Category Archives: The 12 Best Apps for Building Muscle in 2026: A Science-Based Guide

It’s also possible to limit your scope to short workouts, or ones that can be carried out without any extra equipment. There are over 190 available at the time of writing, with more added regularly. Peloton is best known for its spin and sessions, led live by professional coaches, and these are all present and correct in the app. There’s also a lot more on offer though, including plenty of workouts you follow with minimal equipment or none at all. Home workout apps are a great way to get moving when you’re unable to get to a gym. Several of the options on our best workout apps list will log your exercise data.

Best workout app for meal plans

But given that it comes with a class locator, the company does seem to think you’ll enjoy the home workouts enough to head down to your local fitness center and give it a go with others. “I know the handlebars look supportive and helpful but I recommended not using them,” says Shaina McGregor, a professional dancer and trainer at the Ness in New York City. “I’ve never had anyone fall off while teaching beginner classes and the handlebar may take away from the workout and the range of motion,” she explains. So instead of reaching for handlebars right away, try out a regular fitness trampoline first (maybe with someone nearby to help in case you lose balance) and then decide if you want to add on handlebars for extra support. If you don’t feel the need for an online support system, there are still ways to stay on top of your workouts.

Extra durable for avid users or professional trainers.

You can read all of our thoughts on this app in our Strava fitness app review. You filter out the workouts by the equipment you have as well as skills. The app is very easy to use, and Amanda rates it a 5 out of 5 in its ease of use. GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN-1, has used this app for over six months and loves the tracking, ease of use, and ability to build your own custom training plan if you want. There’s nothing wrong with trying a few fitness apps before settling on one.

Whether yoga is part of your regular routine or you’re new to the practice, there’s something for you on the Glo app. Unique to Studio Bloom, the app teaches diaphragmatic breathing as the foundation of every exercise. It also offers free consults with in-house pelvic floor therapists after both vaginal and cesarean births. Peloton classes feature curated music playlists, and each instructor brings their unique style to madmuscles vs centr their classes. You can also search by muscle group, workout focus, and equipment to find a class.

What does the Worry-Free Purchase Plan cover?

The transformative exercise embodies the grace and artistry of ballet, while building long, lean, and strong muscles. Don’t worry — you don’t have to be at Black Swan level to leap into this exercise program (although Mary Helen did personally train Natalie Portman for the international blockbuster). Founded by 26-year-old Ben Williamson in 2014, Crush Fitness launched to provide everyone (from the weary weightlifter to avid gymgoer) with a program that was both affordable and effective. But instead of a bag, it’s a highly specialized light shield that flashes LED lights to your chosen workout. It’s actually pretty similar in the sense that you look for the lights on the shield and punch the appropriate circle, which will all be timed to the music of your choosing. You can also choose a workout from one of the fitness instructors in your app.

Some apps let you personalize your goals or even connect with a personal trainer to help you meet them. Like Strong and Hevy, Gymverse creates a suggested training plan for you. But where it stands out is that the app features integrated video tutorials for each exercise. The videos are clear and well-produced—perfect for people new to strength training. As a general fitness tracker, the metrics aren’t super comprehensive; it tracks PRs/PBs and workout length. PUSH isn’t your best choice if you want to track more cardio fitness-type metrics like HR, or if consistent strength training just isn’t a priority for you.

How we chose the best workout subscription apps

They have a workout library, too, so you can go off plan if you want to. You can deviate from the workout plan given by BetterMe, though, as there is an entire workout library. That said, Nicole notes that you may have to dig around to find what you need.

Best for Personal Training

There are trampoline exercise routines for everyone, with simple low intensity routines and exercises for beginners, up to advanced energetic trampoline exercise programmes for more experienced bouncers. There are plenty of online yoga instructors to try if neither personality quite gels with you. If Adriene cooing that a pose is “yummy” makes you cringe, you can also give Jessamyn Stanley or Yoga with Tim a shot. For more tips, check out our story on Everything You Need for Your Yoga Practice.

Pricing guide for monthly subscription

If you’re totally new to rebounding or exercising, just start with our three beginner routines until you are confident to move on. Nike Training Club does offer beginner-focused workouts, but even those classes still do require some basic fitness knowledge. We were a little disappointed that there were no modifications provided in any of the classes we tried—and this could definitely be a deterrent for people who are just starting out their fitness journey. We love that there are a ton of equipment-free workouts to choose from—but when it comes to strength training in particular, the BODYPUMP classes are our absolute favorite. The Bloom Method’s expertly curated routines cater to various fitness levels, with a focus on pre and postnatal fitness. The platform houses over 1,000 classes taught by expert coaches to offer pelvic floor support and visible results.

• The instructor encourages me to look around and take in the beauty around me.
• It stretches from the middle, and the weight is gradually absorbed as needed through the tiered-tapered ends allowing the body to accelerate and decelerate smoothly and safely with added support.
• Work out anywhere, anytime with offline viewing, and downloads that never expire.
• Ladder scored well in nearly every category, though it’s priced right around the average workout app, earning 3 out of 5 stars for its pricing.
• Hevy also worked nicely with my Apple Watch, which meant I didn’t have to hold—or keep checking—my phone the whole time.
• While it lacks the bells and whistles of some other apps, I still really liked this app.

What Else Can Affect Exercise Results

If you’re able to stay on task, there is a deep social network behind this simple workout tracker. Strava also integrates and syncs automatically to major fitness tracker brands popular among cyclists and runners—Garmin, Polar, Wahoo, and FitBit, for example. You can connect your Zwift account and indoor bike to Strava as well, so indoor rides populate the app as well. If you’re a cyclist, or any endurance athlete, a great app for tracking your bike routes is Strava. Not only is the GPS tracking pretty accurate, but there is a social element that separates it from most other free cycling apps. One callout that Amanda has is that Caliber lacks integration with common fitness trackers.

Key Features to Look for in Free Workout Apps

We noted our experiences, as well as those of other customers who noted pros or cons in their respective customer reviews. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, there may be some repetition and many similar workout formats/types, but it’s tolerable, and our testers could see themselves using this app for quite some time. Ladder is also heavily focused on progressive overload, which is the key to building strength and continuing to make progress once you’re no longer a beginner.

YOSUDA ET2 Under-Desk Elliptical Trainer With Resistance & Speed Control

With an app, you can complete your workouts any time of day—first thing in the morning or on your lunch break—it’s totally up to you. If you’re looking for an app that can generate endless workouts for a variety of goals tailored to your preferences and equipment, Fitbod is a great choice. It focuses on strength training workouts, allowing users to build muscle and strength or train for specific activities, such as Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting. It earns 5 out of 5 stars for workout variety, and it’s affordably priced compared to other apps. If you’re all in on bodyweight training, BetterMe is one of the best options around. Not only is it one of our best workout apps for beginners, but it’s packed with an array of equipment-free training plans that are geared toward just about anyone.

If you are on the hunt for a free workout tracker, Hevy enables users to create routines, monitor progress with exercise charts and personal records, make exercise-specific notes, and connect with other users. You’ll also find plans for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, athletic training, bodyweight training, and more. Matt is a writer and fitness coach who’s been working in the fitness industry for 13 years. Caine is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Having competed in Olympic weightlifting for over two decades, Caine has amassed several national and international titles over the years, including being a three-time Pan American Champion.

The higher end of workout and lifting apps comes in at about $200 per month, meaning most apps will be cheaper than an in-person trainer. The best lifting apps are relatively inexpensive when compared to the alternative. While nothing will quite replace a gym workout with a personal trainer or coach, weight training apps can get close, while coming in much less expensive than a personal training session.

Once you’ve chosen your program, you check in once a month to keep track of your progress. SWEAT’s app is clean and easy to navigate, with the ability to save workouts for later and browse ‘On Demand’ workouts from other trainers outside of your plan. This allows you to follow workouts without your phone, displaying exercises, reps, timers, and haptic alerts for section changes. Metrics such as active heart rate, calories, steps, and distance are tracked, too, and demo videos are also available on the watch, though trainer audio is not.

Apple Fitness Plus

If you choose to upgrade to the Pro version of Hevy, it’s a budget-friendly $3.99 per month or unlimited access for $74.99. I’ve done regular strength sessions and a home Pilates workout with the Les Mills app, and I truly believe it’s the best catch-all for this type of training. The instructors are personalities themselves, the workouts are challenging (without being impossible to do), and easy to follow along with.

Best free strength training app

Trusted recommendations from fitness publications like Men’s Health or Women’s Fitness can also point you in the right direction. The developers have added a huge number of exercises that are suitable for all types of people and any needs. We evaluated whether paid features justify their price relative to competitors.

Dumbbells are a versatile piece of equipment that can provide a challenging workout on their own. Yes, you can definitely build muscle using a home dumbbell workout app. Dumbbells provide a versatile and effective means of resistance training. In conclusion, choosing the what is the best workout app for men best home dumbbell workout app is essential to optimize fitness routines and achieve desired gains. The right app can provide access to a wide range of dumbbell exercises, customizable workouts, tracking capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces.

StrongLifts Weight Lifting Log

The level of instruction and programming will vary from app to app, but the best weightlifting apps will have experts behind it. Some apps offer direct contact with a certified personal trainer or professional, while others may use a template from an algorithm (still created by experts). With this level of expertise behind these apps, you can feel sure of the progress you’ll make from your own workouts. Fitbod is a popular AI-driven weightlifting app designed to generate workouts based on your experience level, goals, and (most importantly) the equipment you have available. This is a big plus if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have a complete home gym setup. Yes, you can use a home dumbbell workout app without owning a complete home gym setup.

Can the Dumbbell Workout App also be used for At-Home Ab Workouts?

The dumbbell is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment for home or gym workouts. While dumbbells are straightforward to use, having guided workouts can make your training far more effective. NTC is the best option if you want guided dumbbell workouts with someone coaching you through every rep — for free. There is no workout logging, no progressive overload tracking, and no custom routine builder. For beginners who need guidance more than data, that is a feature, not a limitation. Alpha Progression uses AI to create personalized lifting plans and tells you exactly what weight and rep target to aim for in every set based on your previous performance.

If you’re unfamiliar with Tonal, let us break down this dynamic smart home gym for you and why you should consider it for yourself. Tonal is a fantastic option for lifters with limited space and has available accessories like a smart bar, triceps rope, and exercise bench. You’ll also be getting access to thousands of classes for when you need a break from strength exercises and want to indulge in a yoga session or active recovery. If you’re looking to get the most out of a weightlifting app, then Future is the program for you.

Equipment Demands

GGR writer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto gives Aaptiv a 4-out-of-5-star rating for accountability. She notes there is a supportive online community, challenges you can join, and the ability to add your workout program to your calendar. When you use the calendar option, your workouts come up as appointments with calendar reminders, which is ideal for anyone establishing a routine.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

The app has been receiving a huge amount of positive feedback for a long time. Users notice changes in themselves after going through the workout programs. So, you can be sure that with its help you will achieve the desired result. A special program is also available in the app that lasts for 30 days. The exercises you have to do are aimed at all existing muscle groups, including your abs, legs, arms, and back.

Dumbbell Home Workout Plan

You’ve been going to the gym for years and you have your plan so all you need are the tools to help you be successful. Other apps are geared toward beginners who need to start slow with a lot of coaching. There are also apps for every skill level between, so make sure you get an app that you feel comfortable with. You can also find a place to log and track your progress with most weightlifting apps. Plus, because you will be connected with a real personal trainer, your workouts and goals are customized to you. Your coach will develop a program based on your available equipment, your experience level, and desired goals.

There is a premium version, but even at $3 a month, Hevy earns a 5 out of 5 for its affordable pricing. A home dumbbell workout app can help you lose weight by incorporating both strength training and cardiovascular exercises into your routine. By incorporating proper nutrition, rest, and recovery, and staying consistent and motivated, users can maximize their gains and achieve their fitness goals using a home dumbbell workout app. If you’re looking for an app that can generate endless workouts for a variety of goals tailored to your preferences and equipment, Fitbod is a great choice. It focuses on strength training workouts, allowing users to build muscle and strength or train for specific activities, such as Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting.

Home workouts with dumbbells

• Although training in your own home gym can be rewarding, there are times when training by yourself isn’t as motivating as having a training partner.
• It offers a variety of exercises like push-ups, dumbbell workouts, and stretching exercises.
• Lindsay loves competing with friends and has done multiple half marathons, CrossFit competitions, and more.
• Nike Training Club and Fitloop — NTC for guided video workouts, Fitloop for self-directed tracking.
• This beginner-friendly workout app can be accommodating for a range of different skill sets and equipment setups.
• JEFIT allows you to track your progress, set goals, and receive feedback on your workouts.

Dumbbell exercises are a pivotal component of any successful fitness regime. With noticeable positive impact on strength, balance, and muscle mass, they are an excellent choice for athletes of all ability levels. The versatility of dumbbell exercises allows for targeting various muscle groups, promoting full body development and enhancing overall fitness. Look for programs that support a range of goals – from muscle-building to functional fitness – and provide the flexibility to adjust your plan as needed.

Your Expert Guide to Making Budget-Friendly DIY Ankle Weights

Dumbbell Home Workout (Axiom) — Pick a plan, follow the voice guidance, done. Other than this, you can enable notification for workout reminders from the settings menu.

That’s all free, and there’s the AllTrails+ subscription, which adds offline download and live navigation. Strava is one of the best running apps on the market, with a free and a paid subscription to allow runners, cyclists, and walkers to keep track of their progress. That said, despite its reputation as an app for runners and cyclists, you can track a total of 31 different sports.

The amount of stress you’re going to have to go through during menopause is easily one of the worst parts of your journey. The last thing you want is to have an app that constantly tells you to push yourself harder when you need support and motivation. Available for Apple and Android devices, this app also includes how-to videos. Another technique that might help along with Kegels is called biofeedback. During a biofeedback session, your healthcare professional places a pressure sensor into your vagina or rectum.

• Definitely feel like I’m getting stronger by the day and building a loving relationship with exercising as a whole.
• In the vast ocean of fitness apps, certain ones stand out for their focus on women over 50.
• Lately, I’ve been loving the Gut Health Series, a collection that goes beyond workouts to include nutritional videos and pilates classes focused on core strength and digestion.
• Les Mills Plus suits group fitness enthusiasts who want studio energy at home without class schedules or gym memberships.
• It provides free and paid, high-quality workout videos led by popular trainers, covering cardio, Pilates, HIIT, and more.
• Depending on the program you select, you can expect the duration to be anywhere from eight weeks (yoga) to 67 weeks (strength training).

best strength training apps for women over 40 (free & paid)

However, understanding the key features to look for can simplify your decision. An effective fitness app for women over 50 should offer customizable workout plans, trackable progress, nutritional guidance, and a user-friendly interface. Furthermore, some apps even include community support, which can be invaluable for motivation and accountability. An effective strength training app for women over 50 should offer clear guidance on exercises that respect your joints and reflect your fitness level.

Strength Training at a Gym

Plus, there’s a community component allowing you to connect with fellow users, share experiences, and encourage each other. After having a baby last year, I finally embraced the convenience of workout apps myself. So whether you’re total beginner, wanting to gain muscle, or simply looking to incorporate some low-key exercises into your day, here are the best workout apps worth a download.

Best Workout Apps to Hit Your Goals, Tested and Personal Trainer–Approved

The most common issue users run across is inaccurate GPS tracking. Additionally, the user interface is not intuitive and the website itself lacks a home page, so you have to explore a bit to figure it out. The developer, Over Fifty Fitness Ltd, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Couch to 5K is an NHS app that is great to kickstart a new fitness regime. For anyone who struggles with stress or negative thoughts, using a mental health app could work wonders for you. Most of us don’t pay enough attention to our mental health, but treating it just like physical health is a great approach.

Stay on Track

Depending on the app, it might also mean community forums or coach check-ins. Workout apps offer more convenience than scheduling in-person training or navigating group class schedules. If you want unlimited access to the app, you must upgrade to FitBod Elite. But if you don’t want to pay for the service, take note of the exercises you did and how many reps you did, and make your routine!

Belk Beauty Finds to Refresh Your Routine

As woman&home’s digital health editor, I’ve spent my fair share of time on these apps in my home studio, at the gym, and on hotel balconies while on holiday. Only the very best, worth the time and energy (and money, in some cases) to use them, have been included. Imagine if a strength training routine could be turned into a face cream – it would be the ultimate anti-aging secret for women.

Workout Variety

We will email recommendations once you start your free trial, and you will also have instant access to our monthly workout calendar. Your membership provides everything you need to build a stronger, healthier future. From first workout to personal records—we meet you where you are. Our team of certified trainers and specialists support your changing needs and are with you every step, squat, and breath along the way. Every workout is created by certified fitness specialists who understand joint sensitivities, hormonal changes, and how to build your fitness safely.

Best strength training app for guided workouts

Apps often provide modifications to accommodate different abilities and highlight lower-impact options. This isn’t specifically for senior-aged women, but it’s one of the only apps on the market that delivers premium workout content with excellent production quality and seamless technology integration. The short, effective workouts are perfect for older women with busy schedules. The gentle-flowing movements improve balance and coordination, while mindfulness reduces stress while exercising. But this ancient Chinese art isn’t easy to learn, and not everyone has the time to dedicate to starting from scratch.

What is the best workout app for women?

Daily interaction helps you stay motivated and focused on your workout plan. Workout apps are like a fitness cheat code for busy people (it’s us, hi) or anyone who prefers working out from the comfort of their home (again, us). With hundreds of classes at your fingertips, digital fitness has made an active lifestyle more accessible and affordable. If you’re already a Pilates genius, then you can select one of two and a half thousand classes. Firm favorites like foam roller workouts and basic mat routines are included.

Starting Slowly and Setting Realistic Goals

That is a helpful reminder for older women who worry that they have missed their chance, because it’s never too late to begin. Fitness apps offer personalized exercises, tracking, and guidance, helping women over 50 improve strength, flexibility, and health safely. The 7-Minute Workout app lets even the busiest women squeeze in exercise routines that are short yet effective. Using a combination of cardio and strength training exercises that don’t need any special equipment, the 7-Minute Workout also tracks your progress to keep you both motivated and challenged. Working on the premise that you don’t have any equipment, Mark Lauren Bodyweight Training is packed with 200 bodyweight exercises that tap into just your own body’s weight to be effective. Available for Apple and Android devices, this app also includes how-to videos and modifications so you can customize the exercises to your fitness level.

The wide variety of premium workouts and challenges makes it a great option for anyone looking to share the app with a friend or partner. Plus, there are new programs added every month, so you’ll never get bored. What is the best beginner workout app? Unlike many other apps, each course contains anywhere from four to 64 videos, giving you more control over how much time you’d like to invest.

How you feel may change day to day like me, which makes it hard to decide on a steady exercise regime. The questions below might help your sort out your plan of action to stay on track and get in the daily cardio or strength training that keep you going strong in life. “Targeted plans, specific muscle focus, full-body—you name it, they got it,” says Savary. A key advantage is the safe, centralized installation best muscle building app process and automatic updates. You can trust that the apps have been vetted for security, and clear indicators for Apple Watch compatibility make it easy to find tools that integrate with your other devices.

Eligible students, medical professionals, and more may save on Peloton App Membership.

Men desiring targeted home workouts will find routines tailored to securing rapid six-pack development, amongst other fitness goals. With exercises such as push-ups, squats, and more, it acts as your very own pocket fitness coach, navigating you through each workout endeavor. The PLP is a progressive program in which you complete one additional rep of three exercises – Pull-Ups, Lunges, and Push-Ups – every day, for two months. The Nike Training Club app will make your fitness habits stick with quicker options, goal-setting tools, and new content daily.

Best AI Tool: Fitbod

As a family we go for hikes, swims, or jump on the  outdoor trampoline and believe me that gets your heart rate up. Yoga or barre class with friends can be done anywhere as long as you have the internet or an instructor. An after-exercise lunch or drink creates a solid few hours of social time for most. Alone time, that most certainly can be done at home with an exercise video or out for a walk with your phone shut off.

The Advanced Bodyweight Workout:

Everything you need to start running, keep running, and enjoy running more. Evolve your approach to holistic wellness with insights and advice made simple. Clear, practical guidance on mindset, movement, nutrition, recovery, and sleep. HIT, Yoga, Bodyweight Burn, no matter how you get after it, NTC is ready with your first workout.

Glute workouts

It gives you the best of both worlds with intense and effective guided workouts and personal training from actual coaches. The app has workouts for your abs, chest, legs, arms and butt as well as full body workouts. None of them need equipment, so there’s no need to go to the gym. Even though it just takes a few minutes a day, it can effectively tone your muscles and help you get six pack abs at home. NTC provides intentional, progressive workout programs with specific nutrition, recovery, and mindset tips along the way.

Free Gym Apps — Feature Comparison

Progress analytics and cross-device sync between its mobile and web platform are also included in the free tier, providing a robust toolset for tracking your fitness journey from anywhere. After taking a quick intro questionnaire, you’ll be provided with a personalized plan. Ready to experience a truly free and powerful workout logger without ads or paywalls on core features? Download Strive Workout Log and see why it’s the top choice for lifters who demand an uncluttered interface, unlimited routine creation, and insightful analytics.

Best For Running: Nike Run Club

A key differentiator for the Play Store is its transparency. Each app listing provides detailed information, including user ratings, total install counts, and a clear breakdown of required device permissions. This allows you to assess an app’s popularity and privacy implications before installation. Furthermore, built-in compatibility checks ensure an app will work correctly on your specific Android phone, tablet, or Wear OS device.

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At home I hike, bike, or trailrun outside because that’s when I feel most alive. In the Pacific Northwest we have plenty of rainy days so I invested in a fitness trampoline that has taken exercise to a whole new level of fun —in and out of doors, everyday. All these questions should help you know right away, within your own daily routine, if today is a home workout day, a gym day, or a rest day. You don’t have to be one or the other, you truly can have it all. It gives you everything you need, with over 17,000 on-demand classes, over 24 class types, over 70 training programs, and nothing you don’t (cough, diet culture, cough). It’s for anyone looking to get a killer workout in without any of the toxic fitness language, according to the creators.

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Take control of your training data today by visiting Strive Workout Log. 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 StrongLifts 5×5 program and offers very little flexibility for customizing routines or adding different exercises.

The 12 Best Free Gym App Options for Smarter Training in 2026

• Some workout apps, like YogaRenew, also offer a week-long free trial period to see if it fits your needs.
• The above is what we call “circuit training,” with the objective being to run through the workout sequence once, and then again.
• Home exercisers in the US are 21% more likely to work out once a week or more compared to gym-goers.
• Perform the workout 3 times per week, with a rest day in between.
• Metric VBT is so unique that it made its way into the WH 2025 Fitness Awards, so naturally, it deserves a shout-out here, too.
• Each app listing provides detailed information, including user ratings, total install counts, and a clear breakdown of required device permissions.

If I set goals as part of my daily routine I’m more likely to accomplish everything I need to do by dinner time. I use a mix of apps or online streaming to help me stay on track at home or at the gym. How you invest in your health and fitness is also influenced by broader trends. Home workout preferences have been on the rise in recent years. Fast forward to 2023, and 52% of Americans now exercise regularly at home compared to 28% at gyms.

The trick here is to couple your home workouts with adjustments to your nutrition. You can totally train at home for a successful weight loss strategy. We’d like to throw our hat in the ring and introduce a third (dare we say, better?) version of this workout. Yeah…by the end of it, you’ll be doing more than 50 pull-ups. The Angry Birds Workout is designed to be done when you have 5 or 10 minutes to kill.