However, the app has historically faced some stability issues, with users reporting occasional data hiccups or outages, particularly on the Android platform. While many of these issues have been addressed in updates, its reliability has been less consistent than some dedicated paid apps. Boostcamp excels at getting you started on a time-tested plan immediately. The platform is available on iOS, Android, and the web, ensuring you can access your log from anywhere. The primary limitation of the free tier is that some premium programs and more advanced analytics are locked behind the Boostcamp Pro subscription. Its focus is also firmly on pre-built programs, which might feel restrictive for users who prefer a more freestyle or flexible workout logging style.
How to Build Big Biceps: The Best Exercises, Workout Plan, and Complete Guide
It provides users with a completely ad-free experience while allowing for unlimited custom workout logging, a feature often restricted in other apps. The app’s core philosophy is built around evidence-based training principles, which is reflected in its structured workout plans and clear exercise demonstrations. The app features over 190 workouts, with options for full-gym setups, minimal equipment, or just bodyweight, ensuring there’s a session for nearly any environment. Its polished interface, Apple Health integration, and casting options for larger screens create a premium user experience that feels far from free.
Apple App Store (Health & Fitness category)
- We’re a group of fitness industry professionals, including certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, USAW L-1 Coaches, and Olympic-level athletes.
- Our experts found that workout apps range from $10 to $35 per month.
- The core strength of the StrongLifts 5×5 app is its automation.
- StrengthLog compiles the data from your training and provides you with reports of how it’s going, how you are usually training, and what you will have to do to beat it.
- Experience the strength & cardio workout that delivers results that you can see and feel from the inside out.
- Some users initially feel an account is unnecessary, but when switching phones a year or two later they’re always happy their precious training data is safe with us.
In late 2022, Netflix added a range of Nike Training Club workouts to its library. You could access these for free (so long as you have a Netflix subscription) and do the 10 or 20-minute sessions wherever you are. If you’re not into weights or the fast tempo of BodyPump and Body Attack, there’s plenty of other classes to choose from.
The focus is on following Nike’s prescribed workouts, which may not suit lifters who need to log specific barbell lifts and progressive sets. Athletes, personal trainers, and gym veterans don’t expect beginners to understand the complexities of strength training or any other form of progressive exercise. And trust me, you can nerd out about fitness; it’s a highly complex topic.
Join millions of followers
CNET experts tested some of the most popular workout apps to see which ones actually offer great workouts. These are the apps that stood out for their usability, personalization and ability to help you stay consistent and reach your fitness goals in 2026. I’ve been working out for over 13 years and tried everything from personal trainers, crossfit, etc. I’m stronger and able to lift heavier then I ever have and working out 6 days a week. My body alone has changed for the better in just the 2 short months i’ve been a member. Let me tell you about this team that builds you up, challenges you daily and holds you accountable.
to the Tom’s Guide Club
In our quest to find the best workout apps for beginners, we’ve specifically tested more than 50 apps and researched even more. A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are necessary for weight loss, maintenance, muscle building or toning. We recognise their continued cultural and spiritual connection to the land, sky and waterways that surround us. We continue to learn and be curious about what it means to be a caretaker of this country and an ally to its people.
More From Our Users
Centr Align is the 4-week program where yoga meets Pilates to strengthen, tone and build confidence. Master a true blend of strength and dynamic mobility in this 6-week gym-based program. I am pretty athletic and have fairly extensive fitness knowledge, but gym motivation never resonated with me. Stay current with professional video breakdowns of trending exercises, lifting mistakes, and advanced biomechanics topics added every week. Fitness trainers use the app to educate clients, physical therapists use it to explain rehab exercises, and gym-goers use it to train smartly. Discover progressive overload training to unlock muscle growth, break plateaus, and achieve real gains with practical, science-backed steps.
Data Used to Track You
From onboarding fitness clients to tracking martial arts students’ rank progression, you’ll save time and keep everything in one place. The most advanced workout logging—auto progressions and personalized weight recommendations tailored to your stats. Choose from expert-designed programs that match your experience level, goals, and schedule—whether you train at home or in the gym. Follow structured workout plans created by expert coaches and trusted by over a million lifters. I think one of the best things you can do for yourself as a beginner is make an executive decision to use one workout app that takes the guesswork out of building a standalone workout or program. GGR product tester and senior editor Erin Chancer uses iFIT (and her NordicTrack S22i) on a weekly basis.
Build customized workout plans in minutes
For reference, it consists of barre, sculpt, HIIT, Pilates, stretching, strength, and walking workouts. There are also mindfulness exercises like guided meditation and breathwork. While you won’t have your coach actually watching you while you complete each exercise, Logan says that the audio and visual cues in the demonstration videos are super helpful. Centr is the best workout app for most people thanks to its primary focus – helping you hit your goals, whatever they are. Start right and build confidence with Centr Begin, the 3-week, low-impact beginner program. Activate strength, sculpt muscle and blast cardio fitness over 6 weeks with Centr Ignite.
About Our Experts
GGR expert product tester Amanda Capritto says it’s user-friendly, which will be helpful for beginners. The Nike Training Club app isn’t perfect, but it’s 100% free and offers a low-stakes starting point if you’re new to exercise. You’ll be able to build muscle and aid weight loss from the comfort of your own home or in a commercial gym as you follow along with instructor-led workouts. No matter what you’re looking for, Alive has you covered. “Targeted plans, specific muscle focus, full-body—you name it, they got it,” says Savary.
Browse strength classes
The free version provides the entire core 5×5 program, including the automated progression, rest timer, and history log. Its simplicity is its greatest asset, guiding you through each workout with minimal fuss. It is built for the is madmuscles reliable StrongLifts 5×5 program and offers very little flexibility for customizing routines or adding different exercises. Access to accessory work, warm-up calculators, and alternative programs like Madcow requires a “StrongLifts Pro” subscription. Many apps hide their most essential features, like unlimited workout logging or data analysis, behind a premium subscription.
Hevy stands out as a powerful, community-driven free gym app designed for serious lifters who prioritize tracking and social motivation. The platform combines a straightforward workout logger with a social feed where users can share their progress and support others. The free tier allows you to save an unlimited number of completed workouts, but it limits you to only three custom routine templates. While sufficient for many beginners, dedicated lifters running multiple programs will quickly need to upgrade to the PRO subscription for unlimited routines and more advanced analytics.