We know how tough it can be to squeeze in some time for yourself when you’ve got a busy household to manage, let alone finding time to work out. But fear not, because with the rise of online fitness programs, mums can now enjoy a variety of workout options tailored to fit around their hectic schedules.
No more commuting to the gym or worrying about childcare – you can get fit in the comfort of your home, often with just 20-30 minutes a day!
Here’s a roundup of the best online fitness programs for busy mums in Australia, with a focus on flexibility, accessibility, and effectiveness.
Plus, we’ve highlighted which ones offer free trials so you can give them a go without any commitment!
Factors to consider in choosing an online fitness program
There are so many online fitness programs to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?
Not every program is equal, some are more intense than others, some focus on cardio while others are strength-based, and also, others offer a mix of both.
So how do you find the best program for your busy needs and preferences? Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Your Fitness Goals: Different goals require unique exercises. So you need to ask yourself what your final result will be. Whether its weight loss or toning for a sporting event, the plan depends on how far away from achieving this goal.
- Your schedule: If you find that your schedule is already full, it’s best not to implement a 5-day exercise plan. The stress of doing intense workouts every week could affect both the goals and integrity on a time table for success. Make sure they’re realistic enough to follow.
- Class programs: Online workout programs offer everything from cardio and strength training to dance and yoga classes. Some people like programs integrating recipes and guided meditations, while others want messages about self-empowerment.
- Program format: Are you interested in live stream, on-demand, or pre-recorded classes? Does the group or your trainer meet that work with your schedule?
- Exercise level: Most platforms have classes that range from low intensity, beginner-level workouts, up to high-intensity exercises. Make sure any program you choose offers different types and levels so it can meet whatever fitness level is right for YOU – no matter how busy life gets.
- Trainers and fitness experts: You want a program that is well-structured and led by experienced trainers. The instructors in these classes should be inspiring. They must provide informative feedback on technique and energetic instruction. Look out for programs with experts who will guide your way through an effective workout.
- Costs, subscriptions, and pricing plans: Is there a free trial so you can see if it works for your needs? Will you be stuck with them longer than necessary because their contracts don’t allow you to cancel early? How much does monthly pricing cost and what’s included in the price?
- Progress tracking: It’s important to have metrics in place that allow you to track your progress and identify any issues with diet or exercise. This is a great way to make sure you’re on the right track and help keep pushing when things get tough.
- Nutrition or diet programs: If you want to make a transformation and get in shape, then it’s time for some nutrition guidance.
Find out if your fitness program includes nutrition, meal plans, and recipes. Getting the right training plan paired with nutrition guidelines is essential for achieving your goals. You need to know if it will provide personalised guidance and what type of diet you should follow to reach them.
Online Fitness Programs We Highly Recommend
1. Keep It Cleaner (KIC)
If you’re looking for a program that caters to all your fitness, wellness, and mindfulness needs in one place, Keep It Cleaner (KIC) is at the top of our list. Founded by Aussie influencers Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, KIC is the perfect fitness platform for mums looking for a bit of everything.
With KIC, you get access to:
- Quick, effective workouts (20-30 minutes) for all fitness levels
- Variety of exercise types like strength, HIIT, Pilates, boxing, and yoga
- Meal plans and recipes designed to support your health journey
- Meditations and mindfulness programs to help with that mum-stress
What sets KIC apart is its realness – Steph and Laura keep it fun, relatable, and flexible, which is exactly what busy mums need! Whether it’s a post-pregnancy workout or a high-intensity sweat session, they’ve got you covered. KIC also offers a 7-day free trial, so you can explore everything before deciding to subscribe.
2. Sweat with Kayla Itsines
Another homegrown Aussie favourite, Sweat is the brainchild of Kayla Itsines, a world-renowned personal trainer. Sweat is a go-to app for mums looking to build strength, tone up, or lose that baby weight, all without having to spend hours working out. Kayla’s signature BBG (Bikini Body Guide) program offers 28-minute workouts that can be done at home with minimal equipment, making it ideal for busy mums.
The Sweat app also includes:
- Post-pregnancy programs
- High-intensity strength and cardio workouts
- Flexibility and mobility routines
- Meal plans to complement your workouts
What’s great is that Sweat offers a 7-day free trial, so you can test out the program and see if it fits your needs before committing.
3. Centr by Chris Hemsworth
If you want to train like Thor, but don’t have time for two-hour gym sessions, Centr is a fantastic option. Created by Chris Hemsworth and his team of experts, this app offers a wide variety of workouts that you can tailor to your fitness goals, whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve your overall wellbeing.
Centr features:
- A mix of HIIT, boxing, strength training, yoga, and Pilates
- 20-40 minute workouts that can be done at home
- Daily meal plans with customisable recipes
- Mindfulness and stress-management tools
Mums can enjoy the flexibility of fitting in workouts whenever they have a spare moment – no matter how short! Centr offers a 7-day free trial, so you can try out its Hollywood-grade training and nutrition advice risk-free.
4. Peloton Digital
Peloton might be best known for its fancy exercise bikes, but their Peloton Digital app offers a massive range of workout classes that don’t require any equipment – perfect for mums on the go. The app includes everything from strength training to running, yoga, and even meditation.
What Peloton offers:
- Live and on-demand classes with world-class instructors
- A huge variety of workouts, from 10-minute strength sessions to hour-long cycling classes
- Beginner to advanced levels to accommodate all fitness abilities
Peloton Digital is ideal for mums who like variety and want the flexibility to choose between quick workouts or longer sessions when time allows. You can test it out with a 30-day free trial, one of the most generous offers in the fitness app world.
5. FIIT
Looking for a fitness app that brings the energy of a studio class to your living room? FIIT is a fantastic choice for busy mums who love the idea of joining live, interactive classes without needing to leave home. Whether you’re squeezing in a 10-minute cardio blast or a 30-minute Pilates class, FIIT makes it fun and motivating.
Features include:
- On-demand and live classes ranging from 10 to 40 minutes
- Strength, cardio, yoga, and Pilates options
- A leaderboard system to keep you motivated during live classes
- Progress tracking and challenges
FIIT offers a 14-day free trial, so you can experience the energy and variety of their classes before signing up.
6. Body By Simone
If you’re after something a bit more dance-inspired, then Body By Simone is a great option. Founded by celebrity trainer Simone De La Rue, this program incorporates dance, cardio, and strength training, perfect for mums who love to move and shake it off after a busy day of parenting.
Here’s what you get:
- Dance cardio workouts for a fun, energetic burn
- Strength training sessions to build lean muscle
- Pre- and post-natal programs
- Access to live classes
Body By Simone offers a 7-day free trial, so you can get a feel for the fun, high-energy workouts before subscribing.
Finding time for fitness as a busy mum can feel impossible, but with these online programs, fitting in a workout has never been easier. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick session during nap time or need a stress-busting yoga class after a long day, there’s an app for you!
Why not take advantage of the free trials, find a program that works for you, and start working on your health and fitness without the added stress of getting to the gym? Every step counts, and these programs are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life – because you deserve some ‘me time’ too!
What are you waiting for? Get moving and start your fitness journey today!
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