In an era where technology is intertwined with almost every aspect of life, fitness is no exception. It’s now easier than ever to achieve your health goals using a smartphone. Fitness apps offer a broad spectrum of features, from tracking your daily steps to providing full workout routines.
These apps bring the gym to your living room, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or gym memberships. They cater to a wide range of fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. With the right app, you can get a head start on your fitness journey or maintain your current fitness regimen.
Whether you wish to lose weight, build muscle, or enhance your overall well-being, there’s an app for that. As 2023 unfolds, we’ve curated a list of the top 16 fitness apps that you can use to achieve your health goals.
The Shift to Digital Fitness
The digital fitness revolution is here. With the advent of fitness apps, you no longer need to leave your home for a robust workout. These apps provide a variety of on-demand classes, including sculpting, barre, HIIT, and cardio boxing, with vibrant workout videos that make the experience enjoyable.
These digital platforms are not just for adults. Some apps offer kid-friendly content, ensuring the entire family can stay active. While you don’t necessarily need equipment for many of the high-energy classes, you can increase the intensity if you wish. The shift to digital fitness is about flexibility and convenience, ensuring you can workout whenever and wherever you want.
Top 16 Fitness Apps
Fitness apps have become a go-to for those seeking to improve their health and fitness. Whether you want to develop strength, lose weight, or improve flexibility, these top fitness apps have you covered. They offer a platform that motivates and guides you on your fitness journey, replacing the need for gym instructors or training partners.
1. Peloton – Best for Variety
When it comes to variety, Peloton stands out. It’s not just for those with a Peloton bike or treadmill. The platform offers a plethora of class options, including yoga, barre, HIIT classes, strength training, and more. The varied workout categories, duration of classes, and motivational trainers provide an engaging and diverse fitness experience.
Features of Peloton
Peloton is an all-in-one fitness app with a wide variety of features for its users. It offers the flexibility of allowing you to workout with either a bike or treadmill. Here are a few key features of Peloton:
- Variety of Classes: Peloton boasts a seemingly endless array of class options. It offers not just spin and running classes but also yoga, barre, and HIIT classes. You can also engage in strength training and stretching sessions.
- Live and On-Demand Classes: Peloton provides both live and on-demand classes, giving you the freedom to workout at your own pace and schedule.
- Community Spirit: One of the standout features of Peloton is the sense of community it encourages. Users can engage with each other, motivating one another to push towards their health goals.
Install Peloton
2. Apple Fitness+ – Best for Apple Watch Users
If you’re an Apple Watch user, Apple Fitness+ offers a unique fitness experience tailored to your needs. With a wide variety of classes, Apple Fitness+ seamlessly syncs with your Apple Watch, providing a streamlined, user-friendly workout experience.
Features of Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ is renowned for its distinctive features that cater to the specific needs of Apple Watch users. Here are some prominent features of Apple Fitness+:
- Wide Variety of Classes: Apple Fitness+ provides a variety of classes ranging from HIIT to core and yoga. This ensures that users have a plethora of options to choose from based on their fitness goals.
- Integration with Apple Devices: Apple Fitness+ is integrated with the Apple Watch, offering users a personalized workout experience. The app can also be accessed through other Apple devices like the Apple TV, providing a versatile workout platform.
- Personalized Recommendations: Apple Fitness+ offers personalized recommendations based on your workout history and preferences, making your fitness journey more targeted and effective.
These features make Apple Fitness+ a comprehensive fitness solution for Apple Watch users, offering a personalized and user-friendly workout experience.
Install Apple Fitness+
3. Nike Training Club – Best for Free Workouts
The Nike Training Club app stands out as one of the top fitness apps. This app is a perfect companion for those looking for at-home workouts with the guidance of personal trainers. The Nike Training Club app offers an array of workout programs and fitness routines suitable for all levels of fitness.
Features of Nike Training Club
The Nike Training Club app comes with an array of features designed to assist you in your fitness journey:
- Easy-to-use Interface: The app is user-friendly, enabling you to navigate through various features with ease.
- Diverse Workout Programs: The app offers a wide range of workout programs, including high-intensity interval training, bodyweight exercises, and more, aimed at meeting various fitness goals.
- Personal Trainers: The app connects you with professional trainers who guide you through effective workouts and help you craft an optimal workout plan.
These features make the Nike Training Club app an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive fitness routine.
Install Nike Training Club
4. Beachbody on Demand – Best Overall Fitness App
If achieving your fitness goals is your ultimate aim in 2023, then Beachbody on Demand is the app for you. Labelled as the best overall fitness app, Beachbody on Demand has won the hearts of many fitness enthusiasts with its vast array of invigorating classes and programs.
Features of Beachbody on Demand
Beachbody on Demand boasts several unique features that set it apart from other fitness apps. Firstly, it offers a multitude of vibrant and energizing classes, ensuring that your workouts never become monotonous. Secondly, it also provides comprehensive programs led by experienced trainers. These programs are designed to cater to various fitness levels, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Another notable feature of Beachbody on Demand is its user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate, allowing users to smoothly transition between different workouts and programs. Additionally, the app also provides modification options for each workout, catering to individual fitness levels and abilities.
Lastly, Beachbody on Demand also offers a nutrition guide to help users make healthier food choices. The guide includes meal plans, recipes, and tips on how to maintain a balanced diet, complementing the physical workouts for a holistic approach to fitness.
Install Beachbody on Demand
5. Sweat – Best for Women
Specifically tailored to meet the fitness needs of women, Sweat is the go-to app for women looking for comprehensive workout plans. Developed by top trainers like Kelsey Wells, Sweat offers a wide range of on-demand classes and training plans.
Features of Sweat
One of the most distinctive attributes of Sweat is its wide variety of training plans. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find a suitable plan that aligns with your fitness level and goals. Each training plan is meticulously designed by top trainers to ensure effective and safe workouts.
Another major feature of the Sweat app is its collection of on-demand classes. You can choose from a multitude of classes, each aimed at targeting different muscle groups. The app also allows users to switch between different programs seamlessly, providing a flexible workout schedule.
Sweat is also the app created to facilitate equipment-free workouts. With this feature, you can perform effective workouts anywhere, anytime, without the need for gym equipment. It’s ideal for those with busy schedules or limited access to a gym facility.
Install Sweat
6. Centr – Best for Men
Centr is a top-rated fitness and wellness app that is particularly popular among men. It’s comprehensive and offers a wide variety of workouts, meal plans, and mindfulness exercises tailored to help men reach their fitness and wellness goals.
Features of Centr
The Centr app boasts numerous features that make it stand out from the crowd. They include:
- Workouts: The app offers a variety of workout routines designed to target different muscle groups and fitness goals. These routines can be customized to suit individual fitness levels and preferences.
- Nutrition: In addition to fitness routines, Centr also offers nutrition advice and recipes to support a healthy lifestyle. Users can access a variety of meal plans, recipes, and tips to complement their workouts.
- Mindfulness: Recognizing the importance of mental health in overall wellness, Centr offers a range of mindfulness exercises and stress management strategies. These can help users maintain a positive mindset and better manage stress.
Install Centr
7. Alo Moves – Best for Yoga Enthusiasts
For yoga enthusiasts, Alo Moves takes the crown in 2023. This app also connects you with a community of yogis, enhancing your yoga practice. It provides a variety of yoga classes catering to different experience levels.
Features of Alo Moves
Alo Moves has a multitude of features designed to enrich your yoga experience:
- Variety of Classes: Alo Moves caters to all types of yoga practices, offering classes that range from beginner to advanced levels. This allows users to choose a class that fits their skill level and personal preferences.
- Community Connection: The app also connects users with a community of yogis around the world, allowing them to share experiences and ask questions. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages consistent practice.
- Progress Tracker: With Alo Moves, you can track your yoga journey. The app keeps records of your practice, enabling you to look back and see your progress.
Install Alo Moves
8. Future – Best for Personal Training
Looking for a personal trainer in the digital world? Future is your best bet. The app creates weekly training plans tailored just for you, guiding you through your fitness journey. The training programs are adjusted based on your feedback, making Future the go-to app for personalized training.
Features of Future
Future is packed with features that make your training enjoyable and effective:
- Personalized Training Plans: Future creates a unique training plan for every user, taking into consideration their fitness level and goals. This ensures that your workouts are not only effective but also enjoyable.
- Virtual Trainer: With Future, you have a virtual trainer who adjusts your training programs based on your feedback. This allows for real-time modification of exercises, ensuring optimal results.
- Progress Tracker: The app tracks your progress, providing feedback on your workouts. This helps you understand how you’re progressing and what adjustments may be needed in your training plan.
Install Future
Future fitness app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. For Android users, you can Get it on Playstore. While for those using iOS devices, Get it on Apple Store. This app offers personalized training programs and weekly training plans tailored just for you.
9. Strava – Best for Runners & Cyclists
Strava is a popular workout app that is specially crafted for runners, cyclists, and swimmers. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to participate in engaging monthly challenges and track their performance metrics over time.
Features of Strava
Strava comes packed with several features that cater to fitness enthusiasts. Among them include:
- Performance Tracking: Strava tracks essential stats such as speed, pace, elevation, and more. These metrics provide users with a detailed analysis of their performance and help them improve over time.
- Monthly Challenges: To keep users engaged and motivated, Strava offers monthly challenges and competitions. These challenges not only add an element of fun but also encourage users to push their boundaries and achieve their fitness goals.
- Safety Feature: Strava integrates a safety feature that shares your location with designated contacts while you workout. This gives your loved ones peace of mind knowing your whereabouts during your outdoor activities.
Install Strava
10. Glo – Best for Yoga
When it comes to the best yoga apps, Glo stands out from the crowd. It offers an extensive collection of yoga and pilates exercises, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your downward dog or explore more advanced yoga poses, Glo provides a wealth of resources to help you achieve your goals.
Features of Glo
Glo offers a number of impressive features:
- Large Class Library: Glo’s library boasts over 5,000 classes in yoga and pilates, catering to all levels of experience. This means users have a vast range of options to choose from based on their preferences and goals.
- Personalized Recommendations: Upon downloading the app, users can take a quiz to receive personalized class recommendations. This allows for a tailored experience that matches each individual’s needs and fitness level.
- Download Sessions: Glo offers the ability to download sessions for later use, a feature that proves handy when you don’t have access to WiFi. This helps ensure that your yoga practice isn’t interrupted by connectivity issues.
The app also includes features for meditation, adding a holistic approach to health and wellness. With all these features, Glo remains one of the top yoga apps for practitioners at every level.
Install Glo
You can download Glo from both the Play Store and the Apple Store. Get it on Playstore and get it on Apple Store.
11. BODY – Best for Pilates
BODY, created by fitness instructor and YouTube sensation Cassey Ho, is recognized as one of the best apps for pilates. Known for her engaging personality and effective pilates workouts, Ho’s app offers a wide range of classes targeting various body parts and fitness levels.
Features of BODY
The BODY app boasts several notable features:
- Workout Library: BODY offers a vast library of classes focusing on different parts of the body, including arms, abs, back, legs, and butt. The workouts range from cardio to stretching, ensuring a comprehensive fitness experience.
- Fitness Challenges: To keep users motivated, the app offers fitness challenges. These challenges add an element of fun and competition, encouraging users to push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.
- Monthly Workout Calendar: BODY features a curated monthly workout calendar, making it easier for users to plan their workouts and track their progress. This is particularly helpful for pilates beginners who may need guidance in structuring their exercise routine.
Despite the majority of the content being behind a paywall, the BODY app’s extensive features and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for pilates enthusiasts.
Install Body
12. Tone It Up – Best for Toning
For those looking to tone their bodies with a fun and effective workout, the Tone It Up app is an exceptional choice. The app boasts a wealth of features and a supportive community of fitness enthusiasts.
Features of Tone It Up
The Tone It Up app stands out for its comprehensive array of fitness classes. Here’s a closer look at its standout features:
- Incredible Fitness Classes: The app offers a wide array of fitness classes, including toning and sculpting sessions. There’s even content designed specifically for pregnancy and postnatal workouts, making it a versatile fitness tool for women at all stages of life.
- Supportive Community: Tone It Up boasts a supportive community of over 1 million members. This community aspect can be a great motivator, helping users to stay committed to their fitness journey.
- Accessible Content: While the app does come with a cost of $13 per month or $84 per year, it’s worth noting that most of the content is behind a paywall. However, the wealth of resources and supportive community make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
Install Tone It Up
13. WW Digital – Best for Losing Weight
As a pioneer in the realm of weight management, WW (formerly Weight Watchers) has evolved with the digital age and introduced the WW Digital app. This application is a comprehensive tool that aims to help users achieve their weight loss goals efficiently while providing a community feel. It’s a great solution for those seeking a systematic way to track their nutrition, sleep, and fitness activity.
Features of WW Digital
WW Digital isn’t just about counting calories. It offers a wide range of features, each designed to make your weight loss journey smoother:
- Meal Tracking: WW Digital allows users to easily log their meals. This feature helps maintain a balanced diet and monitors your eating habits to ensure your nutrition aligns with your weight loss goals.
- PersonalPoints: The app has an innovative PersonalPoints system that encourages healthier choices and activities. Each user gets a personalized points plan based on their lifestyle and goals.
- Daily Activity Tracking: WW Digital keeps tabs on your daily activities and fitness routine. This feature integrates seamlessly with Apple Health and other popular fitness apps.
- Live Coaching Sessions and Podcasts: To keep users motivated and informed, WW Digital provides access to live sessions with coaches and a variety of enlightening podcasts.
- Obé Fitness Workouts: As part of the subscription, users can access workouts through Obé fitness. This adds variety to your fitness routine and helps to keep your workouts exciting and effective.
- Syncing Capabilities: WW Digital easily syncs with various devices and fitness apps, including Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and more. This way, all your health stats are consolidated in one spot.
Though the interface may require a bit of navigation, once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the wealth of content and the supportive community within the app.
Install WW Digital
14. Les Mills+ On-Demand – Workout with a Global Fitness Leader
Les Mills+ On-Demand is a fitness app that promises a workout experience like no other. With a vast library of over 1,500 workouts, it offers a variety of workouts that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you’re an avid fitness enthusiast or a beginner, there’s something for everyone.
Features of Les Mills+ On-Demand
Les Mills+ On-Demand has features designed to offer a versatile and engaging workout experience:
- Vast Workout Library: With over 1,500 workouts to choose from, Les Mills+ On-Demand offers a diverse range of exercise routines. Whether you prefer high-intensity interval training, strength training, or yoga, there’s a workout to match your preference.
- Flexible Class Lengths: The app includes shorter classes for those who are pressed for time but still want to keep up with their fitness routine. This flexibility ensures that you can fit a workout into your schedule, no matter how busy you are.
- Interactive Platform: The interactive platform of Les Mills+ On-Demand ensures that you stay engaged and motivated throughout your fitness journey. You’ll never get bored with the variety of workouts and the dynamic presentation style.
Les Mills+ On-Demand is more than just an app; it’s a global fitness leader that brings the gym experience right to your living room.
Install Les Mills+ On-Demand
15. Grokker – Best for Wellness
In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, maintaining wellness can be a challenge. Grokker, an app that’s made it to our top 16 list, is here to help. It offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, integrating workouts, mindfulness practices, and healthy eating.
Features of Grokker
Grokker boasts a range of features designed to cater to every individual’s wellness needs. These include:
- User Profiles: These hold personal data that helps tailor the app’s recommendations to your needs.
- Social Media Integration: This allows you to share your progress and motivate others on their fitness journey.
- Diverse Workout and Meal Plans: With varying intensity levels and dietary preferences catered for, there’s something for everyone.
- Activity and Dietary Logs: These help you keep track of your progress and maintain consistency.
- Compatibility with Wearable Devices: Sync your smartwatch or fitness tracker to get accurate readings of your workout metrics.
- Secure Payment Gateways: For any in-app purchases, you can trust Grokker’s secure payment options.
- Engaging Push Notifications: Stay motivated and consistent with reminders and motivational messages from the app.
Install Grokker
Ready to embark on your wellness journey? Install Grokker today. Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store. If you’re an Apple user, head to the Apple Store to get started.
16. Asana Rebel – Best for Yoga and Mindfulness
Asana Rebel is your digital companion for yoga and mindfulness, a fitness app that harnesses the power of yoga and transforms it into a tool for achieving health and wellness goals. This app also connects you with fellow practitioners, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Asana Rebel caters to your needs and helps you progress on your yoga journey.
Features of Asana Rebel
- Yoga Ethos: Asana Rebel embodies the essence of yoga by providing classes that range from Hatha to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The app combines traditional yoga practices with modern workout techniques to cater to different fitness levels and preferences.
- Wide Range of Classes: With Asana Rebel, you can choose from over 100 classes, each focused on different areas of the body and varying experience levels. Whether you want to master your vinyasa or work on your poses, Asana Rebel has a class for you.
- Sleep Solutions: Recognizing the importance of rest in overall wellness, Asana Rebel also offers solutions for sleep issues. Through specialised sessions, it helps users relax and achieve better sleep quality.
- Community Connection: Building a sense of community among users is another feature of Asana Rebel. It provides a platform where yogis can ask questions and share experiences, making your yoga journey more interactive and engaging.
Install Asana Rebel
How We Tested the Workout Apps
Our evaluation of the top fitness apps was comprehensive and rigorous. We installed each app and used them as regular users would, exploring all features and tools and participating in various workout sessions. We also assessed the user interface and the overall user experience, including ease of navigation and the quality of instructional content.
Further, we evaluated the variety of workouts available on each app, taking into account different fitness levels and goals. We also looked at the quality of the instructional videos, the expertise of the instructors, and the effectiveness of the workout routines. We paid particular attention to the adaptability of the workouts, considering how well they could be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Finally, we considered the additional features offered by each app, such as community forums, diet and nutrition advice, sleep and relaxation aids, and progress tracking capabilities. We also took into account user reviews and ratings on various app stores to gain insight into the experiences of a broader user base.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Fitness Apps Really Effective?
Fitness apps have revolutionized gym workouts and the fitness journey in general. They offer a variety of on-demand classes, workout videos, and tools like a heart rate monitor to track your progress. For instance, the Peloton bike provides a high-intensity workout while tracking your stats via the version of the app that comes with a chest strap. Using these apps can make your workouts more efficient and tailored to your needs, proving that they are indeed effective.
2. Which Fitness App is Best Suited for Beginners?
For beginners, choosing the right app can be a daunting task. However, Obe Fitness stands out with its welcoming neon-colored workout videos and upbeat instructors. The app offers a multitude of on-demand classes ranging from sculpting and barre to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio boxing, making it perfect for beginners. A highlight is its kid-friendly content, encouraging the whole family to embark on the fitness journey. While the use of equipment isn’t mandatory for many classes, the intensity can be increased by incorporating it.
3. Can I Do Personal Training Through Workout Apps?
Yes, personal training through workout apps is possible and quite effective. Many apps offer training sessions designed to help you build muscle or engage in circuit training from the comfort of your living room. These apps use fitness trackers to monitor your progress and adjust the training workout as per your needs. You can choose from a variety of workouts ranging from HIIT to yoga classes. This flexibility makes them an attractive alternative to a traditional gym membership, as you can access a personal trainer and an exercise bike without leaving your home.
Conclusion: Tuning into Your Fitness Journey with the Right App
With the help of these top 16 fitness apps, achieving your personal goals has never been easier. Whether it’s losing weight, toning up, or just improving overall fitness levels, there’s an app for you. From bodyweight workouts to cardio workouts, there’s a wide range of exercises to choose from. For those who prefer indoor cycling, Peloton offers advanced classes that can be accessed anytime with their on-demand workouts. If you’re unsure about committing, most apps offer a seven-day trial to give you a taste of their workout selection.
The shift to digital fitness has revolutionized the fitness industry. No longer do you need to rely on pricey gym memberships or bulky exercise equipment. With your favorite fitness app installed on your device, you can work out anytime, anywhere. It’s also easier to tailor your workouts to your body weight and fitness level, making it easier to keep track of your progress. Remember, achieving fitness isn’t just about diet and exercise. It’s about finding what works for you and sticking to it. So tune into your fitness journey with the right app, and make your health goals a reality in 2023.