If you enjoy working out from home then you're probably familiar with fitness apps. There are apps for weight loss, guided running apps, personal training apps, and workout apps specifically for beginners. If you search any of those terms in your app store you'll see hundreds of results and most of them are duds for one reason or another. But there are some winners, too, and in this article, we will talk about a great app: Obe.
We take pride in helping you make the best decisions about the tools you use for your health. So, in this Obe review, we're going to look beyond the branding and the hype to dig into the specifics about what works, what doesn't, equipment requirements, and who should try Obe. Keep in mind that any fitness app is only as effective as you're willing to make it. There's no magic app that will do the work for you, but if you want to set yourself up for success, read on.
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A Quick Look at Obe
Obe Fitness is a workout platform that works on mobile devices, desktop computers, and smart TVs. You'll see this goal everywhere on their website: make working out fun. Everything in the app is designed to create that environment, from the colors you see to the music you hear to the trainers leading the workouts.
The workouts are beginner friendly, but will also challenge your fitness regardless of your experience level. Keep in mind that all of Obe's workouts are guided by trainers, both live classes and on-demand videos.
SPECS
- Platform: You can use Obe on any Apple and Android devices, the website, or stream on your smart TV
- Features: Obe offers live and on-demand fitness classes
- Cost structure: $28 monthly subscription, quarterly and annual payment discounts available
Obe is unique for several reasons: The app offers up to 22 live classes every day, and there are another 10,000 or more on-demand fitness classes in a database. All classes are led by upbeat, encouraging trainers, which goes along with the bright color scheme to set the tone. With Obe, you're getting a training program that is designed to be fun.
Obe has one of the widest selections of training programs with thousands of classes including strength training, yoga, HIIT, and barre classes, plus almost everything in between. Most workouts are between 28 and 50 minutes long depending on the type of workout, so you can fit exercise into your schedule.
What We Like
- Fun, energetic trainers set the tone for your workout
- During live classes trainers will offer encouragement by name
- Partnership with Weight Watchers and Whoop gives you deals on those products
- Huge database of on-demand classes if you can't make the live ones
- There are several short training programs if you want a structured workout over the course of a few weeks
- You can gift a 30-day guest pass to a friend
What We Don't Like
- Quite a few workouts require basic equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands, which can be an investment
- Almost all of the workouts are relatively high intensity, so it may not be for you if you want low-intensity workouts or have recurring injuries
- Not compatible with health tracking apps like Apple Health
A Closer Look at Obe
What is Obe?
Obe is a workout app with a huge selection of live and on-demand classes for any fitness level. Unlike other fitness platforms that focus on guided programs, Obe offers up to 22 live classes per day. But don't worry if you can't make one work with your schedule, there is also a database of over 10,000 on-demand workouts.
One of the most unique things about Obe is the tone of the app, which is "making workouts fun." Everything about the app, from color schemes to the energy level of the trainers, tells you that Obe wants you to enjoy yourself while getting fit.
How Does Obe Work?
Obe is a subscription-based app for home fitness. The monthly membership costs $28, but you'll get discounts for paying for longer periods of time as one block. The annual plan averages $17 per month, for example.
Since you're working out at home, Obe focuses on body weight and minimal equipment workouts. If you have a set of resistance bands, a yoga mat, and some dumbbells then you have what you need for almost all of the workouts.
If you opt for a live class there are a few things you should know. Obe doesn't have class limits. There is a scheduling feature to help you stay organized, but you should not have a problem getting into a class if you just log on at the start times. In these classes the trainers will call out specific names as a way to encourage you.
The on-demand classes are in a ridiculously large database, but you can use the filters to find what you're looking for. These classes are a mixture of pre-recorded classes and a handful of recordings from Obe's live classes.
What Classes Are Offered with Obe?
Obe offers a wide range of classes in these categories:
- Dance HIIT
- Power
- Cardio Boxing
- Dance
- Barre
- Pilates
- Trampoline Fitness
- Cycling
- Strength Training
- HIIT
- Yoga
- Sculpt
Some of the classes like Sculpt are hybrid training classes that use cardio, pilates, HIIT, and others to help you lose weight and tone up. Otherwise, the categories are fairly straightforward.
Who Should Try Obe?
Obe's branding makes it seem geared toward younger women who enjoy the boutique, studio workout feel but would prefer to work out at home. That is not to say that others cannot or should not use Obe, but they seem to clearly target a specific user group.
Alternative Fitness Apps
Our Verdict
The amount of variety Obe is able to offer is impressive and means anyone can probably find a workout they enjoy, which is what Obe is trying to achieve. It does seem like they know their target group; but if you're trying to lose weight or tone your muscles and don't enjoy traditional training, definitely give Obe a try.
FAQs About Obe
Is Obe fitness good for weight loss?
Yes! Exercising and eating healthy are the must-haves for losing weight, and Obe will get you moving.
Are Obe classes really live?
Obe streams up to 22 live classes per day, but the more than 10,000 workouts in the database are on-demand.
How much does the Obe app cost?
Obe costs $27 per month with discounts if you pay quarterly ($22 per month) or annually ($17 per month)
Is Obe fitness included in Weight Watchers?
Weight Watchers and Obe have partnered to give you a lot of workouts in the WW app. A full Obe membership is not included in WW, but there are special deals if you use one or the other.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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