They all make progressive overload visible – you can see what you lifted last session and aim to beat it. They log your training history so you can verify you’re actually getting stronger over weeks and months. And they keep the logging process fast enough that you’ll actually use them consistently instead of abandoning them after two workouts. FitNotes gives you completely free workout logging with zero ads and no premium upsells. The app includes a massive exercise database covering every common lift and bodyweight movement.
All of its features are free, making it one of the best free workout apps on mobile. As a certified personal trainer and expert product reviewer, I tend to be tough on online workout programs but I could find very few faults with the Caliber Strength Training App. What I love about it is it stresses fitness fundamentals such as progressive overload, energy balance, flexible nutrition, and the importance of rest periods. There are hundreds of on-demand classes to choose from but only 14 different training programs on the app. These plans are more than just workouts—they come with some great information, health tips, and recipes. Unfortunately, these are not personalized training plans so if you are looking for a trainer-led plan, you may be disappointed.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Weightlifting Apps
Whether you’re looking for the best workout apps to keep you motivated—or the ones that can help you start a new fitness routine from scratch—there are tons of great options out there. But there are so many options that trying to pick one can seem just a little bit daunting. All workout apps in this article cost between $10 and $20 per month — that’s likely cheaper than most fitness classes in a studio. You also get unlimited access to your workouts in the apps, so you can take as many classes or workouts as you want. Since the focus is on building strength, SBTD has a section where you can input your weights and reps neatly.
She does recommend it for others, though, even if you’re not someone who has Barre or dancing experience (though she would’ve preferred a bit more dancing incorporated into the workouts). But, the programs lack an educational aspect and assume people know the intricacies of powerlifting programming. The coaches try to answer as many questions as possible on the social media platforms, but there are some that go unaddressed. Our team has tried and researched dozens of workout programs, but not all of them were able to make our “best of” list. That’s not to say they were bad, and we’re sure a few people out there would enjoy giving them a shot. While we haven’t tested out this running app, a first glance shows it has tons of features to keep you motivated for your next workout.
Best Online Workout Programs in 2026
If you’re a beginner looking for the basics, you’re in good hands. With meal plans, mindfulness exercises, and that all-important Daily Readiness Score, Fitbit Premium is an easy recommendation for Fitbit users looking to take their fitness to the next level. The best fitness apps can help you take control of your health and fitness, elevating your exercise and improving your wellbeing, maybe even for the first time. This goes without saying, but you prob want to avoid workout apps with terrible reviews. Browse reviews on Google Play or the App Store to get an in-depth view of what reviewers think about the app. Try this free app made to provide you with baby-got-back butt workouts.
How to choose the best fitness app for you
- Clear goals can also help you stay motivated and measure your success over time.
- The new FitOn App lets you train beside the rich and famous with personalized video sessions led by celeb trainers and A-listers.
- Simple workout logger, notepad feature to record additional details about your workout.
- Caliber earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for the value category for two reasons.
- Dr. Muscle app has been declared the victor, scoring a remarkable 48 out of 50.
- The free tier is genuinely limited (3 workouts total, not per week), but worth trying to evaluate if the subscription is right for you.
This fitness and nutrition program aims to provide a personal trainer that you can take anywhere with you through an app. What I like about the app is that you get personal training and fully customizable nutrition plans tied to your goals. The nutrition plan is just that, a plan with meals you can create with the recipes they provide (no meals will be delivered to your home). Not only that, there is a ton of variety with iFIT, earning it a 5-star rating for this category. You’ll have access to machine-specific workouts and strength training, circuit training, yoga, and Pilates. In our original iFIT reviews, the app featured more than 16,000 on-demand workouts, with tons of new options added since then.
Running Events
If you’re an outdoors person, especially runs and rides, Strava is the perfect app for you. Use our quick round-up below to immediately find an app that fits your needs – and you can read more about it by jumping to our full write-ups and explanations using the links. Lloyd Coombes is a freelance contributor from Essex, UK, with a passion for fitness and tech. He can be seen at TechRadar, iMore, Live Science and more on a regular basis, and enjoys weightlifting and middle-distance running. Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Kick-Start Your Health Goals with Flex Fitness
Nike Training Club (NTC) is a powerhouse fitness app offering 200+ free workouts ranging from strength and endurance to mobility and yoga. FitOn, 7 Minute Workout, and Adidas Training are perfect for beginners working out at home. Caliber has gained madmuscles scam massive praise on platforms like Reddit for offering science-backed strength training plans—with no strings attached. It’s like having a digital workout diary in your pocket, streamlining your gym experience. While Strong excels in usability, it’s more suited for those who already have a grip on their gym routine, as it doesn’t hand-hold beginners with workout plans and guidance. All 190+ workouts and training programs are accessible without any subscription or payment.
Dr. Muscle: The AI Workout App With 27+ Features You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
While ClassPass primarily offers paid memberships for in‑studio and on‑demand classes, you can explore their free trial to see what’s available. For truly free workouts at home, there are plenty of apps that let you stream or follow classes without entering any payment info. Not only is it free, but you can interact with other members, share completed workouts, and receive/give encouragement from people on similar fitness journeys.
Caliber also has a live community for motivation and support within the app. If you’re looking for extra support, you can upgrade to one of Caliber’s coaching programs that start at $19 per month with a free trial. However, Senior Editor for Garage Gym Reviews, Kate Meier, followed the classroom training option for months at a time in various CrossFit gyms. Street Parking does provide alternate workouts based on equipment access.
Tracking Progress
The Sweat app has tons of progressive programs designed for women by women. We’re fans of Stephanie Sanzo’s Strength & Resistance program, which is a full-body weightlifting program. You’ll typically need a gym membership or a pretty well-stocked home gym to complete it — but there are a bunch of at-home programs with less equipment needed to choose from, too.
You’ll get to choose from your favorite workouts, and each routine will even come with a video tutorial and step-by-step instructions, so you know you’ll be nailing all your forms perfectly. In-person training is often more effective because it’s harder to ignore a real person than it is a notification on your phone. If you’re someone who’s motivated to work out, then an online workout program can help you attain your fitness goals. P90X is an at-home workout that combines weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, HIIT, and cardio all in one.
Building muscle requires consistency, progressive overload, and intelligent programming. While the core principles of hypertrophy haven’t changed, technology now offers powerful tools to apply them effectively. The right application can serve as a personal trainer in your pocket, meticulously guiding your sets, reps, and recovery to ensure you are constantly challenging your body to grow. Nike may have beaten them to it, but adidas was hot on their heels when they launched adidas Training in 2015. Released alongside their running app, this one focuses on strength training, HIIT, and cardio workouts, alongside some yoga and dance options.
Best Free Weightlifting App: Hevy
While the premium option can give you special features like premium music options to spice up your playlist, personalized meal plans, and offline downloads to workouts, the bulk of the app is free. When choosing a plan, you can easily filter the programs based on your training goals, experience level, desired number of days per week, and equipment access. Caliber Strength Training is a fitness coaching program grounded in scientific principles designed to increase strength and improve body composition. The app offers both group and individual training plans which are written and modified by a certified coach based on progress. The platform excels at providing guided, motivational sessions that feel like a premium studio class. For individuals building a foundational level of strength or seeking variety, the multi-week strength programs offer a clear path and structure.
Final Thoughts: No Subscription, No Excuses
The program is really effective in that it helps you lose fat while building lean muscle to get a toned physique. The problem is P90X hasn’t kept up with the times, and it’s still only available as a DVD set. For those new to workout programs, Aaptiv is a great option, with nearly all of the workouts on the app having audio-only programs.