Most of us want to be fit and healthy, but not everyone feels comfortable going to the gym or hiring a trainer. This is a dilemma a lot of people face, especially the younger generations. But fret not, this is where the best workout and fitness apps swoop in to save the day. Similar to a personal trainer, an average workout app comes with a variety of fitness features to help you devise a custom workout regime, remind you to stick to it, set daily goals and provide feedback, and even give you tips and ideas to polish your diet plans.
Workout apps help you remain fit while maintaining a practical and economical approach to working out. Incorporating a workout app into your fitness regime helps you enjoy the benefits of a productive workout without having to travel to the gym or pay for an expensive gym membership. Even if you choose to go to the gym to work out, you can still benefit from these apps.
As the demand for high-quality fitness content grows, game app tech companies have started releasing best workout apps that offer a wide array of interactive features and more productive fitness instructions. But with so many workout apps available in the market, it can be challenging to decide which app and workout plan works best for you. This is why we’ve compiled a list of best workout apps for iOS and Android users that you can pick from based on your fitness needs.
So, if you’re looking to get fit in the new year, be sure to check out the best workout apps!
Top 18 Workout Apps for iOS and Android
Workout apps can be extremely beneficial in helping you to reach your fitness goals. However, with so many different apps to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best workout apps you can use. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
1Workout Trainer
When it comes to features, ease of use, and versatility, Workout Trainer is hands down one of the best fitness apps out there. Available both for iOS and Android users, this app is great if you prefer to exercise with only your body weight or minimal equipment. Workout Trainer is free, and provides hundreds of workouts and custom training plans devised by professional fitness coaches.
You can also browse through the various workout programs and add them to your library to create your own custom daily exercise plan. Each workout is accompanied by step-by-step pictures and videos, and the difficulty level can be adjusted according to your needs. You can also pair this app with your smartwatch to measure your heart rate and monitor your vitals during your workouts.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
2Apple Fitness
When it comes to being the most renowned workout app, Apple Fitness takes the cake. Compatible with all iOS devices, Apple Fitness includes a diverse range of workouts, such as strength training, Pilates, yoga, meditation, etc. The workouts can be adjusted and customized according to each user. This app excels in being versatile and allows the users to pair it to their music library, Apple Watch statistics, and record their progress after each workout. Apple Fitness charges its users with a monthly or a yearly subscription.
Available on Apple App Store.
3Apple Fitness Plus
If you’re looking for an all-in-one fitness app, then Apple Fitness Plus is a great option. With this app, you can access a variety of workout classes, including yoga, cycling, and HIIT. You can also track your progress and see how you compare to other users.
Apple Fitness Plus is one of the best workout apps for Apple Watch wearers. With a wide variety of workouts to choose from, including HIIT, strength, core, yoga, and Pilates classes, there is something for everyone. During testing, we also liked the fact that there were two instructors in the background during classes, showing modifications for beginners or those looking to push themselves harder.
The app can feel a little overwhelming at first glance, but classes can be filtered by the trainer, time, and music preference. You can also add classes to your library so you can select them quickly in the future.
Advantages:
- The app connects seamlessly with Apple Watch
- Content is updated regularly
- Offers a wide range of classes
Disadvantages:
- The classes cannot be sorted by difficulty.
- The app is only available to Apple Watch wearers
Available on Apple App Store.
4Peloton
This is the best workout app for treadmill users and bike exercises. The app has a wide range of classes, including running, cycling, and boot camp. You can also join live classes or access on-demand content.
Peloton is one of the best workout apps because it offers a wide range of class types, including running, cycling, and boot camp. The app also has a great selection of on-demand content, so you can always find a workout that’s right for you.
Peloton also offers a variety of live classes, which is excellent if you want to work out with others. The app also has a leaderboard feature, so you can see how your performance compares to other users.
If you have a treadmill at home and want to start using it for home workouts, Peloton offers various workout options, which you can get both live and on-demand. This app offers various workout plans and includes programs such as spin, HIIT courses, weight training, stretching, and more.
Peloton offers its users multiple fitness categories, adjustable length of courses, inspirational coaches that you can request classes from, and provides a general sense of community for all its users. The app is constantly updating, and adds new workout content regularly. Some of its latest updates include workout plans for boxing, prenatal and postnatal, and more.
Advantages:
- The app has a wide range of classes
- The app offers a great selection of on-demand content
- The app has a leaderboard feature
Disadvantages:
- The app is not free
- Some users have reported issues with the app’s GPS tracking
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
5Nike Training Club
If you’re looking for an app that offers a wide range of workouts, then Nike Training Club is a great option. The app has over 185 different workouts, including strength, yoga, and cardio. You can also access on-demand content and join live classes.
Nike Training Club is one of the best workout apps because it offers a wide range of workouts. With over 185 different workouts to choose from, you can always find a workout that’s right for you. The app also has a great selection of on-demand content, so you can always find a workout that’s right for you.
Nike Training Club also offers a variety of live classes, which is excellent if you want to work out with others. The app also has a leaderboard feature, so you can see how your performance compares to other users.
This app offers a variety of short exercises and self-paced workouts that can be adjusted to your requirements. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you can download this app without any cost.
It can also be paired with your Apple Watch if you’ve downloaded it on your iPhone. While the more advanced workouts cost you to gain access to them, you can still use the yoga, abs, and basic workout programs for free. If you pay for the smart features, you can also use their run tracker, workout reminders, voiceovers, workout saving options, etc.
Advantages:
- The app has over 185 different workouts
- The app offers a great selection of on-demand content
- The app has a leaderboard feature
Disadvantages:
- The app is not free
- Some users have reported issues with the app’s GPS tracking
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
6Sweat
Sweat is the best workout app for women. The app has a wide range of classes, including strength, yoga, and cardio. You can also join live classes or access on-demand content.
The Sweat app is a comprehensive training program that helps you reach your fitness goals. It has a range of programs and recipes to suit every woman, from the post-baby beginner to the girl looking to gain more confidence in the gym.
The app also offers a variety of live classes, which is great if you want to work out with others. The app also has a leaderboard feature, so you can see how your performance compares to other users.
Advantages:
- Numerous trainers and training programs are available to help you get fit.
- These programs are easy to follow and often include nutrition plans as well.
- The programs are also compatible with the Apple Watch, so you can keep track of your progress easily.
- The app also has a community forum where you can ask questions and get advice from other users.
Disadvantages:
- The app needs you to manually tap the screen during the workout.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
7Aaptiv
If you want to experience a fun workout, Aaptiv offers its users a motivational and unique workout experience by providing them group exercise courses. The app also has professional coaches on hand that offer remarkable fitness instructions by its audio-only feature. If you find looking at your phone while working out distracting,
Aaptiv takes care of that for you. It also offers over 2,500 unique workout sessions across 12 categories, all of which are guided by professional trainers. Needles to say, you won’t be repeating your workouts twice for a long time.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
8Adidas Runtastic
For all the runners out there, Adidas Runtastic is a great fitness app designed to help you enjoy jogging to stay in shape and maintain your overall well being. Very similar to how a personal trainer would observe and give feedback for your running workouts, this app monitors your daily progress including the distance you’ve covered running, your mile pace, and your heart rate if you’re wearing a smartwatch and it’s paired with the app.
You can simply link the app to your smartwatch to avoid pausing and looking at your phone for your running metrics. If you wish to share your progress with others, you can also make your profile public and share your running progress with other users. The app also allows you to choose your background image to personalize your profile to your tastes and participate in challenges with others.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
9Strava
Strava is the best workout app for runners. The app has a wide range of classes, including strength, yoga, and cardio. You can also join live classes or access on-demand content.
Strava is an app that is used to track progress while running or cycling. There are no actual workouts on Strava, so you can’t use it to follow a strength training session. However, the paid version of the app offers users the option to use the Routes tool, which gives suggestions based on where other runners in your area have clocked their miles. The paid version of Strava offers segments, advanced performance metrics, and training plans.
Strava is a great running app that not only allows you to keep track of your progress but also enables users from all kinds of sports, including hiking and yoga. It’s one the best because it has both free access with limited features or paid subscriptions for more detailed data on different types of workouts and race competitions.
Strava is perfect for people who want to run or walk as part of their fitness routine, Strava provides simple tracking for over 30 different exercises, such as yoga, swimming, rowing, cycling, etc. Unlike other fitness apps, this app does not focus on intense workout plans, instead it tracks the user’s progress, allowing them to keep up with their fitness goals. It also has a unique feature called Strava Beacon, that keeps the user safe by keeping them connected with their friends or family by sharing their live location with them.
Advantages:
- Strava Allows tracking for multiple sports
- It has a community vibe
- It can be available 30-day free trial of the subscription
Disadvantages:
- Many in-depth analysis features are hidden from people who do not pay for a subscription.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
10EvolveYou
EvolveYou is an app designed for women. This app offers a range of different workout plans to choose from. There are six trainers on board, each with their own set of workouts, making the app suitable for people of all experience levels. The workouts are simple follow and easy to follow, with the option to play your own music or listen to a podcast while working out.
Advantages:
- The app offers a wide range of workout plans to choose from
- There are six trainers on board, each with their own set of workouts
- The workouts are simple to follow and easy to follow
Disadvantages:
- The app is not free
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
11Tone It Up
If you want your workouts to be only based on toning your muscles, Tone It Up has a variety of amazing fitness sessions focusing on muscle toning. It also offers prenatal and postnatal fitness programs and fitness content. The app also offers excellent strength training, sculpting, dancing, kickboxing, and barre sessions, which can all be adjusted in different levels and intensities. For people looking to tone and shape their bodies, the app provides many workouts that are beginner-friendly. Tone It Up also allows its users to schedule workouts and get notifications before the day they’re set.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
127 Minute Workout
Designed to cater to efficient users, 7 Minute Workout app focuses on workout programs that are short yet productive. If you’re a beginner taking up a workout regime, this app has motivational fitness instructions that allow beginners to ease into brief workout exercises and slowly level up their intensity. Each workout includes a detailed video with a narration to make it easier for you to follow along, making it feel like you have a personal trainer guiding you through the workout. The latest update of this app includes a display feature that shows how many exercises you’ve finished and allows you to set time goals for each workout.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
13MyFitnessPal
Millions of people use MyFitnessPal to get started on their fitness journey. Focusing more on the nutritional part of your workout, this app keeps track of your macros, allows you to add recipes, track your running or jogging progress, and even scan barcodes on food packaging. MyFitnessPal offers a diverse range of workout programs as well aside from its extensive food and calorie tracking which allows you to complete your fitness goals. It also has built-in daily workout reminders, motivating notifications, a sync feature to pair it with a variety of smart devices.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
14JEFIT
If you visit the gym for working out and are looking for an extensive workout app, JEFIT is one of the best gym workout apps out there. It has a ton of interactive features such as customizable workout programs, weight tracking, reps recording, setting training goals, recording body measurements, scheduling gym visits, recording workout notes, and so much more. The app also features helpful add-ons like supersets and circuit training support, along with rest and interval timers. JEFIT also offers training stats and allows you to compare your progress.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
15Freeletics
For people struggling to workout because they live in a small space, Freeletics offers custom workout programs designed to be followed in small spaces. It features a filter that allows you to select workouts that you can do in a small area while following all the standard fitness specifications. You can choose from over 900+ workouts, that range from 10 to 30 minute routines. These workouts are designed for your body weight.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
16Simply Yoga
Simply Yoga offers its users great yoga videos that are easy to follow along. These videos vary in length and difficulty, making it easier for you to select according to your goals. You’re required to use a yoga mat or a towel when using this app to practice your daily yoga routine.This app is available for both iOS and Android users.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
17TRX
TRX is a custom workout app that allows its user to keep building their workout intensity levels for body weight workouts. The app offers a variety of workout routines, including 20-minute and 40-minute sessions, allowing the user to complete an extensive workout. You can pair this app with most smart watches to help you workout in the gym.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
18MyZone
MyZone is one of the best performing Android game apps that focuses on monitoring your heart rate throughout various workout sessions. It tracks your heart rate, calories, and your maximal efforts as you complete a workout. The app also allows you to share your progress with your friends or other users and has a pairing option available for syncing it with a fitness watch or a heart rate monitor.
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Final Thoughts
Working out begins with clearing out some mental space and setting goals that you know you can achieve. With the best workout apps mentioned, you can begin your fitness journey easily. It’s important to keep yourself motivated throughout the process so you can meet your fitness goals and maintain a healthy well being.
When you go ahead to look up the best fitness apps, you’re bound to get swarmed by a plethora of great choices. But the one that fits your workout needs and goals is the one for you. Above are the best workout apps picks for both iOS and Android users.
FAQs
Are Workout Apps Effective for Beginners?
Yes, workout apps are very effective for beginners as they help the users start by losing extra weight and practice easy-to-follow workouts that they can practice at home. They’re a practical and economical way to get in shape, and offer valuable fitness instruction and advice without making the user feel overwhelmed.
How Long Does it Take to Start Noticing Results From Working Out?
You can expect to see slight changes in the first weeks of working out when it comes to muscle fitness. If you follow a regular workout plan, you can notice improvement in your muscle fitness in three to five months.
How to Get Started With Working Out?
You can start working out by first mentally preparing yourself. Set aside some time and space for exercising and look up beginner-friendly workouts to do at home. Find a program that appeals to you and download a fitness app that follows your fitness goals. Slowly ease yourself into this routine and try to stay as committed and dedicated as you can by keeping the long-term benefits of staying fit by working out in mind.
Why Workout Apps?
Before we get into the best workout apps of the year, let’s answer a question you might be wondering: why use a workout app in the first place?
There are plenty of reasons to use a workout app, but here are just a few:
- Helpful to stay on track: It can be tough to stay motivated when working out on your own. Workout apps help you by providing structure and tracking your progress.
- Convenience: You can work out anywhere, anytime with a workout app. No need to go to the gym or buy expensive equipment.
- Affordable: Most workout apps are very affordable, or even free.
How To Choose the Best Workout App?
Having read the above best workout apps, you might be wondering how to choose the best one.
Here are some things you should consider before making your decision:
- What is your fitness goal?
- What type of workouts do you enjoy?
- Do you want to follow a workout program or be more spontaneous?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want to use the app with friends or family?
Once you’ve considered these factors, you should have a good idea of which workout app is right for you.
If you’re looking for an app that offers a wide range of workout options, we recommend MyFitnessPal or Fitbit.
If you’re looking for an app that specializes in a particular type of workouts, such as running or strength training, we recommend Strava or EvolveYou.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, we recommend Workout Trainer or Nike Training Club.
We hope you found the above workout apps useful. You can also consider other apps but the main thing is to consider your own needs.
