You can access Alive’s 100-plus daily workouts, over 10 programs, and multi-day challenges. The app has workouts for every skill level and equipment access, provides video demonstrations, and allows you to track your progress. Some workout apps let you download videos for offline use, while others require a constant internet connection. Live classes or sessions with virtual coaching almost always need a working connection, so it’s important to check how each app handles offline access.
Know exactly what WORKOUT to do, eVERY day
Freemium apps (where core features are free but premium features require payment) vary dramatically in how generous that free baseline actually is. Yes, FitOn still has a 100% free version, which gives you access to their database of workouts. Workouts cover different modalities, from strength training, HIIT, and cardio, to yoga, pilates, and mobility exercises. Equipment is needed for most workouts, but Amanda says you can filter your search for workouts by the type of gym equipment needed. Where iFit stands out is its impressive video library of immersive, guided workouts led by world-class trainers.
Many apps also include a community component, which can be a helpful way to stay motivated, share progress, and hold yourself accountable. You can follow your own route or explore Strava’s massive network of roads and trails, built by millions of athletes worldwide. “The mapping tool makes it easier than ever to plan runs and workouts in advance, especially when following a training plan with specific distances and paces,” one runner noted.
Calisthenics Training Programs
It’s specifically designed to be used in the gym (but it does have bodyweight workouts available) as the main function of the app is to design a reps-and-sets-based workout plan. Traditional gym exercises don’t work for everybody, and that’s where many of these fitness classes come in. There are some apps that do focus on workouts you’d do at a gym, but quite a few apps offer more than that. The nutrition features complement the training programs, with meal planning tools, macro tracking, and the ability to share recipes. This holistic approach enables trainers to provide complete lifestyle coaching rather than just workout programming.
Best Workout App for Beginners: Muscle Booster
If you’re looking to train at home or in the gym, using one of the best workout apps can help you access motivational, qualified workouts at home personal trainers in just a few taps. The most effective strength training program is any program that applies progressive overload consistently over 8+ weeks. For beginners, this means any structured three-day-per-week program covering the Big Three compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, bench press) is highly effective. Research from NIH PMC (2022) found that both load progression and rep progression produced similar muscle size increases over an 8-week cycle — the method matters less than the consistency. Caliber’s free tier provides a solid structured program; Fitbod automates the progression calculation for you.
Best Workout App Overall: Future
For general programming, apps earned a 4- or 5-star rating when the monthly membership fee was under $15. For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the app costs $35 per month or more. Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you’ll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available.
Free Workout Tracker
For a workout app to actually work, you’ll have to utilize it with frequency. The best workout app is the one you want to use and enjoy using on a regular basis. While there is nothing wrong with pink dumbbells or dainty logos, speaking as a personal trainer, I can assure you that folks of all genders can train using the same exercises. I believe most folks (regardless of gender) should know how to squat, hinge, push, and pull. It’s also a bonus that Peloton’s live workouts have high-quality audio and video.
How much do workout apps cost?
The BetterMe app is Pilates-focused workout app aimed toward beginners. It has a nutrition function where you can track calories or gather healthy meal ideas. She also notes the app syncs with the Apple Watch but not apps like Garmin, Fitbit, or Strava, and she found it a bit frustrating to manually enter workout data later.
- Many of the best workout apps focus primarily on strength training—and for good reason.
- Because the programs we tested are 100% online, it’s important that the platform is easy to use and doesn’t take away from the workout experience.
- It’s not limited to injuries, either—you can use it to track chronic health issues or even mental health.
- Depending on your needs, you may not need the presence of an online coach in your app.
- If you’re new to workout apps, or fitness in general, Aaptiv can be a great choice.
- It offers a tiered membership based on what you can afford, and all of its methods are science-backed.
The best app for monitoring injuries and health issues: Bearable
There’s no way around it—Muscle Booster had to get a 1 out of 5 in our interactive features category. In April 2026, we reviewed our list of the best weightlifting apps and made a few changes based on our latest testing. The Shred App still earns our top recommendation, but we swapped out picks that didn’t hold up in accountability, ease of use, and progressive overload. Our newest addition, Muscle Booster, earned high scores in those categories.
Best Free Workout App for Women: Nike Training Club
The app integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and various fitness trackers (with PRO), automatically syncing steps, workouts, and weight data for a complete health picture. Daily mobility routines, access 1500+ workouts, expert coaches, track progress, effective programming. You can submit videos of your exercises and receive feedback from certified ATG coaches within 24 hours. This level of support ensures you’re performing movements correctly and progressing safely. While Sweat is designed for women, the actual workout content is top-quality strength and cardio programming that delivers real results.
If you’re able to stay on task, there is a deep social network behind this simple workout tracker. Each exercise has an extensive overview of the movement, including a video, complete step-by-step instructions, a muscle map displaying the body parts most involved, and even key points and takeaways on form. That’s a lot of information for each exercise, leading us to rate the instruction a 5 out of 5. Download the app for free today to kick-start your progress and achieve your health goals this year. ClassPass has some community and interactive features you may enjoy. You can invite friends to class and earn rewards or connect with friends on the app.
The End All Of All Apps
Muscle Booster is beginner-friendly because it pays close attention to the user. During the sign-up process, you’ll answer a quick quiz that includes questions about your goals, activity level, equipment access, and more. Once you sign up for a paid subscription, you get access to personalized fitness plans to meet those goals. Paid plans are around $14.99 per month, but don’t be surprised if you get a discount as a first-time user. While the Caliber app earns the nod on our best workout app for men, women can also achieve great results since it offers something for everyone.