Best Workout Apps and Services: 7 Expert Picks to Improve Your Fitness Level

Pros

• Variety of classes to pick from
• Nike is a trusted and familiar brand
• Can be used at the gym or at home

Cons

• Lacks personalization
• If you don't own an Apple Watch, you can't keep track of fitness data
• Programming lacks structure, which doesn't help if you have strength goals in mind

What we like about it: When I first started working out regularly, Nike Training Club was my go-to app. It provides various workout programs such as bodyweight exercises, high-intensity interval training, cross-training, yoga, core exercises and expert health tips by Nike trainers to keep you on track. 

The workouts are easy to follow because there are video demonstrations of each exercise with the allotted time you should be doing them. This prevents you from losing track during your workout and mentally prepares you for the next exercise. The app also connects to your Apple Watch to provide health metrics such as your heart rate and logs your activities. 

The best part of this app is that it's free and gives you access to many resources, no matter if you're a beginner or more advanced. 

Who it’s best for: This app is best for people who aren’t looking for a program-specific workout. It’s best if you like getting a taste of different types of workouts of different lengths, so you won’t get bored.

Who should avoid it: If you want something more personalized, you will feel like this app is lacking. In that case, you’re better off with a personal training app like Future. If you want live classes, the Nike Training Club app doesn’t offer those, so you may want to explore Peloton or Apple Fitness Plus, which offers both live and on-demand workouts. 

Pros

• Personal trainer at your fingertips
• It's customized to help you reach your goals
• Regular check-ins with trainer without leaving home
• Ideal for both iPhone and Android users

Cons

• Pricey at $199/month compared with other workout apps

What we like about it: The Future app is unique because it connects you to an elite personal fitness coach who checks in regularly, gives you feedback and customizes the workout for you. They take into account your fitness level, goals and even what equipment is available to you. Having used this app for over a year now, I can vouch that it's a great option if you want the feel of a personal trainer in your home.

The app's creators believe that connection is the best way to stick to your goals. That's why they set you up with a partner who can hold you accountable. There are plenty of coaches on this app with numerous years of experience in their respective fields. To get the most out of the experience, users are recommended to wear an Apple Watch or a compatible Android wearable, which provides detailed information to your coach so they can see your progress and edit your plan as you go.

Who it’s best for: This app is best if you want the personal trainer experience but don’t have the time to meet with one in person. This is all done virtually, and you’ll get a more personalized workout based on the equipment you have access to at home or in a gym setting. Your trainer checks in daily and modifies your workout as needed. If you're self-motivated and are comfortable with strength-training exercises, this app will be a perfect match. And even if you're uncertain about some of the assigned exercises, your coach is always there to help.

Who should avoid it: If you prefer fitness classes or live and on-demand workouts, the Future app will not be a good fit. Future only provides workouts customized to your fitness goals and not classes. Additionally, at $199 a month, Future isn't the most affordable app on the market, but compared with a standard personal training session, which can cost more than that, it could be worth the price if it’s in your budget. Future often offers promotional discounts on your first month (currently $99 for your first month) and offers a $50 credit for every friend who signs up using your guest pass for the app. 

Pros

• Peloton is a trusted and popular brand
• Trainers are high-energy and motivational
• First month is free to test out before committing
• Can be streamed on your smartphone, TV, tablet or computer

Cons

• Lacks personalization
• If you want to appear on a cycling class leaderboard, you have to own a Peloton bike
• There's a $36 difference between the all-access and Peloton digital membership if you want to upgrade

What we like about it: The company's app, which is available to non-Peloton owners, gives you access to Peloton's library of on-demand workouts, from cycling, running and strength training to yoga, Pilates and stretching. My husband and I use this app regularly and love that it has options to do shorter or longer workouts, as well as beginner and advanced classes. 

The difference between the all-access membership available to Peloton owners and the app is that the former allows multiple member profiles, access to exclusive classes and better access to the Leadership board (where you can compete against other users). If you opt for the all-access membership, it costs $49 a month and can be used whether you own the bike, treadmill or rower. Peloton also recently updated its search function, so it's easier than ever to find your favorite artist, class title and genre. If you're not a fully converted Peloton junkie, the Peloton app One is a good stepping stone to see what the hype is about and whether you enjoy the classes.

Who it’s best for: This app is best for exercisers who enjoy a variety of fitness classes and for those who want to get a taste of Peloton without fully committing to a piece of Peloton equipment. It’s inexpensive and multiple people in your home can enjoy it. The first month is free, and then it's $13 a month with access to thousands of on-demand and live classes via your smartphone, tablet, TV or web browser. You'll pay less if you choose the annual subscription, too.

Who should avoid it: If you want a personal training experience, you’ll feel like the Peloton One app is lacking. The other downside is that if you don’t own a Peloton Bike, Rower or Tread and want the complete Peloton experience, you will need to consider if it’s worth purchasing the equipment.

Pros

• Free
• Customize privacy settings for safety
• Connect with other runners and friends 
• Can be connected to many GPS devices
• Can be used to track cycling, water sports and many other activities

Cons

• It can lose signal depending on where you are
• There can be discrepancies between your GPS watch and Strava app data

What we like about it: If you're looking for an app that tracks your running mileage, Strava is your best bet. As an avid runner who's tried various running apps throughout the years, the Strava app remains my favorite. Although I mainly use it for running, it can be used interchangeably for cycling and other workouts as well. The app is GPS-powered and turns any Apple or Android phone into a detailed performance monitor. It connects to heart rate monitors and various popular GPS devices, such as an Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit or a Suunto watch.

It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings via the app. One of the newer safety features on the Strava app is called the Beacon, which lets you share your location in real time with an emergency contact. 

Who it’s best for: This app is best for runners or cyclists who like to keep track of their data if they’re training for a race or trying to earn a new personal best. If you like interacting with other runner or cyclist friends, it’s another good way to keep in touch. I've found the free version of the app to be sufficient for my purposes, but you can upgrade it to receive more detailed data and other perks, such as building your own routes, accessing new routes in your area and more. The paid version of the app will run you $12 a month (or $80 a year). There is a student discount for $40 a year and a family plan for up to 4 accounts at $140 a year. The good news is that Strava offers a free 30-day trial to users who want to try out its upgraded features before committing. 

Who should avoid it: If you aren’t a runner or cyclist, this app is not the best fit for you. It’s limited in what it can do, and you won’t get access to fitness classes if that’s what you’re looking for. If you want a personal training experience, then this app will lack that personalized feel as well.

Pros

• Various workouts to pick from that are women-friendly
• Online community is active and connects you to women around the world
• Inexpensive compared to other fitness apps at $25/month

Cons

• Warm-ups are optional, which can be an injury risk
• Doesn't correct form or exercise technique
• Meal plan isn't customized to your needs 

Why we like it: This app was co-founded by popular Australian personal trainer Kayla Itsines. It was created with women in mind, and at the time, it served as a platform to access Itsines' HIIT workout plans, but it has since evolved. In 2021, Sweat was acquired by iFit (an interactive global health and fitness technology company), giving the app more exposure via its existing members and internationally. 

Now you have access to various workout programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength and Pilates, all taught by different women personal trainers. The app also offers meal plan options if you're looking for healthy recipe ideas. 

Who it’s best for: This app is best for women looking for classes taught by women. It offers a variety of workout plans ranging from strength training, yoga, Barre, boxing and more. If you're a fan of Kayla Itsines and have been following her since she launched Bikini Body Guides or Sweat with Kayla, you may like the format of this app.

This app costs $20 a month but lets you test it for free for seven days if you're a new member. This is a good way to determine if the workouts on the app are the right fit for you and your goals.

Who should avoid it: If you want a more personalized workout, this app may not be right for you. It is designed with a variety of classes in mind but without the customization aspect. If you have prior injuries or haven’t been cleared to do high-intensity exercises, there are a decent number of programs that are focused on high-intensity interval training, which eliminates some options for you.

Pros

• You can connect with a coach who's right for your goals
• Community is well-connected, and you can ask your coach questions through the app
• Free week offered upon downloading app
• Option of one-on-one coaching for less than $50 a month

Cons

• Available only to Apple users
• It's more strength-training focused, so it isn't for a cardio junkie

What we like about it: If you're worried about how to maintain your gains outside of the gym, then you'll love the Ladder app. Ladder is specifically designed for strength training and connects you to many strength coaches who specialize in various fields. To find the coach who's the best fit for you, you'll have to answer questions such as your preferred training style, what your goals are, how often you'd want to work out and the type of equipment available to you. Ladder takes the guesswork out of planning your workout because the coach for your designated program will provide a weekly workout plan that you receive on Sunday nights to prepare you for the week ahead.

When I tried out this app, I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell, and what's great is you get video demonstrations for the different exercises you'll be doing. The videos also tell you the type of weight you should be using (light, medium, heavy) and the length of time of the exercise. You can also connect with your coach via the chat in the app if you ever have questions about your training or want to chat with other members on your team.

Who it’s best for: Ladder is best for fitness enthusiasts who want a variety of strength-training program options. If you’re looking to learn how to use a kettlebell or want barbell or dumbbell-specific workouts, Ladder offers it. Each coach has a specialty and adds their own personalization to the new workouts provided weekly. You can also connect with them through a group chat for any questions you may have related to your workouts.

Ladder offers a free seven-day trial, and afterward you can pick from a Pro plan for $30 a month or the Pro Plan-Annual, which is an up-front fee of $180 for the year and offers unlimited access to the app. 

Who should avoid it: If you're looking for more of a group fitness feel, you’re better off checking out Peloton One or Apple Fitness Plus. Ladder functions more like a workout program you have to follow on your own. Another downside is that only Apple users have access to it at the moment, so if you own an Android, you won’t be able to experience it. 

Pros

• Various types of yoga classes
• Free trial for two weeks before committing
• You can save and download workouts to revisit later 

Cons

• Not ideal if you're looking to gain muscle
• Pricey app for the year, unless all you're doing is yoga
• No live classes, which means you can't interact with your favorite instructor

What we like about it: If yoga is more your speed, the Alo Wellness Club app is a favorite among yogis. The Alo Wellness Club app was created by the athleisure line Alo, and it connects you to various types of workouts beyond yoga, such as Pilates, barre, meditation and even strength training. The yoga option on the app lets you pick from various practices, including hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, restorative and even prenatal yoga. You can customize your yoga practice also based on your experience level, your goals and how long you'd like your sessions to be. If you're trying to achieve a specific skill, such as a handstand or other yoga poses, the app also has a series to help you improve those positions. 

Who it’s best for: This app is best for anyone who wants to focus on their yoga practice or add yoga to their workout schedule. It helps if you're already well-versed in the different types of yoga and other classes taught on Alo Wellness Club. The app is $10 a month when you sign up online and $16 a month when you sign up through the app.

Who should avoid it: If you aren’t a big fan of yoga, this app will leave more to be desired. Additionally, if you want live classes, this app only offers on-demand options. 

Pros

• Free option
• Variety of classes
• Short and long workouts
• Easy to add to your schedule

Cons

• App is sometimes glitchy
• Doesn't register step count correctly
• Only a 6-month or yearlong subscription option

What we like about it: Working out requires being consistent and motivated, and sometimes that's hard to come by. The FitOn app takes away the pressure of having to commit to any type of exercise program by offering a variety of live and on-demand classes. It's free for the basic membership, but it will cost you around $25 a month for six months or $30 for a year-long FitOn Pro subscription. You can take everything from yoga, dance, Pilates, HIIT, barre and more. Additionally, you can receive nutrition guidance and expert tips and access to your music through Spotify or Apple Music with the Pro subscription.

Who it’s best for: This app is best for the person who dreads working out but knows they have to do it to maintain their health. This app makes it easy by giving you a taste of different fitness classes and allowing you to listen to your own music to make the experience more enjoyable. Unlike some other apps on this list, it’s accessible for both iPhone and Android users.

Some positive reviews users have shared are that the app finally got them to be more active, while another says it gave them the freedom to get in shape on their own time frame. Overall, most users seem to enjoy the variety and length of the workouts.

Who should avoid it: Some complaints users had were with the app interface itself sometimes being glitchy, issues connecting some smart watches and it's inaccurate step counting. This is something to consider if these are concerns you want to avoid when using a fitness app.

Pros

• Convenient for iPhone users
• Affordable at $9.99/month
• Can be shared with family members
• Over 5,000 classes to choose from
• Create your own schedule
• Connects to Apple Watch

Cons

• Only iPhone users have access

What we like about it: Apple Fitness Plus is a workout app that is convenient for iPhone users. It gives you access to over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts ranging from yoga, HIIT, Time to Walk, core, strength training to meditation classes. There are plenty of beginner and advanced classes ranging from five to 45 minutes, so you're sure to find something that is right for your fitness level. Apple Fitness Plus lets you schedule your workouts ahead of time so you can prioritize them no matter how busy you get.

If you have an Apple Watch, the app makes it convenient to access it and view your metrics on the smartwatch during your workouts as well. If you own an iPhone, it's a no-brainer to sign up for a workout app that is already built into your smartphone and allows you to work out anywhere. 

Who it’s best for: This app is best for an iPhone user who wants a fitness app that feels intuitive to use since it uses Apple software. It’s also best for those who like having the option of live and on-demand workouts and being able to automatically track their data, like calories burned or steps taken, through their Apple Watch. The classes are updated regularly, and the instructors are high energy, so you’ll never be bored with the group fitness selection.

To join Apple Fitness Plus, you can try it out for free for up to three months and then have the option to pay month-to-month, $9.99 or $79.99 for the year. If you're on a family plan, you can share access to Apple Fitness Plus with up to five family members.

Who should avoid it: If you don’t have an iPhone, you will not be able to experience Apple Fitness Plus. Additionally, if you want a personal trainer option, this app doesn't offer this feature as of yet.