We went through the download process, app setup, payment, and of course we tried a variety of workouts (or long-term programs if applicable). Peloton is a popular home workout app—and for good reason—offering variety, high-quality instruction, and live workouts with ultra-peppy trainers. Using the app is easy, and you’ll be able to filter your search based on your training style, duration, instructor, or music genre and playlists. The best workout app isn’t the same for everyone, but the ones we love share a few key qualities. Top apps offer a wide variety of original workouts for all fitness levels, led by knowledgeable, motivating instructors who push you to challenge yourself while keeping things fun.
Peloton
If you’re looking for a top all-rounder, we recommend downloading Centr, the app developed by actor Chris Hemsworth. Or, if you’re looking to keep costs down, Nike Training Club is completely free, while Fiit offers access to all group classes without charge. The Caliber Workout App provides personalized plans and analytics at no cost. The app allows you to set your weight loss goals and provides you with a recommended calorie intake, and you can log the food and drinks that you consume throughout the day.
If you’re looking to experiment and want an in-person coaching experience, ClassPass is a unique fitness app that allows you to book classes, studios, gyms, salons, and spas in your area. However, if you’re on a budget, you may want to find another alternative on this list. Just download the app, create an account, and choose a program that fits your fitness goals. A good app should encourage you to improve your performance over time, whether that’s adding more weight to the bar, doing a free work out apps few more reps, or running a little longer. Progressive overload is a key part of making progress, especially when it comes to strength training, according to Chris Mohr, PhD, RD.
Best Workout App for Beginners: Muscle Booster
- Reddit users love strong because it has a variety of work outs you can do anywhere and also a really good planning feature.
- Still, for basic tracking and the community element, it remains the top recommendation for endurance athletes.
- The Les Mills+ base membership gives you a stripped-back version of the app and starts from $4.99 per month.
- Caliber has gained massive praise on platforms like Reddit for offering science-backed strength training plans—with no strings attached.
- Whether you’re trying to build strength, improve endurance, or just mix up your workouts, this app has got you covered.
- It’s a little different than a strength training app that provides instruction and coaching, but the data it offers gives you fantastic insight into how you’re progressing over time.
“The mapping tool makes it easier than ever to plan runs and workouts in advance, especially when following a training plan with specific distances and paces,” one runner noted. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management. Apple Fitness is an app designed by Apple that comes pre-installed on your iPhone and iPad.
Different workout apps will provide different levels of tracking for workouts. Most free ones allow you to record loads and times for daily workouts, but you might also be able to track basic metrics, like weight, water, and inches. Again, make sure the tracking and logging functions match the needs of your fitness goals. You should know the type of training you should do to best achieve those goals. While many fitness apps have diverse options of daily workouts—HIIT, strength training, cardio, and barre—some apps may specialize in only one or two modes of training.
Another staffer said it’s the first platform that’s helped her exercise consistently in years, thanks to a knowledgeable, encouraging trainer. While costs are not “hidden,” some free workout apps begin as a free trial membership and later require a paid subscription for continued use. If you’re required to enter payment information to download an app, you’ll likely be charged after the free trial period. Other free workout apps may offer in-app purchases to unlock premium features. Chris Hemsworth, Hollywood’s Thor, helped develop the Centr app along with a team of experts. While you can work out like an ancient god, the app acts like a 24/7 virtual fitness coach tailored to your goals and experience, including meal planning and daily workout programs.
Instruction Quality
And since these recommendations come from other users, you can be sure they’re tried and tested. If you’re looking for the best fitness apps to help you get in shape, Reddit is a great place to start your search. In this article, we will explore the top recommendations from Reddit users for the best fitness apps.
How we tested the best workout apps
If you come across an exercise you don’t know how to perform, you can consult the app’s video library, which has more than 400 demonstrations. You’ll usually have to pay a monthly fee to gain access to the workouts, so you want to make sure the app you download is worth the cost. If you don’t feel the need for an online support system, there are still ways to stay on top of your workouts. Some apps will add calendar reminders or push notifications to help remind you of your workout schedule for the week. We also made the distinction that free apps mean that there is a free version of the app available—not just a free trial.
Best workout app for meal plans
Classic strength training exercises are comprehensive, allowing you to build a workout that meets your needs. This app provides personalized workout plans based on your fitness level and available equipment. It uses algorithms to adjust routines as you progress, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Workout Tracker by Leap Fitness
While a handful of apps are free, many of these workout apps require a subscription. Take advantage of any trial period and then try a monthly subscription to see if the app meets your needs. If you like what you see, you can always switch to an annual subscription, which usually lowers your monthly cost. Not every workout app can be the best, but some can still be great and worth your time.
Top Reddit Picks: Best Home Workout Apps
With the right tunes and guidance, Aaptiv can help you power through tough workouts and achieve your fitness goals. If you’re like me, music brings a whole new level of motivation to your at-home workouts. That’s where Aaptiv comes in – this top-rated fitness app on Reddit is a game-changer when it comes to finding the perfect workout music. The experts at Aaptiv curate playlists that are specifically designed to enhance your workouts and keep you pumped up from start to finish. Whether you’re trying to build strength, improve endurance, or just mix up your workouts, this app has got you covered.
Other Workout Apps for Beginners We Researched
At only $35.99 per year, the monthly price works out to only $2.99, so even the paid plan earns a 5 out of 5 for value. When you log a workout, the app will give you neat little celebrations; for example, I was told my total tonnage after a squat workout was like lifting a car. It’s the little things, but that sort of interaction can help people through tough days. Provided by Under Armour, Map My Fitness is easy to set up and sync with other apps and devices, like Garmin, Apple Health, UA connected footwear, MyFitnessPal, and others. The interface is clean and easy to navigate as well, leading Amanda to rate both the setup and ease of use a 5 out of 5. Most “best apps” lists online are written by people who’ve spent 20 minutes with each app and never actually trained with them.
Jefit: Best workout app for strength training
Aaptive is a simple to use app that received high scores in categories like app setup, ease of use, and accountability, but it only received average rankings for interactive features and progressive overload. The programming on a macro-level may not be adequate for intermediate or advanced exercisers, and it only earns 3 out of 5 stars for the category. This app received high scores in nearly every category, but it’s a little limited in workout variety and interactive features. JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience. If you’re looking for some human accountability, you may want to consider something like Future, which allows you to work virtually with a personal trainer.