Category : The 11 Best Free Workout Apps Tested by Experts 2026

It features 700+ animated exercises, 130+ professionally designed workouts, an AI Smart Trainer, and detailed progress tracking. SmartGym was named Apple Watch App of the Year 2023 and was an Apple Design Award Finalist in 2024. How do you know which exercises are best for your body? Or how to translate your health data into a fitness routine? So many fitness apps are turning to artificial intelligence to answer these questions.

Training Specificity: Why Workouts Must Match Your Goals

I use Strong but it’s definitely simple and does what it does well but doesn’t have many bells and whistles. If I was doing more than I do now (1-2 lifts per week with super simple repeating structure) then I’d be looking for something else. Been using the free version of HEVY for a few years and it syncs to Strava.

Zwift feels as if you’re playing Mario Kart, except all the drivers are on bikes and the characters are avatars designed by you and other users. Plus, you get one hell of a workout while competing in this gamified experience that can be found on many of the top-rated exercise bikes. For $20 a month, you have unlimited access to new yoga routines, HIIT workouts, mindful mediations, and more. Yes, we all know you can use the Peloton app on a non-Peloton brand bike, but did you know that the app also has great strength, running, stretching, and HIIT workouts on it as well? Cyclist or not, the Peloton app boasts hundreds of workouts for every type of exerciser.

Unlike other workout apps, users get free access to professional guidance and tips from trainers and fitness experts. Nike Training Club also gives you access to health and wellness guides, educational videos, and guided meditations, making https://resident.com/resource-guide/2025/03/18/mad-muscles-review-transparent-pricing-real-fitness-results-in-2025 it the most comprehensive free workout app available. The FiiT workout app is an app that brings functional fitness routines to wherever you are.

Are you someone who wants to run more often and for longer, but finds it kind of boring? It’s an immersive, long-term “exergame”—you guessed it, an exercise game—that makes you the protagonist of a story in which zombies are chasing you and you’re trying to save humanity. This is as compelling as a really good podcast, and you’ll forget you’re even exercising. The onboarding process is thoughtful, sprinkling helpful tips and realistic expectations throughout. Yazio understands common roadblocks people face, particularly the tendency to set overly ambitious goals that lead to frustration and abandonment.

To compile our list of the best free workout apps, we used the same methodology, except for the caveat that the app had to have a free version. While there is a paid plan available, the free plan provides plenty for most users, earning a 5 out of 5 for value. You’ll be able to access over a thousand strength-training programs, including over 100 programs created by certified expert coaches. The only thing you’ll be missing is some of the Pro plans, as well as advanced training stats and analytics. The app allows you to stream classes in 10 different categories (cycling, running, bootcamp, outdoor, strength, and more) anywhere, with live studio classes uploaded daily to an extant library of over 10,000. We especially love attending the live classes, because you get the actual push from those around you and from Peloton’s lineup of fitness-celebrity trainers.

Determine your fitness goal

The community of women at “Tone It Up” hosts a variety of great classes through their comprehensive app. Anecdotal evidence tends to be positive, but scientific studies are yet to conclude whether fitness apps significantly improve health in the general population. People may also benefit from working out with a personal trainer or joining an in-person class led by a qualified instructor. A personal trainer or class instructor can help a person exercise safely. Limited research suggests that people may be more likely to stick with apps that include coaching from fitness professionals rather than peers and emphasize user control of their experience. Users answer a few questions to personalize their experience, and more than 5,000 downloadable classes are available on demand.

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We also prioritized effectiveness, favoring thoughtfully programmed workouts and motivating instructors who provide clear guidance and encourage users to stick with their routines. A seamless, intuitive interface was another key factor, making it easy to navigate classes, track progress, and stay engaged. If you have a fitness watch, you can easily track the workouts that you complete and set them up to sync with your MyFitnessPal account.

FAQs About Workout Apps for Men

Nike Training Club stands out as the best free option in the home workout app space. You get access to hundreds of workouts without paying a subscription fee, making it perfect for anyone testing the waters before committing financially. The app delivers quality instruction from celebrity trainers like Kirsty Godso and Joe Holder, bringing the same energy you’d find in high-priced platforms without the monthly bill. You open the app store and see hundreds of options, each promising amazing results. You just want to know which apps actually deliver quality workouts without wasting your time scrolling through junk or burning through your budget on something that doesn’t fit your needs. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women’s Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist.

Best Online Workout Program for Live Classes: Peloton

You can also get healthy recipes, nutrition advice, and mindfulness videos. Get started with a 4-week beginner program with 5 strength and cardio workouts per week. The app lets you customize your workouts based on your goal (getting fit, losing weight, or getting strong) and fitness level.

Fit Body with Anna Victoria

With everything running so seamless, it feels no different than your favorite studio class. After nominating many winners, we’ve selected a diverse range of fitness trends from many categories to help you choose what’s right for you. Physical activity is important for maintaining a moderate body weight and decreasing the risk of various health conditions. People should always wear comfortable footwear and clothing that provides appropriate support when participating in workouts. Additionally, a person should warm up and stretch properly before working out. They should also only engage in physical activity when they have the appropriate space and equipment to minimize the risk of injury.

Daily Yoga

BetterMe is a comprehensive app focusing on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. When your new commute only takes you from bed to sofa, it’s harder than ever to hit those step counts. For movement motivation within your humble abode, stick Fitbit’s straightforward tracking app on your smartphone.

• Most importantly, we’ll help keep you motivated and have fun along the way.
• We looked at the popularity of the apps, the classes and options offered and determined who could benefit the most from them.
• That’s not to say they were bad, and we’re sure a few people out there would enjoy giving them a shot.
• I also like watching a video tutorial a few times (if needed) before I select a weight and begin the exercise.
• The platform also offers classes for women preparing to conceive and new moms, so you’ll have the option to continue after your pregnancy.
• It is particularly well-suited for those who prefer exercising at home, with specialized routines for low-energy, lazy days and engaging dance-based workouts and is a great workout app for women.

Best for tracking cycling: Strava

The daily guided routines are designed to improve your body’s range of motion and then gain better body awareness. Ladder offers a free seven-day trial, and afterward you can pick from a Pro plan for $30 a month or the Pro Plan-Annual, which is an up-front fee of $180 for the year and offers unlimited access to the app. If you opt for the all-access membership, it costs $50 a month and can be used whether you own the bike, treadmill or rower. Peloton also recently updated its search function, so it’s easier than ever to find your favorite artist, class title and genre. If you’re not a fully converted Peloton junkie, the Peloton app One is a good stepping stone to see what the hype is about and whether you enjoy the classes.

Communicate with real people

A comprehensive core workout program is a good part of any workout program, but Freeletics takes it a step further and teaches you how to target your core from multiple angles. Rounding out the mind/body connection, they also include a library of mental health resources, guided meditation, and sleep visualizations. If you want to focus on cardio, the Nike Run Club offers several features to help you get started and stay motivated.

Strengthen your core with Six Pack in 30 Days, choosing which level of ab workouts you can handle and working your way up. No equipment is necessary, and it’s suitable for even total gym newbies—the app demonstrates how to do classic core workouts like Russian twists and reverse crunches. You know that kettlebell sitting in your garage, back of your closet, maybe underneath your bed hiding in fear of the fact you don’t know what to do with it? This app takes in a count of your skill level with the circular weight and gives you a bunch of quick video exercises to use with said weight. The most respected fitness publications—like Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, and more—brought together the best workouts in one place.

Nike + Training Club

To make your search for the best home workout app easier, we’ve compiled a handy overview of the top workout apps for home training. Whether you’re looking for a free workout app or one with premium features, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your home training here. The app also has a ton of built-in training programs to tailor your workouts to what you hope to achieve when you actually take your bike out on the road or mountain. There are gravel-specific plans, plans for crushing a 100-mile mountain bike race, or keeping up with your crew at the local criterium. The strength programs leave something to be desired, so if you want to focus on lifting, we recommend going elsewhere. But this app is great for beginner cardio and general fitness workouts that will keep you moving forward toward your goals.