Across the world, we all partaking in some social distance due to the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Recreational centers, fitness franchises, and fitness classes are being canceled, leaving their patrons and clients without structure to keep up on their fitness goals. Just because the gym is closed doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be active- enter free workout apps.
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your immune system strong to combat illnesses and keep your body healthy. Exercise is also the top method to decrease stress and anxiety levels, which is needed during these stressful times. Please note to keep exercise lower intensity – recent studies have shown that there are physiological changes in the immune system as a response to exercise. During moderate exercise, immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses.
Thanks to technology, there are several means to continue having a workout routine and structure from the comfort of our own homes. Health Fitness Revolution has found a list of companies offering free workout apps during this Coronavirus pandemic to keep people healthy and fit, remotely:
Nike
The fitness giant dropped the subscription fee for its NTC Premium service that provides streaming workout videos, training programs and expert tips from trainers, the sportswear giant announced in a blog post which said: “At Nike, our world is sport, but sport is not our whole world. We’re evolving as the world evolves and we want to help you stay healthy and active with your fellow teammates because now, more than ever, it’s one of the most important things for all of us. We’re all playing as one team, so starting today and until further notice, we’re giving free access to NTC Premium to all Nike Members.”
NTC Premium includes its Nike App, the Nike Running Club (NRC) app, the Nike Training Club (NTC) app, social channels, nike.com and its “Trained” podcast. There is a library of more than 185 workouts ranging in duration from 15 to 60 minutes. The workouts include bodyweight-only sessions, yoga classes, targeted training programs and full-equipment workouts for all fitness levels. On March 23, Nike added content about mindset, movement, nutrition, recovery and sleep to its social media channels, website and Nike App, per the announcement.
You can download the Nike Training Club app on the App Store to get started.
Peloton
The Peloton trial, which doesn’t require people to own a Peloton-branded treadmill or bike, lets people try cycling, yoga, meditation, stretching, strength training, and other classes. Peloton’s unique model is its streamed live, group classes that people can take part in without leaving their homes.
One note: Peloton does ask for your card details if you sign up for the 90-day trial via the web, and you’ll be charged if you forget to cancel once that period is up, though the company does not ask for your card details if the trial is activated through the App Store, GooglePlay or FireTV devices.
You can download the Peloton app on the App Store to get started.
Variis (Equinox)
The company that owns Equinox gyms and Soulcycle is launching an app soon, and is offering free trial content on their Instagram IGTV. According to their website, you can cycle, run, train, and more with iconic instructors—on demand. Master your workouts with the masters themselves. Wherever you move, we move with you. Smooth. Soulful. Sleek. Courses offered: Precision Run, SoulCycle, Pure Yoga, Myodetox, HeadStrong, Equinox.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is encouraging people to remain active at home during the coronavirus pandemic through a series of live workouts. The classes will be streamed live on Facebook every day starting today at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. They’ll be free for everyone:
Their official post said: “Exercise can reduce stress, help you stay healthy, and keep you feeling great. So, we’re offering FREE in-home workouts, live-streamed daily, for all Planet Fitness members and non-members alike. Workouts will be led by our trainers and surprise celebrity guests.”
The Planet Fitness app for iOS also offers hundreds of workouts that can be done from anywhere. These workouts are free for members and non-members. Download the Planet Fitness app on the App Store.
Down Dog
Down Dog makes a handful of popular fitness services for iPhone and iPad, including apps for Yoga, HIIT, and more. To help people stay active and engaged during the coronavirus outbreak, Down Dog is making all of its apps — Yoga, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout — free.
Due to the current outbreak, many people are avoiding gathering in large groups, including at yoga studios and other fitness spaces. We believe that stressful times like these are precisely when people need wellness practices the most, and we are committed to doing our part to help out.
You can download the collection of Down Dog apps on the App Store. The apps will be free until April.
Fhitting Room
Fhitting Room is a high-intensity training studio that is offering virtual workouts to encourage people to remain active while social distancing. They are offering 30 days of complimentary live classes on their new Fhitting Room On Demand app.
Their official post said: “For many of you, getting your FHIX is an important part of your wellness routine, and working out has incredible immune benefits. Fhitting Room will announce new ways to stay FHIT with your favorite FHITpros over the coming days. Yes, virtual live classes are in the works! In the meantime, we are offering 30 days of complimentary Fhitting Room On Demand.
Beachbody
Beachbody is one of the largest streaming fitness companies. They are most known for their popular workouts such as their P90X series and Insanity. They are offering all of their fitness programs for free for 14 days due to the coronavirus outbreak. These workouts are great because they don’t require you to have a lot of open space or equipment. To take advantage of this promotion, just download their Beachbody On Demand app from the app store.
They do require card details to start the trial, so be sure to cancel within the 14 day period if you don’t want to be charged for the following month.
Daily Burn
Daily Burn is known for its live-stream fitness classes. They offer workouts from beginner levels to advanced. They also have running, yoga, and HIIT workout videos to follow along to. They are extending their original 30-day trial to a full 60 days to encourage everyone to keep up their healthy habits and continue working to reach their health goals. You can take advantage of this offer by downloading their Daily Burn app from the app store.
Their biggest advertisement is the ease to have group workouts or 1-on-1 training on your own schedule. You will be able to enter in details about yourself on the app and they will recommend programs that are tailored to your level and goals. They will also include a schedule of workout videos to follow, nutrition plans, and will even schedule your rest days.
CARROT Fit
From the creators of the snarky CARROT Weather app, then CARROT Fit might be a fun fit for you. The app features a collection of 7—minute workouts that are described as “punishing.”
The description: “CARROT is a sadistic AI construct with one simple goal: to transform your flabby carcass into a Grade A specimen of the human race. She will do whatever it takes – including threatening, inspiring, ridiculing, and bribing you – to make this happen.”
CARROT Fit is available on the App Store as a free download, compared to its normal price of $4.99. The app will be free for the next two weeks.
BONUS (not workout apps but still healthy):
Headspace free for medical professionals
The most popular mindfulness and guided meditation app Headspace is going free for US healthcare professionals, who work in public health settings, through the end of this year:
Their official statement reads: “What’s going on right now is a challenge for everyone. But you, our healthcare professionals, are particularly overburdened. Headspace wants to be here for you and support you as best we can. Helping you be kind to yourself, and your own health, during this difficult time.”
If you’re a healthcare professional, you can follow the instructions on how to redeem your subscription on the Headspace website. Everyone else can download the Headspace app on the App Store for free with in-app subscriptions.
Sling TV
Sling TV is offering free access to a variety of news channels during the COVID-19 outbreak:
Their website states: “Our goal is to provide Americans with free access to news and entertainment. That’s why SLING TV is providing channels like ABC News Live, plus thousands of shows and movies for the whole family, with no paid SLING TV account required.”
You can sign up and get started on Sling’s website.
