10 Best Workout Apps of 2026, Tested by Personal Trainers

The workout tracker is basic but deep, allowing you to create your own workouts. If there is a workout that you frequent, you can create it as a workout routine to simplify logging it in. In addition, Heavy provides some basic strength training routines of their own, such as 5 x 5 back squats. You can look at Hevy’s and other user’s workouts for inspiration, if you’re not sure what to do that day. “I think the social network-esque aspect of it is what really differentiates it from other free cycling GPS apps,” our tester and long-time Strava user Amanda Capritto says. “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.

Strava GPS Cycling and Running App

The prenatal and postpartum program doesn’t just tweak workouts for pregnancy, it supports birth prep and recovery from the ground up. Expect strength and mobility routines tailored to each trimester, a 14-week postpartum series and deep guidance on rebuilding your core and pelvic floor. There’s even a full birth prep education module, which feels like a reassuring bonus for new and expecting parents.

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Whatever those aspirations are, we’ve rounded up the most efficient, effective, and easy-to-use apps to help you meet them. These sweat-inducing downloads include trainer https://www.hellopeter.com/harnafit demos that’ll walk you through each move, modifications to help you work up to a full range of motion, and motivation to help you get the most out of every workout. But the reason I rate this as the best workout app for most people is that there’s a lot of variety. There are high-intensity HIIT sessions, yoga and Pilates classes, and even beginner-friendly meditations (some spoken by Hemsworth too). You don’t need a lot of equipment either; most of the best workout apps focus on activities you can do with minimal equipment, like a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, an exercise bike, or even just a yoga mat. Try using fitness apps for smart devices or other activity tracking devices.

• Rogue is notable for manufacturing nearly all of its products in Ohio, making it a preferred brand among home gym owners who prefer to buy US-made.
• FitOn is a great service for people just dipping their toes into the fitness world, mainly because it’s free and gives you access to tons of guided workout videos, still all for free.
• Centr takes our top spot as the best overall online workout program thanks to its super comprehensive approach to health.
• Overall, this is a solid app for those well-versed in strength training who are looking to build strength.
• Aaptive is a simple to use app that received high scores in categories like app setup, ease of use, and accountability, but it only received average rankings for interactive features and progressive overload.
• If you’re not doing a trainer-led video, there are exercise tutorials that also come with step-by-step breakdowns on how to do a certain exercise.

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Some testers have also reported experiencing spotty GPS connections and frequent disconnections. For all of the devices, we tested how well they estimated distance traveled by walking a mile on a treadmill. To gauge how accurately the trackers record all-day step counts, we wore the devices in pairs, one on each wrist, for two days straight (we switched wrists on the second day). We also compared their step-count readings with the results from a (discontinued) Ozo Fitness SC 3D Digital Pedometer we knew to be reliable. A tracker’s GPS accuracy (whether it has its own onboard GPS or uses your smartphone’s) is okay but not perfect (GPS rarely is).

Future Pro: Personal Training

Exercise apps are abundant, and narrowing down the list can seem daunting. When selecting the best one for you, consider if it offers the necessary tools to help you reach your goals, such as weight loss, building muscle or simply becoming more active. Make sure that the app you choose offers multiple levels of expertise so that as you get fitter, you can challenge yourself and move on to the next level. The biggest things you’ll want to think about before starting a fitness program are your current fitness level, a realistic and balanced program pace and equipment you have access to.

Best for building muscle

I didn’t mind this, mainly because the workouts Aaptiv directed me to were well-suited for me and easy for me to follow along. Its entry quiz is more detailed than others, and it set me up with the right workout program for my goals and ability. That said, I wouldn’t recommend Aaptiv to total workout newbies or visual learners because it’s hard to find your place if you happen to zone out for a few seconds and miss the audio cue. Most workouts in the intermediate program I chose—called “Burn” with the trainer Kirsty Godso—were bodyweight-based, had movements that worked in a small space, and were between 25 and 40 minutes long.

Hevy: Best Gym Logger/Strength Training App

If you’re trying to bulk up, you may also want to consider using SHRED in tandem with a supplement—perhaps one found on our list of the best protein powders for muscle gain. Around the same time as the streamer partnered with Netflix, it also developed a short series with meditation app Headspace, and the Headspace Guide to Meditation is currently still available on Netflix. Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms. These digital training tools are dedicated to helping your workout performance.

Foster your love of reading with our all-new online book club, filled with editor picks, author insights and much more. Not every app will provide ongoing accountability to help you stay motivated, but we consider it a positive when we do see an app offering this feature. This means if you’re an Android user, you’ll be unable to use Ladder’s programming, which is a major flaw in terms of accommodations. You’ll be challenged to lift heavier weights, increase range of motion, complete more sets, and add more repetitions. JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience.

Workout Tracking

Some are completely free or offer a free trial, and some require a monthly subscription. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you think investing in a paid app will actually help you get closer to your goals and what you’re comfortable spending. Other things to consider are if you prefer live streaming or On demand workouts. Depending on the app’s design, weight training exercises can be displayed through images or videos. The visual aspect of this feature helps individuals at all levels of weight training learn how to lift safely by developing good form. Some apps even have coaching check-ins or community boards for additional accountability.

The Best Meditation Apps

ATG (Athletic Truth Group), created by Ben Patrick (aka “Knees Over Toes Guy”), has revolutionized how we think about joint health, mobility, and injury prevention. What started as Ben’s personal journey from multiple knee surgeries to dunking a basketball has become a movement helping over 40,000 people in 150+ countries. The community features add motivational value, with leaderboards, challenges, and the ability to share workouts.

Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. Strava excels at tracking outdoor activities like running, cycling, and swimming with unparalleled GPS accuracy and data analytics. Its route planning and social features make it indispensable for serious athletes and recreational users alike. With guided programs focusing on hypertrophy, fat loss, and endurance, Muscle Booster adjusts your plan dynamically as you progress.

The benefits of using Muscle & Motion

You’ve probably heard of Centr because it’s a workout program created by actor Chris Hemsworth. The app has various experts and coaches on staff who teach strength, HIIT, cardio, Pilates, meditation classes and more. You’ll also receive wellness advice and recipes to support your fitness journey. The goal of the app is to help “center” your life through your workouts, meals and more. The workouts are self-guided so you can use them in the gym or you can follow trainer-led workouts that you can easily do at home.

You’ll usually trade off personalization, coaching, or advanced tracking at the free level, but free options can still work well. 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. Depending on the app style, testers prioritized options that provide safe, easy-to-follow exercise instructions, including clear videos and verbal cues. Extra visuals like timers, rep counters, pacing guidance, and alternative angles or modifications were rated highly because they help with form and confidence, especially for beginners. Several of the options on our best workout apps list will log your exercise data.