If you click on anything that isn’t included in the free version, it triggers an upgrade request. The instructors described the exercises well in the workouts I tried, but I needed to look at the screen pretty much the whole time. So it’s probably not the best option if you are planning on using your fitness app at the gym, unless you stick with the audio-only workouts. In fact, I’d say that the videos are best watched on a tablet, laptop screen, or TV because the bigger screen allows you to pick up the moves better. Some apps try to shame you into working out, or bombard you with notifications, so I liked this approach. Nike’s app also offers push notification reminders (which you can turn off) to prompt you when it’s time to do a workout.
It gets my endorphins flowing, makes me feel good and helps me focus on my work.
For the intermediate athlete, an app that bridges the gap between basic fitness and elite performance is key. These users require a platform that can scale with their evolving capabilities, offering progressive overload and periodization to ensure continuous improvement. The right app will recognize the user’s growing proficiency and adapt accordingly, providing a seamless transition from intermediate routines to more complex training regimens. All workout apps in this article cost between $10 and $20 per month — that’s likely cheaper than most fitness classes in a studio.
Moreover, the utility of a strength training app is amplified when it includes a robust support system, such as access to certified coaches or an active community forum. This support not only aids in the refinement of technique but also fosters a sense of accountability and encouragement. Users benefit greatly from an app that combines these features with a user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate their strength training journey and achieve their fitness goals. For experienced athletes, advanced strength training apps like StrengthLab360 offer sophisticated programs that challenge even the most seasoned lifters. These platforms provide intricate periodization schedules and advanced analytics, enabling athletes to push past plateaus and continue making significant gains in strength and muscle mass.
The quick list
- Unlike consumer fitness apps, FitBudd is specifically designed for trainers who want to offer personalized programming at scale.
- When embarking on a strength training regimen with the aid of an app, the necessity for special equipment largely depends on the user’s specific fitness goals and the app’s design.
- Hevy syncs with Apple Health, which means your workout data flows to the Apple ecosystem — but Hevy does not have a native Apple Watch app for standalone logging.
- There are plenty of coaches on this app with numerous years of experience in their respective fields.
- No disrespect to those creators, but I think a paid app should have some differentiating features.
- While Sweat is designed for women, the actual workout content is top-quality strength and cardio programming that delivers real results.
As someone who has been working out consistently over the past 16 years, I saw the transition from workout tapes to DVDs to apps. I’ve gone through all phases, and can tell you that while most will promise transformation, only a few will actually deliver. Between gamified streaks and trainers shouting motivational quotes through my earbuds, I’ve deleted more workout apps than I’ve kept. Ladder offers a free seven-day trial, and afterward you can pick from a Pro plan for $30 a month or the Pro Plan-Annual, which is an up-front fee of $180 for the year and offers unlimited access to the app. When I tried out this app, I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell, and what’s great is you get video demonstrations for the different exercises you’ll be doing.
Best for Variety
With an online fitness subscription, you’ll get access to a ton of information and workouts, but it’ll require a lot of discipline to complete the programs on your own. This app has an extensive selection of workouts to choose from, and every Monday a new workout is uploaded. Most of the MWH Method videos are 10 to 30 minutes long and combine low-impact Pilates and yoga movements. Don’t be fooled by the “low-impact” wording — that does not mean easy or low-effort. The subtle movements and prolonged repetition will have your muscles burning.
Options for Intermediate Lifters
Now, Gym Circle here is not an app, but a platform like PWA (Progressive Web App) giving you all the feels of a traditional app. It is a workout tracker helping you stay motivated to work out, reach your fitness goals, and examine your progress. Boot Camp, like the Strong app, helps you stay in shape, lose weight if overweight, and reach your fitness goals with engaging exercise experiences. For instance, both have intuitive user interfaces, they help you plan your routines from the beginner’s stage to advanced systematically, offer high-quality videos for demonstration, etc. MyFitnessPal is one of the popular calorie counters, helping you track your healthy diet.
Skimble also lets you connect with personal trainers on the app, though there is an extra charge for that service and I didn’t try it out. I also didn’t test the newer heart-rate training option that allows you to pair a heart rate chest strap to the app for additional training feedback. When you download the app, you take a basic quiz that asks your fitness level and how many days you’re aiming to work out in a week. From there, it recommends a few options of multi-week programs to follow, though it’s easy to explore the app and do one-off workouts on your own. But the programs are what really make it special, so getting them for free feels like a treat. When embarking on a strength training regimen with the aid of an app, the necessity for special equipment largely depends on the user’s specific fitness goals and the app’s design.
Ready to experience science-based training?
The best part of this app is that it’s free and provides access to numerous resources, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. You’ll also want to figure out whether the app’s classes require you to have certain pieces of equipment on hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat. Make sure you either have these items, or you have the budget to purchase them.
Best workout subscription apps for 2025
The most common mistake isn’t choosing Fitbod over Hevy; it’s treating them as comparable when they solve fundamentally different problems. Getting the category right first makes the individual app choice obvious. For device-specific guidance, explore our broader guide to evaluating top fitness apps. Fitbod solves this better than any other app on this list because its AI reads your logged recovery state. Tell it you ran 8 miles yesterday, and it adjusts session intensity and exercise selection accordingly — pulling volume away from legs and shifting focus to upper body or core. That adaptive behavior is exactly what a running-focused lifter needs.
Best App for Personal Trainers – FitBudd
Stanford Lifestyle Medicine positions resistance training as the most effective tool for this demographic. Apps that treat female users as a slight variation on the male default miss this entirely. Your AI personal coach for fitness — create custom workouts, track progress, and train smarter.
Best workout subscription for in-studio classes and online
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. Ahead, we’re sharing the best workout apps to elevate your fitness routine, no matter your goal or experience level. I’m a pretty active person, and I like switching things around with my workout fitbod workout app routine. I have a fondness for group fitness classes, though I’ve also dabbled in heavy-duty at-home workout equipment. My main fitness go-tos these days are YouTube videos, or when weather permits, a run or bike ride outside. But after some time choosing workout videos ad hoc on YouTube and going on self-driven, sometimes-listless jogs, I wanted something with a bit more guidance.
The 7 Best Workout Apps You Can Use in the Gym and at Home
He can be seen at TechRadar, iMore, Live Science and more on a regular basis, and enjoys weightlifting and middle-distance running. We’ve reviewed these apps and plenty that didn’t make the cut to bring you our recommendations, bringing years of tech and software experience to the table. When you open the app, if there is currently a live class, it’ll already be playing on the screen, so all you have to do to join it is expand the window. When you do, the instructor will greet you by your name, because classes—at least all the ones I took—actually are live.
The most accurate nutrition tracking app with lab-verified food data and the ability to track up to 84 nutrients. BetterMe, Peloton, and Daily Burn are popular for structured weight loss, with customizable plans. Ladder pairs you with a certified coach for strength-focused programming, featuring daily routines and expert feedback. Android users have full access to all seven apps on this list — Hevy, Strong, Fitbod, Caliber, JuggernautAI, WeGLOW, and Nike Training Club are all available on the Google Play Store. The functionality gap between iOS and Android versions is minimal for most apps.
As a result, the average Caliber member achieves at least a 20% improvement to their body composition within 3 months. Whether it’s weight loss, strength building, or overall wellness, our comprehensive approach to wellness ensures that you can focus on achieving your goals in a supportive and empowering environment. Despite this, the program formatting is a good place to begin if you’re familiar with strength training but are looking for guidance on how to follow a proper strength program. There are programs that help set you up for success with your fitness goals and range from six to 13 weeks long.
Trainers include Kayla herself, as well as the likes of Kelsey Wells, Chontel Duncan, Britany Williams, and Stephanie Sanzo. You can switch your program easily and take on-demand classes if you feel like adding the odd barre session to your planner. Whether you enjoy weightlifting, yoga or cardio, the Fiit app has you covered. We’ve tested Fiit with and without equipment or chest strap monitors, and every class we’ve sweated through gets a huge tick from us. During testing, we found the instructor-led workouts to be engaging and motivating, and also enjoyed the whiteboard workouts, which show you the entire workout so you can follow at your own pace.
