While you could dwindle hours (days?) scrolling through Instagram and YouTube looking for workout inspiration, there’s something to be said about getting straight to the point with a fitness app that targets your specific wellness goals. With hundreds of options flooding the Apple Store, it can be hard to separate out the most effective ones. While you’re likely familiar with trailblazers like MyFitnessPal, workout apps are increasingly veering away from simply tracking your progress (via workout logs and stats) and generic coaching to ever-changing workouts one can do no matter how much — or little — time they may have. It’s never easy to push yourself through a brutal morning or after-work workout, but a good workout app can be a lifesaver. Here’s a look at seven of the best fitness apps, ranked.
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The Best Fitness Apps, Ranked
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7. Nike Training Club
Cost: Free
You can't talk about fitness and not talk about Nike. This workout app not only has a long list of progressive workouts of various lengths but also has guidance and form cues, personalized plans and an activity counter.
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6. AKT On Demand
Cost: Free three-day trial, then $34.99/month
Celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser's app curates workouts from her various studios, which you can stream from anywhere. You can also interact directly with Kaiser and her trainers by commenting on the videos. There are dozens of videos ranging from 10 to 90 minutes (beginner and advanced workouts). When you sign up, you'll also get a live 15-minute trainer consult.
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5. Fitstar
Cost: $7.99/month
Fitstar gives you custom workouts based on your fitness level. You start by doing a few workouts with the app and along the way give feedback about which exercises are too hard, too easy or just right. The app then uses the information you've supplied to create a fitness plan tailored to your level.
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4. Charity Miles
Cost: Free
There is no better time than now to download Charity Miles. While the app is more focused on workout tracking, there's an inherent motivational factor,given what's going on in the world today. The app donates money for every mile you complete, thanks to corporate sponsors who foot the bill and make donations on your behalf. Before you work out, you can choose which charity will benefit from your workouts.
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3. Tracy Anderson
Cost: $90/month
Tracy Anderson's online platform doesn't even involve downloading an app. Just sign up and log on to her website to access workouts filmed live in-studio. Minimal to no equipment is required and there are breakdowns for beginners. The workouts consist of dance cardio and floor work, which is exactly what stars like Jennifer Lopez use to get into top shape.
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2. Sweat: Kayla Itsines Fitness
Cost: Free one-week trial, then $19.99/month
Kayla Itsines has inarguably started a fitness revolution and when you download her workout app you'll see why. Her quick 28-minute workouts are easy to follow, require minimal to no equipment, are easy to take up or down a notch and combine yoga and plyometrics for the ultimate in time-effective workouts.
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1. Fitner
Cost: Free one-week trial, then $9.99/month
Fitner features a well-edited list of top trainers and fitness influencers who share constantly changing workouts of various lengths as well as nutrition tips. It also has short intro videos to boost motivation and many of the workouts can be done at home, in a hotel room or wherever else you may be. "Training partners" include the inspiring Melissa Wood and Sean Garner.
