When gyms were temporarily closed at the start of the pandemic, more people turned to fitness apps for your daily workouts. This era transformed the way we approach exercise and in some cases improved our consistency as we could do it without leaving home.
For people who haven’t yet returned to the gym, it’s comforting to know that your workout is at your fingertips. For others, fitness apps have become a more profitable option than a gym membership. There are also users who prefer a hybrid training style, which allows them to access their fitness program either at home or in the gym.
There are hundreds of fitness apps available for both iPhone and Android. This can be overwhelming if you’re not sure which one is best for your needs. Are you a total beginner, a seasoned runner, or a yogi? Depending on what you’re looking for, different apps will work better for you.
We have tested and researched many of the popular apps available to determine which ones are the most useful. Some key things we kept in mind were:
- How easy is it to use the app
- Unique features that users cannot get anywhere else
- The versatility of the application.
- fair price
As a former trainer and fitness addict who has tried various apps over the years, I am aware that not all workouts on fitness apps are created equal and it is important to include users.
Conveniently, many of these apps offer free trials first. That way, you can give them a fair shot and decide if you plan to commit. Use our list of the best fitness apps as a guide both at home and in the gym.
nike training club
When I started exercising regularly, Nike Training Club was my app of choice. It provides various training programs such as bodyweight exercises, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cross-training, yoga, core exercises, and even expert health tips from Nike trainers to keep you on track.
The workouts are easy to follow because there are video demonstrations of each exercise with the allotted time you should be doing them. This prevents you from losing track during your workout and prepares you mentally for the next exercise. The app also connects to your Apple watch to provide health metrics like your heart rate and logs your activities.
The best part of this app is that it is free and gives you access to many resources no matter if you are a beginner or more advanced.
Future
The Future app is unique in that it connects you with an elite personal fitness trainer who checks in regularly, provides feedback and personalizes the workout for you. They take into account your fitness level, your goals, and even the equipment you have at your disposal. The creators of the app believe that connection is the best way to accomplish your goals. That’s why they placed you with a partner who can hold you accountable.
To get started with this app, you need to take a short quiz about what kind of training you like or dislike, what kind of coach you work best with, and your goals. There are many trainers on this app with several years of experience in their respective fields. Currently, only Apple users can use this app, but the developers are working on giving Android users access as well.
To get the most out of the experience, users are encouraged to wear an Apple Watch, which provides detailed feedback to your coach so they can see your progress and edit your plan on the go. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, Future lets you borrow one so you can get the full experience. At $149 a month, Future isn’t the most affordable app on the market, but compared to a standard personal training session, which can cost more than that, it’s worth the price. And with the current Future promotion, you can get the first month for just $19.
Screenshot by Mercey Livingston/CNET
There is no doubt that the Peloton indoor cycling bike exploded in popularity about the pandemic. The digital app, which is available to non-Peloton owners, gives users access to Peloton’s library of on-demand workouts, from cycling, running and strength training to yoga, Pilates and stretching. My husband and I use this app regularly and love that it has options to do shorter or longer workouts, as well as classes for beginners and advanced.
The difference between the full access membership available to Peloton owners and the digital app is that the former allows for multiple member profiles, access to exclusive classes, and better access to the leader board (where you can compete against other users). However, it’s helpful to know that the digital app doesn’t shut out others who may want to see what Peloton is all about. If you’re not a fully converted Peloton addict, the app is a good springboard to see what the hype is and if you enjoy the classes.
The price doesn’t hurt either. The first month is usually a free trial and then it’s $13 per month with access to thousands of live and on-demand classes via your smartphone, tablet, TV, or web browser. If you’re interested, you’ll want to take advantage of the current Peloton app offer, which offers the first two months free.
Strava
If you are looking for an app that tracks your running mileage, the Strava app is your best bet. As an avid runner who has tried various running apps over the years, the Strava app remains my favorite. Although I use it primarily for running, it can also be used interchangeably for biking and other workouts. The app is GPS-enabled and turns any Apple or Android phone into a detailed performance monitor. It connects to heart rate monitors and various popular GPS devices, such as Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit or a Suunto watch.
It also connects you with friends in the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that are uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings through the app. One of the newest safety features on the Strava app is called Beacon, which allows you to share your real-time location with an emergency contact.
I’ve found that the free version of the app is sufficient for my purposes, but you can upgrade to receive more detailed data and other benefits, such as creating your own routes, accessing new routes in your area, and more. The paid version of the app will set you back $8 per month (or $60 per year). Right now, Strava is offering a 60-day free trial to users who want to try out its updated features before committing.
Sweat
This app was co-founded by popular Australian personal trainer, Kayla Itsines. It was created with women in mind and once served as a platform to access Itsines HIIT training plans, but has since evolved. In 2021, Sweat was acquired by whether (a global interactive health and fitness technology company), giving the app more exposure through its existing members and internationally.
Now you have access to various training programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength and pilates, all taught by different personal trainers. The app also offers meal plan options if you’re looking for healthy recipe ideas.
This app costs $20 a month, but is currently offering a $1 a month deal for three months. This is a good way to determine if the in-app workouts are right for you and your goals.
Stairs
If you’re worried about keeping your achievements outside of the gym, you’ll love the Ladder app. Ladder is designed specifically for strength training and connects you with many strength trainers who specialize in various fields. To find the trainer that best suits your needs, you’ll need to answer questions like your preferred training style, what your goals are, how often you’d like to train, and the type of equipment available to you. Ladder takes the guesswork out of planning your workout because your designated program coach will provide you with a weekly workout plan that you’ll receive on Sunday nights to prepare you for the week ahead.
The app currently only works with Apple mobile devices or iPads, and can be used with an Apple Watch or cast to a TV screen using Apple Airplay or Screen Mirroring. However, the developers are working on creating an Android compatible app.
When I tried this app I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell and the great thing is that you get video demonstrations of the different exercises you will be doing. The videos also tell you the type of weight to use (light, medium, heavy) and the duration of the exercise.
You can also connect with your coach via in-app chat if you ever have questions about your training or want to chat with other members of your team. Ladder offers a seven-day free trial and then you can choose between a Pro plan for $30 a month or the Elite plan for $45 a month. The difference between these two is that the Elite plan gives you help from a personalized trainer, helping you out if you need a form check. If you’re a Ladder devotee, the app also has an option to upgrade for an additional $15 a month so you can get access to the Pro and Elite plans.
Hello it moves
If yoga is more your speed, the Alo Moves app is a favorite among yogis. The Alo Moves app was created by athleisure line, Alo, and connects you to various types of exercise beyond yoga, like pilates, barre, meditation, and more. The yoga option in the app allows you to choose from various practices, including hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, restorative and even prenatal yoga. You can also customize your yoga practice based on your level of experience, your goals, and the length of your sessions.
This app is accessible to both Apple and Android users and connects you with world-class instructors and new classes every week. If you’re trying to achieve a specific skill, like a handstand or other yoga poses, the app also has a series to help you improve those poses.
If you’re ready to dive into improving your flexibility or mastering the crow pose, the Alo Moves app is currently offering a 14-day free trial. If you choose to commit, it’s $20 per month or $199 per year.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
