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 10 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 Free Fitness App: Nike Training Club
• Best Fitness App for Beginners: Aaptiv
• Best Fitness App for Yoga: Alo Moves
• Best Fitness App for Data Tracking: Peloton
• Best Fitness App for Running: Nike Run Club
• Best Fitness App for Strength Training: Juggernaut AI

How We Chose and Tested the Best Fitness Apps

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. These are the factors we considered:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 
• 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.
• Price: 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? 

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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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 — our testers gave their overall experience a 5 out of 5. 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. “During my workouts, every single movement has an accompanied instructional video and audio,” our tester said, giving the instruction a 5 out of 5. “Compared to other apps I’ve tried, Future was definitely among the easiest to follow.”

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. We also gave the accountability a 5 out of 5, as your coach keeps you 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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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. Our testers tried out the premium version to give an all-encompassing review.

“My coach talked to me several times each week and tweaked my workouts based on my progress,” our tester said, giving the instruction a 5 out of 5. “The tutorials were incredibly easy to follow with step-by-step instructions.”

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. The workouts are built around y0our available equipment, which our testers found convenient. 

“My coach had me weigh in and take progress photos weekly, which I didn’t love,” our tester said. This may not be appropriate for athletes but that being said, it may be helpful for some. We did give the accountability a 3 out of 5, though, as our tester wasn’t able to really find a defined community in the app.

Read our full Caliber Fitness App Review.

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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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, too.

Considering the sheer variety of well-designed workouts, our testers gave their overall experience a 5 out of 5. 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.

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. The user interface, in general, is incredibly easy to use, earning iFIT a 5 out of 5 in this category. 

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. 

Shop Noom

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. In terms of user interface, we gave this category a 5 out of 5. 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. We also liked that it increased accountability, giving this category a 3.5 out of 5, as some apps have more involved accountability measures. 

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. 

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.

Read our full Noom Weight Loss App Review.

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.

Shop Nike

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.

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 the quality of instruction a 5 out of 5. 

Personally, I love the filter in the search tab for this app, allowing you to pick and choose your preferred workout modality, available equipment, length, etc. The app is generally easy to use and follow, including easy-to-follow exercise videos for the non-live workouts. I’d give the user interface a 5 out of 5.

However, there isn’t much of an accountability factor, so I’d give this category a 2 out of 5. There’s no option to work with a coach, nor is there a live in-app community. As this is a free app, this is totally expected.

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.

[Related: The 9 Best Online Workout Programs (2024)]

Best Fitness App for Beginners: Aaptiv

Aaptiv

Aaptiv

An audio-focused streaming workout app that lets you take your workouts anywhere you want to go.

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For beginners or athletes setting new goals, we recommend the Aaptiv Fitness app. For one, we thought the instruction was easy-to-follow and customizable. “You can choose workouts based on your goal, like reducing stress or staying fit,” our tester said, giving the instruction a 4 out of 5. However, it’s clear that the workouts are designed by AI, not a personal trainer. For beginners, though, this shouldn’t be a huge issue.

Unlike some other apps, Aaptiv has a great accountability aspect. There’s a “Team” feature in the app, which is a global feed that allows you to interact with and encourage users around the world. “I also like the habit tracker in the dashboard,” our tester said, giving the accountability a 5 out of 5. “You get to choose a habit you want to build and check it off.”

Unfortunately, we weren’t too thrilled with the user interface, rating it a 3 out of 5. While this app synced easily with our tester’s Apple Watch and took record of all the workouts, it really just imported Apple Health data. “There’s not much here that I couldn’t already see in my Apple Health app,” our tester said. 

Aaptiv’s membership costs $14.99 per month and offers a free seven day trial. However, you do need to get the entire year plan in order to try the seven week trial, which isn’t the most convenient.

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.

Shop Alo Moves

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, giving the user interface a 5 out of 5. We 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. After trying the app myself, I’d give the instruction a 4.5 out of 5. The workouts are easy to follow, though you do have to rewind the videos if you miss a move.

The app also offers a unique skill-based library of series that can be great for developing your abilities. I tried the handstand program for two months and actually nailed the move! However, I have to give the accountability a 3 out of 5. There’s no option to work with a personal coach here, so you’re on your own when it comes to consistency. 

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.

Best Fitness App for Data Tracking: 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.

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Best-known for its at-home indoor cycling classes, Peloton is among the most popular home fitness apps right now. And for those who like to keep a close eye on their stats and progress, this is our top pick. 

Your personal metrics are incredibly easy to track, according to our tester, and the app connects to your personal fitness watch to offer as much accuracy as possible. Different workouts track different stats, like your calories burned, cadence, pace per mile, distance, heart rate, wattage, and more. We also gave the user interface a 5 out of 5, as accessing this data is incredibly simple.

Peloton is a little lacking in the accountability department if you go with the basic membership, our tester noted. “If you want more of the at-home gym experience, I recommend the all-access option,” they said, giving this category a 3 out of 5. As an all-access member, you can encourage other users in your classes and follow the in-class leaderboard.

We like the workout variety here, too, however, there aren’t any barbell training options, our tester said. So, if you’re wanting an app that offers advanced strength exercises with progressive overload, this probably isn’t the best pick. However, you don’t actually need a Peloton machine to use the app, which adds to the accessibility.

Best Fitness App 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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For those who are training for a race or looking to add running to the workout regimen, I think Nike is among the best running apps. After using this app for years myself, I think this one is hard to beat, especially if you have new running goals.

This app is incredibly easy to navigate, earning a 5 out of 5 for user interface. There are plenty of workout options, from structured programs (like 5K or marathon training) to simple quickstart-style runs where you can pre-set a distance, time, or speed goal. My favorite aspect is how smoothly this app integrates with your personal music app, like Apple Music or Spotify. I love curating my own playlists while running and Nike took that into consideration.

I have to give the accountability a 3 out of 5. There’s no personal coaching involved with this app, though I do enjoy the coach-guided runs. Essentially, you select a goal-oriented coach-guided run, integrate your personal playlist, and listen to the coach’s instructions. 

For the coach-guided runs, I’d give the instructions a 4 out of 5. The coaches do a great job of verbally guiding you through different effort levels, based on factors like your RPE and breathing. However, these are pre-recorded and aren’t too personalized — it’s on you to gauge your effort.

The non-existent price tag is pretty hard to beat, too. It’s hard to believe that this app is totally free, to be honest. While the workout library isn’t as dense as some other apps, the app is high quality and you can personalize your training programs for different goals.

Best Fitness App for Strength Training: Juggernaut AI

JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI

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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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.

[Related: The 10 Best Personal Training Apps of 2024 (Personally Tested)]

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 Much Do the Best Fitness Apps Cost?

Different fitness apps can vary in price, depending on the membership you choose and the amount of first-person coaching. Our team selected apps with a variety of prices, so there’s something for everyone.

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: “You can narrow down your search a lot right from the get-go by determining what type of training you need to do in order to reach your desired outcome,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. Narrow your personal fitness goals and look for an app that can provide adequate guidance.
• Equipment Requirements: Take stock of your available equipment and, perhaps, what you’re willing to buy. Look for an app that fits with your available equipment and, if you don’t have any at your disposal, opt for an app that offers bodyweight training.
• Fitness Level: Consider what level of instruction you’ll need, recommends Capritto. “Beginners may want to consider a virtual personal training app, such as Caliber or Future, where they can connect with a certified professional and receive individualized feedback and programming,” she recommends. More advanced lifters probably don’t need super in-depth instructional videos and programs.
• Price: “Would you prefer an app that only requires a one-time payment, or are you cool with budgeting for a monthly subscription? If yes, how much can you pay each month? You’re naturally going to get a lot more out of an ongoing subscription, but if your goal is just to keep fit, you may not need an app that requires one,” Capritto says. Take a close look at the cost of different options to find something within your budget.

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 10 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: 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.

• Training Levels: 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. According to our expert reviewer, who has used many of these modalities herself, “There are apps, downloadable PDFs/printables, subscription options, one-time payment options, etc. Beginners may want an app with a high level of accountability and feedback, while a more advanced exerciser may want something that is structured but can be followed on its own.” No matter your need, we sourced an option for you.

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.

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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

JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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. And an added note from our expert, Amanda Capritto: “As a personal trainer, I see no downsides to following an online workout program [over in-person training], especially one that is catered toward your specific goals.” So read on because as Capritto says, there are only benefits to reap.

• Convenience: 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.

• 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.

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. 

What to Consider Before Buying An Online Workout Program

According to our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, “Anyone who has an interest in reaching a fitness goal or simply improving their overall fitness will benefit from an online workout program. [Especially] those who find success with external accountability and motivation.” However, 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. And believe it or not, you can still make ample gains, even without a fully stocked home gym. (1)  

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.

Best Online Workout Programs FAQs

References

1. Archila LR, Bostad W, Joyner MJ, Gibala MJ. Simple Bodyweight Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness with Minimal Time Commitment: A Contemporary Application of the 5BX Approach. Int J Exerc Sci. 2021 Apr 1;14(3):93-100. PMID: 34055156; PMCID: PMC8136567.

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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