The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Fitness apps may seem like a dime a dozen, but our product testers here at Garage Gym Reviews have tested 20 different workout apps to determine which ones are worth your time and money.
But what makes us reliable experts? We’re a group of certified personal trainers, gym owners, and Olympic-level athletes with tons of experience in following training programs, designing our own programs, and coaching clients through programs as well.
The best workout apps offer more than just stand-alone workouts. Apps should offer well-thought-out programs intended to help you improve your strength, flexibility, speed, or whatever fitness goal you’re after.
And speaking of fitness goals, there is no one right way to train. You may be looking for a workout app to improve your strength; others may be looking for a weight loss app or a program to improve cardio endurance.
During our testing process, each tester used our detailed testing methodology to rate over 10 different categories on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. A sampling of those categories include:
Trial period: Is there a trial period or does your card get charged upon sign-up?
Pricing: What is the price per month and how does it compare to other apps?
Ease of use: What is the user experience like? Is the app easy to navigate?
Accountability: What kind of accountability is provided? Do they send push notifications or emails?
Equipment demands: Does the app require access to a full gym or minimal equipment?
GGR’s product testers have tested over 65 workout apps, including running apps, CrossFit apps, rowing apps, and weightlifting apps. We know everyone has different goals, so we’ve shared our honest thoughts in various best-in-class workout app roundups. Check out some of them below:
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.
The Caliber app earns the top spot on our best workout apps roundup because it offers something for everyone. There is a robust free-forever version and two paid options that grant you access to either group coaching ($19 per month) or a fully customized one-on-one coaching program (starting at $200 per month).
The free version of the Caliber app is ad-free and features the full exercise library of over 500 movements. Each exercise features a demonstration video, step-by-step written instructions, and the ability to log your weights and reps (and access your history at any point). This alone is an incredible value (and you can even build your own workouts in this app).
Caliber Pro offers group coaching for $19 per month and provides a few different tracks to choose from, including programs for beginners and intermediate and advanced exercisers. Plus, there’s a program for weight loss and a bodyweight-only routine.
Caliber Premium is one-on-one personal training, which starts at $200 per month. While that is not cheap, when you compare that to working with an in-person coach, you’ll spend less and get more communication from your coach and 24-hour access to your program from the app. Coaching includes custom strength and conditioning programs, plus help with nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mobility.
In comparison, a one-hour session with a personal trainer can run you anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour depending on where you live. For that reason, Caliber earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for the value category.
With the one-on-one training option, a coach will develop a customized training program based on what equipment you have available at home (or at your local gym). Caliber is geared toward resistance training and the website notes that most subscribers use the app at commercial gyms.
However, with the group coaching option (Caliber Pro), our tester and lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele notes that there are bodyweight, dumbbell, and barbell progressions for most movements. Both the paid and free versions earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands.
“I think no matter where you are, there will be a workout you can do with the app,” says Lindsay.
GGR writer and product tester Amanda Capritto used Caliber Premium to work with a coach for a customized strength training routine. She reports working with her coach and using the app is easy, and she appreciates the fact there are demonstration videos for every exercise assigned to your program.
“Not only are there video demos for every movement in the Caliber app (which are really well-done), but you can even send form videos to your coach,” Amanda explains.
We have more details about both tester’s experiences in our Caliber App review.
Amanda just has one callout that the instructional videos do not always load. “Other than that, I don’t have any complaints,” she says. And for this reason, caliber earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for ease of use on the app. She also notes the app syncs with the Apple Watch but not apps like Garmin, Fitbit, or Strava, and she found it a bit frustrating to manually enter workout data later.
* Over 1,000 fitness programs
* Many of the plans are free
* Contains workouts for all sorts of equipment access
* Includes exclusive training plans created by Team GGR
Pros & Cons
Pros
1,000+ workout programs
Intuitive, easy to use app
Easily preview and read reviews of each program
Cons
Many programs are part of the Pro plan
You can’t track workouts on the desktop, only the phone app
Bottom Line
Home Gym Club Training is a collaboration between Garage Gym Reviews and Boostcamp, providing over 1,000 training programs that you can track from your phone, including exclusive workouts created by the GGR team.
For those needing a solid program for strength training, we recommend our GGR collaboration with Boostcamp—Home Gym Club Training. This online portal provides you with hundreds of training programs from top fitness professionals and experts: folks like Dr. Eric Helms, Dr. Swole, or Jim Wendler, creator of the 5/3/1 workout.
Home Gym Club Training prioritizes strength training, but offers a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. There are also routines geared toward all fitness levels—beginners and advanced lifters alike.
GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, CNC, has used Boostcamp before Home Gym Club Training, and it’s his preferred method for tracking his workouts. “It also charts and tracks stats of my lifts over time,” he adds. “Plus, there’s analytics, including an anatomy chart that’s heat-mapped based on volume, so you can add any neglected muscle groups to your routine.” He rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5.
Matt also rates the level of instruction a 4 out of 5. “The app has videos and detailed instructions of each exercise, but it won’t be at the level of having a coach or group trainer leading a class,” Matt explains.
Some programs, as well as advanced analytics, are locked behind Boostcamp PRO. While there’s plenty to do in the free version, gym goers who love crunching numbers and data will get more stats and charts in the PRO version.
If you’re needing a bit of accountability, too, Boostcamp has some community and interactive features—push notifications, inviting friends to do your workouts or programs, and sharing progress—but Matt emphasizes that it’s not the main focus of the app. The results you get from Home Gym Club Training are entirely up to you following a program; so long as you stick with it, it’ll be worth it.
Price per month
Free version; $14.99/month or $39.99/year for PRO version
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.
While it can certainly be used by women, the SHRED app is our pick for the best workout app for men because it contains high-quality strength training programs and acts as a virtual personal trainer at a fraction of the cost.
After entering some basic information about your height, weight, fitness history and goals, and training style, the app allows you to select from dozens of programs designed and led by world-class athletes. Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and former GGR performance editor, has been following the Shred7 program, a daily 7-minute high-intensity interval training program.
“The instructor, Adam Summer, is very energetic and while it’s a grueling 7 minutes, you’re done with the workout in what seems like no time,” says Anthony, who rated the instruction a 5 out of 5 in his Shred App review. “I especially love that Adam gives pointers throughout the class. It makes it seem much more accessible than other workout apps.”
As you progress through your program, SHRED uses artificial intelligence to customize the training program to your needs based on your performance and feedback. You’ll have to grant the app access to your camera so it can track and rate your performance.
“I’ve read some Reddit forums that say the AI coaching isn’t as reliable as Juggernaut’s, but for around $20 per month it’s still a great deal due to its high customization and variety of workouts,” Anthony explains.
Another area where this app stands out: equipment demands. Anthony rated it a 5 out of 5, highlighting the level of flexibility to tailor your workouts according to what you do (or don’t) have on hand.
“You can truly customize this based on what you have in your home gym or available at your commercial gym,” he notes.
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
$199 per month membership cost
No real-time coaching from your trainer
Bottom Line
Although it costs about $200 a month, Future features a user-friendly interface, customizable programming, and excellent support from your personal coach.
If you are curious about personal training, the Future app is the next-best option to working with a coach in person. You’ll be able to use the online personal trainer app to find a coach by sorting through coaching styles (high-energy, laidback, detail-oriented, etc.), coaching expertise (adaptive exercise, bodybuilding, injury prevention, etc.), or sport-specific coaches (football, hockey, winter sports, etc.). You’ll also have the opportunity to change coaches if needed.
And because you’ll be working with an actual coach, you’ll have the accountability from a human, not just an app. For this reason, Future earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for accountability.
GGR expert product tester Logan Block reports his coach, Layne, is personable and energetic. “Layne does a great job of checking in on training and rest days. He also took my feedback into account when designing workouts going forward,” says Logan.
Kate Meier, GGR editorial team member and product tester, says her coach is fantastic about daily check-ins and gathering feedback. Kate also likes the fact the Future app pairs with her Apple Watch. “Seeing my fitness rings on my Apple Watch worked really well for me in terms of keeping me on track with my workouts,” says Kate.
Additionally, Future has an incredible user interface which we talk about in detail in our Future App review. “Future is well-designed and intuitive,” Logan says. “I really think the ease with which you can communicate with your trainer and how clean everything operates is what sets this app apart.”
Future earns a 4.5-out of-5-star rating for ease of use. “It’s user-friendly, with good audio and visual cues to keep you moving through the workout without more effort on your part,” notes Logan.
Kate also reports it’s easy to move through the workout on your Apple Watch, too. “I’m able to tap a button on my watch instead of having to get my phone out—that is super convenient,” she says.
Fitness platform designed by and intended for women
Over 18 programs to choose from
Every program comes with a detailed description, comprehensive video, and text instructions for every movement
Programs range in length but generally last at least several weeks with 3 to 5 workouts per week
Nutritional component on the app to develop a diet plan with access to recipes
Pros & Cons
Pros
Swap out moves you don’t like
Integration of Spotify and Apple Music
Can modify program by adding other workouts
Great variety
Progressive programs
Users appreciate the community feel
Cons
On the pricier side for an app
Some users find different programs repetitive
Bottom Line
For any women seeking a fitness platform with progressive programming and a great deal of variety, Sweat is a comprehensive fitness app complete with a range of programs, nutritional components, and a strong community feel.
Sweat is a workout app designed by women for women that’s been downloaded millions of times. In addition to the classic strength training, pilates, and yoga programs there are also classes specifically designed for women who are pregnant or postpartum.
Erin Chancer, former GGR senior editor and a certified nutrition coach, says the app is easy to use. “You can connect to a program and track it on a digital calendar using the Planner tab,” she says. “It’s also easy to follow along ensuring the workouts and pause as needed.” You can also sync it with your Apple Health app to track your daily steps and water intake.
It also comes with a Food tab that suggests healthy recipes and provides a virtual shopping list for each meal. For those reasons, we’ll rate the app’s ease of use a 4.5 out of 5.
Erin says the app does a good job of explaining each movement by providing video demos and letting you know when it’s time to move on to the next exercise. “The majority of the workouts I completed were triset or circuit-based, so this was especially helpful,” Erin says. “The app also allows you to start the next section after a rest period rather than automatically starting.” We rated the app’s instruction a 4 out of 5.
The main trainer, Kayla Itsines, is Australian and uses different names for exercises than what we’re used to in the States. “Same with the suggested foods,” Erin adds.
There’s no real “accountability” feature, though you can share post-workout shots with the Sweat logo to your social media after each session. “You can also share your milestone badges as you collect them,” Erin adds. We rate the accountability a 3 out of 5.
Variety of workout options: live, on-demand, group, solo, race
7-day free trial
Cons
Difficult to use on phone because of small screen
Not all rides are available at all times
All training plans start on Monday
Requires additional equipment to fully participate in cycling
Bottom Line
Zwift uses game features to make indoor cycling and running more fun, but the app has a history of crashing and isn’t great on small phone screens.
Hop on to one of the best exercise bikes and you’re highly likely to find Zwift, an app that creates virtual cycling races that pit your avatar against riders from around the world. The goal of this cycling app is simple: pedal the fastest to climb the leaderboard. The harder you pedal in real life, the faster your avatar goes on the screen.
Gamified workout experiences may seem silly at first, but research has found that the competitive nature of these races make people more motivated and make it more likely that they’ll stick to their exercise routine.
Zwift releases a monthly calendar with classes/courses in each of its 11 virtual worlds, but you can also schedule races against friends by using the Zwift companion app (included in your monthly subscription). Zwift Companion also lets you send messages to your friends and join clubs based on your fitness level and preferences.
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.
CENTR is a fitness app designed by famous actor Chris Hemsworth, also known as his character Thor in the Marvel movies, and while it’s focused on strength there are numerous yoga classes that our expert product testers have come to love. The four-week yoga and pilates program follows the same principles as the app’s strength classes, starting you off easy and progressing as the class continues.
While your Thor-like goals may have to be put on pause, CENTR stands out to our expert product testers because it has a holistic style of coaching.
“This app can schedule your workouts, help you with meal plans, and generates a shopping list for you based on your planned meals,” says Brittany Combs, former GGR social media manager and expert product tester. “It also has a logbook for you to track your progress.”
Brittany not only appreciates this holistic and personalized approach, she also appreciates the fact CENTR offers progressive overload principles, and gives the app a 5-out-of-5-star rating in this category. She notes the workouts programs are thoughtfully designed, offering progressions each week and the ability to choose from different tracks including beginner, intermediate, and advanced options.
CENTR is focused on strength training and will require some equipment, but there are bodyweight options as well. Overall Brittany gives CENTR a 3-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands.
“The app has a section where you can check boxes on which pieces of equipment you have access to and then filter workouts that way,” she explains. “There are also several body weight programs, home gym programs, and commercial gym programs.”
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.
Nike offers a free strength-based training app that reduces the barrier of entry for weight-based workouts at home or in a commercial gym. A free training program may have the power to free your mind of any woes about designing an effective workout for yourself and worry about more pressing matters (like what you’re going to have for dinner).
Amanda Capritto, GGR writer, product tester, and certified personal trainer, tested the Nike Training Club app, and you can read about her comprehensive experience with it in our Nike Training Club review. Here are the Cliffs notes.
Prior to 2020, the app had both free and premium versions, but since the pandemic, Nike made the entire workout library free to use. The app is also easy to download from the Apple app store or Google Play.
When it comes to value, this free app earns a 5-star rating. “It’s an unbeatable value,” says Amanda. “The NTC app has on-demand and live classes as well as periodized programming for a variety of goals and workout types. All of the instructors are certified and most are specialists. You don’t see this kind of value in a free app almost ever,” Amanda explains.
However, if you’re looking for accountability, this free app probably won’t make the cut. “You can download it on your phone, but no one is gonna make you use it,” says Amanda. However, she does note that the app can send you notifications if you enable them in your settings and you can join programs or challenges. Overall, Amanda gives Nike Training Club a 3.5-star-rating for accountability.
If you’re limited on equipment or new to strength training, Nike Training Club has you covered with a number of bodyweight-only workouts. “However, when you compare it to the entire workout library, the bodyweight workouts are a small fragment,” says Amanda.
Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you’ll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available.
* Smart powerlifting and powerbuilding program from Chad Wesley Smith, an accomplished strength athlete and owner of Juggernaut Training Systems.
* Uses information such as your weight, training history, current fitness level and training load, personal records, goals, and ideal training schedule
* Suitable for any fitness level
Pros & Cons
Pros
Extremely intuitive app experience
Super smart and responsive AI
Offers a two-week free trial to see if you like it
Cons
Not the same as working with a real coach
Dashboard is a little confusing at first
Only for strength training (no cardio workouts)
Bottom Line
JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience.
JuggernautAI is a powerlifting program generated by artificial intelligence. You won’t work with a coach or personal trainer, but rather input information about yourself (like your previous workout experience, personal records, your recovery habits, and weak points to name a few) into the app and allow AI to create a personalized powerlifting program based on your stats.
JuggernautAI is not just designed with your stats in mind, it’s designed to help you move the needle on your strength. “While artificial intelligence programs your workouts, it’s completely based on the principles of progressive overload,” explains Amanda Capritto, GGR product tester, writer, and certified personal trainer who used JuggernautAI for over a year.
The program is centered around getting stronger and improving the big three lifts (squat, bench, and deadlift). If you’re not interested in powerlifting (or powerbuilding—a combination of bodybuilding-style training and powerlifting), this will not be the best workout app for you.
You’ll be challenged to lift heavier weights, increase range of motion, complete more sets, and add more repetitions. In the progressive overload category, this app earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating.
Because this is a powerlifting program, it may not be a surprise that you’ll need a squat rack, bench, barbell, and weight plates to complete your workouts. It will also be helpful to have access to dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands.
Although more equipment is needed than other apps we reviewed, Amanda still gives JuggernautAI a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands. “You can swap in exercises each day or for an entire block based on what you have handy,” she explains.
“For instance, I normally work out in my home gym, where I have limited dumbbells and kettlebells. But if I decide to do a Juggernaut workout at the CrossFit gym I go to twice a week, I can swap in a different move I might not normally do because of equipment restraints,” says Amanda.
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.
The Aaptiv fitness app is our top pick for beginners because it doesn’t just offer quality workouts, it can also help you stay accountable and has a reasonable monthly subscription fee.
We also picked Aaptiv for beginners because the programming on a macro-level won’t be adequate for intermediate or advanced exercisers. However, Aaptiv is a great starting point and tester Amanda Capritto, GGR writer and CPT gives the app a 3-out-of-5-star rating for using progressive overload principles.
“There are decent progressions in the programs, but it’s all pretty basic and you won’t see all the progression principles being used. It will certainly suffice for a beginner. Most programs are only about four to six weeks, so it’s not quite enough time to see big results, especially if you have training experience under your belt,” says Amanda.
When it comes to equipment demands, the app earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating from Amanda with a wide selection of bodyweight and weight training workouts. Amanda appreciates that there is a way to filter by equipment in order to choose a workout. Plus, there is a selection of running and walking workouts you can do outside. Aaptiv has something for everyone including cardio, HIIT, full-body strength training, yoga, pilates, and mobility.
Amanda gives Aaptiv a 4-out-of-5-star rating for accountability. She notes there is a supportive online community, challenges you can join, and the ability to add your workout program to your calendar. When you use the calendar option, your workouts come up as appointments with calendar reminders, which is ideal for anyone establishing a routine.
The Peloton app is one of the best training programs we've come across on any piece of exercise equipment.
The Peloton app is a popular option for anyone who owns a cardio machine from Peloton, but it’s not necessary to own a Peloton brand machine—you can use the app on its own, too. The app features some of the most peppy, motivating, and upbeat instructors you’ll experience and that’s why our team agrees Peloton is the best workout app if you’re seeking high levels of enthusiasm from fitness instructors.
Certified CrossFit instructor and expert product tester Caroline Lubinsky gives Peloton a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating in the instruction category. Not only are instructors filmed in high-quality studios with super crisp audio, but the instructors also lead you through the workout and provide demonstrations in real time.
Whether you’re participating in a yoga class, treadmill bootcamp, or strength training session, instructors provide adequate rest and enough time to change weights or resistance. They encourage you to stick through all the physically tough moments.
Caroline also appreciates the fact you can filter workouts by instructors. “After a few weeks of using Peloton, I knew who my favorite instructors were: Robin Arzón, Jess Sims, and Becs Gentry. Each has their own unique style that helps me push myself to perform better.”
“The filters make the experience more customizable. Plus, it’s super user-friendly,” says Caroline. Not only can you filter your workouts by instructor, you can also search workouts based on workout duration, type of class, difficulty level, and music.”
Speaking of music, the app even offers artist-based workouts to curate workout playlists based on your favorite artists. You’ll be able to find everything from Metallica to Taylor Swift.
Ladder is a fitness app with daily strength training workouts. You'll pick your preferred training style and stay in that track for 5 to 6 week blocks, which gradually get more challenging.
If you’re looking for a bit of help with your home workouts, Ladder is a top choice. GGR Head of Content and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis has used Ladder for months now, and continues to do so. She remarks, “I’ve had my hands on tons of fitness stuff throughout the years, and I fully believe that if your goal is to get stronger, then Ladder has unbeatable value for you.”
She rates the value a 5 out of 5; for $30 a month you get a multi-week exercise program carefully planned for you. “You’d pay hundreds to get an online plan like this from a qualified certified specialist,” Nicole adds. It’s also an intuitive app to use, as Nicole rates both the setup and ease of use a solid 5 out of 5.
Ladder is primarily a strength-training app, with certain subcategories that delve into other interests and training modes: strength mixed with yoga or pilates, HIIT, and endurance with power, for example. You’ll need some basic resistance training equipment for the strength programs, although it’ll vary depending on the series you choose. But you shouldn’t need much more than the essentials: kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands. Nicole rates the equipment demands a 4 out of 5.
Progressive overload is vital in a strength training app like Ladder, and it doesn’t disappoint, earning it a 5 out of 5. “This is how Ladder shines,” Nicole explains. “It’s not a random workout that you choose each day. Instead, you follow a series designed to help you gain strength in six weeks, followed by a deload week or two.”
The app doesn’t have much variety once you dive into a program, but that’s also strength training. “That’s kind of the point, though,” Nicole says, rating the variety a 3 out of 5. “Strength training will involve a lot of the same movements and exercises, but you’ll challenge yourself by increasing the weights or reps each time.”
You can see more of Nicole’s thoughts in her full Ladder app review.
Price per month
$29.99 (or $179.99 per year)
Free trial period
7 days
Type of training
Strength training, with subcategories including strength x yoga, strength x pilates, HIIT, endurance+power
Type of equipment required
Program-dependent: Kettlebells, barbell, dumbbells, pull-up bar, treadmill, resistance bands, some machines
MyFitnessPal is one of the OG calorie counting apps on the market. The free version is available for looking up food per item and creating recipes, but does not allow you access to the barcode scanner. The Premium version grants you access to macronutrient data, intermittent fasting, food comparison, and the barcode scanner. The Premium plan offers a significant price break if you sign up for the annual plan at $79.99 per year compared to the monthly plan, which is $19.99 per month.
If you already have a workout routine that you enjoy doing and want a better way to keep track of certain metrics—or take your paper/pen training journal into the digital age—MyFitnessPal may offer you a solution.
App-based tracking can be very intimidating, especially if the app has a complicated interface. MyFitnessPal makes it easy to track your sets, reps, and weight using the Workout Routines feature. GGR senior director of content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has used the app for several years, tracking everything from her CrossFit WODs to protein intake and gave ease of use a 5 out of 5, saying, “I think this is one of the easiest apps I’ve ever used. It’s super user-friendly.”
Speaking of tracking your macros, MyFitnessPal is primarily a food-tracking app; at least, that’s what it’s most known for. So, if you want to track your daily calories in tandem with your training regimen, this is a fantastic option. You can even have your strength-based workouts count toward your total calorie expenditure, thus helping you adjust your workouts—duration, intensity, or exercises—to meet your fitness goals.
We’ve tested 70 different workout apps at the time of publication and we plan to test more. Here are a few examples of apps that didn’t quite make the cut for this best workout apps roundup:
Freeletics: Our tester, Megan Capritto (Amanda’s sister) mentions one of her qualms with Freeletics is the fact there is very little instruction provided. “There are animations that show the exercise, but there is no one explaining how to do it,” says Megan.
JRNY: While we like this app for owners of Bowflex or Schwinn cardio equipment, you won’t get much utility out of this if you aren’t. Read our full JRNY app review for all the details.
MVT Fitness App: While we like the programming, the MVT app itself is glitchy and a bit confusing, detracting from the overall experience. Read our full MVT Fitness app review for all of our pros and cons.
Strava: This app is very useful for activity tracking, but isn’t the best place to go if you need workouts to follow. Read our Strava fitness app review for more.
WODster: Amanda used this CrossFit app and thought the user interface was difficult to navigate saying, “You can filter by equipment, movement type, and type of workout (for time, for rounds, for load). Otherwise, it’s just a MASSIVE list of WODs in alphabetical order.”
Train Hard: This app is an excellent choice for folks looking for CrossFit programming at home, but it’s not for the faint of heart with high-volume training and heart-pounding EMOMs and AMRAP sets. While this app doesn’t offer a free trial for you to test, we have our all the details in our Train Hard app review.
IFIT: This app is an excellent competitor to Peloton with an extensive library of on-demand workouts, but it lacks a robust schedule of live classes and interactive features. It may not have made this list, but it’s highly regarded among our GGR testers. See more in our iFIT reviews.
Reverse Health: Registered dietitian Bob Lafelice may have been impressed with Reverse Health’s array of recipes, but he ultimately couldn’t give the platform his stamp of approval. Our expert reviewer pointed out several problems with this workout app marketed toward menopausal adults, including fear-based marketing tactics, inaccurate macronutrient calculations, and unhealthy, unsustainable caloric recommendations. “Their numbers are often off, which doesn’t say much for their credibility,” says Bob.
How We Picked and Tested Workout Apps
Our product testers were tasked with testing multiple fitness apps and rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars in 14 different categories. Our in-depth methodology covered categories ranging from overall value and ease of use to workout variety and equipment demands.
Not all categories applied to every app we tested, but overall most apps were judged in 10 different categories. For example, a running app won’t offer much variety or need equipment.
All of the fitness apps were tested for at least several workouts by our expert product testers, while many apps were tested for a full month or longer. The length of testing depended on how much the tester actually enjoyed the program and how much progression was offered from the program.
Below is a sampling of five categories and how we assigned scores to each one:
Trial Period
In our book, fitness apps with free trials earned higher points than ones without. In fact, apps with no trial periods earned a 1-star rating in this category. A 3-star rating meant the app offered a pretty typical seven-day free trial.
To earn a 4- or 5-star rating, the trial needs to last for seven days (some apps offer 14 days) and either doesn’t require your credit card to sign up, or sends a reminder that your trial is about to end.
Pricing
For general programming, apps earned a 4- or 5-star rating when the monthly membership fee landed under $15 per month. For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the app costs $35 per month or more.
We recognize this scoring system isn’t perfect, because personal training apps come at a higher cost (more like several hundred dollars per month). For one-on-one coaching apps, we compared pricing to in-person training sessions, which can run from $50 to $150 per hour depending on your area.
Progressive Overload
Workout plans that didn’t have a clear path toward progression earned low, 1-star scores from our team. For an app to earn higher, 4- or 5-star ratings, the workout program needed to clearly follow the principles of progressive overload.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lift heavier weights or run longer distances—a program with progressive overload can challenge you by way of variation via load, reps, rest time, volume, or range of motion. Basically, we wanted evidence that programs weren’t just random kitchen sink workouts.
Ease of Use
Because the programs we tested are 100% online, it’s important that the platform is easy to use and doesn’t take away from the workout experience. For an app to earn a 1-star rating the interface is confusing, there are no filters for specific needs, and it generally feels chaotic.
If the app is generally OK after a short learning curve, testers could give the app a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. Only 5-star ratings were reserved for apps with seamless user experience where workouts are easy to find, see, hear, follow along, and track after your workout is done.
Equipment Demands
Our team is all about home workouts and home gyms. If an app requires you to have access to a full gym or only has a small percentage of workouts that can be performed with minimal equipment, that was cause for a 1- or 2-star rating.
The best scores were given to apps that offered a large percentage of their workouts with minimal equipment or ways to change a cable or barbell exercise for a similar body weight or dumbbell movement.
Customer Experience
This was a general look at the policies and customer service associated with each app. We looked at what information was available through the app (like an FAQ section), how easy it was to contact customer service, as well as the ease of canceling your subscription. We noted our experience, as well as other customers who noted pros or cons in their customer reviews.
Benefits of the Best Workout Apps
As a certified personal trainer myself, I know it’s not as easy as it sounds to hire a personal trainer and make it to in-person sessions on a weekly basis. Below I outline three top benefits of using a workout app versus in-person training (or trying to plan everything on your own).
Accountability
One of the biggest reasons clients come through the door looking for a personal trainer is accountability. Having time and money on the line is one of the more effective ways to keep yourself accountable. So how do you stay accountable to an app?
Well, our product testers found that some of the best workout apps either sent push notifications to your phone about upcoming workouts or allowed you to schedule your workout as an appointment on your personal (or work) calendar. Some apps even have coaching check-ins or community boards for additional accountability.
Apps can “gamify” workouts through checking in and earning achievements and badges for breaking milestones as well. A survey study from 20211 determined that apps with achievement-oriented motivation were one of the best ways to keep app users motivated and driven.
Cost-Effective
When I worked as a full-time personal trainer, the gym I worked at charged $70 for 60-minute one-on-one sessions. If you were to work with a personal trainer once a week, it would cost you $280 per month, which adds up to $3,360 per year.
While there are other ways to make in-person sessions less costly (like group classes or splitting the cost of private sessions with a friend), online coaching and workout apps are typically less expensive than in-person training and allow you to access your training resources on a daily basis.
Workout Whenever
With online workout apps, you can get a workout any time of day. You won’t have to worry about coordinating with a personal trainer or dashing out of work to catch your favorite class. With an app, you can complete your workouts any time of day—first thing in the morning or on your lunch break—it’s totally up to you.
Personalization
Some programs are generic, and while they may help you address some of your fitness goals, they may not help you with all of your goals. By contrast, many workout apps connect you with professionals, who can help guide you through and program a custom workout plan for you and your specific goals. This level of customization and personal touch helps you stay focused on your goals, and you can rest assured that each workout you do has been personalized to get you closer to reaching your goals and needs.
What to Look for in Workout Apps
After our team collaborated on testing over 20 fitness apps, here is what our product testers want you to know before you sign up for that monthly subscription.
Fitness Classes vs Training Program
Some apps like Peloton and iFIT offer an on-demand library consisting of a variety of workouts—everything from boutique yoga to instructor-led outdoor cardio sessions. Typically, these on-demand classes don’t offer custom workouts and it’s meant to be completed as you follow along with the video instructions.
A training program on the other hand is typically a list of exercises methodically selected by a personal trainer (or AI in some cases) to target specific muscle groups. Typically you can go at your own pace and won’t need to follow a live class or workout video. That said, the best workout apps will provide a short video or animation to demonstrate each movement properly.
Workout Tracking
Before you sign up, be cognizant about if (and how) the app will track workouts and progress. Tracking workouts is helpful to make sure you’re progressing, getting stronger, or losing weight—all depending on what kind of fitness journey you’re on.
If the app you’re interested in logs your workout metrics or records personal bests, it’s a good indicator there will be some amount of progressive overload and progression included in the training plan.
Style of Training
This may sound obvious, but make sure you’re signing up for an app that offers the style of training you like (or want to try). Whether you’re into pilates, yoga, barre, HIIT, cardio, or strength training, make sure the app has what you want.
No sense in wasting your time and money navigating through a Pilates and yoga app when you really wanted dumbbell training and high-intensity bodyweight exercises.
Best Workout Apps: FAQ
What is the best workout app?
The best workout app for you will vary, depending on your fitness goals, budget, preferred method of training, and the level of coaching you desire. With that in mind, our favorite app for most people is Caliber, as there are a variety of plans for a variety of budgets. Here are our top picks for the best workout apps, after having tested over 70 apps:
-Best Workout App Overall:Caliber -Best Workout App for Strength Training:Home Gym Club Training -Best Workout App for Men: SHRED App -Best Personal Training App:Future -Best Workout App for Women: Sweat App -Best Workout App for Cycling: Zwift -Best Workout App for Yoga: CENTR -Best Free Workout App:Nike Training Club -Best AI Fitness App: JuggernautAI -Best Workout App for Beginners:Aaptiv -Best Workout App Instructors: Peloton -Best Home Workout App:Ladder -Best Workout Tracker App:MyFitnessPal
Is there a 100% free workout app?
While some apps only have free trials, there are a few free workout apps. For example, Nike Training Club is completely free, has workout databases, and allows you to track your workouts. The Caliber app also has a free version, provides basic strength training, and allows you to design your own programs (you’ll need to upgrade for personal coaching, however).
You can check out our picks for the best free workout apps for more free apps and programs.
Do workout apps actually work?
Workout apps can provide you with expert guidance, either through professionally made programs and plans, or through connecting you with a certified personal trainer or coach. While what a workout app does varies from product to product, they can help you track progress, keep you motivated, and connect you with like-minded individuals who can support you on your fitness journey.
Is the Fitbod app worth it?
If it’s worth it depends entirely on whether you use it. That said, we have tested this app but haven’t featured it in many of our fitness app lists because our reviewer felt that the app suggested weights that were way off base for their training. The app costs $12.99 per month or $79.99 per year, so price may also be a factor.
Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.
Wondering how to use creatine while preventing potential side effects? We’ll discuss the most effective way to take this supplement so you can see results. Read more
Regardless of the holiday or occasion, if you have a gym-going friend that enjoys lifting weights, here is our guide to the best gifts for bodybuilders. Read more