Fitness Apps I Use…

I get questions daily on instagram asking my opinion over which apps to use or my opinions on each one, since I use a few different ones and actively post my workout routines for the day.  I quit my gym membership and haven’t looked back once!  Not only does this save me time (and gas mileage), but it also saves me money!  So here’s the 4-1-1 on each app and how I use them!

This is my top pick for most people who ask me!  ALL the workouts are about 28 minutes long and I get the same results I used to get working out at an hour long class at the gym.  Another huge perk is that there are new LIVE workouts (from their studio in NYC) every single day!  They run from very early in the AM til around lunchtime so you can hop on to any of those and possibly hear your name get a shoutout too which is always fun.  If you workout at night or can’t catch your favorite trainer at the time frame you want to, you can likely get the class on Replay.  Replay also offers some libraries of specialty workouts like : Prenatal, Postnatal, Low Impact, etc.  And another great thing they have is Express which is 10 min workouts.  So sometimes I’ll tack one of these onto another workout or use the Foam Rolling/Stretching Express videos on a rest day.

They were generous enough to give me the code “HEARTFELT” so you can save 30% off your first month!  Tip : If you decide you love it after that, I recommend doing the year membership (this is what I did once I did my trial), because then you get the membership for $199 for the year which is 40% off!

Class Types I use :

Define : Sculpt //  This is a super interesting class because you truly get it all : cardio, pilates, a little barre even!  It is very low impact, yet makes my body feel worked, lean, and strong afterward.  My favorite trainer for this was Megan, who is no longer doing live classes but has 80 videos on replays. I also enjoy Mary – she’s skilled in pilates particularly and has a great attitude, Madelaine – whose style I find most similar to Megan’s, and I love to use Kathryn on her Soulful Sunday class where she has a little heart-filled chat with you the entire time.

Define : Strength // A great strength training option for everyone!  I find this to be one of the most well-rounded classes. After taking Strength I do not feel overworked to the point of fatigue, but rather just challenged enough that I have a big spike in energy and endorphins.  You must try out a class with Walter because his energy will have you beaming and his commentary will literately make you laugh out loud!  I do the class the most with Kat E. because she is such a gifted teacher at explaining each move and also has Prenatal options for this one!

Define : Power // I find all I need for strength training in this one!  You use heavier weights, doing less + more concentrated reps, and the heart rate gets UP using the bigger muscle groups.  I use Tiffani & Kat E.

Sweat : Dance // My dancing has improved so much from this class.  I’m truly horrible at cardio, ok…so I have to basically do it while I’m not aware I’m doing it (forget a treadmill – I feel like a hamster on a wheel!)  I have a ton of fun and find myself smiling during these classes.  It will make you feel carefree and like a kid again! I sadly haven’t been able to the full classes since I hit my second trimester because I carry so low that jumping jacks/bouncing while carrying my 3^rd kiddo just aren’t working for me.  But I’ll be eager to get back to it once my body is ready!  Trainers I like : Amanda K, Megan via replay, and Madelaine.

Sweat : HIIT // This class is awesome!! I’m not a huge believer in doing extended hours/time slots of HIIT but I think High Intensity Interval Training a couple times a week is great.  For this class, I’ve used Melody & Tiffani (who are the most fast-paced), Mary, and Kat E.F

I joined Tone it Up several years ago and did the full membership which gives me access to nutrition plans, challenges, and more.  When you sign up, you get access to every past challenge/plan released and ALL the future ones included with your membership.  Truly amazing! They have since launched an app with a database of classes (I think it was about $80 a year or $14/mth). 

If you are wanting something that will include a nutrition plan AND exercise, this may be the best choice for you!

The community that I plug into the most is via Instagram.  I’ve connected to other TIU mamas and women in the community and it is truly a positive group of girls.  The actual app offers the 5 daily moves (this is 5 moves you do 15 reps of 3x through) every single day for free.  So you can download the app just for those if you wanted!  They’re not in video form, so I like to do them when I want to listen to a podcast or something in the AM.  If you want access to the video library and newly released workouts, then you’ll need the full membership.  They have the workouts sectioned off by category : HIIT, arms, prenatal, barre, cardio, etc and you can also use a search feature.  I like this app for workouts while traveling because they have classes where you can use a booty/resistance band which is an easy thing to pack in your travel bag.

Here’s where I get super honest.  I quit TIU for over a year.  The workouts were getting too long and intensive for my body.  The reps on the 5 DMs went up and even though it was slotted to take 15 minutes, it would take me close to 30 ON TOP of the other workout recommended for the day.  I also added up the calories on the recommended eating plan and was concerned as it was around 300-500 less than what I needed.  I lost weight, felt hungry/irritable, and was spending too much time exercising per day in a time where my adrenals were already fatigued.  Their nutrition plan offers healthy calorie add-ons and I wasn’t using them, but I plan to do this upcoming summer challenge, and I will be adding in those calories!  So that’s my little caveat here : make sure you are getting the calories that are right for you and your activity level (this goes for ANY nutrition plan you follow!)

One of the 2 creators of Tone it Up, Katrina, has since had a baby and I really felt a shift happen.  She has been incredibly brave with her choice to share transparently the transitions of her prenatal and postnatal journey, which has earned my utmost respect!  I also have felt it return to a more balanced workout with many options availble. They recommend getting in 4 days a week (offering you 7 workouts through the suggested schedule) and majority of  the workouts on the app are often 15-20 minutes or so.  I’ve been happy to return to TIU again, in a space that feels more balanced, extensive in it’s reach, and realistic in it’s approach.

I tell everyone who asks me, if you love yoga…you MUST get this app.  It is $20 a month and I swear I’d pay $50 (just kidding, please don’t take the price up, peloton ;)).   Years ago I left the doctor with unusual symptoms of stress and a written script for yoga and meditation (kudos to this doctor!)  I have been practicing on and off ever since…but a lot more ON since I’ve been working to add calming rhythms and intentional movement into my life.

You should feel better after a workout – not more on edge or stressed – and after a good yoga session I consistently feel like the best version of myself.  It is a deep sigh for my soul.

The whole reason I joined was because Kristin McGee told me she had come on as a trainer and I was so happy because I’ve been practicing with her for what feels like almost a decade and now I get to feel like I’m in studio with her on a regular basis!  They have classes for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.  I practice all 3 and love them all for different reasons.  Each trainer creates their own playlists for the class and I love flowing to music!

The other trainers I use on the app are Aditi and Anna and they are both fantastic as well!  Peloton Yoga will even do themed classes from time to time which is so fun!

As for the meditation, I often do these before bed and in carline.  I usually do a 10 minute class and I’ve got to say, they are better than any apps or other forms I’ve tried.  I think yoga instructors really understand the deep importance of breath and how it connects us to everything and calms the nervous system, so these meditations will have you utilizing this powerful tool you always have access to right within your own body.

I hope this has been helpful to give you an overview.  If you have additional questions, you can always contact me via Instagram or the contact form on here!