I am responsible for content in the AI, financial, graphic design, operating system, photo and video editing, productivity, and small business categories, among others. I also worked for several years on the consumer electronics team, where I edited articles on topics such as cameras, headphones, phones, speakers, and tablets. However, for strength workouts, Centr is an excellent option, especially as you can filter classes by the equipment you have at hand. There are also handy features like Strava Beacon, which are designed to keep you safe, by allowing your friends or family members to track your live location on a run. The app can feel a little overwhelming at a first glance, but classes can be filtered by trainer, time, and the music you prefer to work out to.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 may not be the most up-to-date version of the brand’s flagship headphones (that would be the WH-1000XM6), but they remain our top choice for athletes who want studio-grade audio. The two newer models are much better for light walks and non-active listening (and do offer an even more elevated sound quality thanks to additional mics). The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the earbuds to get if you own a Pixel phone, offering an integration experience that rivals the seamless connection between AirPods and iPhones. Google’s second-generation earbuds build on their predecessor with improved ANC, a more comfortable design, and enhanced sound quality, making them an easy choice for Google users. In addition to a comfortable fit, the sound quality has seen significant improvement, with a balanced bass that enhances the listening experience without being overpowering.
Upgrade pick: Peloton Cross Training Bike+
- Meanwhile, the Pro version adds extras like advanced charts and training analytics, but you can do plenty without paying.
- You can connect it to your physical bike, elliptical, or exercise machine by adding a cadence sensor — making your setup feel incredibly real.
- Newer iterations of fitness trackers include advanced smart watches that can do anything from tracking your archery workout to detecting a heart attack, as well as (our personal favorite) smart rings.
- The saddle is comfortable, as far as indoor cycles go, and it adjusts both in height and depth.
- Once you’ve assembled the squat rack and unboxed the kettle bells, stick Jefit on your smartphone, head to the shed and prepare to get swole.
- The scale arrives with the batteries taped inside the box, all you need to do is pop them in and step on.
That said, despite its reputation as an app for runners and cyclists, you can track a total of 31 different sports. Since having my son, I’ve religiously used Joe’s The Body Coach app to rebuild my core postpartum, and I’ve loved the flexibility and challenge of the Body Coach plan. In March 2020, Nike made its Nike Training Club app content completely free for 90 days to help people keep fit while they stayed at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the app has been completely free for users, and unlike others on this list, there’s no paid version anymore. But if these aren’t quite right for you either, we’ve rounded up the best workout apps for a range of training styles and budgets to get you started. When you see an “IP” rating what you are really reading is the Ingress Protection rating.
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Gentler Streak has a more human sensibility, urging you on a daily basis to remain within a fitness ‘range’ – and even suggesting you have a break if it thinks you’re over-exerting yourself. My Virtual Mission is a goal-setting app, allowing you to create a virtual fitness challenge, which you can work towards. This idea is that having a set goal will drive you to complete it.
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CNET staff — not advertisers, partners or business interests — determine how we review products and services. Around the same time as the streamer partnered with Netflix, it also developed a short series with meditation app Headspace, and the Headspace Guide to Meditation is currently still available on Netflix. If you’re not into weights or the fast tempo of BodyPump and Body Attack, there’s plenty of other classes to choose from.
It aims to give users a dynamic, immersive exercise experience without needing traditional controllers — ideal if you want a casual to moderate full-body workout from home. The Gym Class VR apps is one of the most popular free VR fitness apps — especially for those who enjoy sports-based workouts. You’ll jump, dodge, shoot hoops and engage in fast-paced movement that burns calories without ever feeling like traditional exercise. The app is free, but you can pay for the Abel Runner’s Club version to access all eight seasons and features. In addition to heart-pounding audio storylines and narrated adventures, there are also virtual races, stat tracking, GPS-enabled maps, and the ability to connect with your Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch.
Exercise with YESOUL
We love a workout app because there’s very little downside to giving one a try. Most offer a free trial, which lets you explore the workouts, features, and overall vibe before committing. Compared to an in-person gym membership, fitness apps are typically more affordable, far more convenient, and they take the guesswork out of programming our own workouts. Since you can use them anytime, anywhere, they’re also one of our favorite tools for staying consistent (and seeing real results). If you’re starting to work out and need a plan to follow, a fitness app can be a good way to start.
What is the best workout app for iPhones?
There are HIIT, strength, core, yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes, taught by a range of different trainers. When you’re crushing a grueling rowing routine or leg day, the last thing you want is your headphones dying mid-workout. Look for wireless earbuds that provide at least 6-8 hours of continuous playback, or on-ear/over-ear headphones that can go 20+ hours on a single charge. JBL has always known how to do bass, and the Endurance Race 2 lives up to that reputation.
Also, your inbox is browsable and your notes are readable on you Apple Watch, saving you from having to keep heading to your iPhone. The Apple Watch app is a mere monitor, but that still proves useful. You can at a glance – either in the app or by way of a complication – see which of your devices needs plugging in.
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With such a loyal following and a gamut of industry-leading tech, we would be remised if we didn’t include Garmin’s smart scale on our list. As with all things the brand produces, the Index S2 scale delivers an option that’s aesthetically sleek and provides fairly standard insight into your health metrics. But what truly sets this one apart is the connectivity to the Garmin community. Pricing is by session rather than by month, so you only pay when you use the service. Pricing starts at $29 per session — though some trainers cost more than $100 per session — so this is a pricier option than typical online workout programs. Jillian Michaels’ fitness app isn’t your mother’s collection of early-2000s Shred DVDs (though those are included with a subscription).
Horizon Fitness 5.0R
The Galaxy Watch 8 also delivers the features you expect in high-end smartwatches. That means accurate dual-frequency GPS specs and voice navigation. Nailing these (as Samsung does) is extra-critical in 2026, partly because the Galaxy Watch 8 has some new competition for Android users (namely, from Google’s Pixel Watch).
Perfect for early mornings or late nights without waking anyone up. Ride with endless entertainment — mirror Peloton, Zwift, YouTube, and more on the 21.5″ HD screen.Every session feels fresh, fun, and totally yours. Auto-incline up to 10% + 21.5″ swivel screen with unlimited mirroring.Train harder, run smarter, and boost calories effortlessly. No need to worry about unexpected crashes and connection drops with the new data recovery system.
Do I need special equipment to use a workout app?
As the ways we approach exercise have shifted in the face of changing technology, having a digital training partner has become more commonplace. Whether you’re exercising at home, or on the road, the best workout apps have become one of the most versatile fitness tools out there. Workout apps can be especially appealing for beginners because they provide both convenience and guidance.
Experience
The best workout app depends on your goals, experience, and preferences—someone training for muscle gain might choose a strength‑focused app, while a beginner walker may prefer a simple, walking‑based program. The best option is the one you can use consistently and safely for months, not days. Our team underwent hands-on testing of each app’s setup, usability, workout quality, and overall value, with a special focus on how well they support consistency over time. We looked for apps that are not only effective, but realistic to stick with for different lifestyles and fitness levels. Behind that catchy name is one of the best workout apps for those on a time crunch.
The Men’s Health fitness and tech editors tested a few dozen options to identify the nine best models available. In addition to its outwardly masculine look and durable design, the technology here is super simple to navigate, which can’t be said for all fitness trackers. Though there’s no touchscreen, Miller had the five buttons figured out within just a few minutes of receiving the product. And while you can track up to 30 different workout types, Miller praises the display for the easy-to-digest layout outside of workout mode. “The 390 x 390 pixel AMOLED display resolution is sharp and bright, allowing Garmin to jam a lot of stats on the mad muscles home screen.
