer, ensuring your form is in tip-top shape. It offers a wide range of workouts, from HIIT to Pilates to strength training, and all you have to do is stand in front of your laptop to let the app register your position. You then follow the moment-by-moment instructions to get your sweat on. Try a sample workout.
Fit52 ($1/week): Carrie Underwood’s workout app was developed with her personal trainer Eve Overland. Most of the workouts last about 30 minutes and include a mix of 52 exercises. You can choose between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Peleton ($12.99/month): The Peloton app includes full-body workouts, stretching, yoga, running, and more classes you can stream. You do not need a bike or treadmill to use the app.
Ladder ($30 to $45/month): Ladder is about as close to a personal trainer at home as possible. After taking a quiz, it sets you up with a workout plan and even 1:1 coaching.
Apple Fitness Plus ($9.99/month $79.99/year: The workout categories include Treadmill Walk, Treadmill Run, HIIT, Rowing, Dance, Cycling, Yoga, Core, Strength, Pilates, Mindful Cooldown,, and Guided Meditation. Here’s a guide on using the platform with your Apple devices.
BODI formerly Beachbody on Demand($189.00/annually $19.95/month): Stream thousands of workouts plus programs like P90X, 21 Day Fix, and Sure Thing.
Most streaming services and apps offer free trials.
EQUIPMENT:
Peleton Bike ($1,495): Peleton’s indoor bicycle lets you take spinning classes at home. Peleton has world-class instructors. My favorite instructor is Matt Wilpers. Peloton also partners with hotels across the U.S.
Frame Reformer ($2,999, on pre-sale now for $2,249): The Frame Reformer is a home pilates reformer with a screen attached so you can follow along to instructor-led classes. The monthly subscription is $45/month. I have a Pilates IQ Reformer.
Ergatta ($2,199): Ergatta is a rowing machine that aims to keep you engaged with gaming-inspired workouts and races personalized to you, based on your fitness level.
CLMBR ($2,799): CLMBR is a superior full-body resistance strength and high-intensity cardio machine with connected technology in a thoughtfully crafted, space-saving design.
Fightcamp ($1,219): Flightcamp offers boxing with on-demand workouts and a responsive punching bag.
The Mirror ($1,495): The Mirror offers a wide variety of classes, like dance, boxing, and chair-based workouts.
Tonal ($2,995): Tonal is an upgraded version with resistance-based weights that automatically adjust based on your ability and goals.
Tempo ($2,495): Tempo comes in two versions that vary by size and price. There’s even a Nordic ($2,999) version with a “vault” of weights.
Tempo Move ($395): Tempo Move offers real-time feedback and turns your living space into a home gym. Requires a TV and iPhone.
BELLICON REBOUNDER MINI-TRAMPOLIN: Rebounding provides unique health benefits and a tremendously fun and effective way to train the whole body.
BLAZEPOD PRO: The light system has different training sessions for either general fitness or specific sports (i.e., soccer, basketball, etc.), which improve movement and reaction time. You can scale the system to include more lights.
PICKLEBALL SET: This set comes with a regulation net, a carrying case, four wooden paddles, four balls, two indoor balls, and two outdoor balls.
You can find used fitness equipment on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, and Next-door Free Finds.
MY FAVORITE TRAINERS ON INSTAGRAM FOR FREE WORKOUT VIDEOS:
Eve Overland (Carrie Underwood’s trainer)
Monique Eastwood (She trains Stanley Tucci & Emily Blunt)
WORKOUT ESSENTIALS:
IKEA MIRRR: The best bang for your buck for a large mirror that costs $150.
REJUVENATION SHELVES: My favorite shelves to keep everything organized.
BASKETS: I store my running shoes and fitness gear in baskets.
EXTRA THICK YOGA MAT: I prefer a thick yoga mat for pilates and yoga workouts. I purchased mine in 2016, and it still looks great. It’s also not expensive.
LULULEMON’S 7 MM YOGA MAT: This Mat has ample padding and a more durable side for strength classes.
BALA BANGLES: Bala Bangles are light weights that can be worn on wrists or ankles.
OURA RING: Oura’s smart ring is a fitness tracker you wear on a finger. The third-generation Oura ring adds SpO2 blood oxygenation readings. These are taken through the night, not during the day. If you are looking to improve your sleep habits, this is a great tool. It also is an activity tracker.
APPLE WATCH: I use the Apple Watch for running.
APPLE WATCH BAND: My favorite Apple watch band.
CHUNKS HAIR CLIPS: Chunks Hair Clips are my new favorite hair accessory. The Jumbo Claws hold a ton of hair and are super cute.
BEATS FIT PRO: These are specifically designed for running and working out and feature remarkable listening performance, an innovative wingtip design and, most importantly, a comfortable fit. I like the pink design.
P BALL: It features an inflated ball to target the inner thighs, abs, glutes, and pelvic floor muscles, designed to an exact diameter to fit between the thighs for the best results possible.
YBELLS: These are 4-in-1 pieces of exercise equipment that can replace dumbbells, kettlebells, and medicine balls.
ZIPBUDS: Zipbuds keep my earphones tangle-free.
TOWELMATE TOWEL: I love this gym towel. It has a zippered pocket to store my keys, iPhone, and earphones.
SONOS SPEAKERS: Sonos speakers work seamlessly with your favorite streaming services. The Sonos One is the perfect starter speaker for most people. It’s reasonably priced and can easily move from one room to another. It’s easy to set up using the Sonos Controller app on my iPhone. The sound quality is fantastic.
IPhone ARM BAND: A must-have item for cardio if you do not have an Apple or Garmin watch.
VORNADO FAN: This fan is so great I don’t need an air conditioner.
CLIP ON FAN: I use this small fan on my Peleton bike. Just be sure to charge it after every use.
JUMP ROPE: This is my favorite jump rope.
ZOJIRUSHI STAINLESS STEAL 16-OUNCE MUG MATTE GOLD: This mug does not spill! The locking mechanism allows me to throw it in my tote or gym bag without the fear of it leaking. It also keeps my coffee hot for hours. I also love the color. Other colors are available.
RESISTANCE BOOTY: These fabric bands stay in place.
RENPHO BODY FAT ANALYSIS SCALE: The RENPHO Bluetooth Smart Scales measures your body composition by sending a low electrical current up through one foot and reading the current with a sensor beneath the other foot. The current passes through body fat more slowly; therefore, the scale calculates the resistance to come back up with the body composition.
CORE SLIDERS: Core sliders are designed to be placed underneath feet or hands. They add a layer of difficulty to your existing bodyweight exercises.
RESISTANCE BANDS: I use these resistance brands.
SWEET SWEAT WAIST TRIMMER: This velcro-fastened belt helps you sweat more and promotes the loss of water weight. Madison LeCroy, Kylie Jenner, and others use one.
WAG (Wrist Assured Gloves): I wear WAG gloves to protect my wrists. They are designed to keep your wrists secure while allowing a full range of motion so that you can move freely and naturally. They’re also made with breathable and flexible materials that keep your hands dry and comfortable throughout the day.
WORKOUT ATTIRE:
ON RUNNING: An affordable subscription for entirely recyclable, “circular” running shoes where you send back your old shoes, and they turn them into new ones.
ASICS GEL CRAZE TR2: The perfect shoe for fitness classes and cross-training. Asics are my preferred brand of workout shoes. I love the support and overall fit of Asics.
LULULEMON FLEECE RUNNING TIGHTS: This pair from Lululemon is warm and comfortable.
LULULEMON EVERYWHERE BELT BAG: These are great for stowing your hotel room key, phone, and earphones on the way to the gym or for a walk.
APL SNEAKERS: The most comfortable and stylish sneakers.
LULULEMON ALIGN PANTS 25″: These lightweight, high-rise pants are the most comfortable workout pants I have ever worn. They are soft and stretch when you move. Lululemon products are expensive, but the fabric holds up for a long time.
ANITA SPORTS BRA: The Anita Light and Firm Sports Bra is the best sports bra EVER! It is a super-light wireless bra that offers great support and total comfort. The smooth, seamless cups provide firm support, even in larger sizes.
ASICS GT-1000 RUNNING SHOE: I like Asics’ extra support and comfort.
REI HEADBAND EAR WARMER: This headband keeps my ears warm on cold-weather runs, hikes, and holds my Airpods in snug.
THE LAUNDRESS SPORTS WASH: I use this detergent to wash my workout clothes.
SMART WOOL SOCKS: Smart wool socks are worth the extra money. The cushy feeling in my socks makes every pair of shoes feel even better.
BALEGA SOCKS: These socks feel so good on my feet. Even if you are not a runner, you will love wearing them.
SPLIT 59 ASHBY RIBBED TANKS: My favorite workout top is the super comfy Ashby Ribbed tank in several colors. I prefer long tanks to cover my leggings plus it looks more fashionable to wear a long top with workout pants.
Recovery:
BULLETPROOF CHOCOLATE DIPPED COLLAGEN BARS: These bars taste so good. They are also keto-friendly.
ICE ROLLER: I keep my ice roller in the freezer and use it in the morning to help de-puff my skin. It is also helpful to relieve dark circles.
THERAGUN MINI: TheraGun is a unique handheld device applied to the skin’s surface to boost healing and recovery. I use it after exercising and at night before I go to sleep.
TRIGGER POINT GRID FOAM ROLLER: The Trigger Point Travel GRID foam roller makes a massive difference after a workout. Use the GRID for a self-massage and roll through the tight muscles, knots, and kinks that prevent feeling good and moving well.
SAUNA SPACE: My favorite sauna for gentle, effective detoxification.
RUNNING RESOURCES:
Haruki Murakami writes, “When I’m running, I don’t have to talk to anybody, and I don’t have to listen to anybody. I keep running in my cozy, homemade void, my nostalgic silence. And this is a pretty wonderful thing.”
Follow:
@coachbennett: He’s like everyone’s motivational running dad.
@firstrun: The guy making running culture look very cool.
RUNNING CLUBS:
The Clubs: Run crews are a great way to meet people if you move to a new city. Even if you’re not a joiner, they’re fun to follow. Check out Run Dem Crew / Midnight Runners / Paris Running Club
Stroller Strides: This group is a stroller-based fitness program for parents of little ones.
RRCA: RRCA is a national organization of local running clubs.
Meetup: The site features a running specific page to find local groups.
WEBSITES:
Doctors of Running: Physical Therapists review running shoes.
BOOKS:
Born to Run: The book that started the barefoot-running craze and, perhaps more importantly, inspired legions of readers to start hitting the pavement.
Everything You Need for Cold-Weather Running, According to a Year-Round Runner: A practical guide from the experts at The Strategist that includes the invaluable tip to dress the way you would if it were 20 degrees warmer and you weren’t planning on working up a sweat.
Run Faster From the 5K to the Marathon by Brad Hudson: A great book to understand why specific training works.
NEWSLETTERS:
The NY Times Running Newsletter: Running news from athletes on the track, road, and trails. Plus, tips to help you run your best, too.
APPS:
C25K 5K Trainer: A tried-and-true training method for turning you into a runner in eight weeks.
Strava: Track, share, compare. This is the one that serious runners use.
Nike Run Club: Come for Coach Bennett’s legendary guided runs; stay for all the bells and whistles you’d expect from the swoosh. If you’ve been looking for a running partner that allows you to go at your own pace, tracks your progress, and offers personalized coaching, this one is for you. The app is famous for a reason and is a great place to log your jog or train for a more intensive run this year.
Peloton: A standalone app that does not require investing in a fancy machine. Start with speed runs from Matty Maggiacomo. The Peloton app includes full-body workouts, stretching, yoga, running, and more classes you can stream. You do not need a bike or treadmill to use the app.
CLASSES:
Mile High Run Club, a Soul Cycle-style treadmill-based fitness studio in New York.
PRODUCTS:
ELAGO AIRPODS EAR HOOKS: Elago AirPods Ear Hooks prevent Airpods from falling out.
RUNNING BELT: It’s not stylish, but it’s great for travel. I use mine to hold my hotel key, cash for an emergency, credit car, etc.
OURA RING: Oura’s smart ring is a fitness tracker you wear on a finger.The third-generation Oura ring adds SpO2 blood oxygenation readings. These are taken through the night, not during the day. If you are looking to improve your sleep habits, this is a great tool. It also is an activity tracker.
APPLE WATCH: I bought an Apple watch and added cellular to it, so I can run without my phone but still have access to music and the ability to make calls if needed.
BEATS FIT PRO: These are designed for running and working out and feature remarkable listening performance, an innovative wingtip design, and, most importantly, a comfortable fit. I like the pink design.
ZIPBUDS: Zipbuds keep my earphones tangle-free.
PHONE ARM BAND: A must-have item for cardio if you do not have an Apple or Garmin watch.
TOWELMATE TOWEL: I love this gym towel. It has a zippered pocket to store my keys, iPhone, and earphones.
RUNNING SHOES: I’ve always worn Asics Gel Sneakers. I like Asics’ extra support and comfort. A good running store can recommend sneakers that work for you, which is the first step to avoiding injury.
HOKA RUNNING SHOES: Hoka is the new king of comfort.
GARMIN RUNNING WATCH: Garmin is better for serious running. It’s easier to use, more accurate and holds a charge longer.
WORKOUT ATTIRE:
LULULEMON LIKE NEW: The program allows customers to exchange their gently-worn Lululemon apparel for gift cards. The preowned apparel is then resold, at a discounted price, on the Like New site.
LULULEMON SPEED-UP HIGH RISE 4” LINED RUNNING SHORTS: My favorite running shorts.
RUNNING SHORTS: $20 running shorts with great reviews.
LULULEMON FLEECE RUNNING TIGHTS: This pair from Lululemon is warm and comfortable.
LULULEMON ALIGN PANTS 25″: These lightweight, high-rise pants are the most comfortable workout pants I have ever worn. They are soft and stretch when you move. Lululemon products are expensive, but the fabric holds up for a long time.
ANITA SPORTS BRA: The Anita Light and Firm Sports Bra is the best sports bra EVER! It is a super-light wireless bra that offers excellent support and total comfort. The smooth, seamless cups provide firm support, even in larger sizes.
REI HEADBAND EAR WARMER: This headband keeps my ears warm on cold-weather runs, and hikes, and holds my Airpods in snugly.
THE LAUNDRESS SPORTS WASH: I use this detergent to wash my workout clothes.
SMART WOOL SOCKS: Smart wool socks are worth the extra money. The comfy feeling in my socks makes every pair of shoes feel even better and warmer during cold weather.
BALEGA SOCKS: These socks feel so good on my feet. Even if you are not a runner, you will love wearing them.
SPLIT 59 ASHBY RIBBED TANKS: My favorite workout top is the super comfy Ashby Ribbed tank in several colors. I prefer long tanks to cover my leggings; wearing a long top with workout pants looks more fashionable.
URSA MAJOR DEODORANT: I tried several natural deodorants, and Ursa Major was the most effective. It eliminates underarm odor while absorbing excess moisture and not irritates my skin.
VUORI: The Halo Performance Crop is a best-seller.
SKATIE: I like the Skatie bike shorts in a floral print
TRACKSMITH: Clothes and accessories with a vintage vibe celebrate the amateur runner and often call back to the company’s Boston (Marathon) roots.
DISTRICT VISION: The brand is known for its sunglasses.
SATSIFY RUNNING: A British brand with enough hardcore edge, it also qualifies as streetwear.
DOXA: Exactly what you imagine a running label from Denmark would be.
FEETURES: Makers of heels down the best-running sock on the block.
ATHLETICA WINTHROP GLOVE: I use this running glove to warm my hands during winter.
SATISFY: Partouche’s Parisian running brand meshes his non-track aesthetic with superior performance.
SOAR: The men’s running shorts are popular with marathon runners.
TRACKSMITH: Premium running equipment for racing, training, and all conditions
NORDA: The ultimate high-performance trail running shoe.
CIELE: Cielle sells breathable run caps and winter beanies specific for running.
SAYSKY: Makers of high-performance running gear.
RECOVERY:
BULLETPROOF CHOCOLATE DIPPED COLLAGEN BARS: These bars taste so good. They are also keto-friendly.
ICE ROLLER: I keep my ice roller in the freezer.
THERAGUN MINI: TheraGun is a unique handheld device applied to the skin’s surface to boost healing and recovery. I use it after exercising and at night before I go to sleep.
TRIGGER POINT GRID FOAM ROLLER: The Trigger Point Travel GRID foam roller makes a massive difference after a workout. Use the GRID for a self-massage and roll through the tight muscles, knots, and kinks that prevent you from feeling good and moving well.
SAUNA SPACE: My favorite sauna for gentle, effective detoxification.
EQUILIFE DAILY NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT: This is my favorite nutrition shake that tastes great. Dr. Stephen Cabral developed this daily nutrition shake. It is a vegan protein powder fortified with a wide range of activated vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, detox co-factors, and electrolytes. Travel-size packets are also sold. I use a small Nutrabullet to blend my shakes on the road.
SELF-CARE:
Everybody Loves the Sunshine Zinc Beach Balm Sun Protection: This is my favorite sun protection. Zinc oxide is an excellent option as a sunblock. It is a white, inorganic compound created from metallic zinc. Everybody Loves the Sunshine Zinc Beach Balm is ideal for travel. It’s a roll-on balm, so you don’t have to worry about the contents leaking in your luggage or beach bag. Living Libations uses a non-nano particle, uncoated, pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide. Unlike nano-particle minerals and chemical sunblocks, zinc doesn’t interfere with the health or respiration of the skin. The molecular size of zinc particles is too large to be absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and absorbs sun rays, protecting the skin.
MEDICAL PEDICURE: Medical nail technicians performing the service have been trained under a podiatrist and can detect things like nail fungus, athlete’s foot, calluses, and corns, as well as educate you on treating and preventing them at home.
LCN MYKOSEPT FOOT FOAM: Bring dry and stressed feet back to life.
MYKOSEPT PLUS: Mykosept Plus is a clear polish to help nails get back on track and on to good health.
FUNGAL FIX UV STERILIZER: Clinically proven to kill and eliminate germs, bacteria, fungi, and an odor that affects your feet.
GEHWOL NAIL OIL: Protects brittle and cracked nails.
PICKLES OINTMENT: This ointment effectively removes painful corns and calluses.
BABY FOOT: BABY FOOT is the most fantastic foot treatment. Baby Foot is an innovative foot care product that will make your feet as smooth and soft as a baby’s foot. The unique formula of 17 natural extracts allows your feet to exfoliate naturally, leaving them highly moisturized. The treatment removes unwanted dead skin cells that have built up layer after layer. So say goodbye to rough, dry, cracked soles by using a product that really works!
DR.’s REMEDY THERAPEUTIC CARESS CUTICLE OIL: I use this formula to help with dry, cracked cuticles. It can be used to prevent fungal infections from developing on the toenails.
P.S. Comment below with your favorite workout streaming service and personal trainers on Instagram or YouTube. I’ll share your favorites in an upcoming newsletter.
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