December 16, 2020

The Best Fitness Apps to Get You Moving

As 2021 approaches (thank goodness!) you might be thinking about the goals you want to set in the new year (or you’re just focused on surviving and that’s ok, too!). If any of the goals you’ve set revolve around fitness, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve always tried to help our readers and customers feel better and do more so if feeling better while you do more is your goal for 2021, we’ve compiled some apps that can help.

To be clear, when we’re talking about working out and getting back in shape, we’re talking in terms of leading a healthy lifestyle. Your fitness goals are your own and if those center on losing weight and looking fit, then our advice will certainly be helpful. But our biggest concern is for the overall health of our readers and staying active is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Home Workout

You’re not going to work out if it’s not simple. When we’re stuck working out at home, we’ll try all sorts of excuses to get out of it. This app takes those away. The Home Workout offers daily workout routines for all your main muscle groups. No equipment or coach needed, all exercises can be performed with just your body weight.

With the app, you can set a weekly goal for how often you want to work out. Choose the type of workout routine you want (full body, legs, chest, etc), and select Start to get going.

Download for Android or for iOS. It’s not free, but there are different pricing options available.

Couch to 5K

Starting at zero but hoping to hit some big fitness goals? Go from the couch to a 5K with this (aptly named) app.

For $2.99, this program will help you move from the couch to the finish line. Spend just 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, for nine weeks, and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K (3.1-mile) race!

The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout

This app is designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine's fitness guidelines, and includes both aerobic and strength-training exercises done in the style of a quick, fitness-building interval program. Not sure it will work? Don’t worry, it’s science.

This program is great for beginners and it uses science to help you get a full workout in just 7 minutes. Need help easing back into a workout routine? Start here.

And yes, it’s free!

Nike+ Training Club App

This app offers over 100 workouts designed by Nike trainers, with video and audio guidance for workouts of different lengths. It’s great not just for working out but reaching your overall fitness goals. It offers results-oriented programs, and in-depth nutrition and wellness advice, from world-renowned trainers and experts. This app is great if you want a wide selection of workouts using anything from simple body-weight exercises to gym equipment.

And, you’ll probably get more from the free version of this app than most other apps like it.

Peloton

Yup, the bike. But you can do these workouts even if you don’t have the bike.

There are plenty of workouts on this app for you to follow with minimal equipment or none at all. They even offer outdoor walking workouts so no matter how you like to stay in shape, there’s something for you.

Classes are split into activity types, including strength, yoga, cardio and meditation to name just a few.

Worried about losing motivation? They have enthusiastic coaches offering plenty of advice and encouragement along the way.

This is not a free app (unless you have a Peloton) but they do offer a trial.

Aaptiv

While most home workout apps use videos to demonstrate what you should be doing, Aaptiv talks you through every activity, so you don't have to prop up your phone awkwardly or stare at a screen while your work out. They even have their own licensed music too, so you don't have to worry about setting up a playlist and bouncing between apps.

Workouts are split into categories such as strength training and stretching, and each one comes with an estimated duration and difficulty level.

While it’s not free, you can check it out with a 30-day trial.

NOOM

Noom is a health app that helps you lose weight without gimmicky diets. When you go to the website, you can choose your goals (lose weight, get fit, or both). You do need to answer the questions before you can move forward on their website but the goal is to help you create better habits through behavior changes, not dieting.

The reviews are generally good but it is a paid program. If you really want to change your habits and lifestyle and need some extra help, it could be worth checking out.

Headspace (for your mental health)

If you’re more worried about your mental health after a year like 2020, you should check out Headspace, an app for Meditation and Sleep. Headspace is your guide to mindfulness in your everyday life. It has guided meditations based on your goals from world-class experts. Different levels and session lengths allow you to build your meditation practice even if you start at zero.