9 Best Workout Apps For 2023
Working out has never been easier. Nowadays, you can simply download an app and start working out at home. There are many options available, whether you're looking for something free and simple or want a full meal and workout regimen.
This guide will walk you through our top picks for the best workout apps for weight loss or wellness and all their advantages and features. Click on the link in the reviews below to learn more about each app.
Our Top Picks For Best Workout Apps
- Centr: Best Celebrity-Inspired App
- Nike Training Club: Best App for Free Workouts
- Glo: Best App for Yoga
- Strava: Best Running App
- MyFitnessPal: Best App for Diet Tracking
- Jefit: Best App for Workout Tracking
- Peloton: Best Workout App for Exercise Bikes
- EvolveYou: Best Workout App for Variety
- BODi: Best Interactive Workout App
Best Workout Apps Reviews
Celebrity Chris Hemsworth created Centr, one of the best workout apps for men and women on the market. This one made our list because of features like meal plan integration, which is a big plus when pairing fitness with nutrition for a healthier lifestyle. The two go hand-in-hand, and users should be able to manage both sides of their fitness planning in one place.
The app is easy to navigate and the personalization tools make it a great fit for fitness goals of any level. Users can browse through select training programs or participate in daily workout sessions. The app provides routines for workouts at the gym and at home, with multiple options available for almost every area of focus, such as HIIT or strength training. All this variety in workouts is a big plus.
Workouts target various fitness levels, from beginner to advanced, and range between 5 and 60 minutes long. Users can click on a "self-guided" feature when they want help at the gym or at home.
Pricing is reasonable for Centr, at $29.99 per month, $59.99 quarterly or $89.99 per year, and the app is compatible with Android and iOS. You can also enjoy a week-long free trial before committing to a subscription.
Learn more about Centr.
Our next pick is for exercisers on a budget. Nike Training Club is one of the best free workout apps for iPhone or Android. This workout app's home workouts are a breeze, and you don't have to worry about breaking the bank to get great content. Filters help you view content by the muscle group you want to work on or by the focus of your workout, like meditation and stretching or strength and endurance.
You can filter the many classes and workouts by intensity level and based on where you are in your fitness journey or how you're feeling each day. The in-app instructors are always encouraging and motivating users to help them stay on track and complete their workouts feeling great.
The app conveniently links to Apple devices, too. You can connect the app to your Apple Music account to listen to your favorite tunes while working out. You can also link the app to your Apple Watch.
Download the Nike Training Club app.
Glo is all about yoga, helping users improve their minds and bodies. Users sign up and access thousands of courses (over 5,000) for every skill level. You can go at your own pace with Glo. Enjoy classes ranging from cardio, strength, meditation and Pilates, and choose from whatever type of yoga you practice, whether vinyasa, Hatha and more.
The app, which is compatible with Android and iOS, gives personalized recommendations after taking a short quiz. You can take live classes if you prefer working out or meditating with other people.
Glo is available for $23.99 per month or $244.99 annually. Classes last for up to 90 minutes or as little as two. If you want to try it out, take full advantage of the week-long free trial first. One thing's certain: this app has everything you need to practice yoga or meditation every single day from the comfort of your home.
Find out if Glo is right for you.
Get ready for better cardio. Strava is the perfect option for runners, walkers and cyclists. It's free option makes for one of the best free workout-tracking apps out there, though you won't be able to use the Routes feature to see where other runners or cyclists have been in your area.
The premium version of the app is either $5 per month or $59.99 per year. Both Android and iOS users can download the app.
Strava makes it super easy to track miles you've run or biked and your goal progress. There aren't any guided workouts on the app, just opportunities to stay motivated by tracking your accomplishments and clocking your miles. This app is also a great place to start when looking for a fitness community of like-minded runners and cyclists to connect with.
Download Strava and get started.
MyFitnessPal has been popular for a while because of its ease of use. This app is best for tracking your diet and focusing on nutrition. You just have to search for the food you consume and the app will help you track your daily calorie count. Millions of food items are available, and you can scan food barcodes or add your own products if you can't find them through a search on the platform.
MyFitnessPal's free option includes nutrition tracking and is one of the best free workout apps for women or men who want a healthier lifestyle and are ready to set and reach their fitness goals. It helps manage your diet while you're trying to lose weight or stay fit and healthy.
The free version includes ads, so keep that in mind before downloading it. By upgrading to Premium for $19.99 per month or $79.99 per year, users get access to nutrition plans, a custom dashboard, recipes, zero ads, guided fitness coaching and more.
Get started with MyFitnessPal on either Android or iOS.
Jefit is a great workout app for users who want to focus on tracking progress, be it for weight loss, strength training or even body measurements. The app's variety of workouts focus on core and strength training goals, making it one of the best ab workout apps available. Jefit is all about progress. This app is also one of the best free workout apps for weight loss, as there's a basic option with many helpful features and programs.
You can find lots of different exercises on Jefit to do at home — it's even one of the best boxing workout apps. The app helps users log their weight lifting and strength training activity in the gym to set goals and track their progress. It also has its own catalog of exercises and routines to explore based on muscle groups.
You can only change what you can measure, and Jefit helps you measure your progress easily. Users can upgrade to the Elite plan for just $6.99 per month, and the app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Learn more about the Jefit workout app.
Peloton is one of the best stationary bike workout apps out there. Users who can't commit to a Peloton bike purchase can still enjoy great cycling classes from the brand. You'll be asked what kind of at-home equipment you have for your workouts, for example, a stationary bike or treadmill, and you'll get personalized recommendations based on your interests and goals.
The app gives users many options for classes, including HIIT, strength and yoga. It has great alternatives for short and long-term workout routines to keep you motivated. You can do indoor or outdoor workouts, and instructors help keep you motivated and focused throughout your workout.
Peloton is one of the best apps for workout routines on an exercise bike, with intensive spin classes you can do right at home. The app has over 4,000 pre-recorded classes from 20 minutes to an hour and a half long. You can get it for $12.99 monthly on your iOS or Android device.
Download the Peloton app.
EvolveYou: Best Workout App For Variety
Mixing up the classes you take or the exercises you do each day can help keep your home workouts engaging. You won't get bored or frustrated as easily with EvolveYou thanks to its many options, from weight training and cardio to HIIT and gym workouts. You can do something different every day and enjoy a range of on-demand classes for greater flexibility.
EvolveYou is another of the best workout apps for women, as it was created by Krissy Cela, an expert trainer. The app and its options are designed for women, but anyone can enjoy them. Users have access to six different trainers in the app, so you have options no matter your workout level or the type of classes you're comfortable taking. This makes it one of the best workout apps for beginners, too.
EvolveYou is easy to navigate, and you can link your favorite music to the app while you exercise or relax. Get the app for $16.99 a month on your Apple or Android device.
Start working out with EvolveYou.
BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive) is an add-on to Beachbody On Demand, the popular fitness platform with everything from workout classes to nutrition plans to coaching. It's a streaming platform that puts an interactive spin on what you can do.
BODi immerses you in an environment that feels more like an in-person group fitness class. This interactive platform allows members to share their personal video feeds with each other as they work out to create a group dynamic. You can even see which classes your friends have already signed up for when selecting your next workout. This group-driven format keeps you motivated and working toward your goal, whether you pick yoga or Pilates, strength training, cardio or one of the many other classes.
BODi links your fitness planning with nutrition support options, giving you access to recipes and meal plans to get you through. If you're looking for one of the best pregnancy workout apps, BODi also offers multiple prenatal and postnatal workouts. Enjoy both live and on-demand classes for all levels with BODi.
You must have a Beachbody On Demand membership to use BODi, and after a 14-day free trial, BODi is just $19.95 per month. Beachbody On Demand is available on iOS and Android devices.
Learn more about BODi to get started.
Workout Apps Guide
Everyone has different fitness and wellness priorities. You may put your overall well-being first because of age or a necessary lifestyle change. Or you may just want to switch up your normal routine and do something good for your body.
Whatever the reason, there's an app out there that meets your needs. You'll find apps for yoga, pilates regimented workout routines and workout tracking, the best dumbbell workout apps, 30-day challenge workout apps and apps for group classes. Gone are the days when you had to visit the gym to get a great workout.
It's hard to make a selection with all the options that are available. This short guide will help you discover how to choose the best workout app for you.
Choosing The Best Workout App
There are tens of thousands of fitness apps out there, and more are released each year. The best workout apps of 2023 are similar to what you see in this guide for 2023.
In 2021, fitness apps brought in $5.35 billion in revenue, a 54% increase from the previous year. These apps continue to grow in popularity as the app market grows, and everyone has a smart device in their pocket.
With so many options available, it's not easy to choose the right app. But don't fret: focus on your goals, investment, time frame and workout type. Here's some advice.
Goals
First, let's talk about goals. Identify exactly why you want to work out. Your reasons could be:
- Weight loss
- Toning
- Heart health
- Energy boosts
- Better sleep
- Socializing
Consider what you are trying to accomplish and make sure your goals are reachable. You need a method to track and measure your progress, and any goals need to be realistic, considering the time and money you have to invest towards them.
Investment
Next, think about the investment aspect. How much can you realistically spend to stay within your budget while accomplishing your goals?
Fortunately, you can access many workout apps for free if you're on a budget. If you want more features and flexibility, you can usually find an option for those in exchange for a small monthly fee. Consider our best app for free workouts if you don't want to commit to a subscription before knowing you've found the right fit.
Time Frame
The goals you set will also determine the timeline you're working with. You may decide you need a daily or weekly routine, but how long do you want it to last?
There are plenty of apps for workout routines if you need some daily or weekly guidance. Workout routine apps ensure you're staying on track and motivated by helping you work toward your goals.
Workout goals can be short-term, like getting exercise three times a week, or long-term, like losing 10 pounds in a month.
Workout Types
Finally, the workout app you choose will depend on the types of workouts you like doing. Factor in what you enjoy.
For example, if you hate running (and avoid it at all costs), don't force yourself to do it. There are plenty of other cardio exercises you may like a lot better — try spinning workout apps instead.
Doing workouts that bring you joy will help you stick to your plan and reach your goals. And there are tons to choose from, ranging from beginner to expert and from low to high cardio. Here are some workout types to choose from:
- Cardio training and aerobic exercise: Cardio builds endurance and boosts lung and heart health. It also helps burn fat and keep blood pressure under control, among many other health benefits.
Working out just for cardio health is a great reason to look into top workout apps, but it's also a must if you're looking to lose some weight with one of the best workout apps for weight loss. Common aerobic exercises include running, biking, swimming, aerobic classes, dancing and anything else that increases your heart rate.
- Strength training: Using weights or doing exercises to build muscle strength is another big plus for your body that helps build muscle endurance, strength and resistance.
Everyday activities like carrying things and standing up are much easier to do with strengthened muscles. Many people turn to free weights and weight machines at the gym or strength training exercises that can be done at home, like squats, lunges, push-ups and pull-ups.
- Flexibility training: Regular stretching helps build and maintain flexibility, which can wane as you age. The muscles and tendons stay pliable, and you have less risk of strain and muscle and joint pain.
You can do simple stretches to loosen up the body or full yoga and Pilates classes. Stretching is a key component of any workout, but you can do it on its own every day to give your body a boost.
- Balance training: Balance exercises help you maintain steadiness, so you can avoid falls as you age. Balance is also related to vision and hearing, so it's important to focus on it in everyday life. Yoga can help with balance, as can tai chi and core-building activities.
Remember that there's nothing wrong with some variety, too. Switching things up can help you stay engaged and have fun while exercising. You could lift weights two days a week and do cardio three days a week. Figure out which types of workouts you want to focus on, and you'll be able to find the perfect workout app to meet your goals.
App Features
Not every workout app will be the right one for you. Think about your must-have features: What would make your life easier? What kinds of formats help you stay motivated during workouts? Do you want to integrate other components of your wellness routine, like eating or meditation?
Pay attention to the special features of each app, which may include:
- Guided workouts
- Live classes
- Mile tracking
- Nutrition or diet planning
- Calorie counting
- Weight tracking
- Goal tracking
- Timers
- Notifications
- Recipes
- Music
- Trainers
- Operating system compatibility
- Cost (free or monthly/annual fee)
Look for apps with creative features. Some apps, like StepBet and Weight Loss Bet by Healthy Wage, pay you to work out to keep you motivated, though we didn't include these in our list.
Look for an app with everything you need to stay focused and satisfied. With all the options in the app store, you should never have to compromise on something that would help you reach your fitness goals.
When you've finally found one, read plenty of reviews to assess how the app has worked for other people. A free trial is a big plus, since you can try out the app for a short period before committing to a subscription.
Workout Apps FAQ
How We Chose The Best Workout Apps
We chose our best workout apps based on three main criteria: features, price and OS compatibility. We looked at each product's value and how it helps exercisers reach goals easily. We also considered how each workout app could replace a gym membership, which can cost hundreds of dollars per month. The app has to be able to support users in meeting their workout goals.
Many of these apps are either completely free or only require a modest monthly payment to unlock all their benefits, from personal trainers and tracking to meal planning. We think our list of apps will help users get the best value for their buck. A big plus is when exceptional features are available for free on these best workout apps.
Another big factor is usability. The apps we gathered are all extremely easy to navigate and search for content using enhanced filters. We aimed to include everything from beginner workout apps to workout schedule apps and the best workout tracking and timer apps. We looked at how easy it is to filter through options so it can happen quickly.
Summary Of The Best Workout Apps For 2023
- Centr: Best Celebrity-Inspired App
- Nike Training Club: Best App for Free Workouts
- Glo: Best App for Yoga
- Strava: Best Running App
- MyFitnessPal: Best App for Diet Tracking
- Jefit: Best App for Workout Tracking
- Peloton: Best Workout App for Exercise Bikes
- EvolveYou: Best Workout App for Variety
- BODi: Best Interactive Workout App