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Personal trainers and analysts from Good Housekeeping say these are the best workout apps for 2024

Stream the most motivating workout classes right on your phone.

Personal trainers and analysts from Good Housekeeping say these are the best workout apps for 2024

Stream the most motivating workout classes right on your phone.

AND FINISH STRONG THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR. HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING AT. THE TOP OF THE YEAR ALL 11 MONTHS PALE IN COMPARISON WHEN WE SEE OUR NEW JOINTS IN JANUARY, PEOPLE PACK PLANET FITNESS FOR A FRESH START ON FITNESS GOALS, AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT. SO, TEDDY, WHAT’S A GOOD WAY FOR BEGINNERS TO GET STARTED? YES, I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE TO GRAVITATE TO WHAT THEY ALREADY KNOW, WHICH IS CARDIO OR STRENGTH EQUIPMENT. BUT THIS 30 MINUTE CIRCUIT IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO DO IT IN PLANET FITNESS. LET ME GET YOU TO SIT DOWN ON THIS PIECE. THE CIRCUIT WORKS BOTH STRENGTH AND CARDIO, AND 120 STATION CIRCUIT WORK BY THE TIMER THAT YOU SEE IN THE BACKGROUND. LET ME GET YOU TO COME RIGHT OVER INTO THE CARDIO. MY SECOND STOP? YES. RIGHT AFTER YOU WORK YOUR LOWER BODY. NOW YOU WORK YOUR HEART, WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSCLE IN THE BODY. YOU RELEASE THE ENDORPHINS AND YOU FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. THE BURN, I LOVE IT. THANK YOU. BUT IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING STARTED. IT’S ABOUT STAYING CONSISTENT. TEDDY SAYS. PLANET FITNESS STARTS TO SEE ATTENDANCE DROP A COUPLE MONTHS INTO THE YEAR, SO MARCH IS WHERE WE REALLY SEE THAT WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO CALL A CLIFF. WE WANT TO HELP BRIDGE THAT GAP. SO THIS YEAR WE DON’T SEE THAT BIG DROP OFF IN MARCH. AND THAT MEANS OFFERING SOME TIPS. NUMBER ONE, TAKE IT SLOW AT FIRST. NUMBER TWO, START WITH THE DYNAMIC WARM UPS. NUMBER THREE, MAKE SURE YOU REST AND RECOVER. AND FINALLY SET BREADCRUMB GOALS. BREADCRUMB KNOWS ATTAINABLE GOALS. LIKE YOU SAID, EVERY DAY I JUST WANT TO SHOW UP FOR MYSELF TODAY. I WANT TO DO 1% MORE THAN I DID THE DAY BEFORE. BRENDA COLEMAN HAS BEEN DOING THAT SINCE SHE STARTED HER FITNESS JOURNEY TEN YEARS AGO. I ENDED UP HAVING OPEN HEART SURGERY AND IF I DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE TO, TO USE A LOT OF MEDICINES AND THINGS OF THAT SORT, THEN IT WAS CERTAIN THINGS THAT I HAD TO DO. AND ONE OF THOSE THINGS WAS, IS EXERCISING. TEN YEARS LATER, COLEMAN IS STILL EXERCISING AND STILL SHOWING UP. I FEEL GREAT WHEN I WORK OUT. I FEEL GUILTY WHEN I DON’T WORK OUT. PROOF THAT SOMETIMES FITNESS GOALS CAN TURN INTO
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Personal trainers and analysts from Good Housekeeping say these are the best workout apps for 2024

Stream the most motivating workout classes right on your phone.

Though it’s not always easy to find the time to make it to the gym, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of working out altogether. By downloading one of the best workout apps straight to your tablet or phone, you can choose from a variety of workout classes and activities — including yoga, HIIT, strength training, stretching and more.

Best of all, workout apps make it possible to squeeze in a quick 10-minute ab session from the comfort of your home. Though these services typically have subscription fees associated, some are totally free so there’s really an app out there for every budget and style.

Our top picks:

  • Best Overall:
  • Best for Men:
  • Best for Personal Training:
  • Best for Barre:
  • Best for Group Fitness:
  • Best for Free Workouts:
  • Best for Variety:
  • Best for Community:
  • Best for Women:
  • Best for Yoga:
  • Best for Toning:
  • Best for Runners & Cyclists:

The personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts and product analysts at the test everything from the most engaging to must-have and buzzy . In the past year alone, our pros have put more than 20 workout apps to the test, evaluating each one for its intuitiveness, variety of exercise options and price. We also considered feedback from on their experience using apps, including how challenging the workout felt, the class quality and more.

After reading our reviews below, head to the end of this guide to find out what makes the best workout app. For more of the , consult out guides to the , and .

Can't see the reviews below? Click here for the best viewing experience!

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    Apple
    1

    Apple Fitness+

    Apple

    Apple Fitness+ has been growing in popularity over the past few years for its robust library of studio-style workouts, with new classes added every week.

    Previously, the service was exclusive to Apple Watch users, but the brand has since expanded access to anyone with a compatible iPhone, Apple TV or iPad. From HIIT to core and yoga, Fitness+ offers a wide variety of classes and rounds it out by tracking metrics through your Apple Watch. "I loved that this service tracked and displayed your pulse throughout the whole workout and gave you feedback about how your rate recovered after the workout," one tester says.

    Our experts who found instructors skilled and energetic, and we appreciate that there are always two to four trainers per class to show easy exercise modifications to suit all fitness levels. Plus, the production quality of classes is top-notch and paired with fantastic playlists that keep you motivated.

    Cost: $10/month or $80/year (and three months free with most new iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Apple TV purchases)

    Pro: Multiple trainers in each class provide tons of modifications for all levels

    Con: Only available on compatible Apple devices

    Available on

    2

    Alo Moves

    Alo
    $13.00

    Featuring barre, Pilates, yoga, HIIT, meditation, quick ab workouts and more than 3,000 classes, it’s hard not to love this . The app is easy to navigate so you can find the right workout for you, and new classes are added on a regular basis so you never have to take the same one twice.

    Our pros love the impressive production quality of each class, not to mention the quality of the content, as well as Alo’s engaging instructors. Testers especially like being able to find easy-to-follow, accessible and motivating workouts for all fitness levels. Another perk: You can download workouts straight to your phone so you can practice yoga outside, even if there's no Wi-Fi connection.

    • Cost: $13/month, $129/year

    • Pro: Fantastic class content and instructors

    • Con: Limited filters when searching in the app

    Available on

    3

    Choose your plan

    obefitness.com
    $14.17

    Known for its neon-colored workout videos and upbeat instructors, this motivating app features 20-plus types of workout classes, from sculpting and barre to HIIT and cardio boxing. You can stream six days a week or choose one of over 10,000 on-demand classes. When testing the app, our pros liked the app's easy-to-use interface as well the wide variety of class types, which were lively, engaging and fun.

    We also love that you can download up to 30 classes in the app so you can keep up with your fitness routine when you're on vacation and Wi-Fi access is limited. While equipment isn't required for many of Obe's high-energy classes, you can increase the intensity by adding .

    Cost: $25/month, $170/year

    Pro: Fun and engaging fitness content for all levels, including live classes

    Con: iOS app is easier to use than Android version

    Available on or

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    Nike
    4

    Nike Training Club

    Nike

    The Nike Training Club app has fantastic classes and doesn’t put a price on health and fitness. With an intuitive interface, the app lets you browse routines by workout type, muscle group or equipment. It even features useful nutrition and wellness tips. Our testers loved the range of workouts offered and noted that there were programs suited for varying fitness levels, including those for workout novices as well as more advanced athletes.

    "There were different programs for different ability levels, which is great for everyone!" one tester says. Our fitness experts also appreciate that classes are efficient and easy to follow and that the app offers high-intensity workouts for small spaces, making it a great choice for anyone seeking apartment-friendly fitness. "This service was very easy to use and perfect for a quick at-home workouts," another tester shares.

    Cost: Free

    Pros: Caters to all fitness levels and offers a wide variety of workouts

    Con: Can take up quite a bit of space on your smartphone

    Available on or

    5

    BODi

    beachbody.com
    $360.00

    BODi (formerly Beachbody On Demand) has consistently impressed our experts with its lively, invigorating classes and programs led by high-quality instructors. It has a feel that we love, and testers gave it top scores, thanks to a wide variety of classes and activities offered, ranging from challenging boot camps to Pilates.

    The app itself is easy to navigate, and you’re able to search for classes and programs based on your needs and interests. Get started by choosing from a variety of programs, like a six-week cardio plan or a two-month hip-hop program that focuses on ab work, that you can stream from your living room.

    Cost: $90/three months, $179/year

    Pros: Huge selection of class and workout programs, motivating instructors

    Con: Minimum three-month membership required

    Available on or

    6

    Tone It Up

    Tone It Up
    $15.00

    From trainers Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott, Tone It Up offers tons of incredible fitness classes, from toning and sculpting to pregnancy and postnatal content. You'll also find great strength training, dance, kickboxing and barre programs, all available at a variety of levels and intensities.

    A favorite of our fitness experts, we appreciate that many workouts are beginner-friendly for those looking to tone and sculpt and that a lot of the content incorporates for an added challenge. We're also grateful that you can schedule workouts in the app and receive reminders before it's time to start.

    Cost: $15/month or $100/year

    Pros: Great low-impact workouts available, large supportive community of over 1 million TIU members

    Con: Most content behind a paywall

    Available on or

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    7

    Centr

    Centr

    Centr is a comprehensive fitness and wellness app created by Chris Hemsworth and his hand-selected team of health professionals. Not only does the app deliver effective workouts ranging from HIIT to strength and Pilates, but the program is complete with nutrition guidance, meal plans and healthy recipes curated by chefs to help you achieve your wellness goals.

    It's a great choice for anyone seeking a lifestyle change. "I liked the approach with this app and having a section for workout, meditation and food recipes," one tester says. Our experts also appreciate that many of the specialized programs help you build strength and stay motivated, like the 13-week muscle-building program, .

    Cost: $29.99/month, $59.99/3 months or $199.99/year

    Pro: Excellent strength training workout selection

    Con: Unable to download workouts beforehand

    Available on or

    8

    FUTURE

    FUTURE

    You'll get the best of both worlds with this workout app that combines personal training with the convenience of working out at home on your own schedule. Start by matching with a human trainer based on your goals and fitness level, and you train all month for the price of what one personal training session would typically cost at a high-end gym.

    Just note that although you have a live call at first, you won't physically see your trainer during every session. Instead, you'll be able to interact with them via the app's messaging platform to share any feedback or request adjustments to your fitness program. Our experts love that each weekly training plan and workout is customized to your goals and includes audio and video guides for every movement. We also appreciate Future's emphasis on tracking your progress so you can see real improvements and stay accountable.

    Cost: $199/month

    Pro: Personalized workouts and weekly training programs created just for

    9

    Peloton App

    onepeloton.com

    Peloton is not just for those with the brand’s bike, treadmill or rower. In fact, you don't need anything to benefit from the Peloton app's seemingly endless class options (both live and on-demand), including spin and running but also yoga, barre, , strength training, stretching and more.

    Testers loved the varied workout categories, duration of classes, motivational trainers and the general sense of community the app encourages. "It was quick and simple to find whatever type of class you were in the mood for, and for however long you'd like the class to be," one tester says. Others were wowed by the feeling that they were right in the studio — some instructors even spoke to them with their leaderboard name!

    Cost: $13/month, $129/year

    Pros: Top industry instructors, huge workout community and class library

    Con You won't be able to take advantage of certain metrics if you don't have Peloton equipment

    Available on or

    RELATED:

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    10

    SWEAT

    sweat.com
    11

    Glo

    glo.com

    Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a downward dog beginner, Glo’s 5,000 classes (and counting!) make it the ultimate pick for practitioners at every level. Download the app, grab your and take a quiz to get personalized recommendations, then search for and follow your favorite teachers. We especially love that you can download sessions to do later — perfect when you won't have access to Wi-Fi.

    You can enjoy live classes with other Glo members, and you're able to search based on class duration, practice, instructor, body part, intensity level and more. Testers also appreciate that the app offers meditation content.

    Cost: $30/month, $245/year

    Pro: Content available for all levels

    Con: Specializes primarily in yoga and Pilates classes

    Available on or

    RELATED:

    12

    Strava

    Strava

    Yoga and barre not your thing? Strava is a workout app made for all the runners, cyclists and hikers out there. It tracks important stats (like speed, pace, elevation and more) so you can improve your performance over time.

    Plus, it offers monthly challenges and competitions to help keep you on your toes. You'll also be able to connect with the Strava community, as well as your contacts and Facebook friends. If you opt for the premium Strava Summit membership, you'll get a more detailed analysis of your performance and access to a safety feature that shares your location with designated contacts while you run.

    Cost: Free

    Pros: Easy and free way to track your stats and find new routes

    Con: Does not offer fitness classes

    Available on or

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    Hearst Owned
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    How we test workout apps

    The fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab have evaluated dozens of workout apps in the past year, along with real-life feedback from our .

    To select our top picks, we focused on apps with great content variety, effective workouts, motivating instructors and user-friendly interfaces. We also took into account cost, whether or not you can download the content to use offline at a later time and how often new classes and programs are added to the platforms.

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    How to choose the best workout app for you

    When selecting the ideal workout app, you'll want to consider the following:

    ✔️ Personal fitness goals: Are you looking to tone and sculpt, build significant muscle, improve your cardio endurance or all of the above? Pinpoint what you're hoping to get out of your fitness routine and then select the most appropriate app based on your needs. Take your interests into account as well and what forms of exercise you actually enjoy doing.

    ✔️ Cost: Most apps offer some sort of free trial, so you can give it a road test before committing to the full month or year subscription. Investing in your health is important, but the price and how it plays into your monthly budget is an important factor to consider.

    ✔️ Intensity: If you're new to fitness, you'll want to make sure that whatever app you commit to has entry-level options and offers modifications during each class. The best workout apps have content for all levels and cater to all body sizes too.

    ✔️ Community: When you're exercising at home, you may miss the camaraderie of in-person gyms and group fitness classes. But with more and more people working out at home, many apps offer huge supportive communities with options to motivate each other on the app itself and in its related social media groups.

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    What is the best workout app?

    The best workout app may not be the same for everyone, but our experts’ and testers’ favorites all have a few things in common. First, the best workout apps will feature a large variety of original exercise content for all different fitness levels. Classes should be led by motivating and educated fitness instructors so you stay challenged.

    The workout app should also be super easy to navigate so you can quickly find a class that you’re interested in. A robust community that you're able to engage with is a nice perk to have as well, especially since it can help you stay accountable.

    Lastly, our pros favor workout apps with both on-demand and live classes, as well as frequent content additions so you don’t find yourself getting bored. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, and your favorite app may be one with an instructor you love or a class you can't get enough of.

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    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute.

    From vigorously testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. Stefani uses fitness apps several times a week to squeeze in workouts while her infant daughter naps, so she understands the value and convenience of an effective workout app to help you exercise anywhere at any time.

    GH Institute writer and product analyst covers everything from tech and travel to fitness, home and more. She brings years of product review experience to GH and regularly collaborates with GH's Wellness Lab to test and review the best fitness gear, including gadgets like the , , rowers, massage guns and more. Olivia is also a fitness and outdoor enthusiast and the first to jump into trying a new fitness class or app. In her free time, you’ll frequently find her swimming, running, hiking, ice skating, skiing, cycling or practicing yoga.