10 Best Workout Apps of 2026, Tested by Personal Trainers

Frieda admittedly did not love the text-based therapy and said she ended up waiting until her scheduled live sessions to bring things up with her therapist. However, if you prefer to communicate via text, the basic program could work for you. If, like Frieda, you’d prefer real-time sessions with a therapist, you can upgrade to a video and messaging subscription that’s an extra $30 per week (it’s $69 per week for the text-only subscription and $99 per week for video and text). Freida gave the app a 5 out of 5 for interactive features because it can accommodate a range of preferences. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll get unlimited chat (you can message your therapist any time and they will answer within one business day), plus live video or phone sessions that you can schedule in advance.

Best for tracking cycling: Strava

fitness app alternatives for active lifestyles

Apart from being efficacious, apps have the added benefit of being convenient, being able to perform physical activity ‘on the go’ or with limited time. We studied only free apps to ensure generalisability, and for the consumer there is a significant cost benefit, when compared to a visit to the gym which costs about $15 per session in Australia. Some health apps can also give you access to information you wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise. For example, apps that are connected to wearables like an Apple Watch or Fitbit may be able to track heart rate, oxygen levels, and time spent in various sleep cycles. Without these apps, you wouldn’t have easy access to these metrics.

fitness app alternatives for active lifestyles

FITNESS TRACKER DEALS OF THE WEEK

For runs, it marks both mile splits and lets you mark laps manually, as well as tracking heart rate and pace. Apple Fitness isn’t amazing at tracking strength training metrics like reps or sets, but if you have a lot of variety in your fitness routine, it can handle a little bit of everything. Of course, scrolling the app store can feel overwhelming, and not every fitness app delivers high-quality programming. That’s why our exercise professionals in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab tested more than 40 workout apps to find the ones that truly stand out.

  • Further limitations include that only calories burned and METS data were used as outcomes.
  • You’ll be able to access over a thousand strength-training programs, including over 100 programs created by certified expert coaches.
  • This app brings the feel of a boutique group fitness class to your living room.
  • If you’re traveling, heading to a location with limited service, or simply want to avoid interruptions, it’s a good idea to download a few favorite workouts in advance.
  • We chose these apps for their quality, user reviews, and overall reliability.
  • CorePower has a 30-day free trial and currently offers unlimited access to live stream and on-demand classes for just $20 a month for the life of your membership when you use promo code ATHOME19 at checkout.

Cronometer: Precision for nutrition nerds

It is worth noting that during June–September 2020, a few countries had started to ease lifestyle restrictions (e.g., Australia, UK, Canada) [43]. While it lacks the bells and whistles of some other apps, I still really liked this app. If you live a busy life and struggle to squeeze in a workout, Hevy is great for helping you find ways to keep fit.

Cancer survivors saw major improvements in sleep and well-being with one weekly practice

Basically, all the sleep insights and AI-backed recommendations you’d get from the best Samsung Galaxy Watches are available in a much more comfortable, discreet form factor via the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Additionally, if you’re strength training, equipment is an important consideration. You might start with 10- or 15-pound weights at home, for example, but eventually, you’ll need heavier weights to continue progressing. Gyms supply members with a wide range of weights, but if you’re working out at home, you might need to continue buying heavier weights over time. One of my favorite parts of The Sculpt Society app is the ability to comment on classes in a discussion board. You can leave a note to the instructor about what you loved or ask a question.

How we chose the best health apps

You’ll have a variety of classes to choose from, like full-body sculpt to core mat definition and mobility, so you can always stay on top of your goals. You will also get modifications in class so the workouts are appropriate for all fitness levels. If you live in an area near a Pvolve studio, you can stop by to take an in-person class and sign up for that membership instead. A downside is that this can be pricey for some users looking to try the workout at home. This will depend on how much you enjoy the workout, so you can always try the app out first. You can create your custom profile, set dietary goals, choose nutritional preferences, and get started on a hassle-free meal plan in just a few clicks.

Why Is digital fitness important?

During each workout, Atkins is right there with you, providing helpful cues and modifications for all fitness levels. The right app can act as a virtual personal trainer or training partner to keep you motivated and accountable. If no GPS is a deal-breaker, instead, consider the Amazfit Active 2.

To help you find the best options, we developed this article with research assistance and insights from AI, ensuring a well-rounded, data-driven approach to evaluating these health and fitness tools. All in all, I’d recommend this to someone who knows they want to have a specific, thought-out program, but not someone who wants more flexibility with their workout app. A training and nutrition app is also available, but we didn’t review the diet aspect. That said, if you favor classes like pilates and cardio dance, vibe with Obé’s sherbet-colored aesthetic, and want an app with easy-to-join live classes, Obé is a solid option.

Additionally, the social and community elements incorporated into many digital fitness platforms contribute to a sense of accountability and support. Integrating technology also enables a more holistic approach to health, incorporating mental well-being and nutrition. Yes, FitOn still has a 100% free version, which gives you access to their database of workouts.

Oura Ring 4

All data is stored in iCloud instead of ad servers, and the minimalist design keeps logging distraction-free. Here are the top food logging and diet tracking apps worth exploring. You want a MyFitnessPal alternative that feels fast, supportive, and actually fun to open. This guide walks you through the top options and shows you why Hoot is the standout pick if you’re busy, goal-focused, and tired of clunky logging.

Lose It!: A Simple Yet Powerful Calorie Tracker

For example, for the Caliber app we went through several weeks of working https://www.ricksdailytips.com/mad-muscles-app-vs-peloton-app-which-works-better-without-expensive-equipment/ out with a personal trainer. For headspace, we did daily guided meditations and interacted with other features of the app as needed. For WeightWatchers, we put in a weight loss goal and then followed the nutrition program exactly as written, monitoring our weight and progress as we went. Upon logging food intake, users receive insightful nutrient analysis to underline their macronutrient and micronutrient consumption. Eato combines calorie tracking with habit formation for a holistic wellness experience.

The best fitness apps of 2026

There’s also an accountability aspect and Amanda says she thinks it’s about as good as a meditation app can get in this sense. If you want to read more about Kate’s experience with the WeightWatchers app, check out her full WeightWatchers review. Kate gave the app a 4 out of 5 for ease of use, saying that she found it extremely simple to navigate. She did call out that she’s already familiar with similar apps like MyFitnessPal, so someone who isn’t tech-savvy may struggle a little bit while getting used to it.