If you want to reach your fitness goals, I have a great tip for you: use your phone. I’ve tried a lot of fitness apps, and I can say for sure that they can help you get in shape, stay motivated, and break a sweat no matter where or when you work out. It can be hard to make the right choice when there are so many to choose from. That being said, let me tell you about some great workout apps that I think you should get for your phone.
We have put together this list to take the guesswork out so you can spend less time deciding on an app and more time trying it out. There are apps for every type of athlete, whether you’re starting out running (or training for a race), getting stronger through weightlifting, or wanting to incorporate gentle, restorative movements like yoga into your routine.
And if you are undecided, that’s no problem either: many of these apps are free or offer a trial period so you can try them out before committing. The best training apps can help you find a sport you enjoy, build your confidence, and increase your progress—all while providing convenient and easy access to your workouts. Here are best workout apps you should try.
Importance of Using Workout Apps
Workout apps have become very popular because they have so many benefits for people who want to improve their fitness and health as a whole. Here are a few of the most important reasons why it’s important to use workout apps:
Convenience and access: Workout apps make it easy to get guided workouts whenever and wherever you want. You can stick to a structured workout plan whether you’re at home, in a gym, or on the road. You don’t need special equipment or a personal trainer.
Variety of Workouts: Many workout apps have a wide range of workout routines for people with different fitness levels, goals, and preferences. No matter what kind of exercise you like—strength training, cardio, yoga, HIIT, or something else—you can find a variety of ways to keep your workouts interesting and effective.
Customization: Most workout apps let you change your workout plans to fit your fitness goals, current fitness level, and any physical limitations you might have. With this personalized approach, you can make a fitness plan that fits your needs.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Workout Apps
Choosing the best workout app can make a big difference in your fitness journey by giving you guidance, keeping you motivated, and letting you keep track of your progress. Here are some important things to think about when judging and choosing a workout app:
Fitness Goals Compatibility: Choose an app that helps you reach your fitness goals, whether they are to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your endurance, or just get fit in general. Different apps may focus on different things, so make sure that the features of the app match your goals.
Variety of Workouts: A good app should give you a variety of workouts so that you don’t get bored with your routine and don’t reach a plateau. Look for apps that have options for cardio, strength training, flexibility, and more.
Interface: The app should have an interface that is easy to use and understand. Interfaces that are hard to use or cluttered can be frustrating and make your experience worse.
Customization: It’s important to be able to change workouts to fit your fitness level, preferences, and any special needs. Look for apps that let you change how hard you work out, how long it lasts, and what equipment you use.
Tracking your progress: The app should have ways to track your progress over time. This could mean keeping track of distance, time, weight lifted, and other metrics. Keeping track of your progress helps you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.
Best Workout Apps Comparison Table
The comparison table shows the best workout apps and rates them on their features, ease of use, exercise variety, ability to track progress, and cost. It helps people choose the best fitness app for their needs by taking into account things like customization, interactive content, community involvement, and compatibility with different devices.
| App Name | JEFIT Workout Planner | Map My Run | Fitness Buddy | MyFitnessPal | Runkeeper | 10K Runners | Runtastic | FitOn Workouts & Fitness Plans | 30 Day Fitness for the home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Workout Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise Library | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Workouts | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Training Plans | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Community Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nutritional Tracking | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Official Link | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download |
JEFIT Workout Planner
Features:
- Personalized workout plans tailored to your fitness goals and abilities.
- Detailed exercise library with animated demonstrations and instructions.
- Tracking and logging of workout progress, including sets, reps, and weights.
- Ability to create and join workout challenges with friends and the JEFIT community.
- Access to a supportive community for motivation and guidance.
Ditch the notebook – JEFIT Workout Planner is a faster, smarter way to track your workouts at the gym. Use Workout Planner to create your own fitness plans and routines tailored to your goals, search the exercise database for inspiration and detailed exercise instructions, and review your achievements to stay motivated.
Pros
- Extensive exercise library with detailed instructions and videos.
- Ability to create and track personalized workout routines.
- Social features to connect with friends and share progress.
- Option to synchronize data with wearable fitness devices.
Cons
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
- User interface may be overwhelming for beginners.
- Limited nutritional tracking and meal planning features.
- Occasional syncing issues between app and website.
Map My Run
Features:
- GPS tracking to accurately measure and map your running routes.
- Audio feedback on distance, pace, and calories burned during your run.
- Integration with other fitness apps and wearable devices for comprehensive tracking.
- Training plans and personalized coaching for various running goals.
- Challenges and achievements to keep you motivated and engaged.
Map My Run is a great app to track and map your runs, but that’s not all. The app lets you record more than 600 activities such as cycling, running, gym, cross-training, yoga, and many others. With Gear Tracker, you can track the mileage of your shoes, find places nearby to run, and connect to more than 400 devices to import and analyze all your data.
Pros
- GPS tracking to accurately measure distance, pace, and routes.
- Integration with popular fitness devices and apps.
- Option to set goals and receive audio feedback during workouts.
- Large community of users for sharing and comparing workouts.
Cons
- Ad-supported free version can be intrusive.
- Premium features are limited and may not justify the cost.
- Some users report inaccuracies in GPS tracking.
- Lacks comprehensive strength training or workout planning features.
Fitness Buddy
Features:
- Comprehensive exercise library
- Customizable workout plans
- Progress tracking
- Workout generator
Fitness Buddy is like a virtual personal trainer and nutritionist in one, with hundreds of workouts you can do at home or at the gym, as well as personalized meal plans and recipes. All exercises come with clear instructions and videos, and the progressive workout plans are ideal for beginners and advanced users.
Pros
- Vast exercise library with animations and step-by-step instructions.
- Customizable workout plans based on individual goals.
- Tracking of weight, reps, and sets for strength training.
- Integration with Apple Health and other fitness platforms.
Cons
- Some advanced features require a subscription.
- Limited social and community features.
- User interface could be more intuitive and visually appealing.
- Occasional syncing issues with external devices or apps.
MyFitnessPal
Features:
- Comprehensive food and nutrition database to track your daily calorie intake.
- Barcode scanner for easy input of packaged food items.
- Customizable goals and personalized recommendations based on your profile.
- Integration with fitness trackers to sync your exercise data.
- Community support and social features to connect with others and share progress.
Abs are done in the kitchen, and MyFitnessPal can help you manage your diet so you can see the results of your time spent in the gym. With a huge database of foods, a barcode scanner, a recipe importer, a restaurant recorder, a calorie counter, and nutritional insights, you will have a complete view of your diet. Choose a goal (weight loss, gain or maintenance) and let MyFitnessPal help you develop healthy habits to achieve it. Record your exercises and steps and get support and motivation in the active forums. Visit its official website for information about this application.
Pros
- Extensive food database with barcode scanner for easy tracking.
- Integration with various fitness apps and devices.
- Nutritional analysis and personalized goal setting.
- Large community for support and motivation.
Cons
- Advertisements can be intrusive in the free version.
- Premium features require a subscription.
- Some users find the interface overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
- Limited exercise tracking and workout planning features.
Runkeeper
Features:
- GPS tracking for accurate measurement of distance, pace, and duration of runs.
- Audio cues and customizable coaching to guide you during your runs.
- Goal setting and training plans for various running distances and fitness levels.
- Integration with music apps to create personalized playlists for your workouts.
- Challenges and leaderboards to compete with friends and the Runkeeper community.
The ASICS Runkeeper app is designed to help you achieve your running goals. You can keep track of your runs, set measurable goals, and check your statistics to appreciate the results of all your hard work. Six motivational voices can be customized to communicate your pace, distance and time, and personalized schedules make it more likely to get up and out the door, day after day. Use in-app challenges to stay motivated and join virtual running groups for support and inspiration.
Pros
- GPS tracking for accurate distance, pace, and route mapping.
- Audio coaching and customizable interval training.
- Integration with music and social platforms for enhanced motivation.
- Goal setting and progress tracking features.
Cons
- Ad-supported free version can be disruptive.
- Premium features are limited and may not justify the cost.
- Some users report occasional accuracy issues with GPS tracking.
- Lacks comprehensive strength training or workout planning features.
10K Runners
Features:
- Training plans for 10K runs
- GPS tracking and route mapping
- Audio coaching and motivation
- Community support
Beginners and 5K runners who want to prepare for a 10K run will find support in the 10K Runner app. Go from zero to 5K in 8 weeks and from 5K to 10K in another 6 weeks. Use the app to switch between walking and running intervals, receive audio instructions from a virtual coach, and listen to your favorite running music. Whether you train outdoors or on a treadmill, 10K Runner is simple, easy and effective.
Pros
- Structured training plans specifically designed for 10K races.
- Audio coaching and progress tracking during runs.
- Integration with music playlists and social sharing.
- Beginner-friendly with gradual progression.
Cons
- Limited focus on other forms of exercise besides running.
- Free version offers limited features and training plans.
- User interface could be more intuitive and visually appealing.
- Some users report occasional syncing issues with GPS data.
Runtastic
Features:
- GPS tracking for various activities
- Training plans and coaching
- Integration with wearables
- Health and nutrition tracking
Runtastic makes it easy to measure distance, time, speed, elevation and calories burned – all the important data. A voice coach provides audio feedback, and saved stats make it easy to analyze your training patterns. Enter an annual running goal, and Runtastic will help you reach it.
Pros
- GPS tracking for accurate distance, pace, and route mapping.
- Audio coaching and voice feedback during workouts.
- Integration with music playlists and social sharing.
- Variety of workout tracking options, including running, cycling, and more.
Cons
- Free version has limited features and includes advertisements.
- Premium features are relatively expensive.
- Some users report occasional accuracy issues with GPS tracking.
- The interface may be overwhelming for beginners.
FitOn Workouts & Fitness Plans
Features:
- Variety of workout classes
- Celebrity trainers and guided workouts
- Interactive community challenges
- Offline workout downloads
Work out with celebrity trainers and fit celebrities via video workouts, set personal goals to lose or gain weight, and choose from a huge library of fitness workouts for almost any type of program, from HIIT to Pilates. Join a class anytime and post your workout results to a leaderboard to keep your fitness plan competitive.
Pros
- Wide variety of workout videos across different fitness categories.
- Customizable workout plans based on personal goals.
- Option to follow celebrity trainers and participate in challenges.
- Available for free with no subscription required.
Cons
- Limited tracking and progress monitoring features.
- Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other apps.
- Premium content and features require a subscription.
- May not cater to advanced or specialized fitness goals.
30 Day Fitness for the home
Features:
- Personalized Workout
- Comprehensive Workout
- Customizable Routines
- Video Demonstrations and Instructions
Sync the 30 Day Fitness app with your Apple Health app to automatically track your fitness goals and achievements, and get motivational workout reminders. Access video tutorials for numerous workouts and do 30-day challenges for different body parts, including abs, glutes, and the whole body.
Pros
- Structured workout plans for various fitness goals.
- Minimal or no equipment required for home workouts.
- Short and focused workout routines for time efficiency.
- Option to track progress and achievements.
Cons
- Limited exercise variety compared to gym-based workouts.
- Free version may have limited features or ads.
- Not as suitable for advanced or specialized training.
- Some users find the user interface less engaging or visually appealing.
How to Get Started with a Workout App?
Using a workout app is a great way to add to your fitness routine and keep yourself going. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Set your goals. Figure out what you want to get out of your workouts. Having clear goals will help you choose the right workouts in the app, whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your endurance, or get fit in general.
Choose the Right App: There are a lot of different workout apps for people of all fitness levels and tastes. Do some research and choose an app that fits your fitness level, your goals, and the types of exercises it has. Some of the most popular apps are MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club, Fitbod, and JEFIT.
Get the app and install it: Go to your app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS) and search for the workout app you want. You can download the app and put it on your device.
Make an Account: Open the app and use your email or social media accounts to make an account. This will let you save your progress, keep track of your workouts, and get suggestions that are just right for you.
Create a profile: Give information that is needed, like your age, weight, height, level of fitness, and any health restrictions you may have. With this information, the app will be able to make workouts that fit your needs.
FAQs
1. JEFIT Workout Planner
2. Map My Run
3. Fitness Buddy
4. MyFitnessPal
5. Runkeeper
A: Look for workout apps that have a wide range of exercises, training plans that you can change, a way to track your progress, video demonstrations, and an easy-to-use interface.
A: Yes, a lot of fitness apps have a free version with limited features, and some are completely free. Premium versions, on the other hand, often have more features and can be bought.
