Staying fit can be a huge challenge in the midst of the very busy lifestyles that people have these days. Most of us have very limited free time, don’t follow an ideal diet, and may be lacking in knowledge on the right workout routines. Also, different fitness goals require different types of exercises. In other words, just because you are exercising doesn’t guarantee that you will reach your goals. Luckily, workout apps are here to keep you on the right track. They can create a program that fits within your schedule and aligns perfectly with what you want to achieve. It’s a lot like having your own personal trainer, but with a lot more flexibility and a lot less cost.
Benefits of Using a Workout App
Workout apps bring a lot of advantages that you can’t get from following traditional exercise routines. For starters, they can give you individualized workout programs that take into consideration your own personal details, like weight, height, gender, health condition, and so on. These programs are also professionally designed, so you can be sure that they are effective and safe.
Workout apps also come with plenty of useful features like progress tracking so you can monitor your workouts and see how much you are improving. They will also remind you of upcoming workout schedules so that you will never miss a single session. Many of these apps even have a social feature where you can interact with other fitness enthusiasts, which helps a lot in staying motivated.
Best Workout Apps for Women
1. EvolveYou
This is one of the most versatile and most highly customizable workout apps for women and, not surprisingly, also one of the most popular. Although the app will create your workout programs for you, you can choose the type of training, the number of sessions per week, the level of difficulty, and the type of equipment to use. This app also provides a nutrition plan to support your workouts.
2. StrongHer
Muscle building is the primary focus of this workout app for women. After signing up, you will choose from fitness goals like muscle toning, building muscle mass, or weight loss. StrongHer also has an impressive progress tracking feature that really helps with motivation. It also comes with personalized nutrition plans, and they regularly update the list of available workouts.
3. Alo Moves
Remember the Alo Yoga Goddess Leggings that women all over the world went crazy about? The same company brings us the Alo Moves workout app for women. This app offers fitness and yoga workouts, as well as numerous routines for mindfulness and physical skills. You can choose from over 70 highly skilled instructors who will take you to your fitness goals at your own pace.
Best Workout Apps for Men
1. Future
Men in search of a personalized online training plan will find the Future Workout app to be an ideal choice. This app pairs you with a certified trainer who will not only create a customized workout plan for you, but also follow up regularly on your programs, and adjusts your program accordingly. It comes at a rather pricy monthly fee of $199 but it has received extraordinary praise across all features and for overall effectiveness.
2. Juggernaut AI
For men who are into strength training and powerlifting, Juggernaut AI is highly recommended. Powered by AI technology, this app takes data from your logged workouts and uses these to create training programs that are specially tailored to meet your readiness and current strength level. It's also modestly priced at $35 per month and can be used in the gym or with basic home workout equipment.
3. Strava
This is the go-to app for fitness enthusiasts who do a lot of outdoor workouts. Strava records your runs, walks, hikes, bike rides, water sports, and many more. It also provides a detailed analysis of various metrics during the activity, such as pace, heart rate, and elevation gain. The social platform that comes with the apps lets you interact with other users and join online communities with similar interests.
Best Workout Apps for Beginners
1. Nike Training Club
The NTC workout app offers a wide variety of exercise regimens, from strength training and mobility to yoga and Pilates. It has live classes and on-demand courses, as well as meal plans, informative blogs, and a highly interactive social platform. Everything that a beginner needs to embark on a fitness journey is all here. Best of all, the app is completely free to use.
2. Aaptiv
Some exercises can be difficult to learn for newbies, but the Aaptiv workout app makes it all very easy with its clear and concise audio and video instructions, perfect for beginners. The selection of exercises is quite extensive as well, covering cardio to yoga and everything in between. The subscription fee is also very reasonable at less than $15 a month.
3. Caliber
If you are a beginner but are serious about starting your fitness journey, the Caliber app can be of immense help. The programs are geared more towards strength training rather than cardio, so this is something to keep in mind. What’s ideal about this app is the highly personalized coaching and training you will get, not only for the workouts but also for nutrition and other aspects of wellness. Even if you know absolutely nothing about fitness, Caliber can keep you on the right track at all times.
Best Workout Apps for Weight Loss
1. Noom
This app uses a style that focuses more on behavioral therapy rather than downright prohibiting you from eating certain foods. Through daily lessons and personalized coaching, Noom teaches you to have better eating habits. It comes with a monthly fee of $70 per month but you can try it for free during the 14-day trial period.
2. WeightWatchers
One of the most popular weight loss apps today, WeightWatchers aims for long-term results rather than quick solutions. Registered users all get a customized meal plan, membership to an exclusive social platform with fellow users, and access to round-the-clock assistance from certified weight loss specialists. The app tracks all your data that are relevant to weight loss, like food and water intake, hours of sleep, current weight, and so on.
3. BetterMe
No matter what your current health situation is, BetterMe is an app that will indeed help you discover a better you. Its workout programs focus more on strength training, which is very effective for long-term weight loss. You can choose the level of workout difficulty and which parts of your body where you want to lose weight. The app also comes with an abundance of helpful information on nutrition and diet, weight loss tips, and even mental health.
Final Thoughts
Workout apps are a dime a dozen these days, which is good because you get a wide and varied selection. However, not all workout apps will give the same quality results. Other than just looking for a reputable app with great feedback, make sure they offer personalized training that will help you achieve your own fitness goals.
