What is the best fitness app to download?

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If you’re searching for an effective tool to help you achieve your fitness goals, you may not need to look any further than your smartphone. A wide variety of fitness apps make it easy to work up a sweat, build strength and stay motivated in any location at any time.

However, endless options can be overwhelming. So we did the heavy lifting to narrow the list to the 10 best fitness apps worth the download.

To determine the best fitness apps of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team reviewed more than 40 fitness apps across the iOS and Android app stores. Star ratings associated with each recommendation were determined solely by the editorial team and based on factors including price and the availability of several features.

Note: All prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.

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What is the best fitness app to download?

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The 10 Best Fitness Apps for 2022


Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best Celebrity Fitness

FitOn

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

Free for basic, $29.99 annually or $24.99 for six months

Why We Picked It

FitOn offers a huge variety of workouts, including cardio, strength, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), dance, yoga, Pilates, Barre and more. It even features workouts led by celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Jonathan Van Ness. Classes are available in real time with the app’s live classes feature or through on-demand workouts. With a live leaderboard and real-time heart rate tracking via Apple Watch, users can track their progress and fitness goals. Upgrading to the Pro version ($29.99 a year) grants users access to more than 500 recipes, live workout video calls, personalized meal plans and more.

Pros & Cons

  • Real-time, in-app messaging with friends or workout partners
  • Offers guided meditations
  • Free guides available for healthy eating, stress reduction, sugar reduction, improved sleep and more

  • Free version includes access to all workouts, live leaderboard and real-time messaging with friends.
  • Only annual and six-month subscriptions are available

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Weight Loss

Beachbody On Demand

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost:

$89.94 for six months, $119.88 annually

Why We Picked It

If you’re looking for a lifestyle and wellness overhaul, Beachbody offers a place to start. An annual subscription gives users access to over 75 on-demand workout programs, along with the option to follow nutritional programs through one of its coaches. BODgroups, led by a coach, help members with support and accountability while the huge range of workouts has options that appeal to just about everyone, from beginner level to advanced.

Pros & Cons

  • Most workouts take less than 30 minutes
  • Varying levels of intensity across several types of workouts
  • Workouts are led by the company’s well-known trainers, including Autumn Calabrese, Joel Freeman, Jericho McMatthews, Shaun T and more

  • No free version
  • Live classes are only available with BODi upgrade

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best Free Fitness App

Nike Training Club

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Why We Picked It

The Nike Training Club app gives you the perks of personal training without the hefty price tag. In 2020, Nike made the app’s premium content permanently free. You can access multi-week training programs catered to your specific fitness goals, as well as more than 100 standalone workout videos.

When you download the app, a quiz asks what kind of workouts interest you most and how many times a week you want to exercise. Based on your answers, it recommends a few four- to eight-week structured programs consisting of 10- to 60-minute workouts. Nike Training Club’s workout offering runs the gamut, from yoga to bodyweight boot camps to core training.

Pros & Cons

  • Virtual guidance from Nike master trainers
  • Personalized workout recommendations
  • Minimal workout equipment required for most workouts

  • Cannot access more than one recommended structured program at a time
  • Apple Watch integration for heart rate monitoring needs improvement
  • Android users occasionally report video and workout timer glitches

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Data Tracking

Burn.Fit

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

$4.99 a month or $40.99 for a year

Why We Picked It

If you’re looking for an app geared toward tracking your progress and showing you change over time, Burn.Fit might have what you need. It allows users to track data, such as volume, time, weight and goals, to compare your progress. Acting as a type of digital workout journal, this app helps you log workouts and utilize helpful graphs that analyze your workouts to keep you motivated and improving.

Pros & Cons

  • Create your own workouts and share them with friends
  • A calendar-based planner helps you stay organized and committed
  • All data is synced and backed up to the cloud

  • No live classes
  • No nutrition or diet information included

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Nutrition Tracking

MyFitnessPal

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

$19.99 a month or $79.99 annually

Why We Picked It

MyFitnessPal is an all-in-one nutrition and fitness tracker that can help you reach your goals while providing nutritional information for over 14 million foods and a built-in fitness community to help you stay motivated. The app allows users to scan barcodes for nutritional information, save meals and recipes, and use a food diary to help track eating habits over time. The app’s Meal Planner tool even allows you to customize your menus based on your goals and target calorie intake. You can also track your workouts and steps with the app’s fitness tracker and customize goals for weight loss, weight maintenance, nutrition and fitness. Though a free version of the app is available, it only includes nutrition information—you have to purchase a membership to access the fitness benefits.

Pros & Cons

  • Connects with other health apps, including FitBit, MapMyRun, Apple Health and more
  • Personalized dashboards display nutrition and workout data
  • Track macros, carbs, protein and more
  • Includes more than 100 self-guided workout routines

  • No live classes

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Experienced Gym-Goers

Strong Workout Tracker

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

Free for basic, PRO for $4.99 a month or $29.99 annually

Why We Picked It

With reviewers calling the app “bare bones and serious,” Strong Workout Tracker is for those who mean business and have been working out long enough to know exactly what they want. With its simple, no-frills interface and comprehensive range of cardio and strength moves (you can add your own, too), this app allows users to create their own routines. It also includes a Warm Up Calculator to help get your session started.

Pros & Cons

  • Free version can save unlimited workouts and three custom routines
  • Auto countdown timer helps record rest breaks
  • Track progress with graphs and automatically back up data to the cloud

  • No live classes
  • No social connectivity

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Strength Training

Jefit

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

Free for basic, Elite for $12.99 a month or $69.99 annually

Why We Picked It

Successful strength training requires smart program planning. Jefit’s free version contains a database of more than 1,300 exercises to help you plan the specifics of your weightlifting sessions and track total reps and weights used in the training log tracker. The log helps you keep tabs on changes in your body composition, including your weight and body fat percentage. Jefit also comes equipped with set training programs appropriate for all fitness levels for those who want to follow an expert rather than be one.

For $12.99 a month or $69.99 a year, the Jefit’s elite membership removes ads and gives you access to advanced training reports, featured workout sets and more.

Pros & Cons

  • Expert-led exercise demonstrations promote proper form and safety
  • Customized workout options available
  • Connect easily with other Jefit members for tips, feedback and support

  • Most workouts require equipment
  • Heart rate monitoring and tracking not included

SEVEN

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Quick Workouts

SEVEN

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

$4.99 a month or $39.99 annually

Why We Picked It

Research in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health and Fitness Journal suggests you can get an effective aerobic workout in just seven minutes a day, and the. Seven’s workouts are based on this finding. The app is far from flashy, but it provides clear video demonstrations and audio cues for every workout, so you can make those minutes count.

The 7 Club, the app’s subscription option, gives you personal workout plans that cater to your specific fitness level, access to 200+ workouts and support and guidance from a personal trainer for $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year.

Pros & Cons

  • All workouts are bodyweight-based (no equipment needed)
  • Shorter workouts
  • Can compete with and encourage fellow app users

  • No live classes


Gymshark Training

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Working Out Solo

Gymshark Training

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Why We Picked It

If you prefer to hit the gym and do your workouts alone, this app might be for you. It doesn’t provide any social connectivity, but it does offer a large library of workouts and plans from which users can choose. The app also allows users to create their own custom workout plans, down to the number of sets and reps. These workouts can be specific to muscle groups or exercise types, and data can be integrated into the Apple Health app to track progress.

Pros & Cons

  • Provides guided exercise tutorials by athletes and trainers
  • Step-by-step exercise breakdowns help ensure optimal performance

  • No live classes
  • No social connectivity


Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Beginners

FitPlan

Our ratings take into account multiple app features, detailed in the methodology section. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Cost

$15.99 a month or $69.99 annually

Why We Picked It

Boasting a roster packed with a wide variety of personal trainers, hundreds of recipes and over three million users to help motivate you, FitPlan allows users to experience personal training from the comfort of home. Choose from workouts including HIIT, weightlifting, bodyweight-only movements, bodybuilding and workouts geared toward weight loss.

Pros & Cons

  • Features prenatal and postnatal workout plans
  • Personalized recommendations for workouts based on your goals
  • Daily workouts feature step-by-step video instruction

  • Only offers a seven-day trial—no free version available
  • No custom workout plans
  • Reviewers note that videos sometimes glitch

Summary: Best Fitness Apps


Methodology

To determine the best fitness apps, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed over 40 apps across the iOS and Android app stores, ranking them based on the following factors:

  • Price
  • Class format
  • Workout variety
  • Availability of additional features
  • Social functionality
  • Diet and nutrition information


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a fitness app?

A fitness app is an application you can download on your mobile device for assistance with your exercise regimen and related lifestyle behaviors. It can help you set fitness goals, track your progress toward those goals, try new workouts, access expert fitness advice, join a supportive community, stay motivated and more.

Some fitness apps also sync with wearable fitness technology.

What features should I look for in a fitness app?

Fitness app features run the gamut because users have such a wide variety of needs. But in general, the best fitness apps focus on movement specifically. An app should provide content, classes and/or programs that interest you, motivate you, and encourage you to stick to a healthy exercise routine. For some people, it’s a good idea to start with workouts and movements that you are both familiar and comfortable with before navigating new territory.

Apps focused on nutrition, sleep, medication, and activity tracking are helpful tools as well, but they are considered wellness apps—not fitness apps.

Is it safe to use fitness apps?

Fitness apps are generally safe to use, but if you’re new to exercise or considering starting a new program on a fitness app, consult with your doctor first to ensure the plan you’re considering is a safe option for you. Always exercise caution and start slowly when attempting a new type of workout in an unsupervised format to prevent unwanted strains, pains and injuries.

Should I pay for fitness apps?

Many fitness apps can successfully replace your need for a gym or fitness studio membership, as they provide plenty of live or on-demand workouts hosted by certified trainers that you can complete in the comfort of your own home. While some of these apps allow you to access their expert content for free, most have subscription fees. Your budget will affect your app choice, but it’s reasonable to expect to pay for the best fitness apps.

What is the overall best fitness app?

The best fitness app is the one you’ll use consistently. It provides exercise content that appeals to your interests, and it keeps you motivated to exercise often so you can progress toward your fitness goals effectively. No matter how simple or sophisticated the app may be, if it gets you moving and keeps you moving, it’s an excellent choice.


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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

What is the best fitness app to download?

Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.

What is the best fitness app to download?

Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.

What is the best fitness app to download?

Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).

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  • Noom Diet Review
  • GOLO Diet Review
  • Best OTC Allergy Medications

What is the most effective fitness app?

The 10 Best Fitness Apps for 2022..
FitOn..
Beachbody on Demand..
Nike Training Club..
Burn.fit..
MyFitnessPal..
Strong Workout Tracker..
Jefit..

What is a good fitness app for free?

The 9 Best Free Fitness Apps [2022].
Strong. An app to record your workouts in an easy and intuitive way. ... .
Jefit. Like Strong, this app allows you to track your workouts. ... .
Nike Training Club. ... .
Nike Run Club. ... .
Strava. ... .
MyFitnessPal. ... .
Daily Yoga. ... .
Endomondo..

Which app is best for home workout?

The best home workout apps at a glance.
Peloton..
Aaptiv..
Fitbit Coach..
Asana Rebel..
Adidas Training and Running by Runtastic..
Nike Training Club..
Zwift..

What is the best workout app for beginners?

Here are the best exercise apps for beginners:.
Best overall: OpenFit. Free. ... .
Best for quick workouts: 7 Minute Workout. Free. ... .
Best for yoga: Alo Moves. Two-week free trial, then $20/month or $200/year. ... .
Best for live classes: Obé ... .
Best for going at your own pace: Sworkit..