Looking to step up your workout goals? Step one in your journey is choosing the best fitness apps (and clothing!) that best fit your needs.
Whether free or paid, if you want to get back into working out this month, setting small, manageable goals is the way to go.
“Always be mindful about what your body can and can’t do,” Sarah Shoemaker, PT, DPT, at Tribeca’s Spear Physical Therapy, told the New York Post. “If something starts causing pain, stop and don’t push through just because you think ‘no pain, no gain,’ ”
More, most of the injuries she’s treated as of late are from people working out in their homes. Shoemaker urges workout warriors to sweat it out on a mat for a slip-free surface, and set up in front of a mirror, if possible, to monitor and maintain good form.
Her physical therapist colleague, Odalisse Figueroa, agrees that you have to be vigilant when you’re working out at home with an app. “It’s really important to pay attention to verbal cues because no one is there to instruct you,” Figueroa told The Post. And even though you’re in your house, make sure to wear sneakers for extra support.
No matter what, the best apps involve personal trainers with certifications, said Shoemaker, not just people who like fitness or look hot while working out on social media. Check out a trainer’s qualifications before you follow their advice on an app.
Ready to get sweaty? Here are the best fitness apps to try right now.
Pros:
- Ranked number one on Apple in Health & Fitness
- On-demand digital workouts in the gym and at home
- Memberships to Planet Fitness are not required to access free workouts/ one of the best free fitness apps
- There are three free months through the refer-a-friend program
Cons:
- None we can list, we’re very impressed with this app
Good news, savvy savers, you do not need to be a member of Planet Fitness to access tons of free workout programs on the Planet Fitness App, but if you are a member, you get exclusive perks like earning three free months through the refer-a-friend program.
The app is ranked number one on Apple in Health & Fitness thanks to its wide range of workout programs and provides personalized workouts and recommendations. If you want all the benefits from the app, gym membership starts as low as $15 a month.
Best for Women: Sweat
Pros:
- Best female fitness apps, designed for women by women
- Tap into a large community of like-minded women working toward the same goals
- Trial available for new members
- You do not need access to a gym to use these workouts
- Provides specific workouts for pregnant and postnatal women
Ready to get sweaty? It won’t be hard. In fact, it may be fun with Sweat as your fitness platform of choice. The app offers a blend of at-home and gym workouts, so you can get your training in no matter where you find yourself. Want to burn off some steam? Try a high-intensity routine. Ready to sculpt some sexy lean muscle? The lifting workouts will help. Whatever you choose, you won’t get bored, plus you will have access to trainers and even nutrition support! Sweat offers a free 7-day free trial, so why wait? Try it out yourself and you be the judge.
New York Post Review: I used this app to get in shape for my wedding, and I got incredible results. I wanted toned arms with a slim waistline, and this workout did not disappoint. Each set was easy to follow in bite-sized doses that I could easily track. It’s really great if you want some floor exercises but don’t know where to begin.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Best for Men: Pvolve
Pros:
- Celebrity-approved workout
- Great for improving your posture
- Good for beginners and experts
- Best fitness apps for men and women wanting to get a cut physic
- Offers a free 7-day trial for new members
Cons:
- Learning how to put on the equipment (specifically the P.band) can be a bit of a challenge
Get involved in fitness without the need to leave home when you subscribe to Pvolve. The online membership comes in a one-month, three-month, six-month, and yearly subscription, starting as low as $19.99 per month on the yearly plan. The digital membership then grants you access to hundreds of on-demand workout videos, access to a profile to track your progress, recipes, nutrition advice and more.
Additionally, we reviewed the platform (and still recommend it, thanks to its feel-good, easy-on-the-body courses that train those ‘target’ areas to help strengthen and tone). Even better, it’s one of Jennifer Aniston’s sworn-in favorite exercises to add to her schedule.
New York Post Review: “I may have been attracted to Pvole because Jennifer Aniston was willing to put her name on it, but I have seriously grown to love the concept. I think we live in a society where HITT classes have taken over, and there is a misconception that cardio is the best way to get fit fast. The Pvolve method puts that into question, taking you through a variety of low-impact movements that mimic motions we do every day — like stretching, balancing, crunching, and leaning. There are classes for every goal — from pelvic floor strengthening to mindfulness, and full-body sculpt. After each workout, my core is on fire. But, the exhaustion and soreness I used to experience with typical classes never hits me. It can take some time to get used to the equipment, but once you get the flow down, Pvolve is it. For anyone who wants to work out from home, I strongly recommend it.” – Miska Salemann, commerce reporter
Best for All Body Types: Daily Burn
Pros:
- Variety of workouts
- Accessible anywhere at any time
- Created for both beginners and experts
Cons:
- There are no personal training options
Daily Burn caters to all fitness levels, from beginners to pros. So, if you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned athlete. Each day, a new Daily Burn 365 workout is released. These 30-minute sessions are perfect for beginners and are designed to build a consistent, sustainable fitness routine. With over 2,000 workout videos across 25+ programs, including dance, strength training, high-intensity cardio, and yoga, you’ll never run out of ways to challenge yourself and if you do — bravo.
From HIIT and yoga to Pilates, kickboxing, dance, and more, Daily Burn provides full-length, HD-quality videos with on-screen guidance, making it easy to follow along no matter your experience level. With workouts ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour, you can choose the duration that best fits your schedule. Plus, expert trainers lead you through proven fitness plans that are designed to help you achieve your personal goals.
Pros:
- Unique because you can attend a variety of classes through the app in your area
- You have a wide range of activities to choose from that extend beyond physical activity such as manicures or cryotherapy
Cons:
- You may not be able to snag the class you want as spots fill up fast
If you get bored of the same old classes and the monotony of the gym, ClassPass is for you. The app works on a credit-based system, where participating gyms and studios price out their workouts and allow you to take a class using your credits, as opposed to paying high membership fees and needing to attend a certain number of times.
Depending on your location, there are hundreds of participating studios that offer indoor cycling, HIIT classes, yoga, aerial workouts and more. Plus, some spas and wellness treatments can also be booked via ClassPass like massages, manicures and more.
New York Post Review: “I’ve been using ClassPass on and off for about ten years. I’ve used it everywhere stateside from New York City to Honolulu, Hawaii and it never disappoints. I personally love the credit system — your membership buys you credits which you redeem for classes and services — as it’s not a constant reminder of the cost of these classes (which is lower when you use ClassPass regardless). I especially love using it to try out new experiences like beauty services or cryotherapy. It keeps the planning part of working out and self care fun.” – Kendall Cornish, commerce editor
To learn more, read our review.
Best for Pregnant Women: Obé
Pros:
- 16,000+ on-demand classes
- 20+ class types to choose from with 70+ training programs
- Great pre- and post-natal options
- Offers a 7-day free trial program
Obé Fitness offers thousands of on-demand and live classes designed to do at home, all taught in a mood-boosting pastel-colored studio. For $27 per month or $199 year, these fun body-weight classes fit easily into your schedule, with workouts available on-demand that are as short as 10 minutes.
Victoria Giardina our commerce editor and content strategist reviewed the platform and loved making herr own routines with a combination of dance, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and pilates. If you’re expecting, there are also pre- and post-natal options taught by experts in that realm.
Pros:
- Easy on-demand access 24/7
- A variety of inspirational workouts
- Easy to navigate with a user-friendly interface
Cons:
- If you struggle with injuries, it may be better to hire an in-person coach as there’s no real-time coaching or correction of form
Just do it and join the Nike Fit Club, and by that, we mean download the app and get moving. Nike Training Club is free to download and gives you access to workout routines that are made and approved by the athletes at Nike.
Workout videos can be accessed on demand and you can track your progress in the app as well, with a user profile that records past classes as well as any health data you wish to track.
Best Free: DaFit
Pros:
- Ranked number 15 in Apple’s Health & Fitness section
- Connects with multiple smart devices
- Records sleeping details and exercise analysis
- It integrates with the Apple Health app
Cons:
- Data needs to be recorded using an activity tracker or smartwatch device
- Customers generally consider it subpar, but they appreciate that the app is free
DaFit is great for promoting fitness into your daily routine and tracking your every step.
It offers precise motion tracking, detailed sleep insights, and comprehensive exercise analysis to help users reach their 2025 health goals. It encourages individuals to embrace sports, maintain a positive mindset, and adopt a healthier lifestyle, almost like an accountability partner but digital and always on.
By connecting to multiple smart devices, DaFit ensures that every movement is accurately recorded, while its intuitive sleep tracker works to promote rest. The app provides a thorough assessment of one’s body condition, along with personalized reminders to stay on track.
The app is free; however, you’ll need a smartwatch, preferably one by DaFit or an activity tracker.
Most Holistic: JustFit
Pros:
- No equipment needed
- Innovative wall Pilates that focuses on your midsection
Cons:
- No refunds for unused trial periods
You’ve probably scrolled past a super-fit influencer casually working out against a wall between your social stories, looking like a goddess. Well, now it’s your turn to give it a go.
This beginner-friendly, 28-day Wall Pilates course is designed to get you results…no fancy equipment is required. Plus, you’ll have a virtual coach to guide you every step of the way. Not a bad way to kick off the year.
Available for beginners to pros, starting at $19.99.
Best for Beginners: WalkFit
Pros:
- App is tailored to your needs based on your age and BMI
- Best fitness apps for beginners
- An easy low impact way to reach your fitness goals
Cons:
- Some customers complain about it not tracking the correct number of hours
Looking for an easier way to get fit? Try walking! It’s enjoyable, low-impact, and perfect for socializing with friends or tuning into a podcast while you go solo.
WalkFit offers a 4-week program that tracks your steps, calories burned, and the distance you’ve covered. The app provides personalized workout plans tailored to your goals, so if you’re looking for gentle, knee-friendly treks or a faster pace to burn fat and build endurance, this app will suit your needs.
Download the app for free and enjoy a complimentary trial period!
Best Alternative Weightloss Add-Ons: Found
Pros:
- Tailored to your individual needs, making it more likely you’ll stick with the plan.
- Combines exercise and nutrition with expert guidance for safe weight loss
- Connect with others who are on similar journeys for motivation and advice
- Best app for fitness at home and wellbeing
Cons:
- The effectiveness of your personalized plan depends on how accurately you complete the pre-purchase quiz
If you’re seeking a more holistic fitness platform with a keen emphasis on safe, effective, and expert-surrounding weight loss to complement your exercise plans, Found is your best bet. Not only did we interview the brand on how to go about your health journey safely, but we recommend the platform for its personalized approach that you’ll actually want to follow.
Because Found is a customized weight loss platform, its membership prices depend on the path you qualify for and the membership commitment length you select. Take your pre-purchase quiz and understand if you should be adding weights to your workout and more specifics. Plus, you’ll get plugged into a community where you can connect with others who are on their own exercising-based weight loss journey.
How do I choose the best fitness app for me?
Choosing the best fitness app depends on your goals, fitness level, and preferences. Consider the following factors:
- Goals: Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve flexibility, or track your steps? Some apps are designed for specific goals.
- Fitness Level: Choose an app that matches your experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
- App Features: Some apps focus on strength training, while others specialize in cardio, yoga, or mindfulness. Look for the features that align with your preferences.
- Budget: Fitness apps come in free versions or paid subscriptions. Make sure the app’s pricing fits within your budget.
- User Experience: Make sure the app’s interface is easy to use and has the tracking features you need.
- Integration: Some apps sync with other devices like smartwatches or fitness trackers, which can be useful if you already own wearable technology.
What are the different types of fitness apps available?
Fitness apps come in various categories based on their primary focus:
- Workout Apps: These apps provide workout routines and plans, from strength training to HIIT to yoga. Popular examples include Nike Training Club, Freeletics, and Fitbod.
- Running & Cardio Apps: If running or cycling is your focus, apps like Strava, Runkeeper, or Map My Run are excellent options for tracking distance, pace, and routes.
- Nutrition Apps: If you’re also interested in tracking your diet, apps like MyFitnessPal and Cronometer offer calorie and macronutrient tracking alongside your workouts.
- Yoga & Mindfulness Apps: For flexibility and mental wellness, apps like Headspace, Calm, and Glo offer guided meditation and yoga sessions.
- Tracking Apps: These apps focus on tracking daily activity, steps, and overall fitness. Examples include Fitbit, Google Fit, or Apple Health.
Do I need a paid subscription to get the best experience?
Not necessarily. Many fitness apps offer free versions with enough features to get started. However, paid versions often unlock premium features such as personalized plans, advanced tracking, or additional content (e.g., new workouts or challenges). It’s important to test the free version first and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription. Many of the apps we found offer a free trial, so you have nothing to lose trying them out.
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