Best Fitness Apps to Try Out

Fitness apps not only provide a wealth of information but also come with easy-to-use interfaces that align with your fitness goals.

But with so many apps out there, it can be tough to figure out which one deserves a spot on your home screen. Do you want an app that’s tailored to your specific training interests, or one that covers a range of disciplines?

And what about having access to a personal trainer – do you prefer going solo, or do you need that extra push?

To help you navigate the app store, we’ve tested out 19 digital platforms, done extensive research, and delved into countless customer reviews to narrow down our favorite fitness apps available right now.

Best Fitness Apps You Should Know About

1. Future Fitness and Training App

Specifications:

• Monthly Cost: $199
• Required Equipment: Bodyweight, Home Gym, Commercial Gym
• Training Focus: Strength and Conditioning
• Compatibility: iOS, Android

Pros:

• Personalized workout regimens crafted by a dedicated personal trainer.
• Video demonstrations for each exercise enhance understanding and execution.
• In-app communication facilitates motivation and accountability.

Cons:

• The $199 monthly fee might be steep for some users.
• Recording workouts is necessary for form and technique feedback.
• Manual logging of each workout may be too hands-on for some individuals.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive training experience filled with motivation, guidance, and interaction, subscribing to Future is a strong recommendation. While the monthly fee of $199 may seem high, it essentially provides you with a virtual personal trainer at your fingertips, whether on your phone, watch, or TV.

Future stands out for its personalized approach. After a brief quiz covering your fitness level, goals, injury history, and coaching preferences, you’re matched with a dedicated instructor. A video introduction with your coach sets the stage for a customized plan based on your abilities and available equipment.

Not having a squat rack or a range of weights is no issue; your coach can incorporate bodyweight exercises if your equipment is limited. The inclusion of informative videos for each prescribed exercise is particularly valuable for beginners concerned about maintaining correct form.

For those unsure about their technique, the option to record and send workout videos for analysis adds an extra layer of communication. While some may find this task cumbersome, it exemplifies the effective communication channels within Future.

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The app allows seamless back-and-forth messaging with your instructor and even offers the option for video calls when more in-depth discussions are needed. Daily check-ins, workout log reminders, and improvement tips ensure that your coach keeps you on track and motivated.

In terms of user experience, we encountered no glitches or lag while navigating the app. The compatibility with smartwatches enhances convenience during training, and the ability to stream workouts to a larger screen provides added support when tackling new and challenging exercises.

2. Caliber Fitness App

Specifications:

• Monthly Cost: Starting at $200
• Required Equipment: Bodyweight, Home Gym, Commercial Gym
• Training Focus: Strength Training
• Compatibility: iOS, Android

Pros:

• Caliber offers group training plans at $19 per month and individualized coaching starting at $200 monthly.
• A free, ad-free version includes a comprehensive exercise library with over 500 loggable movements.
• Individual coaching plans provide guidance on nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mobility.

Cons:

• Some instructional videos may experience loading difficulties.
• The individualized plan’s cost may be prohibitive for some users.
• The app lacks synchronization with Garmin, Fitbit, or Strava-powered devices.

Having a personal trainer is invaluable for maintaining dedication to your training, nutrition, and overall wellness, but hiring an individual can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, Caliber addresses diverse budgetary considerations with three subscription tiers.

For a budget-friendly option, there’s a group-oriented Pro version priced at $19 per month. The Premium version, starting at $200 monthly, offers personalized coaching.

There’s also a free version, which, while lacking coaching support, provides access to a library of trackable workouts and instructional videos, all without ads.

Caliber’s primary focus is on strength training, complemented by tailored programming for bodyweight training. The emphasis is on progressive overload in specific exercises, a strategy favored for promoting muscle growth and strength.

At the Pro level, users can choose from programs catering to beginners, intermediate to advanced exercisers, weight loss, and bodyweight-only workouts. The active chat feature fosters a community where users can ask questions and receive feedback, creating a supportive environment.

For those desiring one-on-one guidance, Caliber excels. Personalized fitness regimens align with training goals and nutrition habits, offering daily access to coaches through the in-app chat.

Weekly check-ins and scheduled video chats (depending on the chosen package) provide opportunities to discuss progress and performance strategies. The workouts are tailored to available equipment, enhancing the user experience.

The free version of Caliber, not just a trial, boasts over 600 loggable exercises for users to follow or customize. While our tester noted occasional video lag, this feature is valuable for athletes who prefer self-guided workouts. The ad-free nature of the free version adds to its appeal in the app landscape.

3. iFit Fitness App

Specifications:

• Monthly Cost: $39
• Required Equipment: iFit-enabled Cardio Machine, Bodyweight, Dumbbells, Exercise Mat
• Training Focus: Cardio, Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness, Barre
• Compatibility: iOS, Android

Pros:

• Access to a vast library of over 17,000 live and on-demand workouts.
• Compatibility with various cardio machines allows for on-equipment streaming.
• Regular challenges provide a dynamic and entertaining workout experience.

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Cons:

• Studio-style workouts may not cater to those seeking a more personalized experience.
• The home screen might feel crowded with information and workouts upfront.
• Certain workouts require an iFit-compatible cardio machine, potentially incurring additional costs.

For those aiming to recreate a studio-like training environment at home, iFit stands out with its extensive library featuring over 17,000 live and on-demand classes.

The app is designed to work seamlessly with a range of cardio machines, including those from NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, and Matrix. This flexibility allows users to choose from various workout disciplines such as HIIT, pilates, yoga, and barre, both on and off cardio machines.

The diversity of workouts offered by iFit ensures a varied and engaging experience, whether you’re on a treadmill or incorporating a quick stretching circuit into your routine.

Our tester, using the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike, found it easy to select different sessions daily, including trainer-led workouts, HIIT circuits, and virtual rides through scenic locations via Google Maps.

One standout feature is iFit’s AutoAdjust capability on compatible devices, automatically adjusting incline and speed settings according to the instructor’s guidance.

This technology allows users to stay focused on their performance throughout the entire session without the need for frequent pauses or manual adjustments. While exclusive to iFit-enabled devices, this feature adds significant value to the overall experience.

However, potential drawbacks include the preference for studio-style workouts, which may not suit those seeking a more personalized approach. Some users might find the home screen a bit crowded due to the abundance of information and workout options.

Additionally, certain workouts require an iFit-compatible cardio machine, potentially leading to additional expenses. Despite these considerations, iFit remains a compelling option for those looking for a diverse and interactive fitness app experience, particularly if they own compatible cardio equipment.

4. Noom Fitness App

Specifications:

• Monthly Cost: $70
• Equipment Required: None
• Training Focus: Nutrition and Wellness
• Compatibility: iOS, Android

Pros:

• Utilizes a psychology-based approach to enhance the user’s relationship with food and promote sustainable weight loss.
• Subscription includes access to a health coach and a supportive community of app users.
• User-friendly interface noted for easy navigation.

Cons:

• Manual logging of each meal may be tedious and time-consuming for some users.
• The activity tracker does not sync with non-walking activities on fitness trackers.
• Athletes seeking a more rigid diet plan may find the flexibility of food options less appealing.

If you’re in need of a supportive system for your weight loss journey, Noom deserves a spot on your home screen. This unique program adopts a psychology-based approach to redefine your connection with food.

The lessons incorporated into the regimen focus on identifying eating habits, understanding diet-related emotions, and cultivating lifestyle changes linked to nutrition.

Our tester appreciated the distinct approach Noom took to weight loss, emphasizing the development of habits for long-term success in weight maintenance.

Unlike other apps that concentrate on caloric deficits, Noom serves as a coach to help users establish sustainable habits for achieving and maintaining their desired body weight.

Noom employs a color-coded system to categorize foods based on calorie count, with green indicating low-calorie options and red signifying high-calorie foods. This flexible approach to food choices was well-received by our tester, who quickly adapted to being mindful of their intake.

To monitor daily caloric intake, users need to log each meal. While this level of involvement may not suit everyone, our tester found the process straightforward due to the app’s simple user interface. Users can look up food in the app’s library, scan barcodes, or manually create entries if needed.

Activity tracking is also part of the regimen, with the app pairing with fitness trackers to monitor weight and daily step count. However, manual entry is required for non-walking activities.

The psychological aspect of Noom’s weight loss approach, with its less rigid guidelines on food choices, can be challenging. To address this, Noom provides robust support through a health coach and an online community of users. Both resources proved valuable in maintaining motivation throughout the regimen.

While Noom offers a unique app experience, it is one that we believe is worthwhile for athletes aiming to shed a few pounds and sustain their weight loss in the long run.

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