Determine which apps are worth your time and you can look at ratings or reviews from previous users,
but those stars and reviews only tell part of the story unless you use it. So we gather our top 10 fitness apps for you.
1) FitStar Personal Trainer
You no longer have to cough up the big bucks for a personal trainer to get workouts tailored directly for you. FitStar personal trainer assesses your needs and fitness level by asking you a simple set of questions at the end of every workout. That way every workout is challenging but doesn’t crush you. And the program’s offerings are a good fit for beginner to fitness fanatics—after all, it was created by former NFL star Tony Gonzalez. (Free; iOS)…
2) Nike+ Training Club
This is the easiest way to feel in control of your fitness destiny. The app offers more than 100 workouts crafted by Nike master trainers for people of all fitness levels. Select your specific fitness goal (get lean, get toned, get strong, or get focused) and find easy-to-follow workout plans—don’t worry there are plenty of rest days. Each individual workout comes with beautiful video tutorials, so even beginners never feel left in the dust. (Free; iOS and Android)
3) Runtastic Six Pack Abs
Getting six pack abs isn’t easy (trust us, we tried). But strengthening your core has never been easier, thanks to Runtastic Six Pack. Choose Daniel or Angie as your avatar trainer, and then select from workout programs that last anywhere from 10 days to almost a month. The best part? Slo-mo videos of the virtual trainers means you learn each exercise right the first time around and avoid injuries. (Free; iOS and Android)
4) Fitnet
Your device’s camera isn’t only good for selfies—it can now help you get a leg up on achieving your fitness goals. As you follow workout videos from personal trainers, the Fitnet app uses the camera on your smartphone or tablet to measure how well you’re keeping up with the workout. (Did you need to stop in the middle? Did you fall out of step during the high-intensity part?) Fitnet also provides realtime feedback, so you can always be improving your performance. (Free; iOS and Android)
5) WOD Deck of Cards
If you thought the WOD (workout of the day) at your local CrossFit box was difficult, we’ve found a way to make it even gnarlier. Choose the four exercises you want to focus on—one for each suit—and then see what comes up first in the deck. (We always hope it’s not 10 burpees!) Keep drawing new cards until you finish the deck or you reach a point of exhaustion. (Free; iOS and Android)
6) Sworkit
No gym? No time? No problem! Sworkit is designed with busy people in mind with high-intensity bodyweight workouts that you can make as short as five minutes and as long as an hour. Choose the style of exercise you’re looking for (strength, cardio, yoga, or stretching) and discover dozens of different workouts—or go ahead and use the app to create a custom workout. Every workout set is super easy to follow with high-quality videos and a countdown clock of the number of reps you have left. (Free; iOS and Android)
7) StrongLifts 5×5
This is the best gym companion when you hit the weights. The app prompts you to complete three lifting exercises with five sets of five reps—hence the name 5×5. StrongLifts coaches you along to give proper breaks in between each set and suggests when it’s time to add more weight. Follow the workout three times a week and you’ll notice a stronger you in the mirror in just a few weeks. (Free; iOS and Android)
8) Pump Up
Not all of your friends want hear about your PRs or your #beastmode workout. That’s where Pump Up comes in. It’s Instagram meets Facebook for the health and fitness set. The social platform is the perfect place to post progress photos and motivate other like-minded people to meet their fitness goals. (Free; iOS and Android)
9) Fitmo
Fitmo Personal trainers can be expensive—that’s probably why most of us haven’t done more than the complimentary session we get when signing up for a new gym. But personal trainers can be instrumental in helping us meet our fitness goals. Thankfully Fitmo has made personal training accessible to everyone. For $40 a month, a personal trainer sets up a fitness schedule, suggests meal ideas, and constantly checks in with text messages and video calls. The app also connects with wearables to better track steps and sleep (and keep you honest). ($8.77/month; iOS)
10) Spring
Spring Cranking up some bumpin’ beats is just what the doctor ordered to help you work out faster, stronger, and longer. Spring is an app that builds off that simple principle. DJs curate playlists with songs that have a similar range of beats per minute. All you have to do is run to the beat of the music. Your workout will be done before you know it, and you might even discover a new favorite song. (Free; iOS)