“You can follow people on Strava just like on Instagram or Twitter.” Along with that, Strava encourages group challenges and interaction  with other athletes through clubs. Unlike most apps on this list, Nike Training Club doesn’t have a free and premium version; it’s just free. You’ll also find plans for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, athletic training, bodyweight training, and more.

• Make sure that the strength app you’re looking at can provide you with workouts suitable for the equipment you have available.
• The only thing you’ll be missing is some of the Pro plans, as well as advanced training stats and analytics.
• There are a million and one fitness apps out there that hover around the same price point, but most don’t offer anything nearly as comprehensive as JuggernautAI.
• Inside the app, you’ll find a combination of strength training and metabolic conditioning workouts, which are perfect for increasing energy levels, improving muscle tone, and boosting overall endurance.
• The Dr. Muscle team includes expert fitness writers and editors supported by AI who carefully fact-check every article to deliver accurate, evidence-based insights and practical tips.
• Similarly, when looking into a specific app, figure out whether its classes require you to have certain equipment on-hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat.

Best workout tracking apps

FitOn is best for bodyweight beginners — 500+ free guided video classes requiring minimal equipment. Boostcamp for evidence-based program access (5/3/1, GZCLP, SBS programs). Hevy for the best free workout tracking if you write your own programs. Hevy also includes a social feed where you can follow other lifters and share workout logs. Reddit’s r/Fitness community frequently recommends it alongside Strong as the two best pure logging tools. The free tier covers core logging features; Hevy Pro ($2.99/month or $23.99/year) unlocks unlimited custom exercises, unlimited routine history, and detailed analytics.

We cover seven apps across eight decision categories, from AI coaching to Apple Watch integration. Each workout app we’ve tested has been rated across 14 different aspects to determine the best fitness apps. To compile our list fitbod alternatives of the best free workout apps, we used the same methodology, except for the caveat that the app had to have a free version.

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In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. In recent times, James has been absorbed by the intersection between mental health, fitness, sustainability, and environmentalism. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each week’s New Music Friday releases. Although many of the best workout apps require a subscription, most also have a free trial to get a taste of the workout style, instructors, and ease of use. However, if you’re after an app that does a bit of everything, you might be better off with Apple Fitness+, as Alo Moves is primarily a yoga app, with a bit of cardio and strength training on the side. But this does make it the perfect option for yogis looking to practice at home.

Best self-guided fitness app

Yes, FitOn still has a 100% free version, which gives you access to their database of workouts. There are a few mobility plans in there, but nearly all of the programs are focused on strength training, using your body weight, dumbbells, garage gym, full gym, or any other type of equipment you have access to. When choosing a plan, you can easily filter the programs based on your training goals, experience level, desired number of days per week, and equipment access. Because the apps on our list all offer free versions with access to a selection of workouts and other fitness-focused features, the best app for you largely comes down to your workout preferences and goals.

Cost

As a CPT, these are all things I want for my own program and my client’s programs, too. Using an app helps you take the guesswork out of coming up with your own program or just having general anxiety about not knowing what to do for your workout on any given day. “All of the stats and analysis that the premium version offers are impressive,” says Amanda, who is also an avid runner and triathlete. For this reason, MapMyFitness earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for both the price and the overall value category. Nicole also appreciates the fact you can access your at-home workouts on your desktop, smartphone device (via Google Play on Androids or Apple App Store), or Roku streaming. If you’re an Apple user, you can even access Bloom Method on Apple TV or an Apple Watch.

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It’s touted as one of the best strength training apps due to its immense database of exercises and user-friendly interface. It allows you to create custom workout plans and has detailed instructions for each exercise. The best free online fitness training programs—like Caliber, Boostcamp, Fitness Blender, and Darebee—offer proven, easy-to-follow routines for every level and goal. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, run your first 5K, or just feel healthier, there’s a free option waiting for you. The Nike Training Club is our pick for the best overall workout app because it’s free and offers a variety of classes, like HIIT, strength training, mobility and yoga.

Best Beginner Workout App for Women: SHRED App

Nike Training Club has certified personal trainers and instructors leading live workouts and on-demand classes. “The instruction is better than most download-and-stream fitness apps,” says Amanda Capritto, GGR product tester and certified personal trainer. If you’re working out aimlessly without a plan, it’s time to consider using one of the best workout apps to deliver top-notch and progressive home workouts, strength training, cardio, or yoga. Hevy merges the simplicity of a workout logger with the motivation of a social network, creating a unique experience for tracking strength training. Its primary function is to let you build, track, and log your workouts with incredible speed and ease. The interface is clean and designed for quick inputs during rest periods, which makes it one of the best workout apps for strength training if you dislike spending too much time on your phone at the gym.

The Best Women’s Strength Training Apps

We also recommend having dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands on hand for other movements. Obviously, this requires a substantial investment of its own, so you will need to plan accordingly if you’re unable to make it to a commercial strength training establishment regularly. In April 2026, we reviewed our list of the best weightlifting apps and made a few changes based on our latest testing. The Shred App still earns our top recommendation, but we swapped out picks that didn’t hold up in accountability, ease of use, and progressive overload. Our newest addition, Muscle Booster, earned high scores in those categories.

That said, based on our team’s collective experience, we still think it’s worth the cost, especially if you want personal coaching. We do acknowledge, though, that the lack of a true “free trial” for an app that costs $200 per month could give people pause about making such an expensive investment. This beginner-friendly workout app can be accommodating for a range of different skill sets and equipment setups. Plus, Muscle Booster promotes progressive overload effectively by having you master each prescribed exercise prior to moving onto more challenging movements or rep ranges. When you sign up for Future, you answer some questions about your goals and they match you with relevant coaches (you can also browse their full roster of coaches on their website). For weightlifting, you can simply select a coach that has experience and knowledge in weightlifting to ensure you get a workout plan that will help improve this side of your fitness.

Best Online Workout Program for Quick Workouts: Train Hard

Its clean interface and fast logging make it one of the more seamless best workout apps for strength training when you need to focus in the gym. The platform’s strength lies in its simplicity and focus on proven methodologies. You select a program that aligns with your goals, whether it’s novice linear progression, powerbuilding, or a body-part split, and the app lays out every workout for you.

Do any workout apps actually work?

During a workout, it displays the weight, sets, and reps, and a rest timer automatically starts after you complete a set. Fitbod presents a clean and data-rich interface that is easy to navigate. After each session, it logs your sets, reps, and weight, using this data to adjust future workouts. If you plan to work out at home and only own a pair of ankle weights, make sure you choose an app that doesn’t require a full home gym.

While the platform is ideal for advanced athletes, beginners also benefit by learning foundational movements and mastering strength basics. “You pick a coach based on your goals and preferences, and each day’s workout—including rest—is programmed for you. My sessions are about 45 minutes, and at 45, I feel and look stronger than ever.” Creating custom workout plans or following professionally created workouts are also features that we think are really useful for any sort of strength training. This allows you to tailor your training to specific goals, such as trimming down or bulking up.