We’ve had one misconception about fitness for a while now. Staying fit isn’t just about the numbers on the scale. It’s a key ingredient for a healthier, more vibrant life that adds precious years to our journey and helps us stay active. Exercise isn’t just about physical health either – it’s a powerful boost for our mental well-being.
But the sad reality is that squeezing in a gym visit with our hectic schedules and long commutes can feel like an impossible mission. The good news? Technology has come to our rescue, offering a game-changing solution: fitness apps. Now, the gym is wherever you are.
With countless fitness apps at your fingertips, it’s easy to get lost in the choices. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect fitness companion to kickstart your wellness journey or boost your workout routine, this one’s for you.
Must-Have Features to Look for in a Fitness App
Every fitness app has somewhat similar features but also a USP (unique selling point); it can be a personalized plan, an online personal instructor, or something else. But having a set of must-have features will help you determine which app you should choose.
User-Friendly Interface
Make sure the fitness app you choose has a simple and easy-to-use design. Complicated apps can be a hassle and might discourage you from sticking to your workout routine.
In-app interaction with Trainers
While not all apps offer this, it’s a great feature if available, even if it’s a premium option. Being able to interact with trainers within the app is useful, especially when you have questions or personal concerns about your workout.
Personalization
One of the most important features is personalization. The app should allow you to set goals based on your weight, age, health history, and other relevant factors. We’re all different, so our fitness plans should be tailored to our unique needs.
Progress Monitoring & Setting Targets
Your fitness app should track your workouts, weight, food intake, and other health data. Setting targets helps you stay on course and makes it easier to achieve your fitness goals.
Variety of Exercises
Look for an app that offers a variety of exercises. Repetitive workouts can become monotonous, and different fitness plans require different types of exercises. A diverse range keeps things interesting and effective.
10 Best Fitness Apps You Need to Checkout
1. Peloton
Peloton is considered one of the best fitness apps by many for many reasons. It gives you the option to work out in real-time with expert instructors and other members or you can also take pre-recorded classes. The best thing is that these workouts include music, and each instructor is known to bring their unique style to their class. So, it’s very exciting.
You might find the workouts a bit too challenging, but hold on to the strength; you will see the results soon.
Why It’s Good
- 30 days free trial
- Expert trainers
- Live and pre-recorded classes
- 5-75 minutes workout time
2. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a free app that helps you monitor your food intake, set calorie deficit goals based on your current weight, plan meal prep, and monitor your progress. Pretty much all that you want!
It also has an optional premium subscription for users who would like an upgraded fitness plan. With millions of users worldwide, it is considered one of the best fitness and nutrition apps available.
Moreover, MyFitnessPal can help you maintain or increase your activity level or water intake. So, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to make the most of your workout time, this app is the one to go for.
- Why It’s Good
- Free
- Meal planning ideas
- User-friendly
- For multiple fitness goals
- Various workout plans
3. FitOn
FitOn provides a wide range of exercise classes to choose from, with a variety of exercise modalities and instructors that cater to all fitness levels and goals. The app also offers personalized meal plans and recipes and informational articles about topics like weight loss and self-care.
You can sync the app with your calendar to get reminders when it’s time for a workout class. If you wear a heart rate monitor while working out, you can also see your heart rate on the screen.
There’s even a leaderboard where you can compete with others. Cool, right?
Why It’s Good
- 500+ recipes
- Fitness tracker
- Offline downloads
- Customized meal plans
4. Sweat
By women, for women. Sweat, an app developed by fitness influencer Kayla Itsines, is a unique workout app that is primarily targeted at women and offers 48 programs, on-demand workouts, recipes, community, and workout tracking features.
The app has a built-in forum and community chat that allows users to interact with fellow users and keep each other motivated. There is also a recipes section that provides a meal plan for each day, which can give you some ideas and help you eat healthier.
With its structured programs and weekly workouts that fit in with your lifestyle, Sweat is an excellent choice for women who prefer a female trainer.
Why It’s Good
- Quality workout programs
- Vibrant community
- Performance tracking
- User-friendly
5. BODi
BODi, once known as Beachbody, is an online fitness app that offers an affordable membership to access all of the fitness and nutritional plans, community support, and professional guidance.
You will come across comprehensive health and fitness content, and the app allows you to follow, track, and share programs with ease. It’s easy to navigate, so you’ll have no difficulty searching for classes and programs based on your needs and interests.
You can get started by choosing from a variety of programs, such as a six-week cardio plan or a two-month hip-hop program that focuses on ab work that you can stream from your living room.
Why It’s Good
- Thousands of workouts
- Easy-to-follow eating plans
- Mindset master classes
- Supportive community
6. Centr
Thor fans – this one’s for you! Centr is a personalized digital health and fitness program that offers you a variety of workouts, meals, and meditations to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve your endurance, or just feel better, Centr has something for you. You can choose from different levels of difficulty, duration, and equipment and follow the guidance of world-class trainers, nutritionists, wellness coaches, and even Chris Hemsworth himself. You can also track your progress, join a supportive community, and access tips and tools to improve your physical and mental health.
Why It’s Good
- Personalized health and fitness program
- Variety of workouts, meals, and meditations
- World-class trainers, nutritionists, and wellness coaches
- Well-designed and intuitive app
7. Fiit
Fiit is another great fitness app that lets you choose from a variety of workouts, from cardio and strength to yoga and meditation, that match your goals, preferences, and skill level. You can learn from some of the best trainers in the world, who will guide you through every step of your fitness journey. You can also join live and on-demand group classes, track your progress with compatible fitness trackers, and access personalized training plans.
Why It’s Good
- Informative tutorials
- Live classes
- Personal training plan
- Easy to navigate
- 14-day free trial
8. Apple Fitness Plus
Are you looking for a fitness app that can help you get the most out of your Apple Watch and other Apple devices? Then you might want to give Apple Fitness Plus a try.
It offers you a variety of workouts and meditations for different types of exercises, such as cardio, strength, yoga, and more. You can follow the guidance of expert trainers, track your progress with Apple Watch, and join live and on-demand group classes. You can also access personalized training plans and tips to improve your physical and mental health.
Why It’s Good
- Integrates with Apple Watch
- Variety of workouts and meditations
- Expert trainers and quality music
- Personalized training plans
- Live and on-demand classes
9. EvolveYou
If you get fit and healthy in a fun and supportive way, then you might want to give EvolveYou a try.
EvolveYou is exclusively designed for women and offers you personalized workouts, healthy recipes, community challenges, and more. You can choose from different types of exercises, such as strength, barre, HIIT, and more, and follow the guidance of expert trainers. You can also track your progress, join live and on-demand group classes, and access personalized training plans.
Why It’s Good
- Connects with Apple Health
- Expert support from world-renowned trainers
- Focuses on holistic wellness
- Personalization
- 7-day free trial
10. Obe Fitness
Obe is another fitness app definitely worth checking out. With classes ranging from cardio and strength training to yoga and more, there’s something for everyone.
The platform is also quite easy to use and offers a variety of instructors and class lengths, so you can customize your workout experience to fit your needs. Moreover, the Obe Fitness Community on Facebook provides a great space for users to connect and share tips and advice.
While it may be pricier than some other fitness apps, it does serve the purpose well.
Why It’s Good
- Many live-class options
- Easy to follow
- Cardio dance classes
- Options for everything
Final Words
Fitness is a very subjective topic, and everyone has different needs and requirements. Therefore, there’s not one app that we could say would be the best for everyone. However, these ten apps have been recommended by health and fitness experts, so if you don’t know where to start, you can read about the benefits of each and make your choice. It’s always best to get advice from a fitness expert if you know one. Here’s to a healthier and fitter you in 2024!
Also Read:
The 10 Best Fitness Apps to Boost Your Workout Routine in 2024