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Sometimes, it’s hard for a guy to say he needs a little bit of help and guidance. In the fitness world, this can lead to men doing home workouts without any clear goals, showing little to no progress. As a lifelong competitive athlete who has had a coach my entire career, I’m here to say, it might be time to get a workout plan through one of the best workout apps.
Our team at Garage Gym Reviews has tested over 40 of the best fitness apps on the market, and we have now compiled our top picks for the best workout app for men to help you and the boys achieve real progress in your home gym or commercial gym. And with a team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes, we know what to look for in top training programs.
We considered specific wants or needs that men may have for their workout apps; however, none of these apps are truly gender-specific and can help anyone make progress in the gym.
During our testing process for top workout apps, we rated each app on a scale from 1 to 5 across 14 different categories, with some categories excluded due to the app’s features, according to our fitness equipment testing methodology. A few of the major categories we tested include:
- Pricing and subscription model
- App setup and ease of use
- Equipment demands
- Accountability and interactive features
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your fitness with a plan, here are some great choices for the best workout apps for men.
Note: We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and training recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.
The 9 Best Workout Apps for Men
- Best Workout App for Men Overall: Caliber
- Best Workout App for Men for Personal Training: Future
- Best Workout App for Men for Fitness Classes: iFIT
- Best Workout App for Men’s Strength Training: Boostcamp
- Best Workout App for Men for Variety: Shred App
- Best Workout App for Men for Minimal Equipment: CENTR
- Best Running App for Men: Map My Fitness
- Best Free Workout App for Men: Nike Training Club
- Best Workout App for Men for Beginners: Aaptiv
- Best Outdoor Workout App for Men: Strava
Best Workout App for Men Overall: Caliber
Good for: Anyone looking for research-backed strength training programs to build muscle
Best Overall
Caliber Strength Training
Product Highlights
- Strength training and nutrition app
- Personalized, data-driven workout programs
- Expert habit coaching
- Free and paid versions
- Private 1:1 coaching available
- Weekly lessons, metric tracking, nutrition syncing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Scientifically-based training plans
- Individualized coaching for both fitness and nutrition with paid subscriptions is reported to be very thorough
- Free version offers a library of curated workout plans
- Reportedly easy-to-use
Cons
- Personalized macronutrient goals only available with paid versions
Bottom Line
Caliber Strength Training is a fitness coaching program grounded in scientific principles designed to increase strength and improve body composition. The app offers both group and individual training plans which are written and modified by a certified coach based on progress.
Caliber takes our top spot for the best workout app for men overall, as it can help people of all fitness levels and ages. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran weightlifter, young or old, Caliber can help you achieve your goals.
There are three different tiers available, with different prices, methods of coaching, and programming. The free version of the app features an extensive library of over 500 exercises, with personalized programming made from an algorithm based on an initial assessment. The next tier, at $19 a month, offers a group chat feature for group training, and the Premium option costs $200 or more each month, with access to a one-on-one coach.
Our product tester and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto gives the value for the Premium plan a 5 out of 5. Although the price is one of the more expensive options for a training app, the monthly cost is still less expensive than in-person coaching with a personal trainer, which can cost $50 or more per hour.
Workout programs from Caliber focus on strength training, and can be customized for the gym equipment you have access to, leading Amanda to rate the equipment needs a 5 out of 5 as well. For the man looking for full-body workouts geared toward building muscle, Caliber can be a great option. You can see our full in-depth look in our Caliber app review.
Price | Free version; $19 per month (Pro); $200+ per month (Premium) |
Free trial period | Free-forever version |
Type of training | Strength training |
Equipment requirements | Bodyweight, home gym, or commercial gym options |
Best Workout App for Men for Personal Training: Future
Good for: Anyone wanting personalized programs with the guidance of a certified coach or trainer
Best for Personal Training
Future
Product Highlights
- Virtual training from qualified coaches
- Personal plan designed to help reach your goals
- Great interface
- Use our link for 62% off your first month
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
- Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
- Lots of variety in your workouts
Cons
- No real-time coaching from your trainer
- $199 per month membership cost
Bottom Line
An online training program that's staffed by real-life humans, and one of our favorite fitness apps.
If you’re interested in an online personal trainer that can take all the guesswork out of programming and keep you on track and motivated, Future is a solid choice for you. Originally only available on the iPhone, Future is now available on both Apple and Android devices and connects you to a personal coach who will program workouts based on your fitness goals and experience.
At $199 per month—and with no free version or free trial—this is one of the more expensive workout apps to use. However, you also get a lot more from the app than most other competitors, leading GGR’s head of content and certified personal trainer Kate Meier to rate the value a 4 out of 5.
“Although the price is comparable to a CrossFit gym membership with access to tons of gym equipment and coaching, I think it’s a really good value for virtual training,” says Kate on the value of the app.
She also enjoys the encouragement from her coach, rating the accountability of Future a 5 out of 5. Kate says about her coach, “She would check in with me almost every day to see how I was feeling, how the workout went, or ask why I hadn’t done the workout yet. This was a big motivator for me; I think I only missed one planned workout in my first four weeks, and that was due to illness.”
Kate says this may be best for generic weight training, but may not appeal to those training for specific goals. She explains, “In-person training is usually best for someone preparing for a weightlifting meet or CrossFit competition. But for the average person looking for muscle building or weight loss programs, it’s fantastic.”
RELATED: Best Weight Loss Program for Men
You can read more of our thoughts on this coaching platform in our Future app review.
Price | $199/month |
Free trial period | No, but you can get 62% off your first month |
Type of training | Strength and conditioning |
Equipment requirements | Customizable to your needs |
Best Workout App for Men for Fitness Classes: iFIT
Good for: People looking for expert-guided workouts with exceptional cues
Best for Fitness Classes
iFIT
Product Highlights
- Over 16,000 live and on-demand classes
- More than 60 types of workouts
- Immersive experience
- Classes filmed worldwide
- Live races and events
- World-class trainers
- Syncs with Nordictrack and ProForm equipment
Pros & Cons
Pros
- At-home training
- World-class coaches
- Immersive training experience
- Vast library of workouts
- Record and track workout metrics
- Individual and family memberships available
- Free trial
Cons
- Pricey for some
- No true path for progression
Bottom Line
iFIT offers fitness lovers versatility with machine-based classes and classes that do not require anything more than a towel or mat. Anyone looking for a home-exercise program will be hard pressed to find a more technology forward, expansive and inclusive platform than iFIT.
Looking for an app with a group class feel? Check out iFIT, our pick for the best workout app for men for fitness classes. Considered a good alternative to the Peloton app, it offers connectivity to many of the best cardio machines out on the market today. The app works perfectly fine without the connection, too.
The iFIT app offers much more than simply cardio workouts, though; it also offers strength classes, HIIT, yoga, and pilates classes through on-demand classes and workout videos. The app did offer live classes, although they were discontinued earlier this year (live races are still a function, though).
Our product tester Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1 says the amount of expert-guided classes and workouts can feel like an overload of info at first. “The home screen has a lot of information at first. It kind of makes me want to look everywhere at once; it’s a little overwhelming.”
Each class or workout features an expert trainer who guides you through workouts, keeping you motivated and also giving insightful cues during your workout. The coaching won’t be in real-time though, so you won’t get immediate feedback like you would in some of the best personal training apps. Feel free to take a deeper look at this app in our iFIT reviews.
Price | $15/month (individual); $39/month (family plan) |
Free trial period | 30 days |
Type of training | Cardio, strength training, yoga, pilates |
Equipment requirements | iFIT-enabled cardio machine, dumbbells, resistance bands, exercise mat |
Best Workout App for Men’s Strength Training: Boostcamp
Good for: Anyone looking to get stronger
Best for Strength Training
Boostcamp app
Product Highlights
- Programs designed by world-class coaches
- Build your own customized programs
- Multiple training types
- Can be adapted to work with your equipment
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Programs developed by elite coaches and athletes
- Most features are free
- Offline mode
- Suggests alternative exercises
Cons
- App can be confusing to navigate
Bottom Line
Boostcamp offers strength training programs from world-class athletes, and allows you to track your own data as you work toward your goals.
Imagine having Arnold Schwarzenegger as your personal trainer. Now stop imaging it, and download the Boostcamp app and make it happen. This free app comes with hundreds of strength training programs designed by some of the most famous names in fitness, and can also be used as a workout tracker.
“I’ve used a bunch of other apps for tracking my lifts and progress over time,” says fitness coach and GGR staff writer Matt Dustin. “I like Boostcamp much better.”
Matt says this app is primarily for people who have high self-motivation. There’s no community support or accountability option. ““You can see other community members and invite your friends to do the same program with you,” Matt says. “By default, it’s not really meant for coaching or accountability.” We’ll give it a 2 out of 5 in the accountability category.
While you can watch demo videos on moves you’re not sure of or swap certain exercises in a plan, Matt says true beginners might struggle with some of the moves. “Most of the good pre-made programs have detailed instructions up front, but when you do the actual workout, you’re setting each exercise with the recommended sets, reps, and rate of perceived exertion,” he says. “Compared to full workout class videos, it’s not very visual or instructive.” The instruction gets a 4 out of 5.
For those with a few years of lifting experience under their weightlifting belt, Matt says there’s no shortage of training options. “I focus on training for hypertrophy first, and strength second, but there are tons of programs for all sorts of goals,” he says. He’s a big fan of the Eric Helms’ Intermediate Bodybuilding program, as well as the Reddit Dumbbell-Only PPL split.
While the free app, which is always free, has a lot in the way of workout tracking, the premium version gives you a plate calculator to ensure accurate loading on your PR attempts, more advanced analytics, and a rest timer (so you don’t need to exit the app in between sets.
He adds that the app is easy to use and rated the user interface a 5 out of 5.
Price | Free version; Pro subscription $15/month or $80/year |
Free trial period | Free version is always free; 7-days for pro subscription |
Type of training | Strength training, bodybuilding, at-home fitness |
Equipment requirements | Bodyweight, home gym, and commercial gym options |
Best Workout App for Men for Variety: Shred App
Good for: Anyone looking for access to a variety of fitness classes in their area
Best for Variety
Shred App
Product Highlights
- AI-powered fitness trainer
- Suitable for home and commercial gyms
- Able to integrate AppleHealth for easy data tracking
- Available on iPhone and Android
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customized based on your fitness history and goals
- Connects to AppleHealth
- Can sync your playlist with workout classes
- Military, first responder, and teacher discounts
- Good for home and commercial gyms
Cons
- Glitchy
Bottom Line
The Shred app is an AI-powered virtual trainer that can be used to customize workouts in your home or commercial gym.
Too often, we’ve found that some apps recommend equipment that we either don’t own or is being hogged by someone at the gym. Shred App takes care of that problem by helping you design or find workout programs built around the equipment you have access to, and also comes with options for bodyweight workouts. Beyond that, there are various yoga and mobility classes on the app, along with programs specifically designed for rowing machines
RELATED: At-Home Bodyweight Workouts
The variety helps the app earn a 5 out of 5 on equipment demands. You can also skip a circuit or movement if you’re waiting for someone to be done with a certain machine. “You can either select what type of equipment you have access to or just pick a class based on what type of workout you’re looking to do,” he says. “This way, you’re not scrambling to find something in the middle of your class.”
The instruction also picks up a 5 out of 5. “The instructors were motivating and talked throughout the class, but not so much that their voice got annoying while I was sweating and out of breath,” Anthony says. The trainer-led classes allow you to record your workouts, which will allow an AI algorithm to track and rate your performance.
It also allows you to track your workout statistic and sync with your AppleWatch.
Price | $9.99 per month when paid annually |
Free trial period | 7 days |
Type of training | Strength training, bodyweight, cardio, yoga, mobility |
Equipment requirements | Dependent on the program; mostly dumbbells, kettlebells, bodyweight, and bands |
Best Workout App for Men with Minimal Equipment: CENTR
Good for: Those with little equipment who are looking for solid programming to build strength
Best with Minimal Equipment
Centr Fitness App
Product Highlights
- Fitness, nutrition, and mental health app
- Vast library of workouts and programs
- Healthy recipe database
- Track both workouts and recipes
- Meditations guided by Chris Hemsworth
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable monthly price
- More than just workouts
- Ultra thorough instruction using text and photos
- Private Facebook community
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- No interactive coaching
- No suited for beginners
Bottom Line
CENTR Fitness app is everything you need in one place: workout library, nutritious recipes, and mental health resources. The app is also easy-to-use well organized so you can keep track of your workouts and recipes. It’s also pretty affordable with all three billing options under $30 per month. You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually.
If you’re still building out your garage gym, you may not have all the home gym essentials at your house yet. If you’re still a little limited in your equipment, a great strength training app for you is Centr.
GGR social media manager Brittany Combs tested the app for our Centr review and notes the majority of the workouts keep the equipment limited to kettlebells, dumbbells, or other free weights. Even more, Brittany says you can filter the equipment you have or don’t have to find a program that works for you.
It also contains workouts for people who want to do pilates, yoga, HIIT, functional training, and even meditation. Overall, we rate the equipment demands a 4 out of 5.
RELATED: Best Pilates App
Like many workout apps, Centr allows you to personalize your experience based on your fitness level. Regardless of how long you’ve been training, Brittany and fellow tester Anthony O’Reilly say you’ll be getting a 5 out of 5 instruction from the trainers.
“It’s very thorough,” says O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer. “It spells out just about everything through text, photos, and video instructions.” Brittany is a fan of the workouts led by the app’s founder, Chris Hemsworth. “Who doesn’t want to feel like Thor himself is talking right at you?” she says.
You don’t need Thor’s hammer, or a big budget to be worthy of Centr. Subscriptions start at $7.50 per month and can go as high as $29.99, which is still cheaper than most commercial gym memberships. You’re also getting recipe ideas and a workout tracker, so it provides much more value than simply helping you workout.
Price | $29.99 monthly, $59.99 for 3 months, or $89.99 yearly |
Free trial period | 7 days |
Type of training | Strength training, HIIT, yoga |
Equipment requirements | Bodyweight, home gym, and commercial gym options |
Best Running App for Men: Map My Fitness
Good for: Guys looking for a running app with lots of tracking features for their runs
Best Running App
Map My Fitness by Under Armour
Product Highlights
- Fitness app with GPS
- Tracks routes, distances, pace, etc.
- Select from 600+ activities like including running, cycling, yoga, etc.
- Large community of athletes
- MVP version offers training plans and coaching tips
- Premium features include live tracking and audio coaching
Pros & Cons
Pros
- GPS integration
- Great community aspect
- MVP version is affordable
- Lots of options with free version
- Integrates with most trackers and wearable
- Plan and track your own routes
Cons
- Requires MVP subscription to unlock some features
Bottom Line
Map My Fitness is a well-established and widely-used fitness tool that allows you to choose from a huge variety of workouts with some really notable features. Whether you're working out in a gym or looking for a route to run, Map My Fitness has got you covered.
If you’re looking for the best running app, our favorite is Map My Fitness. Created by Under Armour, Map My Fitness has a robust GPS tracking system and several free features, with a premium subscription that helps with accountability. Our product tester and long-time Strava user Amanda Capritto even likes this app, saying, “I would switch to Map My Fitness from Strava if I didn’t already have a Strava account with a lot of history logged already.”
Amanda rates the app setup and its ease of use a 5 out of 5 since it syncs up to other apps and devices easily—Garmin, Apple Watch, UA-connected footwear, My Fitness Pal, heart rate monitors, and more.
Although it’s a running app, the app still provides a good amount of instruction with its premium plan, as it’ll track tons of running metrics, from heart rate analyses and power output to running cadence and more. Amanda rates the instruction a 5 out of 5, saying, “You get a lot for the price—all for under $6 a month.”
In the free version, there’s not a lot to hold you accountable for your workouts aside from notifications. The premium subscription offers plans you can join, which Amanda says, “Being able to create and join plans in the premium version helps a lot with keeping you accountable to your workouts.” She rates the accountability a 4 out of 5.
The GPS works well enough, with Amanda rating the GPS accuracy a 3 out of 5. It seems to be accurate within about a tenth of a mile.
Price | $5.99/month or $29.99/year |
Free trial period | 15-day trial with some free-forever features |
Type of training | Running |
Equipment requirements | None |
Best Free Workout App for Men: Nike Training Club
Good for: Fitness enthusiasts needing a budget-friendly option with great value
Best Free Workout App
Nike Training Club
Product Highlights
- Completely free
- Massive library of on-demand workouts and live classes
- More than 10 workout categories
- App is easy to use
- No individualized programming
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free to use
- Previously premium/paid content is available for free
- More than 10 workout categories
- Most workouts taught my certified trainers and instructors
Cons
- Audio controls can be finicky
- Sometimes hard to see on-screen metrics like reps and time
Bottom Line
Nike Training Club is a free fitness app with a robust workout library that includes one-off workouts as well as periodized programs led by certified instructors.
When we talk about value in a product, we want to make sure it’s worth its price. In the case of Nike Training Club, it has killer value, as the online training program is 100% free and has been since 2020.
Unlike other apps that have a free version with partial features, Nike Training Club gives you access to the entire app for free. With an account, you’ll have access to a database of workouts led by certified trainers on Nike’s team. Workouts span from strength training, high-intensity interval training, and functional fitness, to yoga, pilates, and mobility training.
The app is easy to navigate, and you can search for new workouts with filters on equipment needed, workout length, and fitness level. Our tester Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, rates the ease of use of the app as a 5 out of 5. Workouts and live classes can be streamed, and the instruction is pretty good, leading Amanda to rate it a 4 out of 5.
One thing you won’t get is the real-time feedback of a personal coach, as this app only offers the ability to stream workouts. Also, Amanda rates the accountability a 3.5 out of 5, saying, “This is your basic fitness app. You can download it on your phone, but no one is going to make you use it. It does send notifications if you enable them, and you can join programs or challenges.”
For someone whose budget is free, this is an excellent choice for a variety of strength, mobility, and HIIT workouts.
Price | Free |
Free trial period | Free forever |
Type of training | Strength training, yoga, pilates, mobility |
Equipment requirements | Bodyweight and minimal home gym setup |
Best Workout App for Men for Beginners: Aaptiv
Good for: Beginners looking for an easy-to-use app to begin their fitness journey
Best for Beginners
Aaptiv
Product Highlights
- Audio-guided workout app
- Over 2,500 workouts
- New workouts each week
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Audio-based classes
- Thousands of workouts
- New classes each week
- Goal-based programs
- Free trial for annual plan
Cons
- Fewer coaches than competitors
- No information on nutrition
- Must sign up for annual plan to get the free trial
Bottom Line
Aaptiv is a great option for people looking for an alternative to video-based workout programs.
With a seven-day trial and affordable rate, Aaptiv is a great fitness app for anyone beginning to regularly work out, or for people curious about workout apps. In addition, the app provides workouts for you, so people new to working out won’t be guessing at what to do each day.
Expert product tester and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto says the app is easy to use and navigate, which is extremely helpful for beginners. She rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5 because of how easy it is to search for workouts through a multitude of filters: workout mode of training, length, muscle groups used, fitness level, and equipment.
Although there is plenty of instruction within the app, Aaptiv won’t hold your hand through the workout. Instead, exercises within workouts have short audio and visual instructions, and workouts can be completed at your own pace. The lack of a coach-led workout might deter some people from using this app, Amanda suggests.
Still, there is plenty to learn from the exercise instructions, and Amanda notes that the programming team members responsible for workouts are clearly knowledgeable, programming some contralateral work in a workout. “This is something only a knowledgeable and experienced trainer would likely program,” Amanda says, rating the instruction as a whole a 4 out of 5.
With a variety of training types and workouts ranging from bodyweight exercises to using functional trainers, the app and its workouts can meet you where you’re at. For a beginner using Aaptiv, you can start from wherever you are, making it very accessible.
Price | $14.99 |
Free trial period | 7 days |
Type of training | Strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, mobility |
Equipment requirements | Bodyweight or home gym setup |
Best Outdoor Workout App for Men: Strava
Good for: Those wanting an app for traveling and experiencing the great outdoors
Best Outdoor Workout App
Strava App
Product Highlights
- Activity tracking app: track over 30 sports
- Turns phone into a running/cycling computer
- Free and subscription options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tracks variety of workouts
- Beacon live tracking available on free tier
- Provides lots of data
- Compatible with thousands of devices
Cons
- Many fan-favorite features behind paywall
- Some users wished the auto-pause feature was more sensitive
- Have to visit website on desktop to use some features like adding a new pair of shoes
Bottom Line
Strava’s tracking app allows you to track 30 different sports and, with a subscription, provides a wide variety of statistics to analyze your workouts.
If you’re looking for an app that’ll feed your urge for the outdoors, Strava is a great suggestion. Not only is it a running app, but it can also be used for trails, cycling, and even water sports like kayaking. If you’re looking for a cycling app that can keep up with you in the outdoors, this is the app for you.
The GPS tracker is pretty accurate from what product tester and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto says, rating the accuracy a 4.5 out of 5. She explains, “Sometimes buildings might impede the GPS signal when I’m cycling through downtown Miami, but other than that, it does a great job.”
There is a free version as well as a premium version. Both will provide decent tracking stats, but Amanda suggests that any statistics lovers should go with the premium version for the best breakdowns of your routes. Also, the app easily connects with major fitness trackers as well.
One of the biggest differentiating factors of Strava from other running and cycling apps is its social network aspect. It has a social media presence on the app. “You can follow people on Strava just like you could on Instagram or Twitter,” Amanda adds.
One word of advice is that the app does reveal a lot of information on your location while using the GPS tracker. You may want to consider the risks before using a GPS tracking app like Strava.
Check out our Strava fitness app review for more information.
Price | $11.99/month or $79.99/year |
Free trial period | Free version |
Type of training | Running, walking, cycling, water sports |
Equipment requirements | Shoes or bicycle |
Other Workout Apps for Men We Researched
Here are a few other workout apps that we researched and tested, but they didn’t quite hit the mark to make our final list.
Fiit: As the top-rated fitness app in the UK, Fiit provides expert-led workouts and a wide selection of 10-, 25-, 40-, and 60-minute workouts. However, quite a few customer reviews talk about a clunky interface—particularly with the Android version of the app.
Freeletics: Providing a free library of workouts, Freeletics might be a good choice for a fitness lover looking for a free workout app. However, our product tester Megan Capritto notes that there is little instruction on how to perform movements during a workout, just an animation. Furthermore, there’s no audio instruction either, leading her to have to look back at her phone multiple times during an exercise to know if she was performing an exercise right or not.
Train Hard: This app is designed by former CrossFit champion, Jason Khalipa and offers a no-nonsense approach to training. While it’s a solid app, it’s not for the faint of heart with tons of EMOMs, AMRAPs, and HIIT combined with classic compound movements with low repetitions for strength. While it’s an effective way to train, it’s not for the recreational lifter. We have details about our training experience in our Train Hard App review.
Jefit: Jefit has an expansive library of over 1,400 exercises, great for learning new movements and exercises. However, some of the workout tracking features are hidden behind their Elite subscription plan. For example, workouts log each exercise in alphabetical order instead of order of completion. Little things like this aren’t usually a premium feature.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Workout Apps for Men
The team at Garage Gym Reviews has developed a testing methodology for each piece of gym equipment we try out. For apps, we test across 14 different categories, although not every category pertains to every app. For example, a workout tracker won’t need a rating for GPS accuracy, and a running app doesn’t need a score for how it adheres to progressive overload.
Here are some of the aspects tested for the best workout apps for men:
- App setup: Apps shouldn’t take forever to get you set up for your first workout, so high-rating apps usually set you up an account and have a short assessment before letting you take advantage of the app’s features.
- Ease of use: The best fitness apps should have a clean and easy-to-use interface. To score high here, users should be able to navigate the app easily, finding workouts and other features without much trouble.
- Instruction: Workout apps should at a minimum display how-to instructions and videos on exercises in workouts, but apps receive extra points for exceptional coaching cues or personal coaching.
- Equipment demands: The best apps will have an option for everyone, despite lacking equipment. Scoring high in this category means the fitness app’s equipment demands mold to what you have available, or there are minimal equipment requirements—or none at all.
- Accountability: Apps have some features that help you stay accountable. Bare minimum requirements are to have push notifications as reminders, but some apps go above and beyond with integration with calendars or the presence of a one-on-one coach.
- Interactive features: Not all apps have interactive features, but it’s helpful in keeping people motivated and engaged. Social media and online communities are one way to stay engaged, but apps can also feature badges and reward users for consistent use.
- Pricing and value: Prices can vary in workout apps, from being completely free to costing $200 or more each month. The best scoring prices typically were under $15 a month, but even expensive workout apps can have great value if they have features that match the cost.
Benefits of Workout Apps for Men
Let’s look at some of the reasons why workout apps could help us guys out.
Convenience
Workout apps can help save you time and money. They save you time by giving you access to your workouts anywhere: at home, in a gym, or while traveling. Many apps have the flexibility to allow for adjustments based on the equipment available, so it’s easy to get a workout anywhere and can cut down on time commuting to a gym.
Fitness can also be expensive, between the cost of a gym membership and a personal trainer. Personal trainers can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 for just a one-hour session. While workout apps can be pricey in some instances, most will cost far less than the cost of in-person training.
Expert Programming
The workouts provided in the best workout apps are made by experts: certified personal trainers and professional coaches. Some apps use algorithms, but these algorithms are backed by research and created again by top experts in the field.
RELATED: What Is a Personal Trainer?
Getting programming from a certified personal trainer can help take a lot of the guesswork out of your programming, so you can be assured that you’re making progress with your workout plan.
Online Support
Either with an online coach or a fitness community, many workout apps provide access to online support. Some use social media to encourage and support other athletes, while other apps will connect you with a coach who will help keep you on track for your program.
What to Look for in Workout Apps for Men
As I said before, there aren’t too many apps that are gender-specific for men. With that said, marketing for men and male-identifying people is on the rise, and just because a fitness app’s logo has camo and chains doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right workout app for you. Here are some factors to consider when browsing the app store for a fitness app ideal for you.
Level of Instruction
One of the first things to consider when looking for a workout app is the level of instruction you’re looking for. Instruction can be simple, with a how-to video on performing exercises, or it can be a coach leading a streamed workout with cues throughout the video. Furthermore, you can use an app to connect with your own personal coach, who can keep you accountable and help you stay on track.
The amount of instruction you want or need will vary from person to person, so think about the type and amount of instruction or guidance you need for your workout program.
Programming Principles
Strength training programs should follow the concept of progressive overload, which keeps you incrementally adding weights to exercises with occasional deload periods—with the long-term goal of building strength. If you’re looking for a good weight training program, you should make sure that the program follows those basic guidelines.
Type of Training
What type of training interests you? Lots of fitness apps provide a good variety of workouts, while others may focus on strength training or running workouts. Consider the types of workouts you’re going to want to do before diving into a workout app blindly.
Equipment Demands
Depending on your home gym setup, you might have plenty of equipment options, or be very limited in those options. Be mindful of the equipment you have access to, and select a workout app that has workouts for that equipment.
Best Workout App for Men: FAQs
What is the best gym workout app for men?
There are a variety of workout apps available for men. The best one for any person will depend on the type of training they’re interested in, as well as their fitness level and goals. Here are our top picks for the best workout apps for men:
Best Workout App for Men Overall: Caliber
Best Workout App for Men for Personal Training: Future
Best Workout App for Men for Fitness Classes: iFIT
Best Workout App for Men’s Strength Training: Boostcamp
Best Workout App for Men for Variety: Shred App
Best Workout App for Men for Minimal Equipment: CENTR
Best Running App for Men: Map My Fitness
Best Free Workout App for Men: Nike Training Club
Best Workout App for Men for Beginners: Aaptiv
Best Outdoor Workout App for Men: Strava
What app should I use to workout?
If you’re looking for a good workout app, you’ll want one with an easy-to-use interface. You’ll also need to make sure the app fits your interests and fitness goals. Here are some of our favorite picks for the best workout apps:
-Best Workout App Overall: Caliber
-Best Personal TrainingWorkout App: Future
-Best Workout App for Variety: iFIT
-Best Free Workout App: Nike Training Club
-Best Strength Training Workout App: CENTR
-Best Powerlifting Workout App: JuggernautAI
-Best Workout for Beginners: Aaptiv
-Best Progression Workout App: Ladder
-Best Workout App for Runners: Map My Fitness
-Best Workout App for Data Tracking: Beyond the Whiteboard
-Best Workout App for Yoga: Down Dog
-Best Workout App Instructors: Peloton
How many days a week should I workout?
The amount of workouts you can get in a week will vary depending on your schedule outside of the gym, as well as your fitness level, but a good workout split is four workouts per week, with three days of rest split across the week. Workouts should alternate between muscle groups as well to prevent overtraining.
Further reading
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Who needs barbells and dumbbells when they could use resistance bands? Check out our Harambe system review to see if this is a better choice for your home gym. Read more