In the digital age, there’s an app for everything, and fitness is no exception. Whether you’re a beginner or someone trying to get back on track, there’s a fitness app out there to help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 best fitness apps for beginners, both free and paid, to help you get fit and stay motivated.
Best Fitness Apps for Beginners for Free
Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout
Starting our list is the Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout® App. This app stands out as one of the most popular and effective free workout apps for beginners.
The Johnson & Johnson app has garnered acclaim for its science-based approach. It assists users in meeting the physical activity guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine. Here are the benefits of the app:
- Science-Based Workouts:
This app offers science-based workouts designed to be simple and accessible. You don’t need fancy gym equipment; all you need is a wall and a chair. This is truly a game-changer for beginners with limited time and resources.
- Trainer-Like Guidance:
The Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout App functions as a virtual personal trainer, providing valuable form guidance and motivation. The app offers 72 high-definition video tutorials of exercises and 22 preset workouts, handpicked for their effectiveness. While it may not be a massive library, each workout is easy to follow, safe, and designed to be time-efficient.
- Customization:
Most of Johnson & Johnson’s routines feature high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, all workouts are easily customizable. Users can create custom workouts tailored to specific muscle groups, fitness goals, or intensity levels. This ensures that workouts can be tailored to all fitness levels, from beginners to the more experienced.
- Useful Features:
In addition to the workout content, the app includes music, a workout timer, and a training log. This allows users to track their progress and even share results on social media. The app also sends workout and inactivity reminders to help users maintain a consistent routine.
- Smart Workout:
The Smart Workout is an intriguing feature of the app. This feature assesses your current fitness and motivation levels. It then recommends various workout programs and appropriate intensities. Users can switch to other recommended workouts ranging from 7 to 32 minutes, or stick with the original 7-minute workout.
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club (NTC) is the go-to workout app for beginners seeking a well-rounded fitness experience without the hefty price tag. This free app offers a variety of workouts tailored to your fitness level and goals. With Nike’s seal of approval, you can trust the quality of the content.
- A World of Workouts:
NTC boasts an extensive library of over 200 workouts curated by professional Nike trainers. These workouts cover various fitness domains, including strength, endurance, yoga, and mobility. Whether you want to sculpt your abs, tone your arms, or strengthen your legs, there’s a workout for you.
- Beginner-Friendly Features:
For beginners, NTC is a treasure trove of resources. You can set specific fitness goals, such as toning, weight loss, or building strength. The app’s tutorial library guides you through each exercise, ensuring proper form and reducing the risk of injuries.
- Workout Customization:
You can choose workouts that fit your schedule, ranging from quick 15-minute sessions to more intense 45-minute sessions. The app accommodates beginners, intermediates, and advanced fitness levels.
- Intensity Levels:
Whether you prefer a low-intensity introduction or a high-intensity challenge, NTC offers workouts tailored to your fitness level.
- Equipment Options:
You can opt for bodyweight-only exercises or incorporate light or full equipment into your routines, depending on what’s available to you.
- Time and Rep-Based Workouts:
NTC offers flexibility in choosing time-based or rep-based workouts, allowing you to exercise at your own pace.
- Progress Tracking:
Tracking your fitness journey is made easy with NTC. The app offers a user profile where you can record past workouts and monitor your health data. This feature enables you to see your progress and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.
- Personalized Recommendations:
One of the standout features of NTC is its daily personalized workout recommendations. The app analyzes your fitness data and suggests workouts that align with your goals and current fitness level. This tailored approach ensures you’re always on the right track.
In a nutshell, Nike Training Club offers a combination of variety and guidance for beginners. Whatever your goals, NTC has the resources and expertise to support your journey.
FitOn Workouts & Fitness
FitOn is the best free fitness app for beginners that offers a hands-on approach to exercise. Not only does FitOn offer a wide range of exercise options, but it also helps you stay motivated on your fitness journey.
Here are the key features of FitOn Workouts & Fitness:
- Personalized Fitness Experience:
When you first set up your profile, FitOn will ask you about your fitness preferences. This includes the types of workouts you enjoy as well as how long and how often you plan to exercise. Based on this information, the app will recommend workouts that align with your interests and goals.
- Vast Workout Selection:
With FitOn, you’ll have access to a diverse selection of workouts. These workouts range from quick 5-minute routines to more extended sessions lasting over an hour. Whether you’re looking for cardio, strength training, yoga, or HIIT workouts, FitOn has it all.
- Flexibility:
For those with busy schedules or limited space, FitOn has you covered. The app allows you to select exercises that can be done in small spaces, making it ideal for apartment living or when you’re traveling. Moreover, FitOn can be synchronized with your calendar, providing you with convenient workout reminders to help you stay on track.
- Versatile Compatibility:
FitOn is the best free fitness app for Android, iPhone, tablet, laptop, or even TV. Regardless of your device, FitOn can offer seamless integration. You need a fitness app to use on your Apple Watch? Don’t worry, FitOn is compatible with smartwatches, including the Apple Watch. You can easily track your progress and monitor your heart rate during workouts.
- Access to World-Class Trainers:
One of the key highlights of FitOn is its roster of world-class trainers. These trainers bring their expertise and motivation to your workouts, making every session enjoyable and effective. Whether you’re a fitness novice or looking to take your workouts to the next level, FitOn’s trainers have you covered.
- Unlimited Free Access:
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of FitOn is that it offers unlimited free access to its content. You can explore a wide range of workouts and features without spending a dime. This makes FitOn an excellent choice for budget-conscious beginners.
7M Fitness
7M Fitness is one of the best fitness apps for beginners with a tight schedule. If you only have 7 minutes a day to dedicate to your fitness, this free workout app is your ideal companion. It’s not just about being quick; it’s about being effective and accessible. Here’s why 7M Fitness shines:
- Professionally Designed Workouts:
Despite the short duration, 7M Fitness offers professionally designed workouts that target different muscle groups. These workouts are carefully crafted to maximize your results in a short period.
- Short and Effective:
Don’t let the brevity fool you. These 7-minute workouts pack a punch. They are intense and efficient, making the most of every second you invest in them.
- Workouts Anywhere:
With 7M Fitness, you’re not tied to a gym or specific location. You can work out anywhere, anytime, making it ideal for busy beginners.
- No Equipment Necessary:
Worried about needing expensive gym equipment? Don’t be. 7M Fitness workouts require no equipment, so you can start right away with what you have.
- Voice and Video Instructions:
Each workout comes with clear voice and video instructions, ensuring you perform exercises with proper form and technique.
- Beginner-Friendly:
7M Fitness caters to beginners. You won’t find overly complex exercises that might discourage newcomers.
- Customization:
The app allows you to customize your workouts to fit your preferences and goals, giving you a tailored fitness experience.
- Integration with Apple Health:
7M Fitness is one of the best free fitness apps for iPhone. If you like to keep track of your progress, 7M Fitness integrates seamlessly with Apple Health. You can easily monitor your workouts and calories burned.
Best Paid Fitness Apps for Beginners
Future
When it comes to personalized fitness and motivation, Future stands out as a game-changer. It’s not just a fitness app; it’s your virtual personal trainer.
- A Personalized Approach:
Future pairs each member with their own dedicated coach. Your coach will not only plan your workouts but also manage your overall health journey. They will assist you in creating training plans that help you achieve your fitness/health goals and build momentum to make exercise a consistent habit.
- Real-Time Adjustments:
Your fitness journey with Future isn’t static; it’s a dynamic process that evolves as you progress. Just like working with a personal trainer in person, your workout plan is adjusted in real time based on your performance and feedback. This ensures that you’re always challenged and making consistent progress.
- Cutting-edge Fitness Technology:
You may wonder: “Is this fitness app accurate?” With Future, yes. Future utilizes biometric data from the Apple Watch to provide your coach with insights into your performance. This real-time feedback ensures that your workouts are continually optimized for your needs and goals. Just remember, It’s worth noting that to unlock Future’s full functionality, you’ll need a fitness-friendly Apple Watch.
- Comprehensive Support:
Future offers direct communication with your coach through messaging and periodic video calls. This level of personalized support is invaluable for beginners seeking guidance and motivation.
It’s worth noting that Future’s premium offering comes at a price. At $149 per month, it’s not the most budget-friendly option available. However, it’s the closest you can get to having a personal trainer. If you’re committed to your fitness journey, Future is worth the investment. Future doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does provide an affordable option for your first month at just $19.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the most widely recognized chain gyms, known for its laid-back approach to fitness. However, what many may not know is that Planet Fitness also offers one of the best fitness apps for beginners. This app caters to individuals of all fitness levels, especially beginners.
- Diverse Workout Library:
The Planet Fitness app promises to keep workouts fresh and fun. With a diverse library of hundreds of workouts, you’ll never run out of options to keep your fitness routine exciting.
- On-Demand Workouts:
The Planet Fitness app also offers on-demand workouts suitable for various fitness levels and workout styles. Whether you prefer body workouts, strength training without equipment, or quick 5-minute sessions, their top trainers have you covered.
- Detailed Tutorials:
The Planet Fitness app does have a comprehensive collection of exercise and equipment tutorials. These tutorials are invaluable for beginners as they guide you on proper form and technique. This is to ensure that you get the most out of your workouts while avoiding injury. You can work out from the comfort of your own home with guidance from fitness professionals.
- Fitness Tracker:
This is a crucial part of staying motivated on your fitness journey. The Planet Fitness app allows you to monitor your activities and watch your progress accumulate. With the app, you can easily track all your activities and watch those minutes add up. This feature is essential for beginners as it helps you stay consistent by showcasing your progress over time.
While the Planet Fitness app is free, the content that you can enjoy may be limited. For those looking to access the full library of workouts, the PF Black Card® membership is worth the investment. The membership gives you unlimited access to an extensive collection of exercise routines. Prices vary depending on your club, so you can check them out on the Planet Fitness website. You can cancel your Planet Fitness membership later, but please note that the cancellation policy also varies from club to club.
Alo Moves
If you’re new to fitness, yoga is a gentle yet effective way to start your journey. Alo Moves is one of the best fitness apps for beginners on their yoga and fitness journey. It’s designed to meet you where you are, both physically and in terms of your skill level.
- Yoga Specialization:
At its core, Alo Moves is a yoga app. Therefore, it offers an extensive collection of yoga classes. These classes include Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Restorative, Prenatal yoga, and even Kids Yoga. It’s the perfect place for beginners to start their yoga journey.
- Diverse Fitness Options:
Beyond yoga, the app also provides a wide array of fitness classes. Alo Moves subscribers can choose from sculpt, barre, core, HIIT, pilates, stretching, strength training, and walking workouts.
- Mindfulness Section:
Alo Moves promotes holistic well-being with its mindfulness section. The section includes guided meditation, breathwork exercises, personal growth video lessons, sound bath healing, yoga Nidra, and reiki sessions. Alo Moves is not just about physical fitness; it’s about mental wellness too.
- Customization at Your Fingertips:
Whether you’re taking a yoga class, general fitness class, or diving into a guided meditation, Alo Moves lets you personalize your experience. You can sort the library of on-demand workouts by type of workouts, duration, difficulty level (ranging from beginner to advanced), and intensity level (ranging from one to four). Intensity here refers to the exertion level, allowing you to find workouts that match your fitness level and goals.
- Access Anywhere, Anytime:
The Alo Moves website is accessible via desktop or laptop, providing the best experience. There’s also an iOS app for iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV, which allows you to watch on-demand workout classes on mobile devices. Additionally, you can cast on-demand workout videos to other smart TVs, making it convenient for your preferred setup. Even if you have trouble using your fitness app on any device, there are still other ways to access it.
- Personalized Recommendations:
Alo Moves also provides personalized recommendations that align with your wellness goals. It has over 60 world-class instructors and more than 2,500 different workouts to choose from. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect fit for your fitness journey.
Alo Moves offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features. After the trial period, the subscription costs $20 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $199. If you’re ready to commit long-term, this plan is a significant cost-saving.
lululemon Studio and Mirror
lululemon is famous for workout clothes and accessories. But did you know that now you can workout with them too? Introducing lululemon Studio, the subscription-based workout classes broadcasted on your at-home Mirror device. When not in use, the Mirror is just that — a mirror. However, once turned on and ready to sweat, instructors appear on the screen. They will guide you through more than 10,000 classes spanning cardio, yoga, dance, boxing, and more.
The Lululemon Studio Mirror is a groundbreaking fitness technology. It doubles as a mirror and a screen to stream live and on-demand workout classes from home. Its design is sleek and minimalist, seamlessly blending into your home decor when not in use.
One of the standout features of Mirror is its diverse range of workout types. They include dance cardio, Latin dance, meditation, barre, kickboxing, stretch, pilates, strength, cardio and strength, yoga flow, kettlebell, weight training, arms and abs, and more. Within each of these genres, you can filter classes by difficulty, length (ranging from five minutes to 60 minutes), instructor, equipment needed, impact level, and your workout history.
The Lululemon Studio Mirror caters to various groups of people:
- Folks who go to (or previously went to) in-person studio classes: If you were accustomed to paying fees for in-person studio memberships, the Studio Mirror can save you money in the long run.
- Space-Conscious Individuals:
Not everyone has the luxury of dedicating an entire room to a home gym. The Mirror’s space-saving design makes it an excellent choice for individuals with limited space. It eliminates the need for multiple workout machines, as it covers a wide range of fitness genres.
- Strength Training Enthusiasts:
The Lululemon Studio Mirror caters to those who prefer bodyweight and free weight exercises. It offers a variety of strength training classes to help you build muscle and increase your overall strength.
In terms of pricing, the Lululemon Studio subscription costs $39 per month, providing access to its extensive library of classes. While the upfront cost for the Mirror device is expensive (starting at $795), it still can be a worthwhile investment if you are committed to your fitness journey.
Choosing the Best Fitness Apps for Beginners: What to Consider?
Selecting the ideal workout app is paramount for success. Several key factors must be considered to ensure you find the best fitness app that caters to your needs.
First and foremost, evaluate the quality of workout classes offered. Beginners require clear, concise instructions and motivational support to stay on track. Look for apps tailored to beginners, as they will provide the necessary guidance to help you progress safely and effectively.
Determine the intended audience of the app. Whether you’re seeking a holistic approach to health, yoga classes, or weight loss support, choose an app that aligns with your specific goals. Consider the variety of workouts available and the expertise of the instructors.
User reviews can be invaluable in assessing an app’s effectiveness. Real experiences from users can provide insights into whether the app delivers on its promises.
Budget is another crucial factor. Compare subscription fees to the features offered by the app to determine if it offers good value for your investment.
Lastly, consider your lifestyle. Are you a busy individual or someone who prefers outdoor workouts? Find an app that accommodates your preferences and schedule.
Finding the best workout app for beginners involves careful consideration of workout quality, audience fit, app features, user feedback, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be well-equipped to choose an app that sets you on the path to a healthier, fitter you.
Jumpstart Your Fitness Journey with The Best Fitness Apps for Beginners!
Embarking on a fitness journey as a beginner can be intimidating. But with the help of these 8 best fitness apps for beginners, getting started and staying motivated will be easier than ever. Remember that consistency is key when it comes to fitness, so choose an app that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. With the right guidance and motivation at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthier, more active life. So, jumpstart your fitness journey today and make your well-being a top priority!
