Here’s why Obé fitness platform deserves the hype

I’m always trying a new exercise—except maybe something that hinges on agility (ahem, ballet)—so when I had the opportunity to write an Obé fitness review, I jumped at the opportunity.

Obé (pronounced “obey”) is a subscription-based digital fitness platform featuring 22 live workouts per day, with a library of over 6000 on-demand classes, ranging from Barre and Pilates to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and boxing. You can sign up for a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription – it costs $27 per month, $65 quarterly, or $199 per year. (Subscribing to the quarterly or annual plans comes with added benefits like discounts on brand partners and $20 for shopping at the Obé Store.) The platform is a favorite with celebrities like SZA, Kate Hudson, and Drew Barrymore. But apart from the endless category diversity and list of loyal listeners, what sets this platform apart is the overall experience.

To start, the set design is easy and cool. Upon logging in, you’ll immediately notice crisp white backgrounds punctuated by pastel mood lighting – a clear contrast to the dimly lit backgrounds some other digital fitness programs use (not to mention the filthy, filthy, dark gyms I’m so used to). Even exercise equipment such as chairs and yoga mats are aesthetically pleasing. There is no dust ball in sight.

Another noteworthy feature is the entertainment component. Unlike traditional virtual classes, which usually only involve an instructor wearing some sort of identical set of exercises and going through a routine against a simple backdrop, many of these classes are themed. Some also coincide with popular movie releases or premiere dates, such as West Side Story, Sex and the City or trance. Many of the coaches have backgrounds in musical theater and teach fashion classes, complete with full hair and makeup. It’s hard not to be excited when you open the app and see a file CruellaAn inspiring class where the coach apparently spent hours doing hair, makeup, and wardrobe before getting ready to teach a cardio routine.

With so much variety to choose from, I wasn’t sure where to start. The site is full of live classes, bundled programs, challenges, and on-demand practice sessions, not to mention a section of the site aptly called Getting Started, which I ignore because I suppose I like going my own way.

The first training I joined was a 28-minute low-impact class taught by Michelle B. I moved through the movements quickly – no long warm-up – which I appreciate because I love getting straight into my workouts. In the days that followed, I tried a cardio class and a sculpting exercise, and both felt just as intense as any IRL sessions I’ve done in the past (neither had an intro warm-up).

Once I got to know the pace and energy of the different exercises, I decided to sign up for a live upper body training class taught by The Stepbrothers: Calvin and Bryan. 28 minutes went by and I felt strong and accomplished—I even had a shout out during class, NBD. The live classes work just like the on-demand classes, providing opportunities for shouting. I tend to prefer on-demand lessons over live broadcasts so as not to stress about being a few minutes late. I work from home, not knowing exactly when I will have time to work out; On demand this gives me control over my schedule.

Maintaining enthusiasm for my workouts at home was a challenge for me as I often lack studio energy, which is one of the main reasons I reviewed Obé Fitness. The platform isn’t intimidating at all – and you don’t have to filter just by type of workout, thanks to the breadth of content. You can find classes for all kinds of needs, from pre- and post-natal routines to exercises designed specifically for children or the elderly. Or if you’re like me and you’re pressed for time, you can even go through the duration of your workout—28 minutes is usually the perfect spot for me, though on days when you’re lacking in energy, I’ll sculpt a 10-minute class and call it quits.

The best part, though, is that if I want to use the fitness equipment I already own, I can choose exercises that include 19 different pieces of equipment, from weights to sliders to trampolines. (I guess I need a trampoline then.) Obé also sells a Level Up Kit in case you don’t already have extra gear but want to ramp up your workouts. The package comes with two slides, two 1.5-pound hand weights, a bar ball, and two resistance bands.

With workouts at home being my thing these days, Obé is fast on top. At $27 a month, that’s less than the cost of one semester of any of the boxing, pilates, and yoga studios near me. (I get annoyed when I think about what I used to take in studio classes at Before Times. And my post-workout smoothies didn’t come cheap.)

I never know what to expect with Obé, and that keeps me coming back. I go to my computer in the morning, browse through the Live options for the day, and see what happens. There is usually something that matches my schedule and feels fresh and new; If not, there is always something new on demand that I want to try. I also appreciate that Obé lets me know what equipment is needed for the class so I can get my props ready.

I’m all about props. And if you can’t tell, I’m all about Obé.