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The benefits of fitness are undeniable. But to get the most out of your training, consistency and discipline are key. This is where technology can help.
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The right app can act as a virtual personal trainer or training partner to keep you motivated and accountable.
Healthline looks high and low for the best fitness apps to help you. We’ve selected this year’s winners for their quality, user feedback, and overall reliability.
Keep reading for our pick of the 9 best fitness and exercise apps.
Here’s what we considered during our selections:
- Quality: We took into account not only the quality of the trainings, but also the experience and credibility of the trainers who lead them.
- Ease of use: We’ve looked for apps that are easy to navigate and offer filters to quickly find the type of workout you want.
- credibility: We’ve read countless reviews to get rid of apps that frequently crash or have streaming issues.
- Types of exercises: We’ve included apps to fit a variety of exercise needs and preferences.
- Recommendations: All of the apps below are ones that Healthline employees have personally used or those that have been highly recommended by people we know. We also made sure to select apps with mostly positive customer reviews.
- Examination: All applications below have been screened to ensure they meet Healthline’s business standards and approach to wellbeing. Learn more about our screening process.
Pricing guide
Prices per month:
- $ = Less than $10
- $$ = From $10 to $20
- $$$ = over $20
The best free fitness app
Nike Training Club
Train with Nike coaches live or on demand using the Nike Training Club app. After downloading the app, you’ll get personalized workout suggestions based on the results of a quick quiz.
The app offers a range of workout modes, including:
You can also search by muscle group, exercise focus, and equipment to find a class.
Healthline Editor Melissa Lee used the app as a tool to learn different types of exercises while gyms are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She points out that this is a useful app for beginners or those who are trying something new and might need some guidance without paying for a personal trainer.
Healthline SEO associate Taylor Morelli, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist with a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology, also recommends this app. She likes that it syncs with her Apple Watch so she can check rep-based exercises on her watch.
The best app for group fitness enthusiasts
obé fitness
This app brings the feel of a group fitness class to your living room with over 20 types of classes, including HIIT, dance cardio, sculpting, and more.
The app offers live lessons every day of the week – filmed in a fun neon studio – in addition to its extensive on-demand library of over 7,000 chapters.
Workouts range from 10 minutes to 1 hour. Premium instructors bring the energy and will give shout-outs during the live classes.
It’s also a favorite of Healthline’s nutrition and fitness editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, who appreciates that the large selection of 20-minute classes makes it easy (and fun) to squeeze a sweat session into her day.
The best tried and true fitness app
peloton
Peloton is best known for its cycling classes, but with the digital Peloton app, you can also access other types of workouts. You’ll find everything from strength training and HIIT to outdoor running and yoga.
You can practice in real time with expert trainers and other members from around the world or take a pre-recorded class.
Peloton classes feature curated music playlists, and each instructor brings their own unique style to their classes.
Just keep in mind that although the instructors offer modifications, true beginners may find most of these workouts too challenging.
Several Healthline editors have commented that the Peloton app is key to home fitness success. Sydney Hannan, Chief SEO at Healthline, started using the Peloton app during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to use it to supplement personal and gym exercise classes. She appreciates the wide range of classes and the flexibility it offers.
Anne Arntson, senior copy editor at Healthline, originally paired the Peloton app with an Echelon Smart Connect bike to enter cycling classes that were missing during the pandemic. When I started testing some of the other app classes, I realized how much fun they were with the range of class types and lengths available.
This app also appeared as one of Healthline’s picks for best fitness gifts.
The best community fitness app
body fit
A community created by women, Fit Body features 12 programs led by four expert trainers to help you reach your fitness goals.
Classes are designed to be 30 minutes or less, but if you have extra time, we recommend taking advantage of the stretching and foam rolling videos as well.
On top of that, the app offers 72-week meal plans with personalized portion recommendations based on your daily calorie needs, as well as access to over 300 recipes to create your own meal plan.
There is also a community function within the app, which allows you to connect with others on your wellness journey.
The best fitness app led by a personal trainer
Le Sweet TV
Created by Charlee Atkins, CPT, Le Sweat TV basically gives you a personal trainer at your fingertips.
During every workout, Atkins is right with you, providing helpful cues and modifications for all fitness levels.
You can browse over 250 exercises by body part, equipment required, or required class length (5-30 minutes) to get started. You can also stream or download videos on demand for sweat sessions on the go.
The best pre and postpartum fitness app
Bloom Studio
Designed by pre and postpartum exercise specialist Brooke Cate and taught by other experts, Studio Bloom’s classes help new parents perform exercises safely during and after pregnancy.
The application offers more than 300 chapters, including:
- strength training
- Rehabilitation after injury
- contemplation
- yoga
- the heart
- HIIT
- boxing
- Cycling
While some exercises require dumbbells or resistance bands, there are plenty of bodyweight options to choose from as well.
Unique to Studio Bloom, the app teaches diaphragmatic breathing as the basis for each exercise. It also offers free consultations with pelvic floor therapists after vaginal and caesarean section.
The best all-in-one fitness app
Big girl fit
Created by Louise Green—author of “Big Fit Girl” and “Fitness for Everyone” and president of Size-Inclusive Training Academy—Big Fit Girl gives access to fitness, no matter your size, age, or fitness level.
From chair workouts and work to more advanced moves, Green offers a wide range of on-demand cardio and strength training.
If you’re new to playing sports or have sustained injuries, Green will meet you wherever you are, letting you work out safely and with confidence.
The best yoga app
hyperbole
Whether yoga is part of your regular routine or you’re new to the practice, there’s just something for you on the Glo app.
The app includes over 5,000 on-demand classes as well as daily live lessons when your schedule allows. You can also download chapters to access them on the go.
There are 16 class styles to choose from, all taught by experienced and certified instructors. Morelli is a fan of the app, saying she loves how easy it is to filter workouts to find your favourites, like the Vinyasa flow with trainer Tiffany Cruikshank.
Best app for runners and cyclists
strava
If you love to run and bike outside, Strava is a must-have app. In addition to mapping your routes, the app tracks your progress, offers challenges, and even shares your location with friends for safety.
Strava’s free version is pretty basic. It allows you to log your activity and share your location with three dedicated safety contacts.
However, for about $8 per month, the app lets you participate in asynchronous competitions, set and track goals, create training plans, and measure your performance.
Candace Abillon, senior editor at Healthline, notes that following other people on the app—including people she knows in real life and high-profile athletes—motivates her. However, you mentioned that data privacy concerns are something to consider when deciding which trails to keep private and whether to start and end your trail in your home.