I’m always down to try a new workout—save for maybe something that hinges on gracefulness (ahem, ballet)—so when I had the chance to write an Obé fitness review, I jumped at the opportunity.
Obé (pronounced “obey”) is a subscription-based digital fitness platform that features 22 live workouts a day, with a library of over 6,000 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 a month, $65 per quarterly, or $199 annually. (Signing up for quarterly or annual plans comes with extra perks like discounts on brand partners and $20 to shop in the Obé store). The platform is a favorite of celebrities like SZA, Kate Hudson, and Drew Barrymore. The platform’s unique experience is what sets it apart, beyond its endless class selection and loyal list of A-listers.
The set design is simply stunning. Sign on you’ll instantly notice crisp white backgrounds punctuated by pastel neon mood lighting—a distinct contrast to the dimly-lit backgrounds certain other digital fitness programs use (not to mention the dingy, dirty, and, dark gyms I used to frequent). Even the props for working out, such as chairs and yoga mats, are attractive. There’s not one dust ball.
The entertainment component is another notable feature. Many of these classes are themed, as opposed to traditional virtual classes that have a trainer wearing a matching set of workout clothes and walking through a set in front of a plain background. Some even sync with popular movie releases or premiere dates, like West Side Story, Sex and the CityOr Euphoria. Many instructors have backgrounds in musical theatre, and teach classes in costume, with full hair and makeup. It’s hard to not get excited when you see the app. Cruella-inspired class, where the instructor clearly spent hours in hair, makeup, and wardrobe before even getting ready to teach a dance cardio routine.
There was so much choice, it was hard to know where to begin. The site is packed with live classes, packaged programs, challenges, and à la carte workout sessions, not to mention a section of the site appropriately called “Getting Started,” which I ignored because I suppose I just like to go my own way.
Michelle B. led a 28-minute, low-impact barre class that I signed up for. Although the class was not live, there was no interaction. However, I didn’t feel that I needed it. She transitioned through moves quickly—sans lengthy warm-up—which I appreciated because I like getting right into my workouts. I tried a cardio class and sculpt in the days that followed. Both felt just as intense than any IRL sessions I have done in the past (neither one had a warm up preamble).
After getting to know the pace and energy of different workouts I decided to sign up in for a live upper-body power class with The Stepbrothers: Calvin & Bryan. Twenty-eight minutes flew by and I felt strong and accomplished—I even got a shoutout during the class, NBD. Live classes work the same as the on-demand ones except for the shoutouts. On-demand classes are more convenient for me than live classes. I don’t have to worry about being late or missing a class. On-demand allows me to control my time and schedule while working from home.
Source: Glamour