Even as a personal trainer, most people are surprised to find out that I rely on workout apps multiple times a week. Not only are they convenient and more affordable than an in-person gym membership, they save me the hassle of having to program a workout. What I appreciate most of all is that they can track my progress over time, and motivate me to squeeze in a workout at home when I’m short on time.
But sorting through the countless options on the app store can be daunting, which is why our team of fitness professionals in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab tested more than 30 workout apps to find the best picks for all fitness levels. We even enlisted feedback from real-life testers on their experience using fitness apps, including how challenging the workouts felt, the quality of classes offered and more.
“Workout apps definitely do work — the question is whether or not you stay committed to them,” says personal trainer Amy Schlinger, NASM-CPT. “If you download or subscribe to an app, but then only use it once a week or sometimes not at all, you’re unlikely to see any kind of results. However, if you commit to using the app and actually doing the workouts, you should notice changes.”
“/>
Pros
- Top industry instructors
- Huge workout community and class library
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- You won’t be able to take advantage of certain metrics if you don’t have Peloton equipment
I’ve been actively using the Peloton app for years, and it’s continually a favorite among our testers. The app has hands down some of the best fitness instructors in the industry. It’s easy to navigate and one of the most user-friendly fitness apps I have seen – why is that important? Within seconds you can find any specific class to meet your needs with the app’s handy filters. “I love the app because it is easy to navigate and filter through the workouts to get exactly what you are looking for – from the type of running workout, the length of time and even the instructor you prefer,” a tester said.
Another huge standout is the massive selection of quality classes as well as the variety – you’ll find everything from spin to running but also yoga, barre, HIIT, strength training, stretching and even prenatal content. “My favorite part is the individual instructors guiding you through with uplifting motivation, conversation, and the best music every step of the way,” one person said. Others were wowed by the feeling that they were right in the studio. New classes are added on a regular basis so you never have to take the same class twice.
| Cost | $13/month, $129/year |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
2
Best Variety
Apple Fitness+
Pros
- Large class library
- Multiple trainers in each class to provide modifications
- 4K Ultra HD workout videos
Cons
- Only available on compatible Apple devices
Apple Fitness+ stands out for its engaging and energetic instructors, incredible workout video production quality and huge variety of content for all fitness levels. You’ll find everything from HIIT workouts to core and yoga sessions. What I love most about this app is that there are always anywhere from two to four trainers per class to show exercise modifications that suit all fitness levels (this also gives a very team-like atmosphere to the workouts).
Previously, the service was exclusive to Apple Watch users, but the brand has since expanded access to anyone with a compatible iPhone, Apple TV or iPad. That said, I feel that you will get the most out of this platform by tracking metrics through an Apple Watch. “I loved that this service tracked and displayed your pulse throughout the whole workout and gave you feedback about how your rate recovered after the workout,” one tester said.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Apple Fitness+
| Cost | $10/month or $80/year (and three months free with most new iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Apple TV purchases) |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS |
3
Best for Wellness
Alo Moves
Pros
- Fantastic class content and instructors
- Popular for yoga, barre and Pilates
- Complimentary wellness content including nutrition programs
Cons
- Limited filters when searching in the app
After testing the Alo Moves app a few years ago for our Good Housekeeping Fitness Awards, I was instantly hooked on the engaging and challenging barre and Pilates workouts. Now, you’ll find me turning to the app at least twice a week for effective and hardcore exercise sessions. Catered towards wellness and women’s fitness, the app features barre, Pilates, yoga, HIIT, meditation, quick ab workouts and more, with over 3,000 classes.
Emily Sferra and Bianca Wise are go-to instructors for me on the app. Alo Moves is not as easy to navigate as other apps on this list, but the platform makes up for that with workouts filmed in stunning locations and seasoned instructors who keep the workouts interesting and never boring. Testers especially like being able to find energizing and motivating workouts for all fitness levels. Another perk: You can download workouts straight to your phone so you can practice yoga outside, even if there’s no Wi-Fi connection.
RELATED: The Best Health Apps
| Cost | $13/month, $129/year |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS |
6
Best for Personal Training
Future
Pros
- Personal training in the comfort of your own home
- Customized workout programs
- Demos of each movement
Cons
- You won’t see your trainer during every session
Most fitness apps don’t offer much personalization, but you’ll get the best of both worlds with Future, an app that combines personal training with the convenience of working out at home on your schedule. Start by matching with a human trainer based on your goals and fitness level, and you’ll train all month for the price of what one personal training session would typically cost at a high-end gym. Just note that although you have a live call at first, you won’t physically see your trainer during every session. Instead, you’ll be able to interact with them via the app’s messaging platform to share any feedback or request adjustments to your fitness program.
The program still feels very customized to your goals, and I like that they place an emphasis on tracking your progress so you can see real improvements and stay accountable. “I love how personalized it is! I’ve had multiple calls with my trainer and chat with her every day. We’ve gotten to know each other and I just love the human component of the app. She also designs great workouts for when I’ve traveled and beyond,” a tester said.
| Cost | $199/month |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
7
Best for Free Workouts
Nike Training Club
Pros
- Caters to all fitness levels
- Nice variety of workout types
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Limited workout library compared to other platforms
The Nike Training Club app was one of the first workout apps I tried back in college to stay consistent with exercise. The main draw then for me was that it was (and still is) free. The app delivers good classes with an intuitive interface that lets you browse routines by workout type, muscle group, equipment and more. They even have useful nutrition and wellness tips.
Our testers loved the range of workouts offered and noted that there were programs suited for varying fitness levels, including those for workout novices as well as more advanced athletes.”There were different programs for different ability levels, which is great for everyone!” one tester says. I also appreciate that classes are efficient and easy to follow and that the app offers high-intensity workouts for small spaces, making it a great choice for anyone seeking apartment-friendly fitness. Just keep in mind that since the app is free, the class library is a bit smaller than other platforms (there are over 600+ workouts, which is a nice number but not comparable to apps with thousands of classes). “This service was very easy to use and perfect for quick at-home workouts,” another tester shares.
| Cost | Free |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
8
Best for Strength Training
Shred
Pros
- Workouts created by trainers
- Sessions can be tailored to at-home or gym equipment use
- Cardio training also available
Cons
- App can be a bit glitchy
Known for its intense strength training circuits, Shred uses workouts designed by trainers with the help of AI to curate an efficient exercise experience. It’s a top pick for Schlinger too, who likes that the app starts out by giving you a quiz to understand what you’re trying to get out of it. “I like hypertrophy training by body part, so I have Shred set up to suggest a workout I should be doing each day — upper body, lower body, full body or abs. Say I did upper body yesterday, I can choose ‘custom’ workout and pick a different body part instead and it will make it a new workout (each workout shows you the full workout in writing and videos for each move).”
Another big bonus with this app is that you can choose workouts for the gym or home, which tailors the moves based on the equipment you’ll have access to, though the app can sometimes be glitchy. “I also like that the app has a ‘cardio training’ section,” Schlinger adds. “Shred creates a running workout with different speed intervals based on the total duration you choose to exercise for, it’s a great way to vary my running routine.”
| Cost | $19.99/month or $119.99/year for unlimited |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
Pros
- Content for all levels
- Specializes primarily in yoga and Pilates classes
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited capabilities on the app unless you purchase a membership
Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a downward dog beginner, Glo’s 8,000 classes (and counting!) make it the ultimate pick for practitioners at every level. Download the app, grab your yoga mat and take a quiz to get personalized recommendations, then search for and follow your favorite teachers. I especially love that you can download sessions to do later — perfect when you won’t have access to Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy live classes with other Glo members, and you’re able to search based on class duration, practice, instructor, body part, intensity level and more. Testers also appreciate that the app offers meditation content.
RELATED: The Best Meditation Apps
| Cost | $30/month, $245/year |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
10
Best for Runners and Cyclists
Strava
Pros
- Easy way to track your stats
- Great for finding new routes
- Supportive community
Cons
- Does not offer fitness classes
Yoga and barre not your thing? Strava is a workout app made for the runners, cyclists and hikers out there. I was introduced to the app by my marathon-running sister, and any serious runner in your life likely uses Strava. It tracks important stats (like speed, pace, elevation and more) so you can improve your performance over time.
Plus, it offers monthly challenges and competitions to help keep you on your toes. You’ll also be able to connect with the Strava community, as well as your contacts and Facebook friends. Subscribing gives you access to detailed analyses of your performance and safety features that share your location with designated contacts while you run, but there are no follow-along fitness classes on this platform.
RELATED: The Best Running Apps
| Cost | $12/month or $80/year |
|---|---|
| Availability | iOS and Android |
How we test workout apps
The fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab have evaluated dozens of workout apps in the past year, along with real-life feedback from GH staffers and consumer testers.
To select our top picks, we focused on apps with great content variety, effective workouts, motivating instructors and user-friendly interfaces. We also took into account cost, whether or not you can download the content to use offline at a later time and how often new classes and programs are added to the platforms.
How to choose the best workout app for you
“The best app options should offer a dedicated program based on your goals (which the app should ask you initially), and/or offer different programs you can choose to do if you don’t like what’s recommended,” Schlinger says. When selecting the ideal workout app, you’ll want to consider the following:
✔️ Personal fitness goals: Are you looking to tone and sculpt, build significant muscle, improve your cardio endurance or all of the above? Pinpoint what you’re hoping to get out of your fitness routine and then select the most appropriate app based on your needs. Take your interests into account as well and what forms of exercise you actually enjoy doing.
✔️ Cost: Most apps offer some sort of free trial, so you can give it a road test before committing to the full month or year subscription. Investing in your health is important, but the price and how it plays into your monthly budget is something to consider.
✔️ Intensity: If you’re new to fitness, you’ll want to make sure that whatever app you commit to has entry-level options and offers modifications during each class. The best workout apps have content for all levels and cater to all body sizes too.
✔️ Community: When you’re exercising at home, you may miss the camaraderie of in-person gyms and group fitness classes. But with more and more people working out at home, many apps offer supportive virtual communities with options to motivate each other on the app itself and in its related social media groups.
What is the best workout app?
The best workout app may not be the same for everyone, but our favorites all have a few things in common. First, the best workout apps will feature a large variety of original exercise content for all different fitness levels. Classes should be led by motivating and educated fitness instructors so you stay challenged.
The workout app should also be easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly find a class that you’re interested in. A robust community that you’re able to engage with is a nice perk to have as well, especially since it can help you stay accountable.
Lastly, we favor workout apps with both on-demand and live classes, as well as frequent content additions so you don’t find yourself getting bored. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and your favorite app may be one with a particular instructor you love or a class you can’t get enough of.
What are the benefits of workout apps?
Fitness apps have skyrocketed in popularity for a reason – they’re incredibly practical and a great solution for exercising at home. Here are a few other benefits that make them worth downloading:
Convenience: “You can do the workout when it makes the most sense for you. And you don’t have to program your own workout –the app makes it for you and you just follow along,” Schlinger explains.
Variety: Most workout apps have anywhere from hundreds to thousands of classes to choose from. Some offer multiple fitness modalities, whereas others are more workout-type specific. You can select what works best for your needs and interests. Plus, you can find all different types of workouts to cater to varying fitness levels.
Tracking capabilities: These apps often offer smart capabilities to track your progress over time and other important workout metrics that can help keep you motivated and accountable.
Affordability: Compared to in-person gym memberships and costly personal training sessions, many workout apps are often free or offer premium memberships at a fraction of the price.
Are there any downsides to workout apps?
Since most workout apps are free to download, you can see if the app matches what you are looking for. But these apps aren’t for everyone, and there are some potential downsides to consider:
Feedback limitations: “You don’t have anyone to check your form,” Schlinger says. “If you’re not familiar with certain exercises and how much weight you should be using, you could risk injury. You also need to make sure you’re keeping your training balanced and working the whole body.”
Motivation: Camaraderie is important, and an in-person workout class or buddy can often keep you motivated. Workout apps may not offer that same motivation. “If an app is your go-to workout, you need to hold yourself accountable – but that’s the case with exercise of any type, so not just specific to workout apps,” Schlinger notes.
Lack of personalization: Although many workout apps have filters to select what type of session you are looking for, they aren’t always catered to your specific needs. But there are some apps like Future that provide a hybrid model, working with virtual personal trainers to customize your workouts.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Stefani Sassos, a NASM-certified personal trainer and Women’s Fitness Specialist, has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she leverages her expertise to create informed fitness content, from testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans. Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She uses fitness apps several times a week to squeeze in workouts while her infant daughter naps, so she understands the value and convenience of an effective workout app to help you exercise anywhere at any time.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
