Top 5: Fitness at Home – Instructors & Studios

Moving my body is one of my favorite ways to feel healthy — mentally and physically. And group fitness classes are my usual go-to. Not only for the benefits of exercise and movement, but for the connection I get from socializing with my instructors and fellow students.

But as we’re all social distancing, studios are closing. Which means our favorite small businesses aren’t making money and their instructors aren’t getting paid.

So people are getting creative. Studio owners and instructors know that their students want to stay healthy and strong, so they’re moving classes online.

Here are 5 instructors and 5 studios in Greater Boston who’ve moved quickly to start offering online classes. Let's keep supporting local, small businesses — and get a great workout while we're at it.

Did I miss one of your favorite local instructors or studios with a digital offering? Add them in the comments below.

Instructors on the Internet

1. Kara Duval Pilates - Pilates & Functional Movement - Choose What You Pay

Kara is teaching 3-4 classes a week on IG TV. Depending on the day, you can join for Mat Pilates, Kara’s signature class The Foundation, or a mix of both. Class is held live, and once it’s over, it lives on Kara’s Instagram for 24 hours.

For her schedule, follow Kara on Instagram at @karaduvalpilates.

Classes are free but if you want to contribute (if you can, please do!), Venmo Kara however much you’re able. $5, $10, $15 — whatever.

2. Meagan Fitzgerald Thrive Body Project - Pilates & Barre Fusion - $10

Join Meg on your lunch break each Tuesday at 12 pm for a fusion-style mat workout. You can expect to sweat, laugh, and get in some much needed cardio — all through Zoom, so Meg can see you and you can see and connect with other attendees.

Sign up for class on Meg’s website and be sure to follow her on Instagram at @megfitz.gerald for announcements.

Class is $10 and 25% of proceeds will go to Project Bread.

3. Jennifer Phelan Pilates - Family Fitness - Choose What You Pay

Fun for the whole fam — right on Instagram. Jen is teaching themed family classes with her two kiddos. Sunday was Frozen II. Monday was Moana.

To find out what’s next, follow her on Instagram at @jppilates1.

Jen suggests a $5 contribution through Venmo, but class is free if you need it to be.

4. Sweat with Lauren Hefez - General Fitness - Free to $28

Lauren has a YouTube channel packed with hundreds of workout videos. From full body sculpting to cardio to arms, legs, core, and everything in between (even ankles), you can find videos ranging in length from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. You can also sign up for a month-long workout program on her website. Lauren has a whoooooole lot of energy to keep you motivated at home.

Follow Lauren on YouTube for classes or sign up for a program on her website.

Classes on Lauren’s YouTube channel are free, and for $12 you can snag her 28-Day Movement Plan on her website.

5. Kick It By Eliza - Interval Training - Free to $14.99/month

Kick It By Eliza is a 13-round kickboxing and music-driven group fitness method. The class mixes high intensity interval training with kickboxing, boxing, rhythmic components, and a meditative cool down. All levels are welcome.

Try it for free on Popsugar or get the NEOU app for Kick It With Eliza classes and more for $14.99 a month. Eliza will also be announcing other virtual offerings through Instagram this week, so follow her at @kickitbyeliza to learn more.

Kick It By Eliza is available via the NEOU app for $14.99/month.

Studios Going Digital

Asana is offering a condensed version of their normal schedule via Zoom. With a variety of teachers and classes — from vinyasa to slow flow to barre to meditation — it’s a great one-stop shop for all your at-home fitness needs.

View the full schedule and register through their virtual studio.

Try it free on Monday, 3/16. Starting 3/17 non-members can participate in streamed classes by purchasing a 2 week virtual membership for $75.

2. Kripalu Yoga Center - Yoga & Meditation - Free

Kripalu is offering an abundance of free yoga and meditation classes for a variety of levels through their online classroom. There are meditations for easing anxiety and reducing stress, yoga classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced, and guided breath exercises.

Browse the selection on Kripalu Video.

All offerings are free on the Kripalu Video YouTube channel.

3. Boston Yoga Union - Yoga - $15 per class

Boston Yoga Union is offering a variety of classes every day – held live through an interactive two-way video livestream. Class times and teachers vary, so you’ll surely be able to find something that fits your schedule.

View the schedule and register for class at Boston Yoga Union.

4. Yoga Club Boston - Yoga - $16 a month

Boston-based yoga teachers Caitlyn Visconte and Renee Leblan run an online yoga studio that’s always fully digital. Pre-recorded classes range from 20-60 minutes and cover a wide range of postures and focuses. Plus, they’re adding new videos weekly.

Sign up at Yoga Club Boston.

Memberships are available for $16 a month with no commitment or cancellation fee.

5. RunKeeper - Running - Free

While not technically a studio, Boston-based RunKeeper is an app that helps people get outdoors and stick with running. You can track workouts, set goals, follow a plan, and see progress — whether you’re a seasoned runner or social distancing is encouraging you to lace up for the first time.

Download the RunKeep app for iPhone and Andriod.

The RunKeeper app is free to download.