Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test. The app allows you to stream classes in 10 different categories (cycling, running, bootcamp, outdoor, strength, and more) anywhere, with live studio classes uploaded daily to an extant library of over 10,000.
Best Workout Apps for Every Fitness Level, According to Personal Trainers
For this category, we aren’t just looking at the plan itself, but how much instruction the app provides. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we want to see both visual and audio cues, though there may not be much guidance about how hard to push yourself or when to increase the weight you’re using. Not every app will provide ongoing accountability to help you stay motivated, but we consider it a positive when we do see an app offering this feature. We’re huge fans of JuggernautAI’s programming and progressive-overload-focused approach, but there’s one big drawback. This coaching algorithm is impressive, and JuggernautAI earns 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload. If you want a bit of added motivation, without hiring a trainer, it’s hard to think of a better option than joining a virtual race and competing against real users.
“You can follow people on Strava just like on Instagram or Twitter.” Along with that, Strava encourages group challenges and interaction with other athletes through clubs. Although the library of exercises is expansive, just be aware that the functionality is limited in the free version. Kate explains, “I entered all the movements for a weightlifting workout, but the app ordered them alphabetically instead of in the order I wanted. To move them, I would have had to upgrade to the Elite plan.” She also found it easier to navigate through the desktop version for workout plans, and then locate them on the app afterwards. If you’re looking for a free workout app that’s focused on strength training, Boostcamp is your best option.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Workout Apps
While we love Boostcamp, and there’s a free version, it’s pretty limited in terms of scope. Some popular programs, as well as advanced analytics, are locked behind the Boostcamp PRO paywall. While there’s plenty to do in the free version, gym goers who love crunching numbers and data will get more stats and charts in the PRO version. The monthly fee is affordable at $19.99 per month, or $199 per year, but you’ll need to purchase additional equipment if you don’t already own a Zwift trainer. You’ll either need the Zwift Kickr Core 2 to use with your existing bike or the standalone Zwift trainer. Neither is exactly cheap, with the Kickr costing $549 at the time of writing.
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To keep your motivation running at top speed, periodically change your workouts. Try cycling through different fitness classes and cardio and resistance-training modes throughout the week. Being able to add the workouts to my calendar and just click right into that day’s workout is a game-changer for me. As a busy toddler mom, I don’t have time to overthink fitness, and this makes it so easy to stay consistent and actually enjoy it.”
How We Picked and Tested the Best Free Workout Apps
Our testers tried out the premium version to give an all-encompassing review. Shred also offers full-length studio classes in yoga, boxing, HIIT, and more. “It creates running workouts with interval variations based on the time I want to exercise—great for mixing up my routine.”
Which free app offers the most extensive nutrition features?
Its killer feature, however, is the Daily Readiness Score which helps pool all of your data into a single figure that shows just how fatigued you are, and whether you need to take a rest or not. With meal plans, mindfulness exercises, and that all-important Daily Readiness Score, Fitbit Premium is an easy recommendation for Fitbit users looking to take their fitness to the next level. You should expect a little muscle soreness after workouts, especially in the beginning. But if you find that your body is simply not recovering between workouts, you may be overtraining. Remember that seniors need more recovery time than younger people. With the exception of “welcome” muscle soreness, an exercise program should make you feel good.
- While weight loss apps tend to focus on one goal, the best workout apps can offer plenty of variety and functionality.
- She has a hard time not talking about fitness at family gatherings and thinks more about treadmills than Kayne thinks about Kayne.
- We also brought in real-life testers to share their experiences, including how challenging the workouts were, how engaging the classes felt, and whether the apps helped them stay motivated.
- Although it costs about $200 a month, Future features a user-friendly interface, customizable programming, and excellent support from your personal coach.
- You can choose from nearly any type of workout, and the app has informational videos about mindset, movement, nutrition, recovery and sleep.
- This app is incredibly easy to navigate on iPhone and Android devices, earning a 5 out of 5 for user interface.
General Health Charts and Logs
There are workout programs available on FitOn, but they’re shorter ones—about 2 to 4 weeks long. That’s not enough time to make much progress.” Also, the community feed is present and available, but basic, earning just a 3 out of 5. Still, the amount of workouts you get with this app may still be worth it. Like many free workout apps, there are limited interactive features and accountability—none, to be exact, earning a 1 out of 5 in both of these aspects. Still, if you’re looking for a fun way to get a quick workout in, SmartWOD provides countless workouts that can be catered to your skillset and equipment available.
Peloton Digital app
The app is very easy to use, and Amanda rates it a 5 out of 5 in its ease of use. GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN-1, has used this app for over six months and loves the tracking, ease of use, and ability to build your own custom training plan if you want. Nike Run Club works perfectly for walking and is completely free with GPS tracking and audio cues. Google Fit offers simple step counting, while Walk City gamifies your walks with virtual rewards — all without subscriptions or hidden costs. Seven makes it easy to find time for exercise by focusing on effective yet short, equipment-free workouts that maximize results in minimal time. Moreover, each activity includes clear audio cues and tutorials to ensure proper form during your workout routine.
One service may work great for some, yet not as helpful for others. We like the workout variety here, too, however, there aren’t any barbell training options — like deadlifts, front squats, or other barbell back exercises — our tester said. So, if you’re wanting an app that offers advanced strength training with progressive overload, this probably isn’t the best pick. However, you don’t actually need a Peloton machine to use the app, which adds to the accessibility.
Maximum Accountability And Results
With so many apps to choose from, however, it can be difficult to determine which platform is the best fit for your home screen. Do you want an app that’s specific to your training interests, or one that caters to a variety of disciplines? Can you structure your fitness program on your own, or need a helping hand to keep you moving forward? To help you navigate through the app store, we’ve tested 19 digital platforms, conducted plenty of research, and read through countless customer reviews to land on our favorite fitness apps available today. Accountability features were a major factor, since different people need different levels of encouragement. SHRED is our pick for the best workout app for muscle gain because, through well-developed exercise programming and adaptive AI, it keeps pushing you just enough to grow.
Tips for morning workouts
While you can only access one training program at a time, it remains one of the best free exercise apps on the market. Fitness apps can be handy tools for supporting your training and nutrition goals, especially if you’re at the starting line of your training, still wondering, “what is cardio? ” Additionally, they often cost less than hiring an in-person instructor. Plus, they can be ideal for athletes struggling to compile user-controlled fitness subscriptions a worthwhile regimen on their own. Below are some of the perks that come with adding one of these services to your home screen.