In addition, a workout app can be convenient in a couple of ways. It can help you keep all of your workout records in one place, without having to scour notebooks or fitness logs to check for your one-rep-max deadlift. Also, the app can allow you to train wherever—either at-home workouts or while traveling—cutting down on commutes to a commercial gym. Our tester, Megan Capritto (GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto’s sister) tried out ClassPass and found the setup and ease of use both quick and simple, rating both a 5 out of 5.
Best Value Workout Planner
Peloton has shaken off its “just for spin bikes” image – the Peloton App now stands on its own as a full training platform you can use at home, in the gym, or outdoors, with or without any Peloton hardware. Apple’s Activity rings on Apple Watch boil your day down into three simple circles – Move, Exercise, and Stand – that you are nudged to close, one by one, as you go about your life. In this guide, we’ll look at how five popular apps use those ingredients to help you move more in 2026. New year, new you – and the same challenge of sticking with your workout goals once the January (or February) buzz wears off.
Personal Trainer AI
This AI-powered strength training app curates workouts for you based on your initial fitness levels and daily readiness. The more you log your data, the more your algorithm learns in an effort to keep you progressing through PRs. There’s a group-oriented Pro version for $19 per month, and a Premium version starting at $200 monthly for individualized coaching. A free version also exists, but doesn’t offer any coaching support but rather a library of trackable gym workouts and instructional videos. Our testers tried out the premium version to give an all-encompassing review.
Strong or Setgraph for weightlifting, Strava for outdoor cardio. They https://vinnews.com/2025/02/14/mad-muscles-review-no-hidden-fees-just-full-access-to-everything-you-need/ don’t integrate directly, but that’s fine—each excels at its specialty. For treadmill running or indoor cycling, Strava loses some appeal since GPS doesn’t apply. Nike Training Club offers guided treadmill workouts, though tracking is basic.
- We recognize this scoring system isn’t perfect because personal training apps can cost much more to the tune of hundreds of dollars per month.
- Each workout app we’ve tested has been rated across 14 different aspects to determine the best fitness apps.
- Most free ones allow you to record loads and times for daily workouts, but you might also be able to track basic metrics, like weight, water, and inches.
- It prioritizes strength training, but caters to a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding.
- “It’s constantly being updated with new trainers and programs as well,” she notes.
- Even $15 per month is on the high side, though it may be worth it if you love the app and it offers classes, extras, and services that go above and beyond the norm.
The apps and methods in this article make it easier than ever to track your workouts and exercise routines. However, you will also need to track other data on your fitness journey. For example, diet matters more than exercise if you’re trying to lose weight, so you must log your calorie intake.
Every run or ride gets mapped with detailed stats—pace, elevation, heart rate (with compatible devices), and segment times. Segments are specific route sections where you can compare your performance against other Strava users, turning ordinary routes into competitive challenges. GPS tracking is accurate, the interface is polished, and the social features create genuine community. I looked at how intuitive the apps were to navigate, and if the free version had significant limitations or annoying upgrade requests. We also considered the variety of workouts in terms of type, length, and difficulty (for beginners to advanced), and whether you have a complete home gym or just a floor and your own bodyweight. If you are considering getting this app just so you can work out with Chris Hemsworth every day, you may be disappointed.
But too many people spend time on the planning aspect rather than execution. If you don’t track your workouts, you won’t have a realistic picture of your progress so far (which is a great motivator), and you won’t be able to set realistic goals. But by logging all your exercises and https://finance.yahoo.com/news/madmuscles-review-fitness-trends-2025-120000890.html improvements, you’ll get a clear idea of where you stand in your fitness journey.
Start using our free calorie counter and exercise journal and we’ll show you how!
Many of these options go beyond just planning out your workouts to include meal planning and goal setting. Some of the more detailed guides will even include guided prompts to better assess what’s working for you and how your exercise routine is impacting your mental health. “If you’re looking for a free fitness app that includes many workouts you can sort by muscle group, difficulty level, and duration, Nike Training Club is a great choice,” Nelson says. Find live and on-demand yoga, core and strength routines, home workouts, and quick-hit routines that can be done in under 20 minutes. Alix Turoff, RD, a New York City–based registered dietitian and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)–certified personal trainer, loves that you can also swap out exercises and modify workouts. “This is great if you have an injury or just aren’t feeling a specific exercise that day,” she says.
MyFitnessPal: Nutrition, Fitness and Health App
According to GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, tracking your progress is the key to making long-term improvements. We’re a group of certified personal trainers, gym owners, and Olympic-level athletes with years of experience following, designing, and coaching clients through training programs. FitBudd is a fitness technology platform built exclusively for coaches, personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness professionals. The platform supports fitness businesses through branded apps, white-labeled solutions, and websites designed around real coaching and training workflows. FitBudd works closely with the global fitness community, maintaining deep, ongoing involvement in the fitness industry.
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Nike Training Club offers guided workouts with video demonstrations—you just follow along. Nike Training Club is completely free with no premium tier at all. Over 190 guided workouts covering strength, cardio, yoga, and mobility. JEFIT proves you don’t need to spend money for comprehensive workout tracking. The free version is remarkably generous, offering exercise logging, progress tracking, and access to a database of over 1,400 exercises with animations.
Global Printed Products Workout Fitness Journal
The Fitbod App is a high-tech AI-powered fitness platform that personalizes workouts and adapts them over time based on your progress. Although there is not a free version, the subscription is affordable and allows you to workout with whatever equipment you is madmuscles legit have. While BetterMe is more affordable than the average workout app, it doesn’t have quite as many strength-training plans.
Video Editing Software
In 2026, the quality of free workout apps has reached an all-time high, making it possible to achieve elite results without a monthly subscription fee. Many free apps now offer a wide variety of free workouts, making them a great alternative to expensive gym memberships or personal training sessions. The most effective free workout apps are those that provide high-definition video guidance and structured multi-week programs for no cost. These platforms are ideal for beginners who want to explore different training styles from yoga to HIIT without a financial commitment. In 2026, the problem is no longer a lack of information, but a lack of follow-through.
Best Web-Based Workout Logging Tools: Simple Workout Log
If you’re looking for long-term workout plans, FitOn may not be ideal. There are workout programs available on FitOn, but they’re shorter ones—about 2 to 4 weeks long. That’s not enough time to make much progress.” Also, the community feed is present and available, but basic, earning just a 3 out of 5. Still, the amount of workouts you get with this app may still be worth it.
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It’s particularly useful for beginners who need direction or experienced lifters wanting to try a new split. You create exercises once (Bench Press, Squat, etc.), then log sets for them whenever you train. Just open the app, find your exercise, see what you did last time, and aim to beat it.