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We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

Fitness apps may seem like a dime a dozen, but our product testers here at Garage Gym Reviews have tested 20 different workout apps to determine which ones are worth your time and money.

But what makes us reliable experts? We're a group of certified personal trainers, gym owners, and Olympic-level athletes with tons of experience in following training programs, designing our own programs, and coaching clients through programs as well.

The best workout apps offer more than just stand-alone workouts. Apps should offer well-thought-out programs intended to help you improve your strength, flexibility, speed, or whatever fitness goal you're after.

And speaking of fitness goals, there is no one right way to train. You may be looking for a workout app to improve your strength; others may be looking for a weight loss app or a program to improve cardio endurance.

During our testing process, each tester used our detailed testing methodology to rate over 10 different categories on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. A sampling of those categories include:

Trial period: Is there a trial period or does your card get charged upon sign up?

Pricing: What is the price per month and how does it compare to other apps?

Ease of use: What is the user experience like?

Accountability: What kind of accountability is provided?

Equipment demands: What equipment is needed to complete a workout? Is there a way to filter workouts for more minimal home gym setups?

Best Workout Apps:

Best Workout App Overall: Caliber

The Caliber app earns the top spot on our best workout apps roundup because it offers something for everyone. There is a robust free-forever version and two paid options that grant you access to either group coaching ($19 per month) or a fully customized one-on-one coaching program (starting at $200 per month).

The free version of the Caliber app is ad-free and features the full exercise library of over 500 movements. Each exercise features a demonstration video, step-by-step written instructions, and the ability to log your weights and reps (and access your history at any point). This alone is an incredible value (and you can even build your own workouts in this app).

Caliber Pro offers group coaching for $19 per month and provides a few different tracks to choose from including programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced exercisers. Plus a program for weight loss and a bodyweight-only routine.

Caliber Premium is one-on-one personal training, which starts at $200 per month. While that is not cheap, when you compare that to working with a coach in-person, you'll spend less and get more communication from your coach and 24-hour access to your program from the app. Coaching includes custom strength and conditioning programs, plus help with nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mobility.

In comparison, a one-hour session with a personal trainer can run you anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour depending on where you live. For that reason, Caliber earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for the value category.

With the one-on-one training option a coach will develop a customized training program based on what equipment you have available at home (or at your local gym). Caliber is geared toward resistance training and the website notes that most subscribers use the app at commercial gyms.

However, with the group coaching option (Caliber Pro), our tester and leader reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele notes that there are bodyweight, dumbbell, and barbell progressions for most movements. Both the paid and free versions earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands.

GGR writer and product tester Amanda Capritto used Caliber Premium to work with a coach for a customized strength training routine. She reports working with her coach and using the app is easy and she appreciates the fact there are demonstration videos for every exercise assigned to your program.

Amanda just has one callout that the instructional videos do not always load. "Other than that, I don't have any complaints," she says. And for this reason, caliber earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for ease of use on the app. She also notes the app syncs with the Apple Watch but not apps like Garmin, Fitbit, or Strava, and she found it a bit frustrating to manually enter workout data later.

For more, check out our full Caliber App review.

Best Personal Training Workout App: Future
Good for: Anyone looking for top-tier personal training and accountability
If you are curious about personal training, the Future app is the next-best option to working with a coach in-person. You'll be able to use the app to find a coach by sorting through coaching styles (high-energy, laidback, detail-oriented, etc.), coaching expertise (adaptive exercise, bodybuilding, injury prevention, etc.), or sport-specific coaches (football, hockey, winter sports, etc.). You'll also have the opportunity to change coaches if needed.

And because you'll be working with an actual coach, you'll have the accountability from a human, not just an app. For this reason, Future earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for accountability.

GGR expert product tester Logan Block reports his coach, Layne, is personable and energetic. "Layne does a great job of checking in on training and rest days. He also took my feedback into account when designing workouts going forward," says Logan.

Kate Meier, GGR head of content and product tester, says her coach is fantastic about daily check-ins and gathering feedback. Kate also likes the fact the Future app pairs with her Apple Watch. "Seeing my fitness rings on my Apple Watch worked really well for me in terms of keeping me on track with my workouts," says Kate.

Additionally, Future has an incredible user interface which we talk about in detail in our Future App review. "Future is well-designed and intuitive," Logan says. "I really think the ease with which you can communicate with your trainer and how clean everything operates is what sets this app apart."

Future earns a 4.5-out of-5-star rating for ease of use. "It's user-friendly, with good audio and visual cues to keep you moving through the workout without more effort on your part," notes Logan.

Kate also reports it's easy to move through the workout on your Apple Watch, too. "I'm able to tap a button on my watch instead of having to get my phone out-that is super convenient," she says.

Best Workout App for Variety: iFIT

Many members of the GGR staff have experience with the iFIT app, whether it's personal use or from testing equipment like the iFIT-enabled machine featured in our NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill review.

IFIT is a bit different from some of the other best fitness apps we've reviewed because it's centered around iFIT-enabled cardio machines (like treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, and ellipticals). However, there are tons of off-machine workouts, too (like strength training, pilates, yoga, and HIIT).

When we published our original iFIT reviews, the app had over 16,000 on-demand workouts to choose from with new workouts continuously added since. The app has indoor studio-style workouts, instructor-led outdoor workouts, and scenic outdoor workouts. For this reason, iFIT earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for workout variety.

GGR senior editor and product tester Erin Chancer uses iFIT regularly on her NordicTrack S22i studio exercise bike and just hit her 100-workout milestone. Her favorite sessions are ride-along, instructor-led endurance workouts, and the occasional HIIT workout.

Erin admits she hasn't taken advantage of any off-bike workouts from iFIT but says she's been totally content with the variety of bike-based workouts she gets to choose from.

When it comes to accountability, Erin gives iFIT a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating saying, "It's a self-guided app much like any interactive program that isn't totally customized."

That said, iFIT has challenges you can participate in, which help you achieve milestones within the app. And, whenever you reach a milestone you'll receive a congratulations email.

Erin thinks it's worth mentioning that because iFIT is equipment-based, "It's worth having a tough conversation with yourself: Are you ready to make the commitment?"

"The iFIT-compatible equipment and cost of a monthly service can get pricey," she says. "The worst is dropping several thousand dollars on equipment that just collects dust. Other than price, I see no other reason not to recommend iFIT (and the NordicTrack S22i)."

Best Free Workout App: Nike Training Club

Best Free App

Nike offers a free strength-based training app that reduces the barrier of entry for weight-based workouts at home or in a commercial gym. A free training program may have the power to free your mind of any woes about designing an effective workout for yourself and worry about more pressing matters (like what you're going to have for dinner).
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Amanda Capritto, GGR writer, product tester, and certified personal trainer, tested the Nike Training Club app. Prior to 2020, the app had both free and premium versions, but since the pandemic, Nike made the entire workout library free to use. The app is also easy to download from the Apple app store or Google Play.

When it comes to value, this free app earns a 5-star rating. "It's an unbeatable value," says Amanda. "The NTC app has on-demand and live classes as well as periodized programming for a variety of goals and workout types. All of the instructors are certified and most are specialists. You don't see this kind of value in a free app almost ever," Amanda explains.

However, if you're looking for accountability, this free app probably won't make the cut. "You can download it on your phone, but no one is gonna make you use it," says Amanda. However, she does note that the app can send you notifications if you enable them in your settings and you can join programs or challenges. Overall, Amanda gives Nike Training Club a 3.5-star-rating for accountability.

If you're limited on equipment or new to strength training, Nike Training Club has you covered with a number of bodyweight-only workouts. "However, when you compare it to the entire workout library, the bodyweight workouts are a small fragment," says Amanda.

Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you'll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available.
Good for: People looking for an affordable program for strength training and meal planning
Best Strength Training Workout App: CENTR

Best for Strength Training

CENTR is a fitness app designed by famous actor Chris Hemsworth, also known as his character Thor in the Marvel movie. But there are no promises you'll be able to build muscle quite like the on-screen hero.

While your Thor-like goals may have to be put on pause, CENTR stands out to our expert product testers because it has a holistic style of coaching.

"This app can schedule your workouts, help you with meal plans, and generates a shopping list for you based on your planned meals," says Brittany Combs, GGR social media manager and expert product tester. "It also has a logbook for you to track your progress."

Brittany not only appreciates this holistic and personalized approach, she also appreciates the fact CENTR offers progressive overload principles, and gives the app a 5-out-of-5-star rating in this category. She notes the workouts programs are thoughtfully designed, offering progressions each week and the ability to choose from different tracks including beginner, intermediate, and advanced options.
Good for: Anyone interested in a powerlifting program and doesn't need 1:1 coaching
CENTR is focused on strength training and will require some equipment, but there are bodyweight options as well. Overall Brittany gives CENTR a 3-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands.

"The app has a section where you can check boxes on which pieces of equipment you have access to and then filter workouts that way," she explains. "There are also several body weight programs, home gym programs, and commercial gym programs."

For more on CENTR, read our full CENTR review.

Best Powerlifting Workout App: JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI is a powerlifting program generated by artificial intelligence. You won't work with a coach or personal trainer, but rather input information about yourself (like your previous workout experience, personal records, your recovery habits, and weak points to name a few) into the app and allow AI to create a personalized powerlifting program based on your stats.

The program is centered around getting stronger and improving the big three lifts (squat, bench, and deadlift). If you're not interested in powerlifting (or powerbuilding-a combination of bodybuilding-style training and powerlifting), this will not be the best workout app for you.

JuggernautAI is not just designed with your stats in mind, it's designed to help you move the needle on your strength. "While artificial intelligence programs your workouts, it's completely based on the principles of progressive overload," explains Amanda Capritto, GGR product tester, writer, and certified personal trainer who used JuggernautAI for over a year.

You'll be challenged to lift heavier weights, increase range of motion, complete more sets, and add more repetitions. In the progressive overload category, this app earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating.

Because this is a powerlifting program, it may not be a surprise that you'll need a squat rack, bench, barbell, and weight plates to complete your workouts. It will also be helpful to have access to dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands.

Although more equipment is needed than other apps we reviewed, Amanda still gives JuggernautAI a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands. "You can swap in exercises each day or for an entire block based on what you have handy," she explains.

"For instance, I normally work out in my home gym, where I have limited dumbbells and kettlebells. But if I decide to do a Juggernaut workout at the CrossFit gym I go to twice a week, I can swap in a different move I might not normally do because of equipment restraints," says Amanda.

Read Amanda's full JuggernautAI review for all of her thoughts.

Best Workout App for Beginners: Aaptiv

The Aaptiv fitness app is our top pick for beginners because it doesn't just offer quality workouts, it can also help you stay accountable and has a reasonable monthly subscription fee.

We also picked Aaptiv for beginners because the programming on a macro-level won't be adequate for intermediate or advanced exercisers. However, Aaptiv is a great starting point and tester Amanda Capritto, GGR writer and CPT gives the app a 3-out-of-5-star rating for using progressive overload principles.

"There are decent progressions in the programs, but it's all pretty basic and you won't see all the progression principles being used. It will certainly suffice for a beginner. Most programs are only about four to six weeks, so it's not quite enough time to see big results, especially if you have training experience under your belt," says Amanda.

When it comes to equipment demands, the app earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating from Amanda with a wide selection of bodyweight and weight training workouts. Amanda appreciates that there is a way to filter by equipment in order to choose a workout. Plus, there is a selection of running and walking workouts you can do outside. Aaptiv has something for everyone including cardio, HIIT, full-body strength training, yoga, pilates, and mobility.

Amanda gives Aaptiv a 4-out-of-5-star rating for accountability. She notes there is a supportive online community, challenges you can join, and the ability to add your workout program to your calendar. When you use the calendar option, your workouts come up as appointments with calendar reminders, which is ideal for anyone establishing a routine.

Best Progression Workout App: Ladder

Ladder is a workout app that offers a variety of avenues for strength training. With Ladder, you'll have programs that are equipment-specific and some that are catered to certain training styles.

The Ladder app will either provide you with personalized program recommendations based on your goals and training style, or you can sign up for the Elite subscription and the app will pair you with a trainer for one-on-one coaching.
Either way, you'll be working to get stronger with progressive overload principles ingrained into the program. Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and certified personal trainer, gives Ladder a 5-out-of-5-star rating for progressive overload (and she's been using it for several months).

"This is where this app shines," Nicole says. "It's not a bunch of random workouts that you just choose from each day." Ladder's workout programs are designed in five- to six-week blocks, followed by a deload week.
Good for: Runners on a budget who also want GPS tracking capabilities
"That's how I was drawn to Ladder," Nicole explains. "I'm a busy mom of three. I don't have the time or energy to program something myself these days, so I wanted something that would take the guesswork out of it for me and still help me achieve results."

Nicole has been strength training for over a decade and appreciates that Ladder is a strength-based app. But, she understands that not everyone wants a pure weight training routine. When it comes to variety, Nicole gives Ladder a 3-out-of-5-star rating and says, "If yoga or running is your jam, then this app isn't it."

Nicole notes that there is variety in terms of modality (like kettlebells, functional strength, bodyweight strength, bodybuilding, or HIIT sessions) but there isn't a lot of variety once you begin your program. "But that's kind of the point-if you want to gain strength, you need to be doing a lot of the same exercises but challenging yourself to go heavier and add reps each time," says Nicole.

Best Workout App for Runners: MapMyFitness

MapMyFitness from UnderArmor is our workout app of choice for runners. It's affordable at $5.99 per month (or $29.99 for an entire year, which breaks down to $2.49 per month) and offers pretty much everything you need from a running app.

It's also worth mentioning there is a 15-day free trial for the premium version. Plus, you will have free access (forever) to GPS tracking for run, walk, road cycling, and mountain biking workouts.
Good for: Commercial or home gym owners who want CrossFit-style programming
Amanda Capritto, GGR writer, product tester, certified personal trainer, and endurance athlete tested MapMyFitness and reports, "This is the best running and GPS app out of all the ones I've tried."

When using a running app, you won't have on-screen instruction or specific exercises, but as far an instruction goes, Amanda gives MapMyFitness a 5-out-of-5-star rating. Amanda reports the premium version gives you heart rate analyses, custom interval workouts that you can create, custom split data, audio coaching, power analysis, cadence analysis, and workout export options, and the ability to export your data to fitness trackers or health apps of your choice.

One of Amanda's callouts for this app is the GPS accuracy. She gives the MapMyFitness app a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating for GPS accuracy because although it was very similar to what her Garmin watch picks up, it is not always perfect. For reference, it's usually within a tenth of a mile accuracy.

Best Workout App for Data Tracking: Beyond The Whiteboard

Beyond the Whiteboard is a workout app geared toward the CrossFit community and works well for both home gym and commercial gym owners. It's our top pick for data tracking, an in-depth approach to tracking your workouts, metrics, and scoring.

It's also an excellent app for gym owners to track their member's workout data and allow clients to take control of workout tracking, too. The app will give gym owners an access code to share with clients so they have free access to log workouts and keep track of PRs.

The base price of $7.99 grants you access to a platform where you can design your own workouts and programs, track workouts and lifting progress, and earn badges and access the community forum. GGR tester, writer, and Olympic-level weightlifting athlete Caine Wilkes gives pricing of this app a 4-out-of-5-star rating. Although the base price offers quite a bit, he notes that more advanced programs and specific skill-based programs come at additional costs.

The base price also includes basic programs from CrossFit.com and VNR (Varied Not Random). Caine reports these basic programs show up in your tracks once you've signed up.

Caine also notes that VNR provides classic WODs (workout of the day) in three separate tracks: beginners, intermediate, and advanced (in addition to dumbbell-only and no equipment WODs).

However, there are a ton of other programs on Beyond The WhiteBoard app that are behind a paywall-either a monthly subscription or one-time purchase. Purchasing them also grants you access to the community chat, where coaches can answer specific questions on workouts or exercise technique.

Overall, Beyond The Whiteboard earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for using progressive overload principles. "Each additional program follows basic strength training principles and offers plenty of information about the goal behind each training day (or program)," says Caine.

Best Workout App for Yoga: Down Dog

If you're looking for the best workout app for yoga, our expert testers suggest trying Down Dog. Although there is no free trial period, the app has an affordable price point of $7.99 per month, which is less than a typical one-hour yoga session.

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor and expert product tester, enjoys the instructors, video demonstrations, and breathing cues. Overall, Frieda gives Down Dog a 4-out-of-5-star rating for instruction.

Another enjoyable aspect of Down Dog is the easy-to-use interface and high levels of customization. The app earns a 5-star rating for ease of use. Frieda says "It's very simple. There are only a few basic aspects to the app. The main page is where you can customize your yoga session by a large variety of factors."

"You get to pick what you want for an impressive number of categories, including type of music, instructor leading the flow, length of session, and body part focus. The sessions I've done have been challenging but attainable for my experience level," Frieda explains.

Frieda also notes the "journey" tab in the app tracks how often you practice, and the "history" tab shows you what sessions you've completed, in addition to more detailed information like a list of poses.

While yoga doesn't inherently follow progressive overload principles like traditional strength training, there is something to be said for the ability to track your progress and the ability to review past poses within the yoga app.

Frieda's callouts are the fact that the app doesn't have a free trial period and there are no accountability features or ways to incentivize you to log in for a new session (like push notifications and scheduled reminders). Other than that, Frieda thinks Down Dog deserves a spot in your app lineup if you want to be led through at-home yoga sessions.

Best Workout App Instructors: Peloton

The Peloton app is a popular option for anyone who owns a cardio machine from Peloton, but it's not necessary to own a Peloton brand machine-you can use the app on its own, too. The app features some of the most peppy, motivating, and upbeat instructors you'll experience and that's why our team agrees Peloton is the best workout app if you're seeking high levels of enthusiasm from fitness instructors.

Former product tester and reviews writer Caroline gives Peloton a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating in the instruction category. Not only are instructors filmed in high-quality studios with super crisp audio, the instructors lead you through the workout and provide demonstrations in real-time.

Whether you're participating in a yoga class, treadmill bootcamp, or strength training session, instructors provide adequate rest, enough time to change weights or resistance, and encourage you to stick through all the physically tough moments.

Caroline also appreciates the fact you can filter workouts by instructors. "After a few weeks of using Peloton, I knew who my favorite instructors were: Robin Arzón, Jess Sims, and Becs Gentry. Each has their own unique style that helps me push myself to perform better."

"The filters make the experience more customizable. Plus, it's super user-friendly," says Caroline. Not only can you filter your workouts by instructor, you can also search workouts based on workout duration, type of class, difficulty level, and music."

Speaking of music, the app even offers artist-based workouts to curate workout playlists based on your favorite artists. You'll be able to find everything from Metallica to Taylor Swift.

Other Workout Apps We Tested

We've tested 20 different workout apps at the time of publication and we plan to test more. Here are a few examples of apps that didn't quite make the cut for this best workout apps roundup:

Joggo: GGR tester, CPT, and endurance athlete Amanda Capritto thought the value was just not there with Joggo. "Personally, I think this is too expensive for what you get. Most people would probably be better off with the free Couch to 5K app or the premium version of Strava for $20 per month."

Another tester, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, tends to agree, especially if you just want an app to help you run faster or longer. "There are a lot of additional features around nutrition and weight loss in this app, so if that interests you, it may be worth trying. But, I think as a running app there are better-value options."

Freeletics: Our tester, Megan Capritto (Amanda's sister) mentions one of her qualms with Freeletics is the fact there is very little instruction provided. "There are animations that show the exercise, but there is no one explaining how to do it," says Megan.

WODster: Amanda used this app and thought the user interface was difficult to navigate saying, "You can filter by equipment, movement type, and type of workout (for time, for rounds, for load). Otherwise it's just a MASSIVE list of WODs in alphabetical order."

How We Picked and Tested Workout Apps

Our product testers were tasked with testing multiple fitness apps and rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars in 14 different categories. Our in-depth methodology covered categories ranging from overall value and ease of use to workout variety and equipment demands.

Not all categories were applicable to every app we tested, but overall most apps were judged in 10 different categories. For example, a running app won't offer much variety or need equipment.

All of the fitness apps were tested for at least several workouts by our expert product testers, while many apps were tested for a full month or longer. The length of testing depended on how much the tester actually enjoyed the program and how much progression was offered from the program.

Below is a sampling of five categories and how we assigned scores to each one:

Trial Period

In our book, fitness apps with free trials earned higher points than ones without. In fact, apps with no trial periods earned a 1-star rating in this category. A 3-star rating meant the app offers a pretty typical seven-day free trial.

To earn a 4- or 5-star rating, the trial needs to last for a seven-day period (some apps offer 14 days) and either doesn't require your credit card to sign up, or sends a reminder that your trial is about to end.

Pricing

For general programming, apps earned a 4- or 5-star rating when the monthly membership fee landed under $15 per month. For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the app costs $35 per month or more.

We recognize this scoring system isn't perfect, because personal training apps come at a higher cost (more like several hundred dollars per month). For one-on-one coaching apps, we compared pricing to in-person training sessions, which can run from $50 to $150 per hour depending on your area.

Progressive Overload

Workout plans that didn't have a clear path toward progression earned low, 1-star scores from our team. For an app to earn higher, 4- or 5-star ratings, the workout program needed to clearly follow the principles of progressive overload.

This doesn't necessarily mean you'll lift heavier weights or run longer distances-a program with progressive overload can challenge you by way of variation via load, reps, rest time, volume, or range of motion. Basically, we wanted evidence that programs weren't just random kitchen sink workouts.

Ease of Use

Because the programs we tested are 100% online, it's important that the platform is easy to use and doesn't take away from the workout experience. For an app to earn a 1-star rating the interface is confusing, there are no filters for specific needs, and it generally feels chaotic.

If the app is generally OK after a short learning curve, testers could give the app a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. Only 5-star ratings were reserved for apps with seamless user experience where workouts are easy to find, see, hear, follow along, and track after your workout is done.

Equipment Demands

Our team is all about home workouts and home gyms. If an app requires you to have access to a full gym or only has a small percentage of workouts that can be performed with minimal equipment, that was cause for a 1- or 2-star rating.

The best scores were given to apps that offered a large percentage of their workouts with minimal equipment or offered ways to change a cable or barbell exercise for a similar body weight or dumbbell movement.

Benefits of the Best Workout Apps

As a certified personal trainer myself, I know it's not as easy as it sounds to hire a personal trainer and make it to in-person sessions on a weekly basis. Below I outline three top benefits of using a workout app versus in-person training (or trying to plan everything on your own).

Accountability

One of the biggest reasons clients come through the door looking for a personal trainer is accountability. Having time and money on the line is one of the more effective ways to keep yourself accountable. So how do you stay accountable to an app?

Well, our product testers found that some of the best workout apps either sent push notifications to your phone about upcoming workouts or allowed you to schedule your workout as an appointment on your personal (or work) calendar. Some apps even have coaching check-ins or community boards for additional accountability.

Cost-Effective

When I worked as a full-time personal trainer, the gym I worked at charged $70 for 60-minute one-on-one sessions. If you were to work with a personal trainer once a week, it would cost you $280 per month, which adds up to $3,360 per year.

While there are other ways to make in-person sessions less costly (like group classes or splitting the cost of private sessions with a friend), online coaching and workout apps are typically less expensive than in-person training and allow you to access your training resources on a daily basis.

Workout Whenever

With online workout apps, you can get a workout any time of day. You won't have to worry about coordinating with a personal trainer or dashing out of work to catch your favorite class. With an app, you can complete your workouts any time of day-first thing in the morning or on your lunch break-it's totally up to you.

What to Look for in Workout Apps

After our team collaborated on testing over 20 fitness apps, here is what our product testers want you to know before you sign up for that monthly subscription.

Fitness Classes vs Training Program

Some apps like Peloton and iFIT offer an on-demand library consisting of a variety of workouts-everything from boutique yoga to instructor-led outdoor cardio sessions. Typically, these on-demand classes don't offer custom workouts and it's meant to be completed as you follow along with the video instructions.

A training program on the other hand is typically a list of exercises methodically selected by a personal trainer (or AI in some cases) to target specific muscle groups. Typically you can go at your own pace and won't need to follow a live class or workout video. That said, the best workout apps will provide a short video or animation to demonstrate each movement properly.

Workout Tracking

Before you sign up, be cognizant about if (and how) the app will track workouts and progress. Tracking workouts is helpful to make sure you're progressing, getting stronger, or losing weight-all depending on what kind of fitness journey you're on.

If the app you're interested in logs your workout metrics or records personal bests, it's a good indicator there will be some amount of progressive overload and progression included in the training plan.

Style of Training

This may sound obvious, but make sure you're signing up for an app that offers the style of training you like (or want to try). Whether you're into pilates, yoga, barre, HIIT, cardio, or strength training, make sure the app has what you want.

No sense in wasting your time and money navigating through a pilates and yoga app when you really wanted dumbbell training and high-intensity bodyweight exercises.

Best Workout Apps: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about the best workout apps:

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Expert Tested: The Best Workout Apps (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews

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Our expert product testers have tried dozens of fitness apps, and these are our top picks for best workout apps.

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Easy to understand and navigate, not TOO much information so that it confuses me, meal plans are good too