We spend a lot of time staring at our phones. So we might as well use them to help us improve our health and fitness and lead healthier, happier lives.
Workout apps offer a way to do exactly that. The only problem: With more than 2 million options available, finding an app that’s truly worth downloading can be an all-day endeavor.
That’s why we did the work for you. Whether you use an Apple device or an Android phone, you’ll find something to check out below. All of them meet these basic requirements:
Is it highly rated?
Is it user-friendly?
Is it reliable and not buggy?
Can it continue to grow and innovate? In other words, you won’t outgrow it in a few weeks when your fitness improves.
Beyond that, they each offer something unique to make living your best life a little easier. As always, safety is key. If you are a beginner or have a chronic condition (including osteoporosis), balance issues, or injuries, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.
1. Apple Fitness+
Boredom is not an option with this popular app, which is included on all Apple devices. With its user-friendly interface and 12 types of workouts on offer, Apple Fitness+ has something for every fitness level and preference.
There are low-impact routines, including yoga, strength, Pilates, and more. You’ll also find rowing sessions, treadmill runs, and dance workouts that get your heart pumping. There are even guided audio and video meditations to support cognitive health and stress relief. Apple users with auditory or visual impairments can still enjoy the app thanks to its robust accessibility features.
From guided morning walks to mindful bedtime meditations, Apple Fitness+ can help you prioritize well-being throughout your days.
2. SilverSneakers GO
Finally, a fitness app designed with you in mind. SilverSneakers GO offers four- to 12-week strength training, walking, and flexibility and mobility programs that can be tailored to your fitness level.
Within each program, you’ll have access to easy-to-follow exercise demonstrations and tips to modify any movement to fit your comfort level and equipment needs.
Prefer working out with friends? The app will help you find nearby fitness locations and classes. Plus, activity tracking helps you track your progress. Mobile reminders ensure you never miss a workout.
3. Map My Walk
Walking is a fantastic low-impact activity you can do every day to stay healthy, and this app makes it easy to stay on track. You can set personal fitness goals, log your walks, save your favorite routes, and even find new places to walk nearby.
The app also offers audio feedback designed to help you improve every time you head out the door. (Can you go faster? Walk farther?)
Don’t let the name fool you: Beyond walking, you can track more than 600 sports and activities, including cycling, hiking, swimming, yoga, and even your go-to exercise classes.
4. Yoga Studio
Slow down with Yoga Studio’s library of more than 100 ready-made yoga videos and meditations. You can search for classes based on duration (five to 60 minutes); ability (beginner to advanced); focus (balance, strength, relaxation); and intensity (low to high). Or build your own class from a library of 280 poses, complete with detailed instructions for each one.
You can download videos to get your yoga fix anytime—after downloading, you can view the videos without internet access. And if seeing a class on your calendar motivates you, the app’s scheduling feature will be your best friend.
5. C25K 5K Trainer
Ease into jogging and ignite your competitive spirit with an app designed for beginners. C25K, which stands for “Couch to 5K,” will guide you from inexperienced to 5K runner in eight weeks. You’ll start out walking more than jogging and gradually progress until most of your session is spent jogging.
Just press “start,” and let the audio coach guide you through a series of walking and jogging intervals for 30 minutes per day, three days per week. You may want to register for a 5K race so you’re not tempted to skip your session.
6. Chair One Fitness
Have limited mobility but love to dance? This app was created with you in mind. It offers a wide variety of seated dance-based routines for people of varying fitness levels, so it’s truly an accessible way to get moving. The routines incorporate activities of daily living to help build strength and flexibility and boost cardiovascular health. Plus, the app’s simple navigation is a breeze for even the least tech-savvy person.