That it’s (understandably) iOS-only knocked it down a couple of pegs. The workouts are also equipment-heavy—you can find bodyweight workouts, but the app is best used with a big piece of cardio equipment like a treadmill or elliptical and a set of dumbbells. I thought there was too much emphasis on the fitness rings, which could encourage users to only go for high-intensity classes and skip out on mind-body ones that are important but don’t burn as many calories. 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. Whether you’re drawn to structured programs, quick bodyweight circuits, or community-driven challenges, these digital fitness companions make it easier to stay on track.
When it comes to exercise, MyFitnessPal has hundreds of exercises stored in its searchable database. There is also an estimation of caloric expenditure for each activity which is based on user height, weight, and gender. https://artofhealthyliving.com/the-best-calisthenics-apps-of-2026-12-bodyweight-training-apps-worth-downloading/ But keep in mind that this is just an estimate and can often be inaccurate.
If you want proper front-cover abs without ever stepping into a gym, though, Freeletics is the answer. Strong consistently earns high marks in gym app comparisons for its clean, no-clutter interface designed specifically for lifters logging sets, reps, and weights. Its one-rep max calculator and plate calculator make it a practical daily tool.
Plus, expert trainers lead you through proven fitness plans that are designed to help you achieve your personal goals. The NutriScanner makes it easy to log your meals and learn about their nutritional value. Every day, you’ll have a new workout plan tailored just for you, featuring a variety of exercises like cardio, strength training, chair yoga, and more. Along with your workouts, Avo provides easy-to-follow recipes to help you stay on track and reach your goals. These apps can help you reach your fitness goals in a number of ways, whether through nutrition or exercise. Depending on the app, fitness apps may offer meal tracking capabilities, recipe ideas, workout options, one-on-one coaching, and more.
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, gain muscle, improve flexibility, or train for a specific event, choose an app that specializes in the type of workouts and progress tracking aligned with your objectives. Clear goals can also help you stay motivated and measure your success over time. Some of the apps we’ve tested are excellent for goal-setting, while others are optimized for community or learning. So even if you don’t have serious goals but just want to find a way to stay more fit and find some encouraging workout friends, there is an app for that.
It’s particularly relevant for users comparing personalization depth across workout apps, since Fitbod adjusts every session rather than repeating static routines. The app targets intermediate to advanced lifters who want data-backed programming. Yes, there are free workout apps with no ads, but they’re usually limited in features or offer ad-free access only in their basic versions. Some of the best free workout apps focus on bodyweight training, offline workouts, or community-driven programs to stay ad-free. For advanced features like personalized plans, progress tracking, or coach support, most apps eventually offer optional upgrades. Strong is a popular strength training app that’s easy to use and packed with features.
You can save your custom timers, track your workout history, and share your workouts with others. We also considered the variety of workouts in terms of type, length, and difficulty (for beginners to advanced), and whether you have a complete home gym or just a floor and your own bodyweight. Testing the workout apps required doing a lot of planks, burpees, and mountain climbers in my living room. Despite the touted two-way video aspect of the studio-style classes, NeoU also felt more impersonal than the other apps I tried. There was no questionnaire when I signed up, so it’s up to the user to sort through NeoU’s (impressive) collection of workout videos.
If you don’t know who she is but have streamed a yoga flow on YouTube in your time, chances are, you’ll have tried one of her sessions without realising it. This app is really great if you’re someone who’s keen to attend exclusive free Nike events or buy discounted merch. Plus, I found the run tracker similar to Strava, there’s just a lot more content on the app, from blogs to product to purchase, meaning it’s not as easy to navigate. Pliability isn’t just an app—you can also stream its content on your computer—but iPhone users can access all of the content natively on their device. The library is impressive, but it’s strictly mobility and recovery. Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005.
If you’re a keen runner looking to track your mileage, you’ll want to skip straight to our running apps section and download Strava, the Nike Run Club app or Couch to 5k, dependant on your ability. For guidance on the best apps for spicy HIIT sessions, scroll for our pick of the best apps for getting a sweat on (we’re looking at you, Joe Wicks and FIIT). And, of course, there are the best apps for strength work – hi, SWEAT and Shreddy – and apps for mental strength, like Calm and Headspace, too. Tanya Sharma has worked on branding initiatives within the fitness niche, supporting fitness platforms and businesses with visual identity design. Her experience includes creating brand systems used by coaches, trainers, and fitness-focused products.
There are programs for every level and you can choose from over 20 certified trainers and listen to music right on the app. For prices ranging from totally free to a yearly subscription, you can work out in the comfort of your own home under the guidance of trainers and trainer-approved fitness plans. Mix up your workouts, track your progress, get your sweat on with these 11 apps for beginners. The best beginner workout apps provide clear guidance, structured training plans, and easy-to-follow workouts designed for people who are new to fitness. Many also include video demonstrations, adjustable difficulty levels, and short workout sessions that fit into busy schedules. If you’re an Apple Watch user, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly many of the best workout apps integrate with your wearable.
He’s covered breaking news and developing stories regarding supply chains, patents and litigation, competition, politics and lobbying, the environment, and more. He’s conducted interviews with industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. Outside of work, he’s a massive tech and history buff with a passion for Rome Total War, reading, and music. I’ve personally used this app for a really solid Couch to 5K plan, and the workouts feature really helpful guidance that talks to you as you run. If you want to do any sort of running in 2025, be it your first-ever 5K, an ultra or anything in between, this definitely should be top of your list. Fronted by trainers like Krissy Cela, EvolveYou has changed the game by encouraging women to step into the weights section.
If you use hand grippers along with these exercises, you’ll start to build grip strength in a way that’s applicable to both athletic scenarios and everyday movement. Kettlebell HIIT workouts are some of the most time-efficient ways of gaining strength and increasing endurance. These exercises are known to be hard and fatiguing, but their results are undeniable when it comes to building a strong and healthy body.
