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| First things first: My name is Emily Shiffer, I’m a freelance health and fitness writer and I am a gym rat. Prior to the pandemic, I was there at least five days a week. I used to love taking a class at the gym. I’d hit at least one indoor cycling class and dance cardio class a week, then sprinkle in weight-based HIIT or cardio kickboxing classes the rest of the days. I liked mixing it up. | | So at the beginning of quarantine, when it became clear that gyms wouldn't be reopening any time soon, I was asked to try the All Out Studio app and give it a review. | | I downloaded it on my phone and Apple TV, and I've also logged in on my computer. I was super excited the first time I signed in to see that the workouts were organized by intensity. I know that for me, I go into a workout based on the energy I have to give on a particular day. Some days that’s a lot, and others it’s...minimal. | | From there, the workouts were also categorized by different brands, like Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, and more. This was helpful on the days when I knew I wanted to work out with an instructor associated with a specific brand. Here are the programs I tried: | | |
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| STRONG with Betina Gozo
I tried the STRONG Upper Body Reps video and used my weights for this one, and it was about 17 minutes. I loved her attitude, and she gave really clear instructions. When I was done, I felt more toned, but not tired and was a great way to start off the week. |
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| Yoga for Runners
I chose a Runner’s World video called Yoga For Runners: Yoga for Beginners with runner and instructor Rebecca Pacheco. It was awesome and hurt a lot (but in a good way!). The full-body stretching made me feel really good (and relaxed) afterwards. |
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| | All Out HIIT
I chose the All Out HIIT: Dumbbell Total Body workout with instructor Gerren Liles. I did this after a run outside to get in some extra strength work, and I loved it. All of the videos in this particular program are only 15 minutes long, but you work hard during those 15 minutes. I was totally worn out by the end, and Liles' energy was a huge motivator. |
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| | Fit in 10
I took a midday work break and decided to do a quick 10-minute back workout from Prevention called Fit in 10: Back to Strong with instructor Larysa DiDio. This routine only required light weights (I used both 5-pound and 2-pound dumbbells), but it’s amazing how hard it still was. And I loved that it was only 10 minutes and it was a great way to break up my day. |
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| | Power Up
I chose a Cosmo workout called Power Up: Upper Body with instructor Astrid Swan. This was an 18-minute burner. I started with 5-pound dumbbells, but quickly went down to my 2-pound set because it was so tough. The workout was great for toning and high reps. I was really challenged by this video and felt it the most in my shoulders when I was done. |
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| Yoga Reset
Toward the end of the week, I decided to go lighter and went with Yoga Reset: Yoga for Good Posture with Tara Stiles. After a long day of nonstop work, it felt good to focus on my body and breathing. The goal of this yoga workout was to open up your body, which I need after hunching over a laptop all day. Once I was done, I felt way less stressed out than when I had started. |
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| More All Out HIIT
I tried the All Out HIIT: Bodyweight Lower Body video. I wanted to target my lower body but didn't feel like using any weights. Turns out, they definitely were not necessary for me to feel the burn. Surprisingly, this was the most difficult workout that I did. I sweat the most and felt the most ‘spent’ after this one, especially after the final minute of burpees. |
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| Overall, I loved the variety that was available on the app. | | There is a workout available for every mood, time allotment, and capability. Practically every workout could be done in a small space and with minimal equipment. I was really happy with every single routine I did and felt that each one was worth my time. | | After doing seven days of workouts, my body felt great. The toning and HIIT workouts I did left me sore and feeling stronger, while the yoga workouts helped me stretch out my muscles and helped me feel re-energized and centered. | | Now that I’ve tried the All Out Studio app, I’m super excited to tell my friends about it. I would 100 percent recommend it to anyone who has never done an at-home workout or to those who, like me, are struggling to find new challenges and content when it comes to their home exercise routines. | | |
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Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Men’s Health and Prevention, and is
currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness. |
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