Most employees know they should move more during the workweek. But meetings run long, calendars stay full, and workouts are the first thing pushed aside when the day gets busy.

That’s where workplace fitness programs come in. When movement is built into the workday, participation increases and the benefits extend beyond physical health. The challenge for employers is choosing how to deliver it. Live fitness classes and on-demand platforms solve different problems, and the wrong fit can lead to low engagement and wasted budget.

Before committing to a fitness solution, it’s worth understanding how each model works in practice, who it serves best, and what it requires from both employees and administrators. This article explains the real differences between live and on-demand corporate fitness classes so you can make a decision that aligns with your workforce and your goals.

Comparing Live Fitness Classes to On-Demand Fitness Apps for Employees

In this post:

1. Identify the Goals & Objectives of the Intitiative

2. On-Demand vs. Live Fitness Classes

a. On-Demand Fitness Classes

b. Live & Interactive Fitness Classes

3. What On-Demand and Live Classes Have in Common

4. Strive Onsite & Virtual Corporate Fitness Programs

Identify the Goals & Objectives of the Initiative

Before deciding between on-demand or live corporate fitness classes, start with a simple question: what problem are you trying to solve?

Some organizations want to support employees who feel stiff, stressed, or sedentary during the workday. Others want to strengthen connections across teams, reduce burnout, or support retention by offering benefits employees genuinely use. Many are also thinking long-term and asking why fitness is important in the workplace as healthcare costs rise and productivity suffers.

Clear goals make it easier to choose the right delivery model. They also help determine how much internal effort the program will require. Some fitness solutions are largely self-directed, while others benefit from scheduling, communication, and ongoing feedback. Knowing your objectives upfront prevents overinvesting in tools that don’t align with employee behavior.

If you’re evaluating providers or formats, understanding the benefits of onsite and virtual corporate fitness classes can help clarify what level of structure and interaction your organization needs.

On-Demand vs. Live Fitness Classes

Both formats can support employee well-being. The difference comes down to how people engage with them.

On-Demand Fitness Classes

On-demand fitness classes are pre-recorded and available at any time. Employees can log in when it fits their schedule, which makes this option appealing for global teams, shift-based workforces, or employees who prefer independent workouts.

In practice, on-demand platforms tend to attract employees who already prioritize fitness. Without real-time instruction or accountability, participation often drops off after the initial launch. These programs also lack a social element, which limits their impact on connection and workplace culture.

Cost structure is another consideration. Most on-demand platforms operate on a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) model. When utilization is low, costs can quickly outweigh value. Employers should also consider whether paid content offers enough differentiation when free workouts are widely available online.

On-demand classes work best as a supplemental resource rather than a stand-alone solution.

Live & Interactive Fitness Classes

Live fitness classes are instructor-led and offered onsite, virtually, or in a hybrid format. They follow a set schedule, which helps employees build routines instead of relying on motivation alone.

Because instructors provide real-time guidance and modifications, live classes feel more approachable to employees at all fitness levels. They also create shared experiences. Employees see familiar faces, interact before and after class, and develop a sense of accountability. Over time, this consistency supports habit formation and stronger team relationships.

From a budgeting standpoint, live classes typically use a per-class pricing model. This makes them more predictable and often more cost-effective for mid-sized and larger organizations. Live programs also tend to generate higher engagement without requiring employees to download apps or manage subscriptions.

For organizations focused on participation, connection, and culture, live classes often deliver stronger results.

What On-Demand and Live Classes Have in Common

While the experience differs, both formats give employees access to movement that supports physical and mental health. Each offers a variety of class styles and provides engagement data that helps employers measure impact over time. When implemented thoughtfully, corporate fitness programs support healthier employees who feel more focused, energized, and connected to their workplace.

Strive Onsite & Virtual Corporate Fitness Programs

Strive delivers live, onsite and virtual corporate fitness classes led by certified, experienced instructors. Programs are designed to meet employees where they are, whether that means yoga, HIIT, dance-based classes, or mobility-focused sessions.

Our proprietary registration platform simplifies sign-ups and liability waivers, while program managers handle instructor coordination, scheduling, and communication. Clients also receive monthly engagement reporting and marketing support to keep participation strong over time.

To learn how live fitness classes can support employee well-being, strengthen connection, and fit seamlessly into the workday, book a discovery call with a Strive wellness expert.