The Best Workout Apps for Women in 2026: Tried and Tested

Your preferences are your own, but whichever way you lean, these picks should help guide you toward a healthier body or your next personal record. Our Fitbit Sense 2 reviewer noted that despite the “baffling” cutbacks in smart features, he valued the improved interface, a light version of Wear OS. The new physical button for selecting widgets is more reliable than the capacitive touch button of the last generation. The Withings ScanWatch Light and Amazfit Active 2 balance simplicity and value. Oxiline’s Pressure XS Pro and Pulse XS Pro stand out for focused, medical-grade tracking. The Amazfit Bip 6 is another outstanding budget tracker that directly competes with the Huawei Watch Fit 4.

The best walking app overall

“You can follow people on Strava just like on Instagram or Twitter.” Along with that, Strava encourages group challenges and interaction  with other athletes through clubs. If you’re a cyclist, or any endurance athlete, a great app for tracking your bike routes is Strava. Not only is the GPS tracking pretty accurate, but there is a social element that separates it from most other free cycling apps. Boostcamp provides over 1,000 workout plans through the Boostcamp app.

Top pick: Fitbit Inspire 3

This option can be helpful during workouts when you want to immediately check your metrics, but it can drain your battery. However, the third-generation SE has quicker charging capability — over several tests, we averaged anywhere from 50% to 60% more battery after 30 minutes. When it comes to tracking distance, the Fitbit Charge 6 performs well and has built-in GPS, which the Inspire 3 does not. You’ll need a Google account, though, even if you already have the Fitbit app. The Charge 6 added a helpful haptic side button for easy screen navigation.

Nike Training Club – Best Free Guided Workouts

This tracker is capable of providing a plethora of data, analytics, and even predictions & recommendations on all of your training activities in a user-friendly wrist-based device. The Forerunner 265 is our top recommendation for athletes looking to up their performance monitoring capabilities. Sport tracker integrates maps, time and distance calculator to ensure you get correct training record. Install this app if you really want to track your calories burned, training speed, running pace and altitude. Hevy combines serious strength logging with a community-first approach — public workouts, shared routines, and gym-based social discovery.

The best walking app for weight loss

Plus, there are new programs added every month, so you’ll never get bored. Unlike many other apps, each course contains anywhere from four to 64 videos, giving you more control over how much time you’d like to invest. The best way to keep track of your fitness is to use a dedicated fitness tracker or smartwatch and their respective apps. Along with the Mi Smart Band 7, we also tested the Garmin Venu Sq 2 and Garmin Vívomove Sport in 2023. Both devices underperformed in our step count tests, but they do have perks, such as accurate heart-rate readouts and integration with the easy-to-use Garmin app.

Google Play – Health & Fitness

Finding your favorite workout app may require a bit of trial and error since you’ll want to see if you’re looking for a personalized experience or are comfortable with a cookie cutter plan. When I tried out this app, I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell, and what’s great is you get video demonstrations for the different exercises you’ll be doing. The videos also tell you the type of weight you should be using (light, medium, heavy) and the length of time of the exercise. You can also connect with your coach via the chat in the app if you ever have questions about your training or want to chat with other members on your team. Nike Training Club is a free fitness app with a robust workout library that includes one-off workouts as well as periodized programs led by certified instructors.

How to Pick the Right Workout Tracker for You

The app includes Live tracking tool that allows your friends watch your fitness activities while you are working out. Apple’s Activity app tracks your move, exercise and standing goals, closing a series of colourful rings to show progress. The Workout app tracks a vast array of individual sports and activities, including running, walking, hiking, swimming, cycling and yoga. Then there’s the Noise app to monitor your hearing health, the ECG and Heart Rate to monitor your heart and the Breathe app to help you de-stress. The Balance 2 builds on the original Balance with new features, including HYROX training, scuba support, insightful AI-powered coaching that actually works, and a brighter sapphire-glass display. The large 1.5-inch AMOLED display is bright enough for outdoor use, and the upgraded sapphire glass and aluminum frame give the watch a premium, durable feel.

Ladder Strength Training

Android smartphones consist of a wide range of sensors that store data from the installed applications and show us only valuable and informative data. Just like our wearability metric, we evaluated the battery life of each tracker since they’re designed to be worn continuously. In most cases, you’ll need to remove the device to charge it, so a reasonable battery length is an important feature. The unimeal review Venu 3 also has a lovely and large touch screen that makes it very pleasant to use.

More features, more fun. We strive to deliver an experience to match their enthusiasm.

• When you’re finished with your run, it shows how you’ve improved in both aerobic and anaerobic, along with a customized recovery time before your next session.
• It gives so many amazing workout options like kickboxing, running classes, walking classes, yoga, pilates, and HIIT workouts.
• Local running and cycling clubs organize through Strava, coordinating group workouts and challenges.
• It’s one of the best health and fitness app you can find on Google Play.
• We loved the Amazfit’s Personal Activity Scoring Intelligence (PAI) for scoring our fitness, but in order to access more detailed analyses, a subscription is required.
• Nike + integrates in-run audio feedback to track your running performance.

In a one-mile test of how accurately it recorded distance, the Inspire 3 had one of the better tallies, being over by only 0.03 mile. Because these devices are meant to be worn all day, every day, we put a lot of emphasis on comfort, wearability, and user friendliness — of both the device and its companion app. Apple’s foray into fitness apps is great for beginners on a fitness journey. There are streaming classes available in 12 different disciplines, from yoga to strength training to cycling—and you no longer need to have an Apple Watch to use it. Apple product owners can access Fitness+ built into the new Fitness app, with the latest iOS update.

Google Fit- Fitness Tracking

What really matters is having a device that acts like a personal health and fitness coach, guiding your workouts, tracking your progress, and helping you stay on top of your goals. A great fitness smartwatch should do all that; the best ones make it feel effortless. We’re including a second Garmin on our best fitness watch list because the Forerunner 265 delivers training tools that few others match. Runners, cyclists, and swimmers benefit from precise coaching, recovery insights, and detailed post-workout analysis that push them ahead of the pack. Unlike many other Forerunner models that rely on low-resolution, non-touch MIP displays, the 265 features a vibrant AMOLED display. It’s easy to read; whether you’re tracking intervals or checking a message mid-run, Garmin is a great option.

However, you must bear in mind that you are not going to be able to run right from day one. A sub 3 marathon runner, Ironman finisher, 3x Boston Qualifier, David Damron looks to help every other runner feel the overwhelming sense of accomplishment of achieving one’s running goals. By teaching and sharing what he’s learned from 17+ years of running, he’ll help you achieve your goals. He’s not the fastest out there, but he’s always gets to that finish line. It is also important to start slowly, incorporating short walk-run intervals, and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the runs over time. Finally, it is essential to ensure the right fit and comfort when choosing running shoes.

Home Workout by Leap Health

Wall sits are low-impact, making them an excellent option for beginners. They also require no equipment, making them perfect for a calisthenics workout at home. Camaraderie is important; an in-person workout class or buddy can often motivate you. If an app is your go-to workout, you need to hold yourself accountable, but that’s the case with exercise of any type, soit’s not just specific to workout apps. You could risk injury if you’re unfamiliar with certain exercises and how much weight you should use.

Core Exercises for Beginners (with sample beginner core workout)

Gone are the days of tired gym memberships and dog-eared exercise DVDs – the future of fitness is now firmly in the palm of your hand. In recent years, the app store has become a veritable playground for fitness enthusiasts. From AI-powered personal trainers to immersive virtual reality studios, the options for leveling up your fitness routine are both diverse and delightful. Are you aiming to lose weight, build strength, or improve your overall fitness?

Supportive Community or Coaching

Each workout is like a gentle nudge towards better health, perfect for those just starting their fitness journey. When it comes to fitness, we often think of intense workouts, heavy lifting, or long runs. But what if I told you that a simple exercise like arm swings could be just as effective in improving your overall fitness? Arm swing exercises are easy to do, require no equipment, and can be done anywhere. Whether you’re a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, arm swings can help you improve flexibility, strength, and even cardiovascular health.

Incorporating Strength Training and Stretching Exercises

Grokker is a subscription health and fitness video company with over 3,700 expert-led video classes available anytime, anywhere, and on any device. There’s a large library of exercises, it’s easy to navigate, and it’s great for traveling. If you want to try the paid version of the app, it’s $29.99 for a three-month subscription or $79.99 for an annual subscription. Mutasim Sweileh is a seasoned cyclist and avid adventurer with a deep passion for biking. With years of experience exploring various trails and pushing his limits on two wheels, Mutasim has developed a wealth of knowledge about bikes, gear, and the biking community.

• The ability to track the time, location, distance, elevation and speed of your workouts really sounds interesting.
• For these reasons, we score the accountability at 2 out of 5.
• Before you know it, those baby steps snowball into huge progress you can see and feel!
• Once you reach better shape, add some strength training to your workout schedule to strengthen your muscles and protect your joints.
• Your doctor will perform a complete physical examination and check your vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.
• However, we would recommend using another app for workout programs, as the app has a limited library of about 50 workout routines.

We took our real-life experience and in-depth testing methodology to score 10 different categories on a 1-to-5-star rating. We went through the download process, app setup, payment, and of course we tried a variety of workouts (or long-term programs if applicable). Using Aaptiv gives you unlimited access to 8,000 workouts and tons of structured programs.

Safe Tips on How to Get Back Into Running After Gaining Weight

The free version includes in-depth trail information like reviews, conditions, and even directions. You can also save your favorite trails or share your adventures with friends on other social media. ClassPass has some community and interactive features you may enjoy. You can invite friends to class and earn rewards or connect with friends on the app. The app also rewards you with badges to celebrate fitness milestones that you can share with your friends. You can even view your friends’ training and compete alongside the entire Flex community while maintaining your workout streaks and charts to monitor your progress and personal records.

Why Beginners Love Programs That Combine Workouts and Education

The Bodyweight app might be the best option for travelers looking for quick, effective workouts that they can do anywhere. The free version is a fitness training program with minute bodyweight workouts that require no equipment. A full-body workout for overweight beginners is an excellent way to start your fitness journey no matter where you are in your wellness. While aerobic exercise has a reputation for burning calories, strength training helps maintain or build muscle as a person loses weight elsewhere. By committing to a tailored exercise and diet plan developed by you and your doctor, anyone with life-threatening excess weight can make great strides with their health.

Bodyweight Strength Training

Yangzey Sherpa leads content strategy at FitBudd, overseeing content planning and execution across fitness-focused digital channels. With over five years of experience in SEO and content, she works closely with the fitness industry to ensure content aligns with the needs of coaches, trainers, and gym owners. Her role keeps her deeply connected to fitness business workflows, coaching models, and how professionals use digital platforms to grow. Proper form is their top concern, especially in strength training and bodyweight exercises. After weeks of at home workout routine practice, beginners feel prepared to explore gym workouts or join group fitness classes. Beginners often start with home workouts because the environment feels comfortable.

The 10 Best Fitness Apps for Home Workouts

Hypertrophy (muscle size increase) comes through progressive overload, so weight training is typically more effective. However, hypertrophy takes a long time and progress takes resellerratings time too. As long as you’re consistent, both forms of exercise will be ideal for building strength. Strength training can help build muscle, improve posture, and reduce the risk of injury.

For these reasons, we score the accountability at 2 out of 5. Nike Training Club is basically a digital personal trainer that will travel anywhere in the world with you. Get fit on the go with 160+ free workouts full of everything from yoga to strength training. Training and nutrition cost $3.35 a week, while training only costs $2.30 a week. With the purchase of either one, you’ll get access to personalized training plans in the Bodyweight, Gym, and Running apps.

Turning Workout Apps Into a Marketing Tool

This makes them an ideal audience for your coaching because they are already taking action. If you have been on the fence about purchasing a Peloton and starting a workout plan, read on to see the advice I followed when starting my weight loss and health journey. This side-by-side comparison shows how None to Run offers a more gradual, sustainable approach for people who’ve found traditional Couch to 5K programs too aggressive.

We know that a subscription fee of $199 per month is nothing to sneeze at. We also know that most personal trainers charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on your area. Motivated to kickstart your weight loss journey but dread the thought of crowded gyms or lengthy commutes?

Needless to say, finding the best workout app was a must for my Digital Nomad journey. But she’s the woman responsible for getting me in the best shape of my life. The Yoga Studio app provides most of the pros of a live yoga class, but lets you go at your own pace with step-by-step instructions.

Explore Different Apps

You can switch your program easily and take on-demand classes, adding the odd barre session to your planner. During testing, we loved the range of workouts but found it a little irritating having to bend down and manually skip between exercises. It wasn’t enough to put us off using the app regularly. We’d also say this app is aimed at women, but there’s no reason why guys couldn’t follow the training plans. Although many workout apps have filters to select the type of session you want, they only sometimes cater to your specific needs.

Personal Fitness Goals: What Do You Want to Achieve?

Fitness apps can ease this transition by providing structure, guidance, and motivation. But with so many options out there, finding the perfect beginner-friendly workout app can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll help you sift through the noise to find the best workout apps for beginners to kickstart your fitness journey with confidence, ease, and motivation.

Personalized Virtual Coaching at a Premium Price

The progress tracker is a gem, providing real-time feedback that’s both informative and motivating. GGR expert product tester Amanda Capritto says it’s user-friendly, which will be helpful for beginners. “It’s easy to navigate the workouts, blog articles, recipe and meal plan ideas, and a motivational social media-style feed,” says Amanda. Overall, Amanda rates Nike Training Club a 5-out-of-5-star rating for getting started and ease of use. The Nike Training Club app isn’t perfect, but it’s 100% free and offers a low-stakes starting point if you’re new to exercise.

Are There Any Downsides to Workout Apps?

By the end of the day, we may feel drained and low on energy. I encourage you to set a time during your day and include exercise as part of your daily self-care routine to help you feel better. Not only will exercise make you feel good, but it will also help you cultivate and create the energy that we need as moms to get through the day.

Why Beginners Love Customized Fitness Plans

Her handle used to be @hardcoreainsley and that’s an understatement. They include a lot of weight training and interval cardio workouts that could be done at home or in the gym. Your custom plan will include very specific instructions for 4-5 days of workouts and detailed menus that change every week. You’ll share progress pics each week and have access to her via email to ask any questions or share issues you are having with your plan. You get started mad muscles by calculating your caloric needs, reviewing the meal plan, and taking your ‘before’ photos.

Best Workout Apps for Beginners to Jumpstart Your Fitness

“I liked the approach with this app and having a section for workout, meditation and food recipes,” one tester says. Many specialized programs help you build strength and stay motivated, like the 13-week muscle-building program Centr Power. They sell all the necessary equipment to outfit an incredible home gym setup. Regarding app setup, Erin needed some help during the initial setup process with her S22i bike.

Ultimate Florida Staycation Guide Local Vacation Destinations

They’re also often nervous about what to expect when they begin. Using a workout app can help remove some guesswork from this process. These apps can help you make better decisions when starting a new fitness routine.

• The beauty of boxing is that you can learn the basic moves with just a few pieces of equipment.
• As a health and fitness coach and a mom of two, I have been using home workout apps for almost three years now.
• You may like knowing that the free version of the app is ad-free and grants you access to the entire exercise library, which has over 500 movements.
• Anyone who has some experience with HIIT workouts at home or in the gym.
• The Yoga Studio app provides most of the pros of a live yoga class, but lets you go at your own pace with step-by-step instructions.
• Work out anywhere with celebs and world-class trainers who will motivate you to reach your goals.

Jump Rope Training

This app also contains nutritional videos and cooking shows, and even a meditation and relaxation center. It combines fitness, healthy nutrition, and peer support to help you succeed in reaching your goals. You even get access to a coach and their private health and fitness group community. This app can be streamed on almost everything from a phone to a Roku so you’ll never miss a workout. The Nike Training Club app has great classes and is totally free! In this app, you can browse routines by workout type or muscle group.

You can read the details of our experience in our Future app review. Suppose you were to sign up for Caliber Preimum’s customized coaching. In that case, you’ll not only have high-quality videos to refer to, but you can also record videos of yourself performing a certain exercise and send them to your coach. You likely won’t get real-time feedback, but our product tester Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, tested the Premium version and reports coaches to respond ASAP.

Beginner-Friendly Features of the Caliber App for Strength Training

You’ll have the chance to watch and listen to the movement cues a few times before starting a new workout. You think moving at your own pace and watching videos multiple times will benefit you over fast-paced on-demand or live classes. You may like knowing that the free version of the app is ad-free and grants you access to the entire exercise library, which has over 500 movements. The app generates workouts from your initial questionnaire based on your equipment, desired frequency, goals, and age.

You are guided by a real fitness instructor on screen, not an anonymous avatar. According to Statista, the global fitness app market is projected to reach over $14 billion by 2026, with the USA being one of the biggest contributors. Gravitus specializes in barbell calculations—plate loading, 1RM estimation, and percentage-based training math. Yes, complete flexibility in workout structure madmuscles app review and exercise selection.

Centr: Best All-In-One Fitness, Nutrition & Mindfulness App

To join Apple Fitness Plus, you can try it out for free for up to three months and then have the option to pay month-to-month, $10 or $80 for the year. If you’re on a family plan, you can share access to Apple Fitness Plus with up to five family members. NRC features “Guided Runs” where a coach talks to you through your headphones. They give you instructions on intervals, form, and pacing while you run.

Best Workout Tracker App for 2026: Top 7 Options Reviewed

All of these options are available through the Zwift Companion app. Zwift comes with multiple programs; for example, there is Return to Running, which lasts for 8 weeks and steadily increases in difficulty as you improve. Each plan includes stages to add variety and increase difficulty over time. Multiple running and cycling plans are available with a paid subscription. The best part of this app is that it’s free and provides access to numerous resources, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

Fitness Guides

• It keeps your workout plan at eye level and your phone off the ground.
• It’s ideal for guys who want high athletic output but have very little time.
• Strength training is a good practice to get into at any stage of life, but it’s even more important with the onset of perimenopause.
• On sign-up, you’ll find several filters to tap through, including workout duration, equipment, current fitness level, and the muscles you want to target during your workout.
• Strengthlog specializes in powerlifting and percentage-based strength programming.
• Gravitus specializes in barbell calculations—plate loading, 1RM estimation, and percentage-based training math.

Start with the included version and upgrade only if you need premium strength analytics. 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. You can even follow a program over the course of a month and decide how often you’re looking to work out. Because Nike is such a big name in fitness, many of its workouts draw inspiration from famous athletes, such as Simone Biles and Serena Williams.

What’s the most reliable way to track progressive overload?

We want you to feel confident using free weights and gym equipment, not stuck on the same light dumbbells forever. Your strength gains, energy and confidence should show up in everyday life as well as the mirror. We don’t just code apps, we craft the idea by using advanced features that deliver a satisfying fitness experience. Our team helps businesses create scalable, engaging, and future-ready fitness apps.

BetterMe: Best Pilates Fitness & Wellness App

Resistance bands are the second most-useful tool in any home gym, second to dumbbells, but much easier to store. This one from MyProtein comes in several resistances and is even more budget-friendly, making it the perfect workout companion for those short on space or anyone preferring not to have dumbbells at home. Behind WeGLOW you will find world class trainers such as Stef Williams, Alex Seefeldt and Mara Cimatoriubs, plus a wider team of fitness experts, developers and content specialists.

JEFIT

However, if you want more detailed analytics to monitor your performance and key metrics, you need apps like Hevy, Strava, and Zwift. StretchIt doesn’t provide the option to log one-off sessions like a run or gym workout. It only allows you to complete the scheduled workout according to your plan. StretchIt can generate a variety of mobility and flexibility programs based on goals, your preferred length (traditionally a bit longer than one month), weekly frequency, and session duration. BetterMe’s paid version generates workout programs based on goals, experience, preferred exercise frequency, and other factors.

Training Programs Included

However, I’ve also made sure to include plenty of options for those with no equipment at all, and those who have access to a full gym. That process helped us build our own internal list of the best features and highlight gaps others miss. Our members often tell us they have already tested the best workout apps before landing on WeGLOW, which gives us a clear view of what actually helps them get their workout done consistently.

Analytics & Progress Tracking

It offers zero flexibility, but for a beginner trying to build a strength foundation, that rigidity is exactly what makes it work. The interface is a little denser than Hevy, but the community aspect is huge—you can download routines created by other users. If you want to try a specific program but don’t know how to build it, you can probably find it here. BodyPump is the original strength class and the one I’d recommend. While the instructors in the class use the Les Mills Smartbar, you can actually use any weight you have to hand to do the workout.

Is 30 minutes of strength training a day enough?

However, Jefit’s extensive routine library includes comprehensive powerlifting programs alongside bodybuilding, general strength, and sport-specific training—offering more versatility. Research on mobile training apps shows that, compared with “do it yourself” exercise, guided workout apps can increase physical activity, improve adherence and support healthier lifestyles over several months. That is why choosing the best workout app, rather than just any app, matters for your long term health and fitness. Adidas Training focuses on bodyweight workouts, making it great for people who don’t have access to gym equipment. You can choose between quick sessions or full plans, and the app adapts to your progress.