17 Best Online Fitness Programs and Workout Apps in 2026 Tried & Tested

The app doesn’t overwhelm you with complexity but provides enough depth to make meaningful improvements. The guided instruction is clear and well-paced, with video demonstrations from multiple angles and audio cues throughout. Sessions run from just 7 minutes up to 30, which makes it easy to fit a session in regardless of how busy the day gets. I found the shorter sessions surprisingly effective, and the variety meant I rarely felt like I was doing the same thing twice. The pricing is reasonable considering the depth of content and Sondre’s expertise. With a free trial available, you can test the app before committing to a subscription.

Goals

If you, too, are overstimulated, we’ve rounded up a list of standout apps that cater to all fitness goals. Whether you’re looking for structured workout programs, real-time feedback, or a bit of inspiration for the new year, we’ve done the heavy lifting to bring you the apps worth downloading. Several of the options on our best workout apps list will log your exercise data.

FITNESS TRACKER DEALS OF THE WEEK

StretchIt claimed top spot in our recent comparison guide to the best stretching apps… and for good reason. This app is well priced, easy to use and comes with a whole host of stretching programs and challenges designed to help you get more flexible. This flexibility is invaluable for anyone who trains in multiple environments.

How do I choose the right fitness app for me?

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. Another staffer said it’s the first platform that’s helped her exercise consistently in years, thanks to a knowledgeable, encouraging trainer. 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. The app integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and various fitness trackers (with PRO), automatically syncing steps, workouts, and weight data for a complete health picture.

Should You Buy Smart Gym Equipment?

The app suggests workouts based on your preferred type of exercise (indoor cycling, outdoor running, stair climbing, strength training, stretching, yoga, and others), as well as your music preferences. If you own an exercise bike, treadmill, or rower, the Peloton app can help you make the most of it. To get workout classes for this equipment, you need a Peloton App+ subscription ($28.99 per month).

Best workout app for personal training

There are meditations, some led by Hemsworth himself, designed to connect you mind and body, and that can improve your focus and form during the strength training sessions to get the most from your workouts. If you’re looking to train at home or in the gym, using one of the best workout apps can help you access motivational, qualified personal trainers in just a few taps. What distinguishes Berg Movement from generic fitness apps is its laser focus on movement quality, body control, and skill acquisition. Whether you’re working toward your first handstand or refining advanced calisthenics skills, the app provides methodical, effective programming. The training programs are developed by world-class trainers, ensuring quality programming rather than randomly generated workouts. The AI then personalizes these expert-designed templates based on your feedback and performance.

• It’s truly a fantastic resource for anyone looking to elevate their training ecosystem.
• When he’s not writing, you’ll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater.
• This risk-free approach demonstrates confidence in their content’s effectiveness.
• An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past ten years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone.
• What distinguishes Berg Movement from generic fitness apps is its laser focus on movement quality, body control, and skill acquisition.
• Shred has emerged as a standout gym tracking app by combining AI-powered adaptability with elite trainer expertise.

Peloton App One

There is a student discount of $40 per year and a family plan for up to 4 accounts at $140 a year. The good news is that Strava offers a free 30-day trial to those who want to try out its upgraded features before committing. It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings via the app. One of the newer safety features on the Strava app is called the Beacon, which lets you share your location in real time with an emergency contact. “I find it hard to come up with routines myself, so having coached sessions made it easy and comfortable for me to try new things like boxing that I wouldn’t have sought out on my own,” another tester noted.

Best Real Health Coach

Use it to lose weight, build muscle, and breakdown your metrics in the process. Included are world-class coaches along with a variety of training options, including yoga, running, suspension training, and more. 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 workout tracking app comparison programming our own workouts.

FitOn: Fitness Workout Plans

As you complete workouts, you unlock new content within the app, creating a sense of progression that encourages consistency. The app is easy to use, and allows you to follow along to a structured program, as well as gaining access to a whole host of on-demand workouts. Users consistently praise the quality of coaching, noting coaches are knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in their success. The free version of Cronometer is surprisingly robust, providing access to the entire verified food database and core tracking features.

Ladder Strength Training

The Les Mills+ base membership gives you a stripped-back version of the app and starts from $4.99 per month. The full membership, Les Mills+ premium, gives you access to all classes and starts at $9.99 per month. Apple Fitness Plus is the best workout app if you’re embedded in the company’s ecosystem, especially if you use an Apple Watch. There are HIIT, strength, core, yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes, taught by a range of different trainers. This roundup review highlights the sheer depth of quality when it comes to online fitness programs and apps that are available at the moment. Features and price vary quite dramatically, so you’ll need to think carefully about your personal preferences, budget and fitness goals.

If you prefer structured workouts to drive weight loss, Sweat and Muscle Booster both offer progressive programmes that will help you build the consistency needed to see results. Daily mobility routines, access 1500+ workouts, expert coaches, track progress, effective programming. For anyone wanting intelligent workout tracking that goes beyond simple logging, Shred provides AI-powered coaching, expert programming, and comprehensive analytics at a fraction of personal training costs. The app uses algorithms to provide customized coaching programs for various goals, with workouts including trainer-led videos and detailed exercise tutorials. After completing exercises, you rate difficulty, allowing the AI to adjust subsequent workouts for optimal challenge. To cut through the noise, we tested over 40 of the most popular fitness apps and programs over several months, evaluating each one on price, ease of use, workout quality, and enjoyment.