Some people believe that their smartphone is only good for texting, making calls, or browsing the internet. However, this amazing device is also an excellent tool for managing, tracking, and keeping up with your fitness goals. And that’s thanks to fitness apps — specialized programs that provide guidance, motivation, and accountability.
It doesn’t matter if you are a yoga enthusiast, an expert runner, or a HIIT devotee, there are endless apps designed for you. But countless options can be overwhelming, especially if you are just getting started. This article will help you choose the best fitness apps by going through some of the most popular free and paid options.
Best Free Fitness Apps
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, there are many free apps that can meet your needs.
1. Nike Training Club
Image source: Nike.com
Nike Training Club is the closest thing to having a personal trainer without the hefty price tag. In fact, in 2020, Nike decided to make all the app’s premium content free. As a result, you have access to a variety of exercises for users of all fitness levels, making this app a great starting point. It also offers recovery, sleep, and nutrition advice to keep you motivated and engaged.
One of the app’s best features is its ability to adapt to your skill level. More specifically, when you first open it, a quiz asks you about your workout preferences and how much time you have for exercising. Afterward, the app recommends you a couple of workouts ranging from yoga to core and bodyweight training.
Additionally, the more you use the app, the more it is able to recommend appropriate programs for your specific needs.
2. Freeletics
Image source: Freeletics.com
If you like quick, sweaty, and effective workouts, you’ll fall in love with the Freeletics fitness app. This specialized app focuses on bodyweight exercises like squats, burpees, and sit-ups, which you can do anywhere and anytime. Not only that, but it also offers personalized HIIT workouts with audio coaching that should help you get fit in no time.
The free version of Freeletics provides users with more than 20 HIIT workouts, 25 individual exercises, and 20 audio workouts. Even though you can always upgrade it for $1.55 a week, the free workouts are more than enough for any newcomer or expert alike.
3. Strava
Image source: Strava.com
Strava is the perfect fitness app for those who care about their sense of community and social connection. To put it simply, this app is designed for those that enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
With it, you can share photos of your workouts, follow others’ fitness activities and take part in workout challenges. The app can also track your speed, endurance, and distance, helping you analyze your progress.
Another great thing about Strava is that it covers all sorts of physical activities, including jogging, swimming, biking, and working out. Therefore, everyone can use it as a healthier alternative to social media. And while the app also has a subscription model, which offers you customized training plans, the basic version is more than enough for most fitness enthusiasts.
Best Paid Fitness Apps
Generally speaking, paid fitness apps can give their users better and more diverse workout programs. And thanks to a wide range of prices, you should be able to find one that suits your budget in no time.
1. Peloton
Image source: Onepeloton.com
Peloton offers a genuine fitness studio experience, all from the comfort of your home. For $12.99 a month, you have access to on-demand classes, including cycling, treadmill running, and strength training.
But you don’t have to own a treadmill or bike to enjoy the features of this interesting app. Peloton provides users with all sorts of bodyweight workout exercises. And, if you want to take your workouts outdoors, you can do so by using the audio-only programs.
The live class functionality allows you to connect to other users and encourage them with digital high-fives. Other features include the ability to join challenges, follow people and view their progress, and much more. In other words, Peloton is the closest thing that you’ll find to a fitness social media platform.
2. Openfit
Image source: Openfit.com
With more than 200 life classes a week, Openfit provides users with clear and reliable instructions from expert trainers. The on-demand classes will also help you stay in shape thanks to their well-thought-out workout programs. However, to unlock all its classes, you’ll have to purchase a subscription, which amounts to $12.99 per month.
While Openfit is not as popular as other apps, it is rapidly growing. Its wide range of exercises, personalized meal plans, and tracking, are only matched by its active fitness community, with which you can interact at any point.
3. Alo Moves
Image source: Alomoves.com
Finally, Alo Moves is a popular yoga apparel brand that has successfully taken a dive into the world of fitness apps. Featuring over 1,500 video courses from world-class instructors, this app is one of the most reliable you can find.
From yoga to fitness and meditation, you can use it to find the perfect routine based on your mood and schedule. And best of all, if you are not ready to pay $20 per month, you can always take advantage of its 14-day free trial.
