The 9 best fitness apps to download in 2026, according to a fitness editor

Accommodating all fitness levels, the routines range from 5 minutes all the way up to a full hour. Men whose primary goal is building muscle at home will find their strongest options in Fitbod (AI-driven strength) and Caliber (free structured programmes). Both apps are gender-neutral by design but are built around the progressive overload principles that drive hypertrophy (muscle growth). Many men prioritize progressive overload for upper body hypertrophy.

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I don’t have an exercise bar, but I used a set of the best adjustable dumbbells and still got a great workout. 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. You can also add classes to your library, which lets you select classes you’ve taken before, or plan on taking in the future, at a glance. If you’re looking for a top all-rounder, we recommend downloading Centr, the app developed by actor Chris Hemsworth. Or, if you’re looking to keep costs down, Nike Training Club is completely free, while Fiit offers access to all group classes without charge. However, with so many options out there, including both free and paid apps, it can be hard to know which will suit your training needs.

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But it doesn’t mean all fitness apps are created equally, which is why we’ve selected a strong lineup of free apps to try out before opting for the unimeal review premium experience. However, to make the most out of these apps, you may want to consider purchasing a smartwatch specialized in fitness. That way, you can have a reliable metric to see your training progress.

Operating System Compatibility: PC, Mac, or even Apple TV?

In the end, the “best” app comes down to what excites you, whether it’s a favorite instructor, a style of class you can’t get enough of, or a program that fits seamlessly into your schedule. That means intuitive navigation and filters that let you quickly find the perfect class based on workout type, duration, or even music. Many apps also include a community component, which can be a helpful way to stay motivated, share progress, and hold yourself accountable. The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab have tested more than 40 workout apps, combining hands-on evaluations with real-life feedback from GH staffers and consumer testers. This comprehensive approach gives us a clear picture of which apps deliver results, which are enjoyable to use, and which fall short. “I like hypertrophy training by body part, so I have Shred suggest daily workouts—upper body, lower body, full body, or abs,” Schlinger explains.

It follows a unique approach that pairs users with coaches in real-time who use AI to guide people better. This is the best AI personal trainer app for those who need guided lessons. This AI fitness app delivers strength training with a programming set that is precisely for powerlifting and strength sports. HealthifyMe offers AI-powered personalization in diet and workout plans. It helps users track calories and provides virtual coaching for support.

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All the workouts in the world won’t do you much good if your head isn’t in the right place. Odds are you could use some inner peace right about now so don’t wait. Different bodies, different hormonal profiles, different goals — and increasingly, different apps designed to address them. Your goal is the single most important filter when choosing a home workout app. Even a single pair of adjustable dumbbells (typically $40–$100) unlocks a dramatically wider range of effective strength programming across multiple apps on this list.

Free vs. Paid Workout Apps: What’s Worth It?

Lotus Yoga stands out from other yoga apps on our list thanks to its yoga plans, which last from one to five weeks and are taught by professional instructors. The app also features stand-alone, on-demand yoga classes and workouts, which can be filtered by category, skill level, duration, and other filters. Popular options include Nike Training Club for bodyweight exercises, Peloton for live classes, and Sweat for women-focused programs. Centr offers Chris Hemsworth’s programs combining workouts and nutrition. Choose based on your goals — strength, cardio, yoga, or overall wellness.

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• Testers also loved the energizing, motivating workouts for all levels, as well as the wellness series focused on sleep, nutrition, and self-care.
• Free app versions often limit workout quantities to 3–5 per week, display advertising interruptions during exercise, and restrict access to premium content like nutrition guides or advanced analytics.
• Obé Fitness is designed for beginners, pros, and anyone who tends to stray from the typical exercises you’d do in a gym.
• Check if the application has options for adding current fitness levels, goals like weight loss or building muscle, and available equipment.
• It also includes strength and mobility suggestions to support running performance and reduce injury risk.
• Top apps offer a wide variety of original workouts for all fitness levels, led by knowledgeable, motivating instructors who push you to challenge yourself while keeping things fun.

As one of the top free workout apps, Nike Training Club provides routines to help users meet their wellness goals. After a quick quiz, it creates a four or eight-week training plan that matches your fitness levels and aspirations. This is one of the most versatile free-to-start VR fitness apps available for the Meta Quest 3. It combines guided routines, full-body movement, and mixed-reality features to give you an immersive workout experience at home. Users can practice boxing, HIIT-style exercises, squats, lunges, and upper-body workouts while tracking progress in real-time.

HealthifyMe (Custom Nutrition & Fitness Plans: Freemium)

The aura is less threatening than apps that revolve around getting ripped, offering customization by time, specific muscle groups, and difficulty. Along with fitness advice, the app also provides nutrition guidance in the form of daily meal plans. It’s a one-of-a-kind customizable experience that’s the next best thing to an in-person trainer or nutritionist. We tracked runs on the treadmill, as well as outside, as well as walks and bike rides on recovery days. We quickly learned that the more time you spend setting up the app, often the more accurate the data will be.

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While the platform is ideal for advanced athletes, beginners also benefit by learning foundational movements and mastering strength basics. “I cannot say enough good things about this app,” a staffer said. “You pick a coach based on your goals and preferences, and each day’s workout—including rest—is programmed for you.

Zombies, Run! (Gamified AI Fitness App: Freemium)

From iconic Barry’s apparel to exclusive collaborations, the Barry’s Shop brings Red Room power into your daily life. Apple Fitness+, Nike Training Club, and Peloton provide instructor-led workouts. MUTU System and Sweat’s Post-Pregnancy Core and Restore with Britany Williams are both specifically designed with diastasis recti in mind. Both take a clinically informed, gradual approach to rebuilding core function safely.