The best workout apps of 2024, verified by a certified personal trainer

Whether you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey or you’ve been following an exercise routine for years, you can set yourself up for even more success by investing in expert support. The best workout apps offer a wealth of tools and resources that can give you a clear direction, help you remain accountable, and allow you to track your progress.

From on-demand workouts to virtual boot camps to personalized strength training plans, workout apps provide a wide range of options to help people of various skill and fitness levels become stronger, fitter, and healthier. To guide you in the right direction, the Fortune Recommends™ team researched and tested more than 30 fitness apps to evaluate critical characteristics such as pricing, ease of use, equipment demands, and workout variety so you can select the one that best aligns with your goals and needs.

Our picks of the best workout apps

Compare workout apps

	Future	Caliber	Joggo	JuggernautAI	Centr	Sweat App	iFIT	Aaptiv	FlexIt	Ladder	Street Parking
Rating
Free trial	No	Free forever version	No	Two weeks	Seven days	Seven days	30 days	Seven days	$5 trial session	Seven days	No
Workout types	Cardio, strength, functional fitness	Cardio and strength	Cardio, strength	Strength, powerlifting	Cardio, strength, functional fitness	Cardio, strength, functional fitness, yoga, pilates, barre, HIIT	Cardio, strength, functional fitness	Cardio, strength, walking, stretching, bodyweight	Cardio, strength, functional fitness	Strength	Strength, functional fitness, HIIT, bodyweight, endurance
Price	$199 a month	$200 a month (can vary depending on your plan)	$33-$66, depending on your plan	$35 a month for a monthly subscription; $350 for an annual subscription	$30 a month; $60 for three months; or $120 for one year	$120 for an annual subscription; $15 a month for a monthly subscription	$15 a month for an individual plan; $39 a month for a family plan	$15 for a monthly subscription; $100 for an annual subscription	$37-$84 a session	$30 a month for a monthly subscription; $180 for an annual subscription	$19 a month for a monthly subscription; $54 for a 3-month subscription; $100 for a 6-month subscription; $180 for a yearly subscription

Best workout app overall:




Future

The Future app gives you the flexibility to customize your training experience as you work with a coach who’ll hold you accountable.

Key product features

Assessment


FaceTime call

Accountability


Direct message

Training plan


Customized

Form feedback


Video review

What you should know

Future provides excellent value by pairing you with a certified personal trainer who’ll create customized workout programs, check in regularly, and hold you accountable throughout your journey.

• 
  Future earned a 5 out of 5 rating for accountability from one of our top reviewers, who noted that his coach did a great job of checking in regularly.
  
• 
  At about $200 per month, Future is one of the more expensive workout apps on the market.
  

If you need a coach’s expertise and motivation, investing in a monthly subscription can give you the tools and confidence to crush your goals.

Why we like Future as best overall

With an unmatched level of customization and an attractive interface that makes it easy to navigate and track your data, Future stands out as the best workout app we’ve tested. Several of our team members have relied on this app for multiple years to guide them through their respective fitness journeys—a testament to its effectiveness in providing high-quality programming and strong support from certified coaches.

One of our product testers found the setup process remarkably smooth, awarding it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Future initiates your experience with a brief questionnaire to understand your current workout habits and fitness goals. Not only do you get a chance to select a coach who best fits your needs, but you also get an opportunity to speak with him or her directly.

“You kick things off with a Facetime call with your coach, which is amazing,” notes NASM-certified personal trainer Kate Meier.

Your coach will utilize the information gathered from the assessment and call to craft a weekly workout plan. The routine includes strength training, cardio sessions, and rest days, all customized based on the equipment available to you. All three of our product reviewers rated Future 5 out of 5 stars for equipment demands. One tester especially appreciated how her coach made adjustments when she switched up her workout environment.

“I went to the beach while testing this app, and my trainer gave me bodyweight workouts since I didn’t have any of my equipment with me,” she noted.

Receiving an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use from all three reviewers, the app earned praise for its audio and visual cues for exercises. These cues helped enhance the overall flow of the workouts. Another user-friendly aspect is the ability to rate and provide feedback on each session, enabling personalized adjustments to your program based on your input.

Most importantly, Future earned the highest possible rating for accountability from two reviewers, including Kate.

“Accountability is crucial for success. Not only does research support the benefit of accountability, but practically speaking it just makes sense,” says exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. (

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) “Sadly, we’d easily let ourselves down and maybe skip a workout, but we’d rarely let someone else down. The Future app connects users with coaches and makes accountability central to its success.”

Integration with the Apple Watch allows users to effortlessly monitor activity rings and workouts, catering to the preferences of data-driven individuals. The app’s compatibility with smartwatches—including the Google Pixel Watch and some Samsung Galaxy watch models—is particularly advantageous for those who prioritize consistent tracking.

The biggest drawback of Future, according to our product testers, is its $199 price tag. The cost might seem steep initially. However, when compared to the cost of an in-person trainer (which can easily exceed $300 per month), Future’s cost represents excellent value based on the level of customization, accountability, and expert guidance from certified coaches.

What customers are saying

Customers on the Apple App Store appreciate that their coaches tailor their workout routines based on their travel and work schedules, as well as the equipment they have available.

“All the workouts are tailored to my goals and are considerate of my injuries,” wrote one reviewer with the screen name cnozil.

Furthermore, many mention the level of individualized attention and accountability as reasons for enjoying the app.

While some people don’t have a problem with paying $200 per month for the app, others point to the hefty price tag as a drawback, especially when the app used to cost $150 per month. One of the only other consistent criticisms of Future is the lack of nutrition coaching and meal plans.

Specs

Best personalized workout app:




Caliber

Best personalized workout app

Caliber offers a high level of personalization, as you can select from multiple tiers that include group and one-on-one coaching.

Key product features

Food tracking


Cronometer app

Accountability


Weekly check-in

Training plan


Periodized

Form feedback


Video review

What you should know

Depending on which tier you choose, Caliber offers group and individual coaching that includes customized training and nutrition protocols. The app relies on two AI-based measurements to track your progress, and your coach will provide feedback and update your goals so you have a clear direction.

• 
  Our product tester enjoyed working with a coach who showed flexibility and understanding in coming up with an alternative measure to hold her accountable to her diet.
  
• 
  With individual coaching packages starting at $200 per month, Caliber can become quite expensive, especially if you want strategy calls or live training sessions with your coach included.
  

While the free-forever version can get you started, Caliber Premium will give you the most personalized training experience.

Why we like Caliber as best personalized

If you’re on the lookout for a workout and nutrition app that tailors plans to your needs, Caliber is an excellent choice. Available in three tiers, the platform relies on scientific principles and data to drive its programming.

While our product tester opted for the Premium Coaching package that starts at $200 a month, she noted that the free version gives you access to a library of basic workouts that can help you get jumpstarted. There’s also a Pro version that costs about $14 a month and provides group coaching.

With the Premium Coaching tier, you get a coach who creates personalized workouts for you. You can even upgrade (for an additional $66 a month) to get weekly or monthly video calls to discuss your strategy and any issues you’re facing.

Caliber received top scores from our product tester for accountability and instruction—two crucial aspects that impact your results. (

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) She appreciated the weekly check-ins with her trainer that provided opportunities to not only discuss the previous week’s workouts but also set goals for the next week.

The app features video demos for every exercise, making it easy to understand each movement. If you’re concerned about your form, you can record yourself and send it to your coach for quick feedback.

“This is particularly important as…proper form during exercise improves self-efficacy, or your confidence in your ability to exercise,” adds Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, and Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. “The higher your self-efficacy, the more likely you are to stick with your exercise program.” (

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Caliber uses measurements like strength score and strength balance to track your progress, which is beneficial for beginners focusing on their weaknesses. The workouts are structured in stages, with the same exercises for a few weeks, gradually increasing intensity. This type of periodized training can produce greater strength gains than non-periodized training. (

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“My coach gives me goals to hit each week regarding weights and reps to ensure I’m progressively overloading,” our reviewer wrote.

Caliber extends its assistance beyond workouts to include nutrition coaching. Our tester received sound advice from her trainer, who also holds a nutrition coaching certification. The nutrition coach even addressed issues with food tracking by sending photos of meals as a less stressful alternative.

Keep in mind that because Caliber coaches aren’t registered dietitians, they can’t provide highly specific meal plans, medical nutrition therapy, or suggest a particular diet based on your health history. (

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) Their focus is more on teaching you how to track your food, offering tips for healthier choices, and explaining different diets.

For tracking nutrition, Caliber utilizes an app called Cronometer, which includes a handy barcode scanner for quickly adding new foods to your log. Your coach has access to your Cronometer data, which can help make your check-ins more informative and keep you focused and accountable during your fitness journey.

What customers are saying

Reviewers on the Apple App Store speak highly of the individualized attention they receive from their coaches, which helps them stay on track and feel empowered.

Another user found investing in the Caliber app to be worthwhile, especially when trainers in her area cost almost $100 a session. In addition to adjusting her workouts based on her work schedule, her coach conducts several weekly check-ins to answer any questions.

Although most reviews contained positive feedback, one customer wasn’t impressed with her trainer. She called out her coach for failing to maintain consistent communication and updating her workout schedule.

“The trainer, while nice, offered very generic messages 1-2x per week,” commented a user with the screen name The local traveler. “Although they did seem encouraging, it sounded like a copy and paste type message. I fell behind on logging workouts for a week and noticed the trainer did not mention anything about it so I thought I would go another week without logging anything to see if they noticed (accountability). Nothing was ever mentioned.”

Specs

Best workout app for runners:




Joggo

Best workout app for runners

Joggo is a personalized running app that has user-friendly features like audio-guided workouts, GPS tracking, and meal planning.

Key product features

Plan Update


Every two weeks

Workouts


Audio-guided

Meal Planning


Included

Tracking


GPS

What you should know

Designed for runners of all abilities, Joggo creates a fully personalized running program based on your goals, needs, and lifestyle.

• 
  Our product tester rated Joggo 3.75 out of 5 stars for instruction, noting that some of the audio cues seem better suited for beginners.
  
• 
  At about $33 per month, Joggo essentially gives you a running coach and a plan to follow at a reasonable price point.
  
• 
  Runners who want more variety or a structured routine can utilize Joggo to get more out of their training.
  

Why we like Joggo as best for runners

The brainchild of a former Ironman competitor, Joggo is designed to assist runners in achieving their goals through personalized running plans. The app offers various tools to support your running journey, including GPS locating tracking, distance and speed monitoring, and audio guidance for workouts.

Interestingly, data suggest there is a strong influence of music preference—or audio guidance—and exercise outcomes, so this addition within the app could be of benefit. (

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Joggo can also be a helpful resource if you’re trying to lose weight, as it includes a weight tracker to monitor your progress. (

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) However, even if weight loss isn’t your focus, this running app’s other features can make your cardio training more challenging and intentional by providing a mix of different workouts that range from speed sessions to longer-duration runs for conditioning.

One of our product reviewers found the setup process straightforward, giving Joggo 4 out of 5 stars in this category. After providing details about your current fitness level, diet, and health, Joggo presents different running plan options and estimates of the time it’ll take to achieve your goal.

While our tester rated Joggo 3 out of 5 stars for instruction, she felt that forcing users to view or go through an included short warm-up before starting their run wasn’t necessary. This feature might benefit beginners who need guidance on how to warm up before a workout, but more experienced runners may find themselves wanting to skip ahead to the actual workout. She also felt that voice-guided cues like “remember to breathe” might seem unnecessary for advanced runners.

From a cost perspective, Joggo is more affordable than other workout apps. For example, a 12-month subscription costs just $66—just $5.50 a month. In contrast, other personal training apps may cost well over $100 per month.

Additionally, Joggo offers an optional strength-training component that focuses on your upper body and core for an extra $2 per week. Even though the app doesn’t offer lower-body strength training programming, we encourage users to pencil in at least one or two leg day sessions per week. Research suggests that lower-limb resistance exercise can enhance running economy and potentially reduce the risk of running-related injuries. (

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Plus,

combining aerobic exercise with strength training

is a sound strategy to keep both your body and brain functioning at a high level as you age. All types of exercise are critical for long term health, but it’s easy to get caught up with just one type or another. Muscle is often called the organ of longevity and for this reason, incorporating strength training is critical. But aerobic exercise also supports cardiovascular, vascular, and general health.

In terms of accountability, Joggo lacks features beyond push notifications. One of our reviewers only gave it 3 out of 5 stars in this category.

Each run you finish also contributes to your overall run streak.

“Gamification [elements like this] may help health outcomes by making the app more appealing and, therefore, increase use,” suggests exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “This has been measured in research within health apps, but also across a variety of applications. This is why various apps measure streaks and offer other such [perks] to keep users engaged.” (

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Still, the app’s versatility in accommodating treadmill or outdoor runs can add variety to your workouts and take away potential excuses to skip training. Overall, while Joggo lacks interactive features, it offers a structured approach to help diversify your running routine and put you on a path to improve your endurance, pace, speed, and form.

What customers are saying

On the Apple App Store, users say they enjoy that the workouts aren’t limited to just basic long-distance runs. Some sessions include speed work, bodyweight exercises, and high-intensity interval training.

However, several negative reviews highlight issues with the app’s tracking abilities.

“I’ll complete an indoor run and once it is finished it flips to optional run. When I stop the run it loses the scheduled run I just did and I can’t manually log it. So frustrating,” commented a user with the screen name Jennywithawhy.

Although one reviewer on Trustpilot said the app makes her runs more intentional, several customers called out technical issues that made it difficult to rely on Joggo. Other negative reviews also expressed frustration about the lack of integration with smartwatches and fitness trackers for heart-rate monitoring and other data tracking.

Specs

Best gym workout app:




JuggernautAI

Created by a record-setting powerlifter, JuggernautAI provides structure so you get more out of your strength training workouts.

Key product features

Coaching


Intuitive AI

Free Trial


Two weeks

Workout Type


Strength

Workout Time


45-70 minutes

What you should know

Unlike many workout apps, JuggernautAI doesn’t involve working directly with a coach. Instead, the platform relies on intuitive AI to create a personalized strength training program that adapts as you progress.

• 
  While some workout apps have lackluster initial assessments, our product tester reported that JuggernautAI conducted a thorough one that helped with creating a well-devised program.
  
• 
  Starting at around $30 per month, this workout app provides excellent value, as you essentially get a powerlifting coach in your pocket.
  
• 
  Anyone who’s focused on developing power and strength and refining their weightlifting technique should put JuggernautAI near the top of their list for workout apps.
  

Why we like Juggernaut AI as best for gym workouts

For those prioritizing muscle and strength gains, JuggernautAI will take your gym sessions to the next level. Crafted by powerlifter and championship-winning coach Chad Wesley Smith, this AI-driven fitness app allows everyday athletes to tap into his expertise without the need for face-to-face interaction.

Unlike some of the other workout apps on this list, JuggernautAI doesn’t involve working with a live coach. Instead, it relies on AI that utilizes data to tailor a routine to enhance your performance in the three core powerlifting movements: squat, deadlift, and bench press. The software accounts for factors like your previous fitness experience, personal records, weak points, and current training load to create a plan that will allow you to maximize your efforts in the gym.

While some individuals may prefer direct coaching, our product tester appreciated Juggernaut’s AI technology, along with an easy setup process that earned 5 out of 5 stars. However, the lack of human interaction led to a slightly lower accountability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Additionally, Juggernaut received 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. Beyond logging readiness, weights, sets, reps, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), the app doesn’t involve extensive interaction. Nonetheless, this simplicity may suit those who prioritize completing workouts over spending time scrolling on their phones.

“I think the experience has a good level of interaction that holds you accountable but isn’t overwhelming or annoying,” our product tester noted.

One area where JuggernautAI stands out is in the all-important value category. After six weeks of using the app, our reviewer gave it a perfect score of five out of five stars.

“At $35 per month, this is a phenomenal value,” she stated. “There are plenty of other workout apps out there charging $30 or more per month for on-demand, pre-filmed workouts. This app provides real coach insights at an incredibly affordable price.”

Ultimately, if you want to put your gym membership to good use, it’s important to have a structured workout routine that emphasizes progressive overload, which has been shown to enhance muscular adaptations. (

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“Progressive overload can be accomplished in a number of ways; either through increasing weight, repetitions, frequency, or even time under tension,” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.

Even though JuggernautAI doesn’t pair you with a personal trainer, its responsive AI will give you the upper hand as you progress with your fitness journey.

What customers are saying

JuggernautAI is one of the top-rated workout apps on the Apple App Store. Many users have experienced significant leaps in their strength while using the intuitive program.

However, there are a few criticisms of the JuggernautAI app. Some users call out the number of exercises per workout as a drawback.

“The number of exercises and sets per session seems very excessive and is difficult to complete in a reasonable amount of time,” wrote a reviewer with the username griffith.sat.

Specs

Best workout app for men:




Centr

Created by Chris Hemsworth, Centr is an app for men that covers strength training, healthy recipes, and mindfulness exercises.

Key product features

Nutrition


1,000+ recipes

Workouts


More than 4,000

Mental Health


Meditations

Instruction


Excellent

What you should know

• 
  Two of our reviewers rated Centr 5 out of 5 stars for instruction, which should give users confidence about being able to execute the movements correctly.
  
• 
  While this app costs $30 per month, you can reduce your monthly cost by signing up for a three-month or year-long plan.
  
• 
  By taking a holistic approach to health, Centr provides a well-rounded collection of resources to help you get stronger, fitter, and mentally sharper.
  

Why we like Centr as best for men

Known for his muscular physique, actor Chris Hemsworth created a holistic health app that offers not only a wealth of strength training programs but also mindfulness exercises and a deep library of recipes that can help men become the best versions of themselves. (To be clear, there’s no reason why women can’t also use this app.)

Unlike Future and some of the other apps on this list, Centr does not directly connect you with a one-on-one personal coach. However, the app features daily workouts led by an expert trainer or self-guided sessions programmed by a team of fitness professionals.

At $30 for one month, Centr won’t take a big bite out of your budget. And with three- and 12-month subscription options that come out to $20 or $10 per month, respectively, you do have the opportunity to save by making a long-term investment.

With a value rating of 4 out of 5 stars, Centr also scored high marks from our reviewers for ease of use (4.5 stars) and instruction (5 stars). Between text, photos, and video instructions and even some workouts led by Hemsworth himself, our reviewers each enjoyed the thorough explanations and overall experience training with the app.

While Centr excels at implementing progress overload concepts in its programming, the app isn’t just limited to strength training programs. There’s a wide variety of workouts that include bodyweight, yoga, pilates, and HIIT.

“The programs range from three to 13 weeks, but the majority are six to eight weeks,” our reviewer noted. “The programs can be repeated, too, with increasing weights.”

In addition, the app focuses on mental health and nutrition, with mindfulness exercises and meditations led by Hemsworth and an excellent meal planning and recipe section.

“Centr has also partnered with a highly regarded performance nutritionist to add to the quality offerings in the app itself and the user experience,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.

Clearly, this has been noticed and beneficial, leading to our product reviewer saying, “I can’t stress enough how much I like the recipe section—their food is kickass.”

What customers are saying

Customers on the App Store love the ability to customize the app to their needs, along with the inclusion of well-sourced articles and educational resources for learning more about healthy eating and working out.

However, another user felt that some of the movements don’t suit all fitness levels.

“The workouts were challenging but simple and mundane. Also much of the core work involves a lot of intense exercises that require a lot of ‘knee’ work like gorillas and what resembles floor work breakdancing!” a customer with the screen name Cj morrison wrote. “These moves are really not made for people like myself that are over 40 and have had knee surgeries and issues.”

Specs

Best workout app for women:




Sweat App

Best workout app for women

Created by fitness influencer Kayla Itsines, the Sweat App empowers women with comprehensive meal planning and challenging workouts.

Key product features

Reminders


Real-time

Nutrition


Meal planning

Programs


More than 20

Training Plan


Customizable

What you should know

• 
  There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to programming with the Sweat App, as classes range from high-intensity training to yoga to strength.
  
• 
  At $119.94 for an annual subscription, the Sweat App is a budget-friendly option that provides great value.
  
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  Women looking for a female-focused workout app will appreciate the community support, well-designed programs, and meal-planning resources from the Sweat App.
  

Why we like the Sweat App as best for women

Founded by fitness expert Kayla Itsines, Sweat features segmented workout programs ranging from strength training to yoga to the app’s flagship BBG program (Bikini Body Guide), now known as “High Intensity with Kayla.” This female-focused platform also offers meal planning and nutritional guidance and excellent community support.

Our product tester had no trouble getting started, rating the setup process 5 out of 5 stars. After signing up and inputting her goals and other relevant information, she was able to get a personalized training plan. With a clean, user-friendly interface that includes an easy-to-navigate dashboard, she gave the Sweat App 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use.

In addition, the app suggests a healthy meal plan complete with recipes (though it’s not clear if the meal plans are created by registered dietitians or nutrition coaches, who have a more limited scope of practice). Once you select your dietary preferences, Sweat will provide daily meal plans that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options, along with a shopping list based on the ingredients required for your meal plan each week.

“There’s a cart icon in the top right that will put together your shopping list for the week, but it doesn’t appear printable so you’d have to keep track of your shopping by checking each item off for each category,” our reviewer highlighted.

From a training perspective, Sweat should appeal to users who don’t have a gym membership or access to equipment. There are zero-equipment versions of programs that include moves that are straightforward and allowed our tester to “deeply connect with the targeted muscle.”

Our reviewer also felt Sweat stood out for its strong interactive features, rating the app 4.3 out of 5 stars in that category. You can connect the app to Apple Health and track your daily steps. Plus, there are also prompts for taking photos of your meals, which can help you stay accountable with your nutrition.

“At the end of your workout, you’ll have the option to take a post-training photo with the Sweat logo embedded to share with the Sweat community or on your social media accounts,” our review noted. “You can also share your milestone badges as you collect them.”

“This feature uses both gamification and accountability, increasing the user experience and potentially benefiting the outcome,” adds exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.

Finally, you can break a sweat, burn fat, and build muscle while listening to your favorite playlist thanks to the integration of Apple Music and Spotify. This neat feature adds another layer of personalization and can help you maintain focus during your workout.

With an annual subscription cost of $119.94, Sweat certainly falls on the affordable end of workout apps. Our reviewer rated it 4 out of 5 stars for value, noting that it’s a solid choice for low-key lifters and those who prefer to do HIIT-style workouts at home.

“The workouts also vary in levels of intensity and cater to women with differing needs such as low-impact or post-pregnancy training,” she noted. “It’s reasonably priced considering you don’t get 1:1 coaching, though I can’t say I’d recommend it for a true beginner as some of the movements are more complicated.”

What customers are saying

Several customers on the App Store have relied on the Sweat App for years to steer them in the right direction with their workouts and nutrition.

Standout features that appeal to users include the ability to swap exercises, the built-in timer, and the meal plan component. Plus, the programs provide a sufficient challenge for women who want to lose weight, build muscle, and/or just become healthier overall.

However, some reviews called out occasional bugs with the app. In addition, several customers felt the suggested meal plans and recipes contained too many ingredients. This can be a hindrance for those with tight budgets or limited time, experience, or knowledge in the kitchen.

Specs

Best workout app for beginners:




iFIT

Best workout app for beginners

iFIT allows you take on-demand classes from quality instructors who make the workouts engaging and understandable for beginners.

Key product features

Classes


16,000+

Workout Types


Over 60

Trainers


More than 180

Equipment


Not needed

What you should know

iFIT’s interactive programming lets you take full advantage of various compatible equipment. With thousands of classes and many types of workouts from which to choose, users can easily find a program that fits their goals and needs.

• 
  Our product testers appreciated that the classes adjust your machine’s incline, decline, and speed settings so you can remain focused on your workout.
  
• 
  An individual iFIT membership costs $15 per month, but you can upgrade to a family membership for $39 per month.
  
• 
  iFIT’s wide range of classes gives beginners ample opportunities to test different ones and discover which type of training style and coach they enjoy best.
  

Why we like iFIT as best for beginners

Viewed as a worthy rival to the Peloton app, iFIT boasts thousands of live and on-demand classes that can make working out more engaging and effective, especially for beginners. With over six million users, this virtual training platform enables you to take fitness classes from the comfort of your home with quality instructors who bring energy and expertise. The app syncs seamlessly with ellipticals, treadmills, and other equipment, making it a valuable tool to maximize your investment.

Following a breezy setup process that earned 5 out of 5 stars from our product tester, you’ll be able to browse through a versatile library of classes that includes strength training, rowing, yoga, and even mindfulness exercises. Our reviewer appreciated the app’s intuitive design, which helped it earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use.

“It’s also pretty cool you can view all the workouts you’ve taken, including the specific class, the calories burned, and duration,” she noted.

iFIT doesn’t just stop at convenience; it excels in keeping you motivated and engaged, scoring 4 out of 5 stars for interactive features and 4.5 out of 5 stars for instruction.

Our tester enjoyed participating in challenges, complete with leaderboards to see how she stacked up against other users. For beginners, this can be a great way to gauge your progress as you attempt to hit certain milestones. However, since the app is mostly self-guided, our reviewer only scored it 3.5 out of 5 stars for accountability.

At $15 a month for the individual plan and $39 for a family plan, iFIT offers excellent value. Not only do you have access to a wealth of classes and instructors, but you can also choose your training environment.

What customers are saying

This beginner-friendly personal training platform elicited positive feedback on the App Store for providing an immersive, interactive experience and a wide variety of workouts led by experts.

A few negative reviews mentioned that the workout library can be difficult to navigate, leading to too much time being wasted.

“The Browse section lacks search capability, which requires users to spend a good bunch of time looking for the workout they want to start,” commented a user with the screen name SUPABWE. “People have limited time to work out and if it’s taking me 5-10mins to continue scrolling up and down then that’s half my workout time spent.”

Specs

Best bodyweight workout app:




Aaptiv

Best bodyweight workout app

With plenty of bodyweight-only options, Aaptiv gives you access to nearly 9,000 audio-guided workouts led by certified coaches.

Key product features

Workouts


More than 8,500

Equipment


None needed

Accountability


Community feed

Instruction


Audio guidance

What you should know

Aaptiv’s audio-based instruction will make your workouts more engaging no matter where you perform them. With new classes added regularly and a supportive community group, you’ll have the resources needed to achieve your fitness goals.

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  Our product tester noted that the workouts contained unique exercises that reflected a strong knowledge base by the trainers.
  
• 
  At $15 per month, Aaptiv is one of the most inexpensive workout apps on the market.
  
• 
  This budget-friendly workout app is well-suited for at-home training since you do not need any equipment to complete the programs.
  

Why we like Aaptiv as best bodyweight

From burpees to push-ups to planks, there are plenty of ways to get stronger, fitter, and more confident without any equipment. As a certified personal trainer who loves working with barbells and dumbbells, even I have to admit that some bodyweight workouts can be just as (if not more) challenging than lifting weights. (

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) If you’re looking for a workout app catered to this style of training, Aaptiv provides more than enough variety at an affordable price of just $15 per month.

Also available at a discounted rate of $100 for an annual subscription, this app gives you access to thousands of workouts ranging from strength training to pilates to outdoor running. These on-demand sessions feature audio guidance from trainers and coaches—a helpful feature for beginners and even more experienced folks who may not be familiar with certain movements.

“Contralateral training is unique and certainly can be of benefit to those who perform it regularly,” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “In fact, data not only supports it to improve balance, but there are even strength benefits to the opposite limb, which could be of particular benefit to those working around an injury.”

Although Aaptiv earned 4 out of 5 stars for instruction, our reviewer highlighted one minor area of concern.

“There is not always an instructor on screen,” she wrote. “ In some of the workouts it’s more like an animation of a person doing the movements and the trainer speaking in the background. This might throw some people off.”

Still, Aaptiv received perfect scores from our tester for its stress-free setup process and ease of use.

“It is extremely easy to navigate the app,” she noted. “You can filter for workouts by type (e.g. strength or cardio), length, muscle group, fitness level, and equipment.”

Aaptiv earned 5 out of 5 stars for equipment demands, thanks to plenty of bodyweight-only options that include a selection of running and walking workouts you can perform outside. That means you should have no trouble finding workouts you can knock out without a single dumbbell, kettlebell, or even a resistance band.

Despite receiving 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features from our reviewer, Aaptiv still earned lots of praise from our product tester.

“Easily the best value out of all the apps I tried,” she wrote.

What customers are saying

Longtime users on the Apple App Store have seen Aaptiv grow and improve over the years, with newer users quickly discovering that it can help them reshape their mindset about working out.

Another customer with the screen name Disaaptiv highlighted how easy it is to find exactly what you’re looking for within the app.

“You can sort exercises by trainer, type, length, and difficulty level—super user-friendly,” the reviewer noted. “I would look at a whole week in advance and plan my workouts.”

However, a recent review called out issues with syncing the app with his devices.

“I’ve just come back to the app after several years of not using it and I find that many of the program outdoor running workouts do not download to the Apple Watch Ultra,” a customer with the screen name Seasick Sailor wrote. “This is a huge disappointment as I refuse to take my iPhone brick on runs with me.”

Specs

Best home workout app:




FlexIt

FlexIT lets you work with a personal trainer without having to leave your home, as you can schedule sessions at your convenience.

Key product features

Sessions


30-60 minutes

Bundles


4, 8 or 12

Cancellation


Within 12 hours

Feedback


Real-time

Coaching


One-on-one

What you should know

FlexIT is an interactive workout app that allows you to purchase and schedule training sessions with a certified coach.

• 
  FlexIT gives you the flexibility to sign up for a monthly plan or follow a pay-as-you-go method, which is more expensive on a per-session basis.
  
• 
  At about $1 per minute, a FlexIT session costs about the same as what you would pay for in-person training, which means you’re getting good value.
  
• 
  Those who want instruction and motivation from a personal trainer can utilize FlexIT in an environment where they feel most comfortable.
  

Why we like FlexIt as best for home workouts

FlexIt is an interactive platform that allows you to have a live personal training experience from the comfort of your own home (or whatever space you like to work out in). Our team of certified personal trainers and fitness coaches view FlexIt as one of the best at-home workout apps based on our decades of combined experience in the industry.

The app provides flexibility in session durations, as you can choose from 30-, 45-, or 60-minute options. For beginners, the 30-minute sessions offer an excellent opportunity to establish a foundational level of strength, endurance, and confidence while developing a rapport with your certified coach. You can not only choose the session length but also select packages of four, eight, or 12 sessions based on your availability and training needs.

To kick off your fitness journey with FlexIt, you must take a brief assessment that evaluates your current fitness levels and goals. Subsequently, you can connect with a coach or certified nutritionist who crafts a tailored training plan for you that accounts for your schedule, goals, and equipment. Note, though, that unlike registered dietitians, nutritionists and nutrition coaches can’t prescribe individual meal plans, diagnose medical conditions, or tell you to follow a particular diet.

In our opinion, however, the initial assessment seems too simplistic. It only covers your goals, preferred workout schedule, and training style, leaving out more in-depth information like injury history and current eating habits. Our team would like to see a more thorough assessment that could provide more details for potential coaching matches and a more personalized experience.

FlexIt lives up to its name by offering coaches specializing in various areas, including bodybuilding, HIIT, pilates, barre, and boxing. That means you can work with a coach on developing specific muscle groups, or find one who can give you a full-body workout that will test your strength and stamina. Additionally, certified health and wellness experts cover specialties such as meditation, and pre- and post-natal care.

From a cost perspective, FlexIt’s pricing is comparable to in-person training, ranging from $37 to $84 per session, depending on the chosen bundle. The upper end aligns with the average in-person training rate of about $1 per minute.

The live trainer aspect of FlexIt is what makes it one of the best fitness apps for home workouts, as you can receive real-time feedback on your form and pacing, which can help reduce the risk of injuries and ensure you’re working out at an appropriate intensity level. If the thought of trying to find a pair of dumbbells and sufficient space in a crowded gym seems daunting, FlexIt allows you to enjoy the benefits of working with an expert in an environment where you feel most at ease.

What customers are saying

Customers on the Google Play Store appreciate having a workout app that provides a similar experience as an in-person trainer without some of the drawbacks.

Despite the positive experiences working with a coach in a virtual setting, many users highlighted issues with the app’s messaging features. Between misspellings and glitches, several weak points with FlexIt can take away some of the shine from an app that gives you ample flexibility and access to experts in many different fields.

Specs

Best workout app for building muscle:




Ladder

Best workout app for building muscle

Ladder utilizes a progressive strength training approach to help users build muscle, with plans for group and individual coaching.

Key product features

Workouts


Released weekly

Plans


Monthly/annual

Tracking


Integrated

What you should know

With the Ladder app, you can receive personalized program recommendations based on your goals and training style.

• 
  Our product tester gave Ladder 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload, noting that this feature helps the app stand out from its competitors.
  
• 
  At $30 per month for the Pro monthly plan, you get plenty of bang for your buck. This version offers a weekly workout plan, progress tracking, Apple Watch and Spotify/Apple Music integration, and other resources.
  
• 
  Ladder is a solid choice if you’re looking for a structured approach and ongoing support during your muscle-building journey.
  

Why we like Ladder as best for building muscle

If you’re looking to get stronger and want to work out at home, Ladder is an awesome option. Those are the exact words used by our product tester, who gave this strength training app an impressive overall score of 4.3 stars after using it for several months. Given her background as a certified personal trainer, that speaks volumes about how well Ladder incorporates progressive overload principles to help users achieve their strength and muscle-building goals.

“This is where the app shines,” she noted. “It’s not a bunch of random workouts that you just choose from each day.”

Instead, Ladder utilizes five- to six-week blocks, followed by a deload week. Research shows that deloading—a period of reduced training stress designed to mitigate physiological and psychological fatigue—can help promote recovery and enhance your preparedness for subsequent training sessions. (

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Ladder’s user-friendly interface makes it incredibly simple to follow your training plan. Our reviewer, who boasts more than a decade of strength training experience, rated the app 5 out of 5 stars for ease of use.

“I’ve tried several workout apps and this one is the easiest to navigate and stick with by far because it takes the guesswork out of the equation,” she noted. “After you choose your program, all workouts for the week are pre-programmed for you. I really like this because it provides a foolproof way for progression/progressive overload, which is something I need right now with three kids at home.”

Once you’re ready for a workout, the app preps you with what equipment you need, and it allows you to sync with Spotify and your Apple Watch. In addition, Ladder lets you pause if you need more time to complete a set or have to take a break, and it allows you to record your weights and reps as an easy way to help achieve progressive overload.

Our tester believes Ladder delivers incredible value, rating it 5 out of 5 stars in this category.

“Thirty dollars a month for a multi-week series carefully planned out to get results is a steal,” she wrote. “You’d pay hundreds to get an online plan from a qualified CPT, and although you’re missing the personalization aspect, I still think it’s well worth it for the average person who doesn’t have any specific concerns and just wants to get in better shape.”

What customers are saying

Users on the App Store praise the highly qualified coaches for providing structure and motivation that has helped them build muscle, strength, and self-confidence.

One negative review called out the exercise demo video feature as an area that needs improvement.

“By the time the video loads to demonstrate the workout the timer is up and it’s moved on to the next workout,” a customer with the screen name Alpal1516. “Even the previews take 5+ minutes each to load.”

Specs