Best Expert-Tested Workout Apps and Services for 2026

These are the apps we’ve tested that didn’t quite make the cut, but are still worth a download if you’re after more options. All of the workouts can be done from home, and for most of them, you’ll only need one set of dumbbells. The app has loads of on-demand classes you can try, including yoga, Barre, and mobility, as well as different challenges to join to keep you motivated.

Workout Tools

Perhaps you want to lose excess body fat, gain muscle, improve cardio fitness, or all of the above. In late 2022, Netflix added a range of Nike Training Club workouts to its library. You could access these for free (so long as you have a Netflix subscription) and do the 10 or 20-minute sessions wherever you are. We’ve tried these apps ourselves to see if they’re easy to use, fun, and worth the money you need to pay in subscription fees. However, for strength workouts, Centr is an excellent option, especially as you can filter classes by the equipment you have at hand.

• I have to manually input my walks and  runs into the app after I’ve already logged them on my watch.” The rest of the app works well enough, so Amanda rated the ease of use a 4 out of 5.
• These are the apps we’ve tested that didn’t quite make the cut, but are still worth a download if you’re after more options.
• Because Nike is such a big name in fitness, many of its workouts draw inspiration from famous athletes, like Simone Biles or Serena Williams.
• BetterMe’s paid version generates workout programs based on goals, experience, preferred exercise frequency, and other factors.
• We also really liked that you can head into the app’s settings to select the equipment you have to hand, then use that list to filter the library, so you only see classes or routines you can do with the weights you have.
• If those don’t do it for you, we have more free workout apps to choose from on our best free workout app roundup.

Workout for Women: Home & Gym

She’s been a journalist for the last 14 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 11 years. She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon. Her workout of choice nowadays is strength training, plus logging her daily steps. After her first daughter was born six years ago, she became especially passionate about prenatal and postnatal fitness, teaching stroller bootcamp classes and working with expecting moms as clients. Post-journalism school, Nicole worked in print media as a magazine editor for eight years, then went freelance for a while, writing for fitness websites and manufacturers in the industry. Now, as director of content at GGR, she brings her expertise in fitness to writing and editing honest reviews on everything you might need for your home gym.

Hevy Coach

The developer, Leap Health, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below.

Popular Reviews

You should know the type of training you should do to best achieve those goals. While many fitness apps have diverse options of daily workouts—HIIT, strength training, cardio, and barre—some apps may specialize in only one or two modes of training. 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. Also known as Map My Run, the best free workout app for runners goes to Map My Fitness, with its expansive GPS tracking and other free features.

What is the best free workout app?

The app can feel a little overwhelming at a first glance, but classes can be filtered by trainer, time, and the music you prefer to work out to. You can also add classes to your library, which lets you select classes you’ve taken before, or plan on taking in the future, at a glance. In March 2020, Nike made its Nike Training Club app content completely free for 90 days to help people keep fit while they stayed at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the app has been completely free for https://www.reddit.com/r/fitbod/comments/19cxwog/subscription_renewing_in_a_week_considering/ users, and unlike others on this list, there’s no paid version anymore. Hevy, Strava, and Zwift have great social and community features, including the options to follow and compete with others.

Our Thoughts on Muscle Booster

One thing to note is that you’ll have to make a free account to get full access to the free version—otherwise, your experience on the app and web version will be limited. If you are on the hunt for a free workout tracker, Hevy enables users to create routines, monitor progress with exercise charts and personal records, make exercise-specific notes, and connect with other users. The free app will analyze basic workout stats, but for a deeper dive into statistics, the premium subscription is needed.

Best Free Workout App for Guided Workouts: ClassPass

If you struggle to stay consistent, you may want coaching, check‑ins, leaderboards, or reminders that nudge you to show up. If you’re already in a routine, simple streak tracking, calendar views, or progress charts might be enough. When choosing an app, think about whether you want human interaction, app‑based nudges only, or almost no external pressure. Pairing a structured workout app with creatine and pre‑workout can make your training more effective, but only if you use them intentionally and safely. “There are also push notifications that remind you to keep accountable,” she added.

The Nike Training Club app is completely free, but still packed with instructor-led classes and whiteboard workouts to help you boost your metabolism, and build muscle and develop mental strength without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for more basic workout tracking, such as mainly tracking your consistency, a number of apps will get the job done. StretchIt doesn’t provide the option to log one-off sessions like a run or gym workout. It only allows you to complete the scheduled workout according to your plan. You can also browse the library of existing workouts by categories such as gym, micro sessions, Wall Pilates, and at-home exercise. The focus is on traditional cardio training (such as running, swimming, and biking), but you can pick from a variety of sports.

If you enjoy the sessions and programs, you’ll find it easier to make them part of your routine and progress towards your targets. For instance, if you like intense, high-energy classes, then the Peloton app might suit you. If you’ve ever done a BodyPump class in your local gym, you’ll have been introduced to the world of Les Mills.

Data Used to Track You

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. While many free workout apps allow you to create your own training programs or follow pre-made plans, Home Gym Club Training has one of the largest workout libraries we’ve seen, with nearly all programs focused on strength training. If you want to avoid the expense of a gym membership, personal trainer or don’t have the time to hit the gym, a workout app can be a good alternative.

What is the best workout app overall?

Equipment is needed for most workouts, but Amanda says you can filter your search for workouts by the type of gym equipment needed. Budget is a big factor, even though most workout apps cost far less than regular sessions with a personal trainer. Some are free or offer limited free tiers, while others charge a monthly or annual subscription. Think about what you realistically will use—if you won’t tap into coaching or advanced features, you may not need the most expensive option. Paying for a plan is only worth it if it helps you stay more consistent than you would with free content. Now you have access to various workout programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength and Pilates, all taught by different women personal trainers.