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The benefits of fitness are undeniable. But to get the most out of training, consistency and discipline are key. That’s where technology can help.

The right app can act as a virtual personal trainer or training partner to keep you motivated and accountable.

Healthline looked high and low for the best fitness apps to help you out. We chose the year’s winners for their quality, user reviews, and overall reliability.

Keep reading for our picks of the 9 best fitness and exercise apps.

Here’s what we considered while making our picks:

  • Quality: We considered not just the quality of the workouts, but also the expertise and credibility of the instructors leading them.
  • Ease of use: We looked for apps that are easy to navigate and offer filters to quickly find the type of workout you want.
  • Reliability: We read through countless reviews to weed out apps that frequently crash or have streaming issues.
  • Workout types: We included apps to suit a variety of workout needs and preferences.
  • Recommendations: All the apps below are ones that Healthline staff have personally used or that were highly recommended by people we know. We also made sure to pick apps with mostly positive customer reviews.
  • Vetting: All the apps below have been vetted to ensure they meet Healthline’s business standards and approach to well-being. Learn more about our vetting process.

Pricing guide

Prices are per month:

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$20
  • $$$ = over $20

Best free fitness app

Nike Training Club

Work out with Nike trainers live or on-demand with the Nike Training Club app. After downloading the app, you’ll get customized workout suggestions based on the results of a quick quiz.

The app offers a range of exercise styles, including:

You can also search by muscle group, workout focus, and equipment to find a class.

Healthline editor Melissa Lee used the app as a tool to learn different types of exercises while gyms were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes this is a useful app for beginners or those trying something new who might want some guidance without paying for a personal trainer.

Healthline SEO associate Taylor Morelli, who is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist with a Master of Science in exercise physiology, also recommends this app because of the well-balanced exercise programming. She also loves that it syncs up with her Apple Watch so she can check off the rep-based exercises on her watch and quickly view her heart rate.

Pros

  • free to use
  • wide selection of workouts
  • multiple filters, including muscle group, equipment available, and duration
  • warmups and cooldowns included

Cons

  • takes up a decent amount of storage space on your phone
  • can’t play your own music while streaming classes
  • quick transitions and fast-paced moves may be difficult for beginners
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Best app for group fitness lovers

obé Fitness

This app brings the feel of a boutique group fitness class to your living room with more than 20 types of classes, including HIIT, dance cardio, sculpt, and more.

The app offers live classes every day of the week — filmed in a fun neon studio — in addition to its extensive on-demand library of more than 7,000 classes.

Workouts range from 10 minutes to 1 hour. The top-notch instructors bring the energy and will even give shout-outs during the live classes.

It’s also a favorite of Healthline nutrition and fitness editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, who appreciates that the large selection of 20-minute classes makes it easy (and fun) to squeeze a sweat session into her day.

Pros

  • live classes
  • specialized offerings, including targeted training programs and prenatal classes
  • class options for all ages
  • high energy classes and instructors
  • particularly great for HIIT, cardio kickboxing, and dance cardio

Cons

  • short trial period
  • strength training may not be challenging enough for more serious weightlifters
  • some reports of Android app crashing
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Best tried-and-true fitness app

Peloton

Peloton is best known for its cycling classes, but with the Peloton digital app, you can also access other types of workouts. You’ll find everything from strength training and HIIT to outdoor running and yoga.

You can work out in real time with expert instructors and other members from around the world or take a prerecorded class.

Peloton classes feature curated music playlists, and each instructor brings their unique style to their classes.

Just keep in mind that although the instructors provide modifications, true beginners may find most of these workouts too challenging.

Several Healthline editors have commented that the Peloton app is the key to their at-home fitness success. Healthline senior SEO associate Sydney Hanan started using the Peloton app during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to use it to supplement her in-person gym and exercise classes. She appreciates its wide range of classes and the flexibility it offers.

Healthline senior copy editor Anne Arntson originally paired the Peloton app with an Echelon Smart Connect bike to get in on the spin classes she was missing during the pandemic. As she began testing some of the app’s other classes, she realized how much she enjoyed the range of class types and lengths available.

This app was also featured as one of Healthline’s picks for the best fitness gifts.

Pros

  • fan favorite with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from more than 690,000 reviews on the Apple App Store alone
  • curated music playlists
  • classes range from 5–75 minutes
  • modifications provided during workouts
  • cycling and treadmill classes included

Cons

  • Peloton resistance levels for cycling and treadmill workouts may not match the resistance levels on non-Peloton cardio machines
  • some classes may be too challenging for true beginners
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Best fitness app for community

Fit Body

A community created for women by women, Fit Body features 12 programs led by four expert trainers to help you reach your fitness goals.

The classes are designed to be 30 minutes or shorter, but if you have extra time, we recommend taking advantage of the stretching and foam rolling videos as well.

What’s more, the app offers 72 weeks of meal plans with custom portion recommendations according to your daily calorie needs, plus access to more than 300 recipes to create your own meal plan.

There’s also a community function within the app, allowing you to connect with others on your wellness journey.

Pros

  • offers nutrition tips and meal plans
  • tracks workouts and mental/emotional wellness
  • includes alternative move suggestions during workouts

Cons

  • may not be challenging enough for some
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Best personal trainer-led fitness app

Le Sweat TV

Created by Charlee Atkins, CPT, Le Sweat TV essentially gives you a personal trainer at your fingertips.

During each workout, Atkins is right there with you, providing helpful cues and modifications for all fitness levels.

You can browse the 250-plus workouts by body part, equipment needed, or desired class length (5–30 minutes) to get started. You can also stream the videos on demand or download them for sweat sessions on the go.

Pros

  • trainer-led classes
  • classes don’t require a lot of equipment

Cons

  • workout library not as robust as others on this list
  • limited workout styles
  • lacks longer classes
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Best prenatal and postpartum fitness app

Studio Bloom

Designed by prenatal and postnatal exercise specialist Brooke Cate and taught by other experts, Studio Bloom classes help expecting and new parents perform workouts safely during and after pregnancy.

The app offers more than 300 classes, including:

  • strength training
  • injury rehab
  • meditation
  • yoga
  • cardio
  • HIIT
  • boxing
  • cycling

While some workouts require dumbbells or resistance bands, there are plenty of bodyweight options to choose from as well.

Unique to Studio Bloom, the app teaches diaphragmatic breathing as the foundation of every exercise. It also offers free consults with in-house pelvic floor therapists after both vaginal and cesarean births.

Pros

  • classes for prenatal and postpartum stages
  • evidence-based methods
  • modifications explained during classes
  • access to pelvic floor therapists

Cons

  • may not be challenging enough for advanced exercisers
  • some users note there’s a lack of diversity in teachers and models
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Best size-inclusive fitness app

Big Fit Girl

Created by Louise Green — author of “Big Fit Girl” and “Fitness for Everyone,” and president of the Size-Inclusive Training Academy — the Big Fit Girl app makes fitness accessible, no matter your size, age, or fitness level.

Starting with chair exercises and working up to more advanced moves, Green offers a wide range of on-demand cardio and strength workouts.

If you’re brand new to working out or have injuries, Green’s app will meet you where you are, allowing you to work your way up safely and confidently.

Pros

  • emphasizes size and ability representation
  • workouts progress slowly with a focus on safety
  • includes expert interviews, modification series, and daily mantras

Cons

  • may not be challenging enough for advanced exercisers
  • short free trial period
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Best yoga app

Glo

Whether yoga is part of your regular routine or you’re new to the practice, there’s something for you on the Glo app.

The app includes over 5,000 on-demand classes as well as daily live classes for when your schedule allows. You can even download classes to access while you’re on the go.

There are 16 styles of classes to choose from, all of which are taught by experienced and credentialed instructors. Morelli is a fan of this app, saying she loves how easy it is to filter the workouts to find her favorites, like Vinyasa flow with instructor Tiffany Cruikshank.

Pros

  • classes suitable for all skill levels
  • integrates with the Apple Watch
  • Wi-Fi not required
  • users rave about the instructors

Cons

  • limited variety of workout styles, with emphasis on yoga, meditation, and Pilates
  • Android users report issues with the app freezing
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Best app for runners and cyclists

Strava

If you love to run and cycle outside, Strava is a must-have app. In addition to mapping your routes, the app tracks your progress, offers challenges, and even shares your location with friends for safety.

The free version of Strava is pretty basic. It allows you to record your activity and share your location with three designated safety contacts.

However, for about $8 per month, the app allows you to participate in asynchronous competitions, set and track goals, create training plans, and measure your performance.

Healthline senior editor Candice Abellon notes that following other people on the app — including people she knows in real life and high profile athletes — motivates her. However, she mentions that data privacy concerns are something to keep in mind when deciding which tracks to keep private and whether to start and end your track at your home.

Pros

  • free option and 30-day free trial for paid version
  • strong community feel
  • extensive tracking and performance metric features

Cons

  • monthly subscription required to use most data analytics features
  • lacks strength training and studio-style classes
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To make your selection even easier, here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Monthly costFree trialiPhone ratingAndroid ratingClass types
Nike Training ClubfreeN/A4.84.3• cardio
• core
• HIIT
• mobility
• strength
• yoga
obé Fitness$$$7 days4.84.4• barre
• cardio boxing
• cycling
• dance cardio
• dance HIIT
• HIIT
• Pilates
• sculpt
• strength
• yoga
• yoga sculpt
Peloton$$30 days4.94.2• boot camp
• cardio
• cycling
• HIIT
• meditation
• outdoor running
• strength
• stretching
• treadmill
• walking
• yoga
Fit Body$$7 days4.94.7• cardio
• postpartum
• prenatal
• strength
• yoga
Le Sweat TV$$7 days54.9• cardio
• HIIT
• mobility
• prenatal
• strength
• yoga
Studio Bloom$$$7 days4.84.7• birth prep
• core
• pelvic floor circuits
• postnatal strength
• prenatal cardio
• yoga
Big Fit Girl$$7 days4.94.8• cardio
• chair
• strength
Glo$$$7 days4.94.8• barre
• cardio
• HIIT
• meditation
• Pilates
• postnatal
• prenatal
• recovery
• strength
• yoga
Stravafree or $30 days4.84.5

With so many fitness apps on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Here are some factors to consider before downloading:

  • Credible instructors: For safety purposes and best results, we recommend choosing an app with workouts that are created or led by certified fitness experts.
  • Fitness goals: Do you want to build strength or run faster? Or maybe you’re interested in losing weight or becoming more flexible. Whatever your motivation is, be sure to select an app that caters to your exercise needs.
  • Budget: While some are totally free, most apps require a monthly subscription cost. Luckily, all the apps on our list offer a free trial period, so you can try a few classes before going all in.
  • Equipment needed: Most apps offer classes that require some equipment, such as yoga blocks, dumbbells, or kettlebells. Unless you’re willing to purchase new gym equipment, look for an app with classes that are compatible with your current home gym setup.
  • User reviews: While you should definitely take reviews with a grain of salt, reading what other users think can be valuable intel as you decide whether a workout app will be the right fit for you.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out a few fitness apps before settling on one. The most important thing is that it helps you reach your goals safely and effectively.

Which app is best for home workouts?

The best app for home workouts will depend on your goals, the type of workouts you enjoy, and the equipment you already own.

You may need to experiment with a variety of apps before finding one that’s a perfect fit, so apps that are free or have free trials can be a great place to start.

What is a good fitness app for free?

There are many good fitness apps that are free. The Nike Training Club app included on our list above is one example. The best free apps are ones that include the types of workouts you enjoy and don’t include a lot of ads or in-app purchases.

Exercising with the help of an app may be just what you need to stay accountable and get results.

Regardless of your fitness goals or favorite way to move, there’s bound to be an app out there that’s right for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Use this list as a guide and get your sweat on today!