The 9 best fitness apps

You can pedal with friends remotely or join paced group rides led by virtual ride leaders. A hunky AI coach can also spit out a workout program after you feed him some basic data. Premade workouts can be as short as five minutes or as long as several hours. This app integrates with Apple Health, Strava, and Fitbit to make tracking progress easier, provides easy-to-follow instructions and video, and incorporates strength, cardio, mobility, and endurance training. On the app, you’ll have access to customized strength plans based on how often you want to work out per week, nutrition guidance, and “A++ quality” videos, says Woerner.

Other features include a period tracker, a step tracker, and regular fitness challenges. BetterMe is a comprehensive app focusing on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. However, it also reports that only 1 in 4 adults get the physical activity they need to reduce their risk of chronic diseases. However, if your goal is weight loss or muscle gain, more factors like diet may play a role. For instance, complete 1 minute of each exercise and repeat the circuit twice.

Completely customized plan for extra support, as well as various programs and general membership. The ATG methodology challenges conventional wisdom about joint safety. For decades, people were told never to let knees go past toes during squats or lunges. ATG flips this on its head, teaching you to safely load your joints through full ranges of motion, building bulletproof strength in positions most programs avoid. The in-app messaging allows you to communicate with your coach anytime, receiving responses typically within a few hours.

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Life gets in the way, motivation wanes, and it’s easy to become discouraged. Life throws curveballs, and that can sometimes derail your workout routine. The key is to have strategies for getting back on track after missed workouts or periods of inactivity. Maybe you have a specific event in mind, like a charity walk or a 5K run.

The 12 Best Apps for Tracking Exercise Goals in 2026

However, the open nature of the platform means app quality can vary significantly. It is crucial to read recent user reviews and check ratings carefully before committing to a download or subscription to ensure the app meets your standards. Exercise library limited with basic beginner through advanced categorization. Progress tracking simple without sophisticated analysis or recommendations. Workout programs is apple fitness worth it generic with basic beginner through advanced categorization. Exercise demonstrations adequate though lacking detailed form guidance for different skill levels.

Pricing guide for monthly subscription

Whether you’re interested in HIIT or LISS training sessions, are a beginner in the fitness space, or are a seasoned athlete, we recommend the Aaptiv Fitness app. For one, we thought the instruction was easy-to-follow and customizable. “You can choose workouts based on your goal, like reducing stress or staying fit,” our tester said, giving the instruction a 4 out of 5. However, it’s clear that the workouts are designed by AI, not a personal trainer.

The free version provides solid functionality including calorie tracking, basic fasting features, and access to many recipes. This allows you to test the app’s core value before considering the PRO upgrade. The app includes targeted programs for specific skills, full-body strength development, and mobility enhancement.

How are workout apps helpful?

The app is a pretty great deal at just $14.99/month, but if you want the best value, buy a year for just $89.99, which will save you 50% compared to paying month-to-month. The recipe section is exceptional, with new healthy meal ideas added weekly. Recipes filter by dietary preference (low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free) and include nutritional breakdowns and step-by-step instructions. The pricing is reasonable considering the depth of content and Sondre’s expertise. With a free trial available, you can test the app before committing to a subscription. You can assess your current joint mobility across different areas, revealing limitations you might not have realized.

Plank to Downward Dog

Some focus on yoga and recovery, others on AI-powered strength programming or personal coaching. With so many apps to choose from, however, it can be difficult to determine which platform is the best fit for your home screen. Do you want an app that’s specific to your training interests, or one that caters to a variety of disciplines? Can you structure your fitness program on your own, or need a helping hand to keep you moving forward? To help you navigate through the app store, we’ve tested 19 digital platforms, conducted plenty of research, and read through countless customer reviews to land on our favorite fitness apps available today. Our study found a positive impact of mobile apps and fitness trackers on physical activity during the pandemic, in a sample of likely health-conscious and technology-inclined individuals.

The Business of Personal Training

The system has a nifty graph of your weight, telling you how you’ve done over time. It’s simple but requires a bit of user input to get the best use out of it. The FitOn platform has a good selection of workout videos spread across various exercise types; however, there seems to be no overarching structure to the videos. Educate Fitness provides personal trainer qualifications and diplomas. Cool-down helps your body return to its resting state and reduces muscle soreness. The key to unlocking long-term success with exercise lies in finding your why.

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Future Pro is designed to replicate the experience of working with a personal trainer in real life, but delivered entirely through an app. This in-depth data makes it easy to track your progress over time and to understand how far you’ve come. If you like having a clear plan to follow and a simple way to track your progress over time, Fitness Online is a great choice. This user-friendly app offers a highly structured approach to training and nutrition, no matter your goals. Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, there are plenty of workouts to fit your busy schedule. Simply answer a few quick questions about your goals and fitness level when you first sign up, and the app will help you create a personalized workout plan.

“Regardless, it is a very useful workout app and it does make sense as long as the goals are set to an honest and logical intent,” they add. You don’t need the best squat rack or a bevy of kettlebells and free weights at your disposal, your coach can prescribe bodyweight exercises if you’re limited on training gear. We also appreciate apps that combine live and on-demand classes, with fresh content added regularly to keep your routine interesting. In the end, the “best” app comes down to what excites you, whether it’s a favorite instructor, a style of class you can’t get enough of, or a program that fits seamlessly into your schedule. That means intuitive navigation and filters that let you quickly find the perfect class based on workout type, duration, or even music. Many apps also include a community component, which can be a helpful way to stay motivated, share progress, and hold yourself accountable.

fitness apps for long term exercise success

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But with dozens of apps flooding the market, it’s vital to understand which ones work—and for whom. A long-term fitness goal is an outcome (e.g., aesthetic, performance-based, healthy-based, or a combination) you want to achieve from your exercise plan and program. Long-term fitness goals can vary from six months to one year or even five years or more! Your personal long-term goal definition in terms of when you will achieve your goal should be based on where you are now. If it took you one year to gain the weight so that you didn’t fit your jeans properly, then this is probably a safe time frame to lose that same amount of weight again.

fitness apps for long term exercise success

How much do workout apps cost?

  • Strength Well makes achieving these benefits straightforward and measurable.
  • When it comes to yoga though, Alo Wellness Club offers classes for a range of styles, skill levels, and goals.
  • The integrated Apple ID system makes managing subscriptions or requesting refunds straightforward, a significant advantage over dealing with individual developers.
  • While a person must choose one training program at a time, they can add an unlimited number of on-demand workouts.
  • You can pedal with friends remotely or join paced group rides led by virtual ride leaders.
  • Health behaviors including physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption during the pandemic were self-reported.

So here is the definition of what it takes to set SMARTER goals, followed by some long-term SMART goals examples (fitness-specific). The trick to setting fitness goals is to get clear on the desired results you want to achieve. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you feel stuck at any point, ask for help. They can also help you up your game by safely increasing fitness challenges as you make progress. For value, the team weighed all of these factors—features, coaching depth, workout quality, and flexibility—against the typical monthly subscription price.

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. Overall, Runna is a strong option if you want the benefits of a structured running plan without paying for an in-person coach. But the lackluster wearable connectivity is a significant drawback—especially if you do most of your training outside. Gain direct, priority access to more than 10,000 gyms, studios, and health clubs actively seeking certified talent. Build expertise in training, nutrition, and performance to become the fitness professional clients trust.

Online Training, Fitness Certifications & Resources

Even though the app doesn’t offer any standout features, it includes solid basics at a decent price point. Plus, it captures more than just workouts—making it an affordable all-around tracker. Quality fitness apps will feature a wide range of workouts, provide classes or guidance from qualified and credible instructors, and be affordable. Designed by fitness coach Louise Green, this app specifically aims to be accessible to people of all weights and fitness levels. The app includes access to 480 different workouts and 14 different training programs.

Best for Android users

  • 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.
  • We also tried to feature apps that are available on iOS and Android.
  • If your goal is sustained toning, improved strength without high impact, and movement that feels supportive, B The Method should be on your list.
  • Exercise adherence strategies are more than just a buzzword; it is the foundation upon which your fitness journey thrives.
  • The app boasts over 3,000 programs tailored to yoga, pilates, and barre, along with fitness-minded series for HIIT and strength training.
  • Whether you’re interested in HIIT or LISS training sessions, are a beginner in the fitness space, or are a seasoned athlete, we recommend the Aaptiv Fitness app.

Let’s take a few vague long-term goals examples and turn them into SMARTER goals. Meaning your subconscious mind doesn’t believe you can really achieve the results you desire. So you never take any actions to achieve your short-term and long-term fitness goals. Meaning you continue to be frustrated and unhappy about your list of long-term health goals. But whether you’re a dedicated fitness buff or just getting started, success often revolves around creating SMART fitness goals that have specific, achievable criteria.

fitness apps for long term exercise success

Best Fitness Apps for Cardio Workouts

Strive Workout Log earns its top spot as one of the best apps for tracking exercise goals by delivering a powerful, no-nonsense experience focused purely on facilitating steady gains. It masterfully balances an intuitive, minimalist interface with a robust feature set that caters to everyone from beginner lifters to data-driven athletes. The app is built around the core principle of progressive overload, a independent workout app reviews scientifically proven driver of muscle hypertrophy. This fitness app development leader creates sophisticated workout applications that seamlessly adapt to every fitness level through advanced personalization and real-time feedback systems. Stormotion’s fitness apps excel at recognizing individual capabilities and adjusting workouts accordingly rather than forcing users into rigid fitness programs. The Nike Training Club is our pick for the best overall workout app because it’s free and offers a variety of classes, like HIIT, strength training, mobility and yoga.

Best workout app for iPhone users

The app can track distance, speed, elevation, calories burned, heart rate, power, and cadence. Whether you want to build muscle, get a better night’s sleep, or have a healthier relationship with food, there’s an app for that. The Peloton experience is a little lacking in the accountability department if you go with the basic membership, our tester noted.

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Whether it’s racking up the miles on foot or loading up weight in the gym, Techradar’s experts test on multiple workout types, with different platforms including iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS, and more. Runna offers more running metrics than you’ll know what to do with, with plenty of additional community features, too. The app is free, but you can pay for the Abel Runner’s Club version to access all eight seasons and features.

Implementing Exercise Adherence Techniques in Daily Workouts:

It’s a great resource to get into the social side of running, with ‘friendly’ competition from friends and other users, and it’s great to use for any outdoor pursuit. However, you really need a Fitbit or a Google Pixel Watch to get a lot out of the metrics, and although FItbit is system-agnostic, its purchase by Google means it’s slightly easier to invest in for Android users. As the name implies, Fitbit Premium is definitely better with one of the company’s trackers, opening up a whole bunch of additions to the base experience. Our new top pick for 2025, Zing Coach is an AI-powered app packed with tools and a chatbot that’s ideal for any workout type. Furthermore, head over to this post about good daily habits to learn how to keep energized through the day.

It maximizes the features of your phone.

fitness apps for long term exercise success

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a fitness app out there for you. But be sure your needs are being met before paying a pretty penny for a paid plan. If you’re a beginner, ensure that the app you choose will grow with you in your fitness journey by looking to see if they offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes.

What are long-term fitness goals, why do they matter and how can you set them?

Daily mobility routines, access 1500+ workouts, expert coaches, track progress, effective programming. You can submit videos of your exercises and receive feedback from certified ATG coaches within 24 hours. This level of support ensures you’re performing movements correctly and progressing safely. The platform is incredibly user-friendly, with workout schedules clearly laid out and the ability to filter by equipment, duration, and body focus. You can create a custom plan or follow structured programs ranging from 4-12 weeks. Although at first glance, Sweat may seem like a similar to apps like Alo Moves, BODi and Gymondo, it is actually quite unique in that it uses gifs to deliver a smooth workout experience.

Best workout app for yoga

I’ve tested other apps that simply show a picture or tell you the name of the exercise, and I’m always concerned about whether I’m using the correct form—so these animations are super helpful! I also like that the animations show exactly what part of the body is targeted, with ‘Right vs. Wrong’ visual comparisons that help correct form instantly (a huge win for beginners!). Classes are led by celebrities like Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union, and cover a range of intensity levels and durations (from 5 minutes to 35 minutes or more).

The 12 Best Apps for Tracking Exercise Goals in 2026

Extending your arms overhead can challenge your mobility and range of motion in your upper body, as well as give your lower body the benefits of a squat. Alternatively, perform 1 set of each exercise, rest for 1 to 2 minutes, and repeat. Holding your body up with your knee and your extended arm during a hip abduction makes this move an upper-body exercise, too. By traveling instead of staying stationary in a lunge, you can more effectively engage your lower body muscles and enhance stability, mobility, and balance. Compete against yourself to get just 1 or 2 more reps each time you complete the routine.

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