I Tried obé Fitness for the First Time—Here's My Honest Review
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Pros:
$25/month subscription includes accessories like resistance bands, sliders, and hand weights
Easy to cast on larger devices
Features live classes, plus a library of individual workouts and complete fitness programs
Classes can be downloaded for offline use
Cons:
Vibrant, bright aesthetic may be off-putting to some
Limiting for advanced athletes or weight lifters
“Strive for five.” That's the motto fitness platform obé Fitness stands by, aiming for its users to move their bodies in at least five of its classes per week for optimal results. Obé—short for Our Body Electric—offers on-demand classes at all levels, which comes in handy when you don't feel like hoofing it to the gym or trying to squeeze in a workout with limited time.
Heightened by the effects of the pandemic, there are plenty of streaming options available when it comes to at-home workouts, but obé's singular brand of cheery, lighthearted fitness and supreme versatility helps the program stand out from the pack. For an inside look at why obé has continued to gain momentum in the health and wellness space, I tested the platform over the course of a few months—here's my honest review.
How does obé Fitness work?
After signing up for either an annual or monthly subscription, members can take their fitness journeys into their own hands by choosing classes à la carte or following a three-, four-, or six-week curated training program.
Who has access to obé Fitness?
Obé is currently available only to residents of the United States and Canada.
Which classes are available to stream?
With 15 various class types and more than 8,000 different workouts available, I find it easier than expected to reach my weekly five-class goal, even if I decide to just engage over the course of a weekend. From themed classes to cardio boxing, Pilates, yoga, high-intensity training, barre, and cycling, obé has a little something for every type of fitness obsessee.
If you're a new mom or recently had a baby, the platform also features pre- and postnatal hubs to build your strength and fortify your pelvic floor. You'll also find classes that help you cool down, stretch, and recover. In addition to a robust library of downloadable classes, obé also features a number of live sessions each day, plus audio-only options if you don't have access to a screen.
How I Tested
I've been doing obé Fitness for a few months now, testing both live and regular classes, along with a few of its training programs, like Yoga Essentials and Sculpt Burn Repeat. Though I can't say I have worked out every single day, obé makes it a breeze to catch up, since it's recently increased its production of express, 10-minute classes across all modalities for seamless "fitness stacking," or taking a few short classes in a row.
I typically start with a guided stretch to warm up my muscles, and then either flow through a longer routine ranging from 28 minutes to an entire hour—typically barre, sculpt, or yoga—or fitness stack across different class categories depending on my mood. I also incorporate obé gear when applicable (there are also plenty of equipment-free workout options), which really helps to increase the intensity of my workouts.
Ease of Use
Since obé can be streamed from a phone, tablet, or laptop, or projected onto your TV (my go-to choice), the platform is extremely versatile. And since members receive a welcome bag of sorts with core training essentials like a barre ball, resistance bands, and sliders, all that's really needed to start is some willpower, water, and a fully charged device. Obé even has an online shop that's stocked with branded equipment, apparel, and accessories if you're in the market for extra workout gear.
I find navigating obé's app fairly simple, as each section is organized by tabs, plus the platform keeps track of each class I've taken and makes it easy to bookmark others I'm interested in. For moments when I'm feeling bold enough to take a live class, I can plan to join up to a week's worth in advance by adding a notification from the app directly to my calendar.
Price/Value
With its breadth of well-rounded workouts, top equipment, and diverse, experienced trainers, obé users certainly get their bang for their buck at $25 per month, or $170 annually. Annual members also get exclusive discounts from brand partners, like Weight Watchers and WHOOP, plus access to obé's premium Level Up classes to top it all off.
The Verdict
In my experience as a fair-weather workout enthusiast, there have only been a handful of workout classes and platforms that actually inspire me to work out: I can now officially say that obé Fitness is one of them. From its easy training customization to playful, engaging sets, this platform is really good at making fitness fun, even if you're reluctant to set aside dedicated time for movement.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
Whether you're an experienced fitness lover looking to enhance your regimen or a beginner just getting into a training groove, obé's colorful and high-energy (or restorative!) classes are suitable for just about everyone with a body.
Sign up for a free annual or monthly obé Fitness trial membership at obefitness.com.
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