With so many apps to choose from, however, it can be difficult to determine which platform is the best fit for your home screen. Do you want an app that’s specific to your training interests, or one that caters to a variety of disciplines? What about access to a personal trainer? Can you structure your fitness program on your own, or need a helping hand to keep you moving forward? To help you navigate through the app store, we’ve tested 19 digital platforms, conducted plenty of research, and read through countless customer reviews to land on our favorite fitness apps available today.

The 8 Best Fitness Apps of 2024

• Best Fitness App Overall: Future
• Best Fitness App for Personal Training: Caliber
• Best Fitness App for Live Classes: iFit
• Best Fitness App for Weight Loss: Noom
• Best Fitness App for Strength Training: Juggernaut AI
• Best Budget Fitness App: Living.Fit
• Best Free Fitness App: Nike Training Club
• Best Fitness App for Yoga: Alo Moves

How We Tested

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we downloaded and subscribed to 19 different fitness platforms targeting strength and conditioning, nutrition, cardio, yoga, and other fitness categories.

To land on our top eight recommendations, we first looked to see if these apps were available for both Apple and Android (yes, blue vs. green text has a place in fitness, too). Next, we tested each platform in our personal workout regimens to get a feel for how engaging and helpful these services were.

We looked at how vast the workout libraries were for training-focused apps, as well as how easy it was to track our daily calorie counts for nutrition-based services. Other services, like diet recommendations and personal coaching, were also examined.

We also looked at how costly each service was from a monthly perspective — would these digital services be a smart investment over other options like an in-person dietician or personal trainer? In addition to subscription costs, we also noted the equipment requirements of each fitness app. Could we get by with just the subscription, or would we need to make other investments for additional home gym equipment or an outright gym membership? Here’s what we found. 

Best Fitness App Overall: Future

Future Online Personal Training

Future Online Personal Training

Future offers online personal training in every facet of fitness. Every client gets a certified fitness professional who will prescribe training programs, follow up daily to assess progress, make program adjustments as needed, and offer accountability.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $199
• Equipment Required: Bodyweight, Home Gym, Commercial Gym
• Training Type: Strength and Conditioning
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• You’re paired with a personal trainer that customizes your workout regimen to your needs.
• Each exercise has a video demonstration, making it easier for you to understand the movement.
• The in-app communication with your trainer is great for motivation and accountability.

Cons

• The $199 monthly cost may be too rich for some athletes.
• For form and technique suggestions, you’ll need to record your workouts for your personal trainer.
• You need to manually log each workout, which may be too hands-on for some.

If you’re looking for an immersive training experience that’s rich with motivation, advice, and engagement, we highly recommend subscribing to Future. Yes, the monthly membership is expensive at $199, but with that you’re essentially getting a full-fledged personal trainer in your pocket (or on your watch or TV).

We love how tailored Future is to your specific needs. Once you complete a quick quiz about your fitness level, goals, injury history, and your preferred coaching style, you’re paired with your instructor. You video chat with them for an introduction, and from there, your plan is customized to your abilities and available equipment.

You don’t need a squat rack or bevy of kettlebells and free weights at your disposal, your coach can prescribe bodyweight exercises if you’re limited on training gear.

Our tester also appreciated how informative the workout plans are thanks to the accompanying videos for each prescribed exercise. This can be a great tool for novice athletes that may be nervous about performing certain movements with the correct form.

If you are curious about your technique in a given workout, you can record yourself and send it to your coach for analysis and feedback. This may be a chore for some, but it’s also an example of the great lines of communication at play with Future. You can chat back and forth with your instructor through the app, and even have the opportunity to video call if you need a more involved discussion. Plus, your coach keeps you accountable and motivated with daily check-ins, reminders to log your workouts, and tips on where you can improve.

As far as user experience is concerned, we experienced no bugs or lagging when navigating the app. Our tester also appreciated how Future can be used across their smartwatch for added convenience during training. You can also stream your daily workouts to a nearby TV or monitor for larger viewing needs. We found this especially helpful when tackling new, challenging exercises we hadn’t experienced before.

Read our full Future App Review.

Best Fitness App for Personal Training: Caliber

Caliber

Caliber

With two coaching subscriptions to choose from (one group oriented and one individualized), Caliber can be an excellent tool for guiding your fitness journey. The prescribed workouts can be tailored to your available equipment, and you’re in constant communication with your personal trainer through the app’s chat feature and video call capabilities.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: Starts at $200
• Equipment Required: Bodyweight, Home Gym, Commercial Gym
• Training Type: Strength Training
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• Caliber offers both group and individualized personal training plans for $19 and starting at $200 monthly, respectively.
• There is a free, ad-free version with a full exercise library of over 500 loggable movements.
• One-on-one coaching plans also offer suggestions for nutrition, sleep, hydration, and mobility.

Cons

• Our tester noted that some instructional videos had difficulty loading.
• The individualized plan may be too expensive for some.
• The app does not sync with Garmin-, Fitbit-, or Strava-powered devices.

Having a personal trainer at your disposal can be great for staying diligent in your training, nutrition, and wellness journeys. That said, hiring an individual for these needs can have hourly rates ranging from $25 to over $100. (1) Thankfully, Caliber offers three tiers of subscriptions that cater to a variety of budgets.

There’s a group-oriented Pro version for $19 per month, and a Premium version starting at $200 monthly for individualized coaching. A free version also exists, but doesn’t offer any coaching support but rather a library of trackable workouts and instructional videos.

Caliber’s main objective lies in strength training, but they also have some programming tailored for bodyweight training. Your regimen is designed around progressive overload in select exercises rather than a wide array of movements each week, which we like as progressive overload is one of the best methods for supporting muscle growth and strength increases. (2)

At the Pro level, there are four programs to choose from — one for beginners, one for intermediate to advanced exercisers, one for weight loss, and one for bodyweight-only workouts. Our tester’s experience saw them placed in their desired group with an active chat that allowed users to ask questions and receive feedback as they moved through their programs. Our tester said trainer responses were quickly received, and the community environment was very welcoming as everyone was looking to better themselves.

For athletes wanting one-on-one instruction, we feel this is where Caliber really flexes its muscles. You’re paired with a trainer who creates a structured fitness regimen specific to your training goals and nutrition habits. You have daily access to your coach through the app’s chat feature, as well as weekly check-ins for progress monitoring and regularly scheduled video chats (based on your chosen package) to talk through performance strategies moving forward. Plus, the workouts are built around your available equipment, which we enjoy mightily.

Finally, we can’t ignore Caliber’s free version that’s always available, rather than as a trial. This version of the app offers over 600 loggable exercises that you can follow along with and even build your own regimens from.

While our tester did note that the accompanying video instructions for each movement can lag at times, we really appreciate this option as it provides support for athletes who may not want additional coaching. The free version is ad-free, too, which is always a plus in the app realm.

Best Fitness App for Live Classes: iFit

$25 Off

IFIT Class Subscription

IFIT Class Subscription

The iFit app features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from mental health and recovery to rowing, running, HIIT and strength classes. You can get the full studio experience virtually through iFit, and is a great boost to any home gym set-up — with or without equipment.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $39
• Equipment Required: iFit-enabled Cardio Machine, Bodyweight, Dumbbells, Exercise Mat 
• Training Type: Cardio, Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness, Barre
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• There are over 17,000 live and on-demand workouts to choose from.
• This app is compatible with a variety of cardio machines, which is great for on-equipment streaming.
• You can routinely participate in challenges to keep workouts fresh, challenging, and entertaining.

Cons

• Those looking for a more personalized experience may not enjoy the studio-style workouts.
• Our tester said the home screen can feel busy with all the information and workouts upfront.
• You’ll need an iFit-compatible cardio machine to follow along with certain workouts, which could be an added cost.

Fitness apps can also be great for creating a studio-like training experience right in your own home. In our opinion, iFit’s library of over 17,000 live and on-demand classes is prime for these needs. The service is compatible with a variety of cardio machines from NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, and Matrix, so there’s ample opportunity to get your daily fix. Plus, the platform boasts off-machine workouts catering to such disciplines as HIIT, pilates, yoga, and barre.

We appreciate iFit’s assortment of workouts, which creates a good sense of variety whether following along atop a treadmill or breaking up your sessions with a quick stretching circuit. Our tester, who tested iFit with a NordicTrack S22i exercise bike, said they had no problem choosing a new session day in and day out across the library which included trainer-led workouts, HIIT circuits, and ride-along modules powered by Google Maps that take you through some of the world’s most beautiful environments.

Additionally, iFit offers an AutoAdjust feature on their compatible devices, which automatically toggles your incline and speed settings in tune with your instructor’s commands. We really appreciate this technology that allows us to focus on our performance throughout our entire sessions without having to pause or break to keep our machines aligned to the workout. This feature is only available on iFit-enabled devices, but it’s still a perk to consider.

Looking at the user experience, we had no instances of lagging or bug-riddled interfaces, navigation was intuitive, and the filters when searching for your desired workout are easy to toggle. While our tester said that the home screen can feel busy at times — there is a lot of information upfront — they did get used to the layout rather quickly.

We do recommend paying close attention to the equipment requirements before hopping into a session, though. This information is sort of buried in the details, and you could be left scrambling for a dumbbell or resistance band mid-workout if you don’t do your homework prior.

An iFit subscription is available for $39 monthly, but we appreciate how the platform offers discounts for more dedicated subscriptions, meaning you can save money with longer commitments.

Currently, iFit offers one-year memberships for $396 — a savings of $72. Two-year memberships cost $699 ($237 in savings). A third and final three-year membership is also available for $899, or $505 saved when compared to a monthly subscription for the same duration.

Read our full iFit Review.

Best Fitness App for Weight Loss: Noom

Noom

Noom

Noom combines psychology and behavioral science with traditional weight loss features like meal and activity tracking, personal coaches, and online communities to help customers adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $70
• Equipment Required: N/A
• Training Type: Nutrition and Wellness
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• This app uses a psychology-based approach to help you improve your relationship with food and help sustain your weight loss in the future.
• Your subscription includes access to a health coach as well as a supportive community of fellow app users.
• Our tester notes that the user interface is easy to navigate.

Cons

• Logging each meal manually can be tedious and time-consuming for some athletes.
• The activity tracker does not sync with your fitness tracker for non-walking activities.
• Athletes needing a more rigid diet plan may not appreciate the flexibility of food options.

Need a support system for your weight loss journey? We suggest giving Noom a spot on your home screen. This unique weight loss program takes a psychological approach to redefining your relationship with food. The lessons prescribed throughout your regimen are designed to help you identify your eating habits, understand your diet-related emotions, and develop lifestyle changes associated with your nutrition.

Our tester appreciated this approach to weight loss, as they felt it set them up for future success in terms of losing weight and actually keeping it off. Where other weight loss apps help you hit goals through caloric deficits, Noom acts as a coach to help you develop the necessary habits for maintaining your desired body weight.

Additionally, the app uses a color-coding system to identify foods based on their calorie count, with green being the lowest calorie-rich options and red serving as the indicator for high-calorie foods. Our tester appreciated this unrestricted approach to food options, stating they quickly got the hang of being aware of their intake.

Now, to track your daily caloric intake, Noom does require you to log each meal. While this level of involvement may not suit everyone’s needs, our tester said that this process was easy given the simple user interface. You can either look up your food in the app’s library, scan a barcode, or create an entry if it’s not already available (which we rarely experienced). 

You also track your activities throughout the day — exercise burns calories, after all — and Noom is capable of pairing to your fitness tracker to monitor your weight and daily step count. Unfortunately, though, non-walking activities will need to be entered manually.

Finally, this psychological approach to weight loss can be tough, especially since there’s less rigidity surrounding which foods you can and shouldn’t eat. Thankfully, Noom provides plenty of support for your journey through the likes of a health coach as well as an online community of fellow users. We found both of these outlets to be extremely helpful in keeping spirits high throughout our regimen.

It’s a unique app experience, indeed, but one we feel is worthwhile for any athlete looking to trim a few pounds off their physique — and keep it off in the future.

Read our full Noom Weight Loss App Review.

Best Fitness App for Strength Training: Juggernaut AI

Juggernaut AI

Juggernaut AI

This AI-powered strength training app curates workouts for you based on your initial fitness levels and daily readiness. The more you log your data, the more your algorithm learns in an effort to keep you progressing through PRs.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $35
• Equipment Required: Free Weights, Barbell, Squat Rack, Commercial Gym
• Training Type: Powerlifting
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• The AI-powered platform creates a personalized strength program centered around progressive overload that grows with you over repeated use.
• The app provides readiness prompts each day to ensure your regimen is tailored to your current fatigue levels.
• Our tester said interacting with the app through logs, check-ins, and messaging was great for accountability without feeling overwhelming or annoying.

Cons

• Athletes wanting options for cardio-focused workouts should look elsewhere.
• Those limited on equipment may be unable to perform a large portion of prescribed workouts.
• The black and blue color scheme can be difficult to read for some.

For athletes wanting to generate some muscle-boosting strength workouts, it’s tough to beat the performance we experienced with Juggernaut AI. As you can assume from the app name, this platform uses artificial intelligence to generate personalized lifting programs, and while you don’t get the same hands-on expertise you’d receive with a live or virtual coach, our tester said that the digital approach was more than helpful in their strength routine.

During trials, our tester enjoyed how much interaction you have with the app through readiness prompts each day before training. These prompts gauge how prepared you are for a given workout, along with other inquiries asking if you’re dealing with any soreness, fatigue, or other factors that may influence your training.

Between these prompts and logging your reps, sets, and weight totals, you’re in the app a lot, but our tester noted that the experience wasn’t overwhelming or annoying. Plus, all that logged data makes it easier for the AI platform to curate your recommended training schedule as it learns and progresses with you in the gym.

Speaking of the gym, we recommend having access to a good bit of strength equipment before signing up for this app. According to our tester, you should, at minimum, have a squat rack, weight bench, barbell, and weight plates at the ready to facilitate your training routine. Other items, like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands, can also be integrated into your plan, but the aforementioned pieces are a definite must.

In terms of training with Juggernaut AI, you get a good mix of challenge and progress. The app tailors your prescribed weights, reps, and sets to your responses in your readiness prompt, so there are limited opportunities for overtraining or failing a lift. Unfortunately, though, this app is solely focused on strength training. Athletes wanting a cardio-based workout plan should opt for another service.

Finally, we enjoyed the user interface of this app and felt its layout to be rather intuitive after the first few workouts. Some may find the text to be difficult to read, however, which we attribute to the black and blue color scheme. If you can look past this aesthetic, though, we think you’re in for a refreshing new take on bulking up.

Best Budget Fitness App: Living.Fit

Living.Fit Online Workout Program

Living.Fit Online Workout Program

Living.Fit lets you choose your workout programs a la carte, paying roughly $10 for month-long kettlebell, dumbbell, battle rope, or body weight workout plans. There are also week-long plans as well as nutrition programs for people who want to learn how to eat better.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: Up to $7.99
• Equipment Required: Bodyweight, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Resistance Bands, Battle Ropes
• Training Type: Strength and Conditioning
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• For less than $8 per month, you get access to a wide range of introductory fitness and nutrition programs.
• You can opt for cheaper memberships catering to specific interests such as kettlebell, battle ropes, resistance bands and nutrition.
• The programs cater to all fitness levels and generally last between 10 and 40 minutes.

Cons

• Athletes wanting a personalized training program may find the regimens too cookie-cutter.
• A lack of barbell-centric programming may be underwhelming for some lifting enthusiasts.
• Our tester noted that maintaining accountability can be difficult at times.

Everybody likes a good deal, right? When it comes to fitness apps, the savings you encounter with the Living.Fit platform are tough to beat. For $7.99 per month, you get access to programs for introductory training and nutrition, along with equipment-specific modules for kettlebells and battle ropes. 

Plus, we also like the a la carte subscription model, which allows you to purchase only the programs you prefer instead of the all-encompassing bundle.

The intro package offering expert tips and foundational workouts is free to download, while kettlebell-specific, nutrition-specific, and battle-ropes-specific memberships are available for $4.99 monthly. This can help you avoid paying for regimens you’ll likely never use while also giving you the option to sign up for everything Living.Fit has to offer for just $3 more.

In testing, we found the workouts and guidance to be pretty inclusive. The prescribed exercises cater to both beginner and advanced athletes, so there’s room for growth and development in training without ostracizing athletes by their skill set. Plus, workouts range from 10 to 40 minutes in length, which can be ideal for keeping workouts within your cramped, hectic schedule.

Additionally, we like how Living.Fit requires minimal equipment. Naturally, you’ll need a kettlebell or battle rope to complete those gear-specific sessions, but the general workouts routinely call for just a simple set of dumbbells or resistance bands. Sadly, though, this app doesn’t cater heavily to barbell enthusiasts — there’s limited programming around this essential piece of lifting equipment.

Signing up for the service is quick and painless, and the workout instructions are easy to follow along with. Be mindful, though, that this app doesn’t offer any personalized coaching, meaning you need to bring your own willpower to stay regimented with your purchased plans. If you have the dedication — and want to save a little in your budget — we highly recommend this wallet-friendly download.

Best Free Fitness App: Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club

Thanks to a wide variety of periodized regimens as well as live and on-demand fitness classes led by certified personal trainers without any cost of entry. The Nike Training Club caters mostly to strength-based training, but also has sessions for bodyweight training, yoga, pilates, and mobility work.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $0
• Equipment Required: Bodyweight, Home Gym
• Training Type: Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, Mobility
• Available On: iOS, Android

Pros

• The free platform offers a ton of value with periodized workout plans as well as live and on-demand classes taught by certified trainers.
• After downloading the app, you can immediately hop into one of the available workouts.
• The app also features helpful recipes, blogs, and a social feed for extra motivation.

Cons

• Outside of the push notifications sent from the app, there’s less accountability than with other platforms we tested.
• The number of bodyweight-focused workouts makes up a small portion of the available training library.
• Nike Training Club doesn’t offer personalized plans or one-on-one coaching.

Not every “free” app is worth the time you need to download it. How many times have you downloaded a free version of a platform only to be met with glitchy interfaces, annoying ads, and a paywall that ultimately shutters you from the stuff you downloaded the app for in the first place? Yet despite these stereotypes, there are still a few good eggs in the app store — like Nike Training Club.

It’s impressive how much work Nike has put into creating an effective fitness app, only to give it away for free. Upon sign up, you’re immediately given access to a large library of strength-based workouts as well as sessions for yoga, pilates, and mobility.

Our tester appreciated how each live and on-demand class was led by certified trainers, giving merit to the quality of instruction at play in each circuit. There are also training programs for bodyweight-specific movements, but they’re less abundant than other disciplines within the library.

In terms of equipment, we like how Nike Training Club offers a filter in the search tab that allows you to view workouts catering to what you have at your disposal. This also makes the app a great pick for novice lifters or athletes in the throes of building out their dream home gym.

The free nature of Nike Training Club can make it easier for you to forgo using it, though. After all, you’re more likely to use a service that you’ve actually invested in over one that only required a few taps.

So, if you’re someone that needs daily check-ins or added assistance to follow your training, we recommend spending a little on your digital platform of choice. If you’re already locked in on hitting your workouts every day, though, this can be a fun, refreshing option to have in your back pocket (or wherever you stash your phone mid-training).

Best Fitness App for Yoga: Alo Moves

Alo Moves

Alo Moves

For beginner and experienced yogis alike, Alo Moves can be an excellent download offering over 170 flows and sessions across a wide range of yoga categories. Additionally, the app has other programming for pilates, barre, HIIT, and strength training with new modules being added daily.

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Specs

• Price Per Month: $12.99
• Equipment Required: Exercise Mat, Yoga Blocks, Yoga Straps, Free Weights 
• Training Type: Yoga, Pilates, Barre, HIIT, Strength and Conditioning
• Available On: iOS

Pros

• There are 171 yoga series available that cater to beginner and advanced yogis alike.
• The app updates daily with new workouts surrounding yoga, pilates, barre, HIIT, and strength training.
• Alo Moves offers skill-based series for you to broaden your abilities for more advanced poses.

Cons

• The app is more based on individual workouts rather than progressing toward a specific goal.
• The free 14-day trial period is shorter than other introductory app offers.
• Those looking for more advanced fitness programs outside of yoga may be left underwhelmed by the available modules.

Yoga can be an excellent discipline to have in your rotation, especially for strength athletes. To support these interests, we recommend downloading Alo Moves. The app boasts over 3,000 programs tailored to yoga, pilates, and barre, along with fitness-minded series for HIIT and strength training. Plus, the library is constantly growing with new modules being added daily.

In testing, we appreciated the assortment of available workouts and programs, but admittedly focused on the 171 available yoga flows. Our tester had no issues navigating through the available sessions and appreciated the clear labels that explained the duration of each flow, along with the intended intensity level. They also noted that the instructors were clear and easy to follow along with, and appreciated how upfront they were with equipment requirements prior to the session.

The app also offers a unique skill-based library of series that can be great for developing your abilities. We found modules focused around performing the perfect handstand, to bettering your flexibility, deepening your back bend, and more. These can be ideal for novice yogis just getting into the discipline, as well as a nice refresher for more advanced athletes.

We do want to note, though, that the Alo Moves platform is primarily centered around individual workouts and programs rather than working toward certain goals. If you prefer a structured regimen that’s planned for weeks, this may not be the best fit. If you need a good assortment of instructor-led workouts and don’t mind taking your sessions in a “choose your own adventure” aesthetic, this can be an excellent pick.

How We Chose the Best Fitness Apps

Naturally, every athlete can have a unique experience with a given service, so we wanted to ensure our testing was as thorough as possible to help you get a good understanding of each app’s performance potential. We looked at factors such as the app’s equipment requirements, workout library, and user interface when making our picks.

Compatibility

We can go on about a fitness app’s library of workouts and certified trainers, but the first thing to really look for is if the platform is compatible with your digital device. We looked for platforms available on both iOS and Android operating systems to ensure programs and subscriptions were available to all athletes regardless of their phone plan. 

All of the apps included in our guide had previously been available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, but some, as you can see above, have dropped Android versions. This doesn’t dissuade us from recommending their services, but it does limit who can take part in their fitness-based programming.

Workout Variety

Everyone has different goals and interests when it comes to fitness, so we looked for a variety of fitness apps catering to a wide range of disciplines and desires. 

We’ve included strength-focused programs offering excellent methods for achieving hypertrophy, as well as apps centered around cardio to help support your heart-pumping, calorie-burning sessions. Some apps cater to multiple disciplines with large libraries of live and on-demand classes, which can be great for keeping daily sessions fresh and engaging.

Having access to a large roster of workouts and classes isn’t the only app format we’ve tested, too. For more personalized experiences from apps offering one-on-one coaching and guidance, we looked at how adjustable and customizable the prescribed plans were to our own physiques. We included programs we felt were truly tailored to our bodies and goals over tested apps that didn’t feel like a truly personal experience.

This style of app was also typically the most expensive — you’re getting the most personalized experience, after all — so we tried to make sure they were worth the price.

Equipment Requirements

We also understand that not everyone has access to the same amount of fitness equipment, so we sought to include apps catering to a variety of situations. Some of our picks require no equipment at all with focuses on bodyweight training and stretching, while others require full-fledged cardio machines, strength training setups, or access to a commercial gym. 

We pointed out each app’s equipment requirements above to help you get ahead of the curve before downloading the service — no need to sign up for a barbell-centric platform if you can’t grab hold of a barbell on the regular. This can help you account for which plan fits your current setup, or at least inform you of which equipment should be on your wish list for the future.

User Experience

A fitness app is only useful if you don’t mind navigating through it. We included platforms that provided user experiences and interfaces that were interactive, engaging, and easy to figure out.

We looked for any bugs or glitches and pointed them out whenever they occurred in our testing. Additionally, we examined each platform’s aesthetic to see if the color schemes and layouts were legible and understandable. If a service was difficult to read, yet still provided a benefit to our training, we made note of it.

We also looked at how accountable the apps made us feel when sticking to a particular training regimen. Could the app or featured service motivate us to keep a regular training schedule, or were there instances where we needed to rely on our own willpower to get a workout in?

We know that everyone’s interest in training differs, so we included notes on how engaging the app is in a given day or week and how supported we felt across our individual journeys.

Benefits of Fitness Apps

Fitness apps can be handy tools for supporting your training and nutrition goals, and often cost less than hiring an in-person instructor. Plus, they can be ideal for athletes struggling to compile a worthwhile regimen on their own. Below are some of the perks that come with adding one of these services to your home screen.

Training Accountability

Having a fitness app on your phone or device can be a good way to keep tabs on your training schedule. Some remind you to get your daily sessions in through push notifications, while others can go a step further by pairing you with a personal trainer that chats with you regularly to ensure you’re on the right path. This can be great for ensuring your rest days don’t begin to pile up in-between sessions.

Additionally, many of the top fitness apps require a subscription for access to their platforms. You’re likely more willing to use an app if you pay for it, which can be a motivating factor in itself.

Lastly, many fitness apps can offer congratulatory notifications once you complete a session or log a workout. While it may seem small, having that extra dose of positivity day in and day out can make a difference. Keeping spirits high and maintaining a positive relationship with training can make it easier to hit your ultimate goals in the long run. (3) 

Accessibility

With fitness apps, your favorite training session is literally at your fingertips whenever you want. There’s no need to coordinate your schedule to an in-person trainer or a studio’s class schedule — you can fire up your subscription whenever (and wherever) you please. 

Naturally, you’ll need to have access to your required equipment, which may mean still finding time to get to your home or commercial gym, but fitness apps can help give you more control of your schedule by keeping all resources in your pocket at all times. This can be especially helpful for athletes who routinely travel or don’t have as structured of a calendar.

Progress Tracking

A lot of athletes are instructed to keep a training journal for their workouts, but creating your personal rolodex of past accomplishments can be tedious for some. Fitness apps can be great for keeping records of your past accomplishments in one convenient area, showcasing your progress over time and giving you a spark to keep moving forward. These digital logbooks can also be ideal when analyzing future areas of improvement.

How to Choose the Best Fitness App

Downloading a fitness app can be an excellent way to get the ball rolling on your training regimen, but there are a few factors to think about before opting for one service or the next. Below are some considerations worth thinking through before hopping into the app store and deciding on a plan for your needs.

Personal Fitness Goals

One of the first things to think about when choosing a worthwhile fitness app is what your intentions are with training. Are you looking to gain some muscle, lose some weight, or want a refreshing tool to help keep your workouts engaging?

Additionally, consider what style of training you primarily want to focus on, whether that be strength-focused workouts, cardio, yoga, or another discipline. There are plenty of apps out there that cater to these needs, with some featuring an assortment of goals and interests within their respective libraries.

Equipment Requirements

For some fitness apps, you’ll need an assortment of fitness equipment at the ready for worthwhile training, while others require little to no gear. As such, it’s important to consider what equipment you have access to — or at least, what you’re willing to add to your home gym — before signing up for a particular service. If you subscribe to an app only to realize that you cannot perform the prescribed workouts, then you’ll be left with instant buyer’s remorse.

We’ve included a handful of fitness apps in our above list that require no equipment at all, along with some calling for access to full-fledged lifting setups. Some apps offering personalized coaching can also work around your equipment access, so there are options available if you don’t own any piece of training gear.

Fitness Level

We also recommend matching your chosen fitness plan to your experience in the gym. Some apps offer a wide array of workouts, but their difficulty may be too high for novice athletes.

Look for a program or service that aligns with your comfort levels in the gym or on a machine. This can help you grow and stay motivated throughout your first few workouts, allowing you to adapt and learn at an appropriate pace instead of bombarding you with intricate movements which could lead to burnout or potential injury.

App Compatibility

While many fitness apps support iOS and Android operating systems, there are still some platforms only available on one or the other. To find out whether your desired fitness app is available for your personal system, take a quick gander at your device’s app store. If you don’t find it there, consider going to the app’s online website. Typically, they’ll have links featured on their homepages for more convenient downloading.

Subscription Costs

Many fitness apps use a subscription-based service to deliver programming and tips to your smartphone or tablet. These membership costs can cover the gambit of price tags, with some coming at $200 or more. When looking for an ideal fitness app for your needs, it’s important to consider your budget along with your training desires. 

Additionally, make sure to think about any equipment purchases you’ll need to make in order to support your workouts. If an app is cheap with a low monthly cost, but makes you purchase a squat rack, weight bench, and a slew of weight plates to follow along with the programming, you’ll need to ask if it’s really worth your time and money.

Final Word

Fitness apps can be excellent tools for supporting your fitness goals, and there’s a bevy of platforms to choose from in today’s digital world. Whether you’re looking for a personalized regimen that’s customized to your physique, or want a library of live and on-demand classes to keep spirits high day in and day out, odds are you can find a worthwhile download in no time.

When thinking through which fitness app is worthy of a spot on your home screen, it’s important to consider your fitness interests and how you want your training to be structured. Additionally, it’s important to look through any equipment needs prior to signing up, along with whether you can afford the service or not. Once you have those factors in place, consider your options and use this round-up as a guide through the app store. Progress is just a few thumb taps away.

FAQs

References

1. Mahaffey, K. (n.d.). How much does a personal trainer cost & should you hire one?. NASM. https://blog.nasm.org/how-much-does-a-personal-trainer-cost
2. Plotkin, D., Coleman, M., Van Every, D., Maldonado, J., Oberlin, D., Israetel, M., Feather, J., Alto, A., Vigotsky, A. D., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2022). Progressive overload without progressing load? the effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations. PeerJ, 10.
3. Hagberg, L. A., Lindahl, B., Nyberg, L., & Hellénius, M. ‐L. (2009). Importance of enjoyment when promoting physical exercise. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 19(5), 740–747.

The post The 8 Best Fitness Apps of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.

With that said, there are plenty of unresearched, poorly prepared programs on the internet, too. These can leave you even farther behind your plan or, worse, injured. Our team of expert product testers, including personal trainers and athletes, put more than 50 different apps and plans to the test to help you find the very best online workout programs for your goals. 

Best Online Workout Programs

• Best Online Workout Program Overall: Future
• Best Online Workout Program for Personalized Coaching: Caliber
• Best Online Workout Program for Cardio: iFIT
• Best Online Workout Program for Strength: Juggernaut
• Best Free Online Workout Program: Nike Training Club (NTC)
• Best Online Workout Program for CrossFit: Train Hard
• Best Online Workout Program for Running: Nike Run Club
• Best Online Workout Program for Live Classes: Peloton

How We Tested the Best Online Workout Programs

There are plenty of online workout programs available and unfortunately, some of them are a big waste of time and money. Our team of expert product testers, including certified personal trainers and athletes, took more than 50 different virtual workout programs and apps to the test to gather the best options. Here’s a few factors we considered while testing:

Ease of Use

If a workout program is incredibly difficult to navigate or understand, it definitely doesn’t deserve a spot on this list. Some apps and programs are designed poorly and aren’t worth the effort of navigating from one part of the interface to the next. We prioritized technology that was intuitive and wouldn’t distract from the workout itself.

Our team also preferred apps that gave clear, easy to follow instruction. We wanted programs that would be simple for users of all levels to follow and understand. We loved apps that included video examples of exercises, including written and verbal cues.

Training Levels 

Different athletes have different fitness levels and goals, so we tried to keep our testing process as varied and inclusive as possible. We considered each app and program through the eyes of a beginner and advanced athlete. In some cases, some apps were ideal for an experienced athlete but less suitable for beginners. We made sure to outline these aspects in our reviews.

Modalities

We also wanted to consider a diverse range of workout styles, as different athletes may prefer different forms of movement. Our team gathered apps that have a pretty wide range of exercise modalities available with inclusive equipment demands. After all, not every strength athlete has access to a full gym.

Best Online Workout Program Overall: Future

Future Online Personal Training

Future Online Personal Training

Future offers online personal training in every facet of fitness. Every client gets a certified fitness professional who will prescribe training programs, follow up daily to assess progress, make program adjustments as needed, and offer accountability.

Shop Future

Working with a personal trainer is a great way to achieve your fitness or physique goals. But paying $100 or more per session may not be within your price range. We think the Future app is the next best thing.

Our best overall online workout program, Future allows you to choose your own real coach who builds workouts geared towards your personal goals. “This one has an easy-to-navigate user interface, which makes contacting your personal coach easy,” according to our product tester, who used Future for several months and gave the app an overall 4.7/5. “It’s incredibly well-designed.”

Once you set up your app, your coach builds a workout program based on your fitness level, goals, and available equipment. “The app instructs you with videos and audio cues — you can watch the video before you try an exercise and listen to narrator voiceover cues during the movement,” our tester describes, giving the instruction feature an overall ⅘. “To really take it to the next level, I wish you could do a true facetime or video chat with your instructor.” 

This app works well for beginners and experienced athletes, considering the program is personalized. “This isn’t ideal for an athlete with a super specific goal like a competition,” according to our tester Kate Meier, BarBend editorial staff member and competitive weightlifter, who used the app several days per week. “Those looking to compete in a weightlifting meet or CrossFit competition would benefit more from in-person training.”

After you finish a workout, you need to include feedback on your session so that your coach can adjust your training schedule accordingly. Some athletes may not love this extra step, though, especially if you’re operating on a time crunch. However, it’s the only way to truly provide some progressive overload to your training.

At $199 per month, this app is among the priciest on this list and may not be feasible for everyone. But considering you’re getting the personal training experience, we think the value is worth the cost. Plus, you can stream the app on your tablet or Apple watch in addition to your cell phone, which is extra convenient. 

Read our full Future App Review

Best Online Workout Program for Personalized Coaching: Caliber App

Caliber

Caliber

With two coaching subscriptions to choose from (one group oriented and one individualized), Caliber can be an excellent tool for guiding your fitness journey. The prescribed workouts can be tailored to your available equipment, and you’re in constant communication with your personal trainer through the app’s chat feature and video call capabilities.

Shop Caliber

Training with a personal coach is one of the best ways to achieve your fitness goals and stay accountable. But weekly or daily sessions can cost quite a chunk of change. Caliber’s Premium subscription pairs you with a personal coach to help work towards your strength, cardio, or functional training goals.

Our tester gave this app an overall 4.68 out of 5 for the Premium subscription. The app was easy to use and your trainer customizes your workouts with the ability to include video demos for each exercise. So, it’s friendly for beginners, too. Unlike some other apps, your coach also offers nutritional guidance and you can send photos of your meals right through the app. 

“My favorite part of this app was the weekly check-ins,” said our tester, also a personal trainer, who gave the app a 5 out of 5 for accountability. “My trainer sent videos to go over my previous week of training. She looks at my RPE and weight lifted to adjust my coming week, making incremental improvements, which I loved.”

Where the actual workouts are concerned, we gave the app a 5 out of 5. Not only can your trainer include demo videos, but you can also send videos to your coach for form tips. However, we had to give the equipment demands a 4 out of 5. Your trainer can build a bodyweight plan, the app is really centered around weight training, so it’s best to have a gym membership, too.

The one downside was the price, which we gave a 3.5 out of 5. “Finding the actual price was challenging because the website isn’t very straightforward,” our tester said. The Premium subscription with one-on-one coaching costs $200 per month with a three month commitment. There is a cheaper version that’s only $19 per month but it doesn’t involve personalized training or coaching.

Best Online Workout Program for Cardio: iFIT

$25 Off

IFIT Class Subscription

IFIT Class Subscription

The iFit app features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from mental health and recovery to rowing, running, HIIT and strength classes. You can get the full studio experience virtually through iFit, and is a great boost to any home gym set-up — with or without equipment.

Shop IFIT

Even on the best treadmill or best exercise bike, doing cardio indoors can feel tedious. But iFIT makes your indoor cardio training a little more fun. Plus, it also offers strength training and yoga, to add some variety.

iFIT is ideal for cardio-focused athletes, offering a variety of group and on-demand classes you can do right on your treadmill, bike, step machine, or rower. You can also take your training outdoors with their equipment-free workouts. And while iFIT does come equipped on most NordicTrack and ProForm cardio equipment, you don’t need to buy these brands to use the app.

“It’s easy to use and there are plenty of workout options, like low-impact active recovery, walk-run, hiking, walking, and running. I love that you can also take classes,” our tester said, giving the workout program a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use. “It’s a little less intuitive than the Peloton app in my opinion, though.”

We do wish there was a little more customization, though. “It’s mainly self-guided because you don’t get a tailored program with a coach,” our tester said, giving iFIT a 3.5 out of 5 for accountability. “There are challenges you can do on your cardio machine, which can help you measure progress, though.”

For athletes who like live classes, our tester definitely thinks iFIT rivals Peloton, giving the app a 4.5 out of 5 for instruction. “When I tried iFIT, I did the outdoor runs and bike rides,” they said. “The instructor was doing the workout right with you, which I thought was motivational.”

We gave iFIT a 4 out of 5 for the value. We think it’s a great value for the price, considering you get so many different class options. There are classes for all fitness levels, including various modalities. With that said, there are cheaper options on this list but if you really want a cardio-first workout program, iFIT is your best bet.

Read our full iFIT Review.

Best Online Workout Program for Strength: JuggernautAI

Juggernaut AI

Juggernaut AI

This AI-powered strength training app curates workouts for you based on your initial fitness levels and daily readiness. The more you log your data, the more your algorithm learns in an effort to keep you progressing through PRs.

Shop Juggernaut AI

For athletes who want a strength-focused training program but don’t need a personal trainer or coach, JuggernautAI has you covered. This fitness app focuses purely on powerlifting- and bodybuilding-style training for those looking to prepare for competition or just generally gain strength.

Unlike apps where you work with a coach, you kind of build your own training program with JuggernautAI. Once you download the app, you enter some basic information, followed by your current training load, training experience, training style, goals, and desired workout frequency, according to our tester, who gave the app setup experience a 5 out of 5.

Once you enter this information, the AI technology creates workouts, which it then adjusts for gradual improvement as you enter post-workout feedback. “The AI is extremely smart,” our tester said, giving the program a 3.5 out of 5 for instruction. “Before you start training, you answer a few questions about your readiness. As you workout you enter feedback so the app can adjust your workout to best suit your fitness level.” However, for beginners who aren’t familiar with exercise form and programming, having a real coach is still the best option.

We gave JuggernautAI a 3 out of 5 for interactive features, though some strength athletes may prefer the minimal design. “You don’t talk to a coach or team — it’s just you and the app,” our tester explained. “But you do interact with the app a lot, logging your weights, reps, sets, RPE. I liked this because the interaction holds you accountable but it isn’t too much effort.”

Our team was impressed with the pricing, giving this program a 5 out of 5 for value. This one is only $35 per month and while you don’t work with a live coach, the programming is still incredibly personalized and modality-specific.

Best Free Online Workout Program: Nike Training Club (NTC)

Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club

Thanks to a wide variety of periodized regimens as well as live and on-demand fitness classes led by certified personal trainers without any cost of entry. The Nike Training Club caters mostly to strength-based training, but also has sessions for bodyweight training, yoga, pilates, and mobility work.

Shop Nike

For some, paying a monthly app subscription on top of a gym membership doesn’t fall within the budget. And that’s totally okay, thanks to the Nike Training Club app.

NTC is completely free to download and use, so our testers gave the overall value a 5 out of 5. The app is super simple to operate, according to our tester, who gave the setup and user experience a 5 out of 5, too. “All you have to do is download the app and log in, as there’s really no customization that happens.”

Although the app does send push notifications to encourage users to train or join new programs, we had to give the accountability factor a 3.5 out of 5. There’s no personal coaching involved with this app, plus it’s free, so the discipline really sits on the user’s shoulders. 

The app has a huge library of on-demand workouts and live classes. You can filter this library based on your preferences, including your fitness level. After using the app myself, I’d say this one gets a 5 out of 5 for instruction. Every exercise has a video demonstrating the move and you can even listen for form tips.  

The equipment demands are a 5 out of 5 because they’re pretty much nonexistent. I’ve used NTC for the no equipment, bodyweight workouts (the full-body HIIT sessions are awesome) but you can also find pretty advanced strength programs, too, which require a full gym of equipment.

Since there’s no customization here, you can’t really personalize anything, unfortunately. We had to give NTC a 1 out of 5 for progressive overload, as you can’t track your weight lifted, reps, RPE, etc. You just follow along with the pre-written workout. So, athletes looking for help progressing in their strength or endurance may prefer a more tailored workout program. However, we do love that Nike is constantly dropping new workouts, so you’re not stuck repeating the same programs over and over.

Best Online Workout Program for CrossFit: Train Hard

Train Hard

Train Hard

This online workout program is excellent for CrossFit athletes looking to develop their skills and strength. Choose from one of three programs and tailor your workouts to your personal goals.

Shop Train Hard

Founded by CrossFit legend Jason Khalipa, Train Hard is an app that’s built with CrossFit athletes in mind. The app offers three different programs, including EMOM (efficient EMOM workouts), FLEX (functional strength and bodybuilding), and FORCE (strength and conditioning).

The programs are five days per week and each workout is about 60 minutes, with the exception of the EMOM program, which involves shorter, 30-minute sessions. 

“I followed FORCE for three weeks in order to gain overall strength in the three big CrossFit movements (deadlift, squat, and push press),” our tester said, giving the app an overall 5 out of 5. “This app definitely helped me push through a plateau and I saw myself growing stronger.” 

Our tester wasn’t too familiar with Olympic lifting but found the instructional videos very helpful. His only qualm was that the videos take you out of the app and onto YouTube, which is a little tedious. But Train Hard also has an integrated group chat for workout-specific questions or comments. 

There’s not too much customizability with Train Hard, however you can scale the weights to your fitness level. “There were a few workouts where I needed to scale back the movement because I was too burnt out from the strength portion of the workout,” our tester said, giving the customization a 4 out of 5. “But that didn’t deter me from the training at all.”

Our team gave the accountability factor a 4 out of 5, too. We liked the integrated community feature and hope to see even more development on that front. The app also allows you to track your health metrics and progress, helping to encourage healthy habits. 

We do think the user interface has some room for improvement, though. “The app doesn’t sync with any fitness watches or trackers, though that’s not a must-have for a good workout,” our tester said, giving the interface a 3 out of 5. “I found it challenging to keep the app timer on while changing my music because it pauses the timer, which was less than ideal.”

For those who want to do all their CrossFit workouts right at home, Train Hard is a solid choice. For value, we gave this app a 4 out of 5. You can choose from several subscription options, including $29.99 per month, $159.99 for six months, or $299.99 for a year. Considering a CrossFit gym membership is generally around $150 to $200, this is certainly a more budget-friendly option.

Best Online Workout Program for Running: Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club App

Nike Run Club App

Set new running goals or just hit your weekly mileage with the free Nike Run Club app. You can try the app's race programs if you're preparing for your first 5K or go on a guided run with a Nike running coach.

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I’ve had a pretty long relationship with the Nike Run Club App, not going to lie. As a former high school and collegiate runner and current triathlete, I’ve been running for practically my entire life. And I’ve had the Nike Run Club (NRC) on my phone longer than I can remember.

The app allows you to track your runs, whether you’re following a specific plan or just going on a random jog. It tracks your pace and distance using GPS but it also syncs with your Apple Watch in case you don’t want to take your phone. I’d definitely give the app a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. It’s really simple and tracks all the most important stats of each run, including your pace, cadence, distance, elevation gain, heart rate, and calories. 

For runners who like a little more guidance, there are guided runs, led by Nike’s running coaches. You can pick a guided run, based on the goal of your run, whether it’s an interval session, tempo run, or recovery run. I’d give the instruction a 4 out of 5. 

I love that the coaches guide you through each leg of the workout but for more advanced runners looking to hit specific paces or mile times, these probably aren’t the most convenient. So, if you have a time trial planned, you may want to save NRC for another day.

I highly recommend trying any of Coach Bennett’s recovery runs. I don’t use the Nike Run Club app for specific training goals but I personally struggle to keep my recovery runs easy. Coach Bennett frequently encourages pace and body checks — this helps me gauge my effort so I can ease off the pace when needed.

The app is totally free, so our team gave the value a 5 out of 5. Plus, Nike Run Club has in-person locations in select cities. Here, you can meet other app users for group runs or races. I’ve done a few Nike Run Club events in New York and love the sense of community they’re building.

Best Online Workout Program for Live Classes: Peloton

Peloton App

Peloton App

No need to have Peloton equipment when you can have access to the app with a subscription. Take classes from popular coaches to help you get your run done and dusted.

Shop Peloton

Brick-and-mortar group fitness classes are great. Unless you get stuck in traffic and can’t get to the studio in time. But the right online platform can help you sidestep travel and get you into the action whether you’re at the gym or in the comfort of your own home. 

Peloton offers interactive group fitness classes right at home using the brand’s equipment, your own, or just your bodyweight. Setting up the app is simple, according to our tester, who gave the setup a 5 out of 5. “All you do is log in and sync your equipment with the app,” they said. 

After trying several Peloton live classes myself, I really enjoyed the experience and would give the overall instruction a 5 out of 5. The cycling instructors are enthusiastic and motivational — it really feels like you’re in a live spin class. I also love the theme ride option every once in a while. These allow you to choose a class based on your music preference.

We also liked the equipment requirements, giving Peloton a 4 out of 5 in that category. Some of the classes require equipment, while there are bodyweight only options. Obviously, the running and cycling classes require a Peloton tread or bike. But there are yoga classes and Pilates live sessions that only need a yoga mat and your bodyweight. 

I think the price deserves a 4 out of 5. It’s pretty reasonable and Peloton accommodates users who don’t use the treadmill or bike. The Peloton App One is only $12.99 per month and includes strength, yoga, outdoor running, and gym workouts. The Peloton App+ is $24.99 per month, including everything in the Peloton App One, including exercise bike, treadmill, and rower workouts. 

How We Chose the Best Online Workout Programs

There is a seemingly endless number of choices when it comes to workout streaming services, each one claiming to be the best. But the best workout varies widely from person to person based on their goals, needs, and abilities. We considered these factors to create a comprehensive list that appeals to a wide range of consumers looking for a solid online fitness program.

Price

Factoring in the price of a program is a great place to start whittling down your options. Some programs requiring more attention, like one-on-one coaching, can run up to over $100 a month. If that’s out of your price range, less expensive options provide workouts and generalized coaching instead. We chose programs that span the range from premium to cost-effective, so there’s a program here for every budget. 

Accessibility

Any good program offers classes that work well for beginners. One of the most common beginner’s mistakes is going out too hard and quitting a workout halfway through or, even worse, injuring yourself. We made it a point to find programming that offers beginner or on-ramp courses and more advanced workouts. 

Good beginners’ workouts are built with the goal of building a foundation of fitness, rather than on heavy weights and high intensity. These workouts usually use lighter (if any) weights, simpler or modified movements (like air squats or knee push-ups), and go at a slower pace than intermediate or advanced workouts. 

Expertise

The coaches you’ll find in these programs have a variety of certifications and qualifications. Each has gone through and graduated from a coaching program that determined them to be qualified to coach athletes. Some are or have been competitive athletes as well. 

Required Equipment

We made it a point to find programs that will work with a range of equipment access. Some of these programs offer training requiring little or no fitness equipment, while others require access to a full gym or specific tech, like treadmills or fitness mirrors. Whether you have a full gym at your disposal or nothing at all, there’s something on this list for you.

Program Variety

Everyone has different goals, whether to lose weight, gain muscle, or move a refrigerator all by themselves. We chose programs that would cover as wide a range of goals as possible, so there would be something useful for every type of athlete. Strength training and hypertrophy training are perfect for people who want to get bigger and stronger, whereas high-intensity interval training, cardio, and boxing training are all ideal for athletes who want to tone and improve their cardiovascular fitness. Looking to improve your flexibility? There are yoga and pilates classes in some of these programs, as well. 

Benefits of Online Workout Programs

While an in-house workout program provides the benefit of real-time coaching, online workout programs do have some solid perks — such as convenience and lower cost.

Convenience

Online programming is convenient because you can do it anywhere. Since you don’t have to go to a gym whenever you want to work out, you’re not at the mercy of traffic or class times that don’t work with your work/life schedule. 

Also, having someone else do the programming for you means you won’t be sitting around wondering what workout you should do on any given day. Just read the programming and get to work. 

Price

Generally, you’ll pay less for an online workout program than you will for a gym. This is because the programmers don’t have to worry about paying for the gym space or equipment. Consequently, you’ll have to provide your own space and gear, but the subscription generally won’t cost as much.

If you’re looking for a deal, many programs will offer discounts for buying an annual membership versus going with a monthly membership. If you can pony up the money for an annual membership (and you know you like the program), that’s the way to go. 

How Much Do Online Workout Programs Cost?

Online workout programs can vary wildly in price. Most of the programs you’ll find will be in the $40 to $60 a month range, but some can go quite a bit higher or lower. 

Lower-cost programs with preset programs that you can follow at your leisure tend to be on the less expensive side since the programming is already set. Workout plans with regularly updated or live workouts require constant upkeep (and studio space for live and pre-recorded videos), so they’ll be in the middle to the higher end of the price range. One-on-one personal training will often be the most expensive option.

You should also factor in any needed equipment to the cost. While many online workout programs have options for bodyweight movements, there are some that will require workout gear. Often, this will be minimal, like a kettlebell and a few pairs of dumbbells, but other programs will require more expensive and space-hogging equipment, like barbells and plyo boxes. 

What to Consider Before Buying An Online Workout Program

Before committing to an online workout program, it’s important to consider a few factors to make sure you choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to take into account before you commit.

Goals

The first thing to consider when starting an online workout program is what you want from it. Why are you thinking about it in the first place? Do you want to prioritize weight loss? Consider a cardio or HIIT-based program over a strictly strength-based one. Looking to build muscle and sculpt your body? Find one that focuses on improving your lifting form and building strength.

Equipment and Space

Also, be sure to consider what workout gear you already have (or have access to) and what you’re willing to spend to build out your home gym. Few things are as frustrating as subscribing to a program, and then finding out that you need to buy a bunch of fitness equipment before you can get started. Several plans on this list offer classes that require little or no fitness equipment, so if you’re not eager to shop for weights, those are the ones to consider. 

Budget

And, of course, if you can’t afford it, you’re not getting it. Consider the total cost of your investment, which includes the monthly cost of the programming and any equipment you may need to get started. The programs in this list range in price from over $100 a month to less than $10 a month, so there are options here for every price range. 

Fitness Level

One of the most common mistakes for someone new to working out or just getting back into a fitness routine is going out too hard with a high-level competitive program. If you’re a newer athlete, don’t jump right into competitive or high-level online workout programming. Make sure whatever program you choose has easier courses to get you started — something that consists of lower weights, simpler movements, and slower pacing to help you form a foundation to build your fitness upon.

Final Word

Online fitness programs are a great way to get a workout done wherever you are. Plus, there are programs to help you achieve specific goals, so whether you want to gain strength, lose weight, or improve your cardiovascular fitness, there are plenty of options to choose from. The choices in this list cover a wide range of goals, methods, and price ranges, so there’s something for everyone. But the one thing they all have in common is that they provide expert coaches with the expertise to get you where you want to be. All you have to do is choose your goal, find an online workout program in your price range, and get to work. 

FAQs

The post The Best Online Workout Programs For Coaching, Cardio, Value, And More appeared first on BarBend.

Some are great, some not so much, so we’ve put together a lit of the most useful services with the best quality content.

JetSweat
JetSweat	JetSweat A great streaming service for athletes that includes CrossFit, dumbbells, and kettlebells in their repertoire.	Start Now
BeachBody On Demand
BeachBody On Demand	BeachBody On Demand A popular streaming service that offers ten different programs for different fitness goals.	Start Now
Daily Burn
Daily Burn	Daily Burn An extremely popular streaming service that includes nutrition apps, live chats, and audio workouts.	Start Now
ROMWOD
ROMWOD	ROMWOD The go-to service for improving mobility, particularly for Olympic weightlifters and CrossFit® athletes.	Start Now
Aaptiv
Aaptiv	Aaptiv An audio-focused streaming workout app that lets you take your workouts anywhere you want to go.	Shop Aaptiv

1. JetSweat

This is one of the very few streaming services that offers CrossFit classes. If you’ve got dumbbells and kettlebells at home, you can use JetSweat to take part in classes from New York’s CrossFit Solace.

And there are over a dozen other classes you can take as well, all from boutiques around New York City and San Francisco, including SALT Fitness, Fhitting Room, and Body Space Fitness — all of which employ dumbbells and/or kettlebells — plus there’s yoga, barre, Pilates, bodyweight stuff, and even a martial arts teacher.

A lot of streaming services are bodyweight only to appeal to more people, which is totally fine because bodyweight workouts are awesome for you. But if you want to up the ante, JetSweat might be the best call.

Cost: $19.99 per month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSb-YMEocIM

2. BeachBody On Demand

P90X. Shaun T. Tony Horton. All of the OG names in home workouts live on BeachBody, and we know that when a home workout program goes as viral as BeachBody’s has, serious strength athletes tend to assume it’s B.S. But in an industry that’s awash with programs that are mostly yoga and planks, BeachBody delivers solid, high intensity strength workouts.

BeachBody on Demand offers ten different programs that include strength-and-cardio focused ones like Shift Shop, Core de Force, and Cize. The programs come with nutrition tips and meal plans, and there’s another bonus: the first two weeks are free if you don’t love commitment. 

Cost: $8.25 – $13 per month, depending on how long you sign up for.

3. Daily Burn

Daily Burn has been on the home workout scene for 13 years and counts 2.5 million people in its membership. Classes include high intensity training, muscle building, barre, pregnancy and post-natal, as well as introductory courses on exercise, yoga, and Pilates. Plenty of the classes include dumbbells and other home exercise equipment, while others are happy work with just your bodyweight.

The service includes nutrition apps, workout trackers, and live chats to keep you on task. You can tune in live or watch them on demand any time on your schedule, plus you can work out anywhere with their Audio Workouts. (Just add headphones.)

Cost: $14.95-$19.95 per month, or $125.95-$149.95 per year.

4. ROMWOD

The ROM stands for ‘range of motion’, WOD is CrossFit speak for “workout of the day,” and yes, this is probably the most popular home workout system for CrossFit athletes. You might know of ROMWOD as the service that boost your mobility: if you’re doing CrossFit, you’re doing Olympic weightlifting moves, which might require the most mobility of any sport. (It’s why Team USA weightlifter Mattie Rogers features in the company’s commercials.)

With star physical therapist Kelly Starrett at the helm, ROMWOD can indeed get your ankle, hip, and shoulder (etc.) mobility in peak shape, and you can even search for routines based on which movement you’re struggling with, be it overhead squats, burpees, or specific CrossFit workouts like Murph. It’s not exactly what you might be looking for if you want to stream a high intensity workout but if your mobility is taking a hit from a lot quarantine-on-the-couch (or just having a regular job where you sit all day), ROMWOD is worth knowing about.

Cost: $13.95 per month

5. Aaptiv

Streaming without vision! Aaptiv puts workouts in your ear, providing audio-only instruction to walk (or talk) you through a diverse range of workouts so you can stop craning your neck to look at a screen, focus on form, and move freely. The workouts are diverse, including strength focused, running, yoga, even meditation.

You’re in charge of the length of the workout, the trainer you get, and the music. And the fact that it’s audio only means you can do it anywhere you want (no lugging a laptop to the park) and, perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the most inexpensive on this list.

Cost: $8.33 per month

6. Mirror

For seriously high tech, seriously personalized at home fitness, it doesn’t get much more high end than Mirror. When it’s turned off, it looks like a mirror. When it’s turned on it becomes Mirror, a system that provides over 20 different types of workouts and more than 10,000 on demand classes that can include kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga, dance cardio, even meditation.

Prefer to do a workout live with other people, or one on one with a trainer? You can do that. There are over 70 different classes streaming live every week, but perhaps the crowning achievement is that you can literally have a trainer in the device (well, not literally in it, but it looks like it) watching your form and encouraging you through the workout. It can also track your heart rate and you can even pick your own music.

If you can stomach the cost, there’s not much better.

Cost: $1,500 for the device, then $39 per month.

Featured image via Elnur/Shutterstock

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