Yes, fitness trackers are a god-sent when it comes to meeting your fitness goals. And while you’ll get many independent models out there, you’ll always find that there is something missing to make your experience even better – the right workout app!
You see, workout apps and fitness trackers are like a perfect pair of shoes. The two work together, in synergy, helping you exercise better and reach your goals. But hey, how do you know the best app to pick? Are there free fitness apps for Android or Apple? What should you look at?
That’s what this article is all about. Read on to find the answers and more!
Top 5 Workout Apps to Use with Your Fitness Tracker in 2023
Whether you’re a pro in fitness or thinking about starting out to keep your body in shape, you’ll need a good fitness tracker and an even better workout app. Think of the app as a coach. One that comes with smart features to help you meet all your goals.
Here are some of the best fitness apps to consider in 2023:
1. Nike Training Club
Best For: People on a budget
Price: Free
Nike Training Club brings the expertise of one of the most renowned athletics brands in the world – Nike. Now that’s how you know you’re getting something legit. Something good. The app introduces a collection of workouts, ranging from quick routines you can do without breaking a sweat to more challenging and intense workouts that will seriously get you on track. The end goal of this app, however, is to help you meet your fitness goals.
The Nike Training Club is user-friendly, and with the intuitive interface, you can easily customize your workout plan based on your preference, the equipment you intend to use, and the duration of your exercises. Better yet, it has step-by-step instructions and video demonstrations for every exercise. And yes, it’s free, and you can easily integrate it with your fitness watch or Apple Watch without any hassles.
Pros – What we Love about it
- The app boasts a variety of workouts, including yoga, cardio, and strength training. There’s something for everyone.
- You get high-quality videos and instructions for each exercise you do, making it a good deal for both beginners and the more experienced.
- You have the ability to customize your workouts based on your equipment, time, and fitness goals. Your fitness goals are fully tailored.
- You can integrate it with a wide range of wearables, including the Apple Watch.
Cons – What We Didn’t Like About it
- The app is free to use. Completely free. However, there are a few workouts/premium features that might require a few bucks to access.
- The app is user-friendly, though some users claim that navigating through the videos and instructions can be a bit complicated
2. BODi by Beachbody
Best For: People looking for a large library of exercise programs
Price: $90 for 3 months or $130 Annually
The name tells it all. If you train with Beachbody on Demand App or BODi by Beachbody, you’ll get to wear those summer dresses or shirts you’ve been looking forward to. On a serious note, this app serves a huge library of exercise programs to help you reach your goals. You get cardio, strength, dance, and more.
And it doesn’t stop there. It goes ahead to give you nutritional guidance as well as community support to make your goals a reality. The nutritional program includes meal plans and recipes designed to keep off bad calories and complement your fitness goals. And with a price tag of $90 for 3 months or $130 for one year, it’s worth taking a shot at.
Pros – What we Love about it
- A wide range of workout selections and styles
- Guided workout programs to suit both experienced and beginners
- Nutritional support that includes meal plans and recipes
- Community interactions. You get to engage with like-minded fitness enthusiasts to motivate you to keep on going
Cons – What We Didn’t Like About it
- A bit costly, considering you’ll have to part with $90 for three months or $130 per year
- You’re likely to be overwhelmed by the huge library of workout programs and instructions
3. FitOn
Best For: Live Classes
Price: Free, with Optional Subscription
This one is unique, especially considering that it’s designed to accommodate everyone – those that want a free app, and those that wish to get some premium features. For starters, the FitOn app comes with a broad range of exercise categories, which include cardio, yoga, strength, and more. It also has on-demand workouts that have been built by experienced trainers without any cost.
If you are looking to get the premium features, it will only cost you $25 for six months, or get a discount and pay $30 for an annual subscription
Pros – What We Love About the App
- You get a diverse library of workouts. From high-intensity training to relaxing ones such as yoga, you’ll get what you want
- The workouts are guided by top trainers. You are sure to get professional guidance and motivation throughout the way
- You don’t pay a dime to access the app. A good portion of its content is free, though you may need a subscription to access the premium features
- The intuitive interface makes the app very user-friendly. You can easily navigate and choose your workouts without any hassles
Cons – What We Didn’t Like
- The only major downside is the cost aspect. You will need to pay about $25 for 6 months or $30 per year to access some of their features
4. Apple Fitness Plus
Best For: Apple Lovers
Price: $9.99 per month
Platform: Apple
If you’re an Apple lover (most people are nowadays) and own an Apple smartwatch, it’s only natural that you go with an Apple focused fitness tracker – the Apple Fitness Plus! This app is more of a service than an app. At just $9.99 per month, it offers a wide range of workout options across categories such as strength, cardio, yoga, and others. It seamlessly integrates with the Apple Watch, allowing you to track your heart rate, calories you burn during workouts, and other metrics in real-time.
The Apple Fitness Plus also features a diverse lineup of trainers. You can find instructors that align with your fitness goals and enhance your workout experience. And just like most Apple devices, this app comes with an intuitive interface that’s not only appealing but easy to navigate from one workout to another. It’s worth the price!
Pros – What We liked
- Seamlessly integrates with Apple Watch and other Apple devices.
- Offers real-time tracking of vital metrics to enhance your fitness experience
- Diverse workouts, which include strength, cardio, yoga, and more
- Many instructors for a more personalized workout experience
- Easy to use and navigate
- Allows you to sync with Apple Music to listen to your favorite jams as you work out
Cons -What We Didn’t Like
- You will have to pay a subscription fee of $9.99 per month to enjoy its services
- Only integrates with Apple devices. This means that the app is not available for Android users
5. JeFit Fitness App
Best For: Home Workouts
Price: Free, Premium $6.99 per month, $39.99 Annually
Platform: Android, Apple
If you love working out at home, you’ll be met with hundreds of fitness apps to choose from. But there’s one that will stand out; one that offers a library of over 1,300 workouts as well as dozens of pre-designed fitness programs. That’s the JeFit Fitness App. Catering to both free and paid users, you will get tailored programs to suit your fitness needs.
Should you need more intense and customizable workouts, you can choose to pay a monthly subscription of $6.99 per month or $39.99 per year and access the Elite Version. No ads on your apps, and you get access to unlimited video instructions and audio exercise tips. Cool, right?
Pros – What We Like about the App
- Big library of workouts. You get more than 1,300 workouts to meet your individual goals
- Access to pre-designed exercise programs, so you’ll find something that aligns with your fitness goals
- Easily track your progress, including reps, weights, and rest intervals
- A user-friendly interface. You won’t need help to navigate and use the app
Cons – What We Don’t Like
- The app might be easy to use, but considering the many workout programs, there might be a learning curve. You could find it overwhelming.
- Some of the most attractive features, such as unlimited video instructions, require you to pay $6.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
- The app’s offline mode might offer you the full functionality you’d get with an online version
Read Also: How to Transfer Fitness Data from Fitbit to Galaxy Watch
Factors to Consider When Choosing Workout Apps
Let’s face it. Choosing a workout app can be a real hassle, considering the plethora of options available today. What do you even look at? How do you know you are getting the right one for your needs?
Let’s get you started by giving you some factors you need to check for an informed decision.
1. Your Fitness Goals and Preferences
Ask yourself: are you looking to build muscle? Do you want to shed some extra fat and lose weight? Are you a yoga fan, and want something that offers such a program? Do you want to engage in cardiovascular workouts? Different apps usually cater to different users. And while you may find an all-in-one solution at a slightly higher cost, you can narrow it down to something that meets your particular needs.
2. User-Friendly Interface
What’s the need of downloading a fitness app that takes you hours trying to figure out the right settings? A good one needs to be easy to use, and offer an intuitive display, where you can navigate from one workout program to another seamlessly.
3. Customizable
This is where man apps fail. You need something that allows you to tailor your workouts based on your fitness level and the equipment you intend to use. Go for an app that adapts to your fitness as you progress.
4. Expert Guidance
Yes, this option might be available for most subscription-based apps. But it’s 100% worth it. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your fitness journey, or an experienced fitness enthusiast looking to keep fit, you’ll need an app that gives you quality guidance to achieve your goal. An app with instructional videos, audio cues, and good demonstrations will greatly enhance your experience.
5. Progress Tracking
This one is not a must, but if it would make you feel better working out with your fellow fitness enthusiast and track your progresses, then it’s something you’d consider. Some apps come with a community feature, where you can connect, share progress and provide support for each other. This fosters motivation and a sense of accountability.
6. Pricing Model
Workout apps generally offer different pricing models. You will find many Android and Apple fitness apps that are free to use, giving you access to a lot of workout programs. In the same breath, you’ll also find some apps that are free, but offer in-app purchases for more customized programs and videos. You will also find some apps that are paid, but offer free trials to allow you to make a purchase decision. There are also a clique of apps that offer only premium options, and you have to pay right from the start. Some can be as low as $5 per month, while others can go up to $50 per month, with discounts if you opt for the annual subscription.
7. Reviews and Ratings
This is where you separate the good from the bad. An app can claim to offer you pure gold, but users tend to think otherwise. Read user reviews and ratings to know if that particular app is offering user satisfaction and how effective it is. Check to see if it has integration options with fitness trackers and other wearable devices, and whether the ones you currently use are listed.
Other Fitness Apps in 2023
There are many workout apps that have proven to work great for those in their fitness journey, and we couldn’t cover them all in this review. However, here’s a list of other great ones you might find to be helpful:
Read Also: What Fitness Tracker Works With MyFitnessPal—Top 10 List
Fitness Apps and Costs
| App Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| 8fit | $24.99 per month |
| Peloton | $12.99 per month |
| Aaptiv | $14.99 per month |
| Blogilates | Free |
| Jillian Micheals Fitness App | $14.99 per month |
| The Sculpt Society | Free Trial |
| All Out Studio | Free with in-App Purchases |
| Daily Burn | Free with in-App Purchases |
| Obe | 3 Days free trial then $27 per month |
| Strava | Free with in App Purchases |
| MyZone | Free |
| Daily Yoga | Free with in App Purchases |
| Sworkit | Free with in App Purchases |
| Quick Fit | Free |
| CardioCast | 7-Day Free Trial, $9.99 per month |
| RomWod | $13.99 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping for the best workout app to use with your fitness tracker, you’ll realize that the journey is not just about the downloadable app. It goes beyond offering various functionalities to help you with your fitness goals. A good app is one that guides you through your journey – more of a companion. Sit down, take a look at the options we have reviewed above, look at the honorable mentions in our list on the table, and narrow down to something that fits your needs. You’ll be happy and healthier!
Read Also: Top 7 Best Fitness Trackers for Pushing a Stroller
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look for in a Workout App for My Fitness Tracker?
Look for an app that aligns with your fitness goals, offers a variety of workouts, provides expert guidance, has an intuitive interface, and integrates well with your fitness tracker’s data.
Are there Free Workout Apps Available?
Yes, many workout apps offer free versions with basic features. These can be a great starting point if you’re looking for something to help you in your fitness journey, without necessarily committing to a paid app.
Can I Customize Workouts in These Apps?
Yes, most workout apps allow you to tailor workouts based on your fitness level, preferences, and available equipment. Customization ensures that your workouts are effective and enjoyable.
Read Also: Which Fitness Tracker Works Best With Noom
How Important is Expert Guidance in a Workout App?
Expert guidance, such as instructional videos and demonstrations, is important to ensure you perform exercises correctly and prevent injuries. Look for apps with reliable and well-structured guidance.
Do Workout Apps Provide Progress Tracking?
Yes, progress tracking is a common feature in workout apps. Tracking your performance, sets, reps, and weights over time can help you stay motivated and monitor your improvements.
Can I Connect With a Fitness Community through these Apps?
Many workout apps offer social features that allow you to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Sharing progress, challenges, and achievements can help you get motivated
How Do I Decide Between Free and Paid Versions of Workout Apps?
The decision depends on your needs and budget. Free versions offer basic features, while paid versions often include advanced customization, ad-free experiences, and premium content.
Do Workout Apps Integrate With Wearable Fitness Devices?
Yes, several workout apps integrate seamlessly with popular fitness trackers and wearable devices, allowing you to sync your workout data effortlessly.
Can I Try a Workout App Before Committing to a Subscription?
Many apps offer trial periods that allow you to explore their features before committing to a subscription. This trial period can help you determine if the app suits your preferences.
How Do I Ensure My Chosen App is Secure and Trustworthy?
Research user reviews, ratings, and the app’s reputation. Stick to well-known and reputable apps to ensure the safety of your personal information and data.
Read Also: Which Fitness Trackers have Open API?
