Working out is difficult; and if you’re always busy or traveling, it can be even harder. Getting to the gym after a long day of work is the ultimate stress-reliever; but when your workload is heftier than planned, getting to the gym might not be your first priority. That’s where the convenience of workout apps come in. They cost much less than gym memberships, they are extremely customizable, and you can use them whenever and wherever you want. But how do you cut through the clutter of the App Store? Below, our top workout picks for getting a sweat in, even on the busiest of nights.
Peloton
Yes, you read that correctly—Peloton isn’t just an at-home cycling machine. Peloton has its own app that goes far beyond just biking; it’s your all-access pass to thousands of on-demand classes. Despite popular belief, you can find classes that range from HIIT, strength training, running, yoga, meditation and cycling. I use this app about four times a week—my favorite part about it is that even when I’m traveling, I feel like I’m working out with my personal trainer. You can also work towards your unique fitness goals with guided 4 to 18-week-long programs. Available on iOS and Android; 30-day free trial; monthly membership costs $12.99
Nike Run Club
If you hate being confined to running on a treadmill and would prefer to be outdoors, this app is an absolute must. Nike Run Club has special features that allow you to dramatically improve your running skills and endurance like GPS tracking, personalized coaching and social networking. These guided runs, narrated by elite athletes, give you a voice inside your head that encourages you to keep pushing the whole way through. NRC also knows how to work the details: it tracks your pace, distance, elevation, heart rate and mile splits in order for you to improve your runs each and every time. Available on iOS and Android; free.
8fit
As we all know, losing weight or cutting fat isn’t just about exercise, it’s about a healthy diet as well. With 8fit, you can conquer both your diet and fitness goals because it pairs workouts and meal plans in order to assist in re-creating your lifestyle. The workouts offered are both fun and sweat-provoking: boxing, pilates, cardio and more. To go alongside, you can customize a meal plan based on dietary preferences in order to receive 800 nutritionist-approved recipes that are both doable and delicious. Free with in-app Purchase
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Alo Moves
If you’re constantly busy, taking some time to partake in stress-relieving exercises is important. Curated by the well-known athleisure brand Alo Yoga, Alo Moves has thousands of videos that are tailored to improve both your practice and your zen. It offers power yoga, handstand workshops, meditation and everything in-between. The professional yogis that teach for this app are some of the most popular in the world: Koya Webb, Ashley Galvin and Patrick Beach. These teachers are constantly working to create new classes that are meant to enhance your mind-body connection in order to ultimately reach your goals of growing both inside and out. iOS and Android, $20/month
Studio Bloom
This app stems out of the Bloom Method studio based in Boulder, CO and it is made specifically for mothers of all stages. The app blends powerful workouts with birth-prep workouts and post-natal healing techniques. The unique aspect of this app is that it works for every stage of pregnancy. Slow, short workouts are suitable for women who are getting towards the end of their pregnancy where intense, longer workouts might be more advisable for women at the beginning stages. Studio Bloom has about 50 workouts that range from 7 to 40 minutes and also comes with guided meditation soundtracks and pregnancy-perfect nutrition recommendations. iOS, $39/month
SWEAT: Kayla Itsines Fitness
If you like competition, download this fit-focused app! Geared towards women of all ages, SWEAT has dramatically grown its following and is known for hosting a plethora of 28-minute high-intensity workouts to choose from. Its other perks include meal planning, classes that are taught by a range of fitness influencers including Stephanie Sanzo and Chantel Duncan, and the opportunity to compete with other women around the world in cutting-edge workout challenges. Now, you can have a community to motivate you—even when you just want to sit back and have a de-stressing glass of wine. Available on iOS and Android; 7-day free trial; in-app purchases start at $12.99
Freeletics
This app recognizes that sometimes, equipment-based workouts are inconvenient. Ideal for getting a quick yet effective sweat, Freeletics has a bank of bodyweight-focused workouts ranging from 5 to 30 minutes for users of any level who are always on the go. This app also has a customizable feature where you can create a Training Journey that works for your body and within a specific time frame. If you want to crush your fitness goals quickly and easily, Freeletics is a must. Available on iOS, between $7 and $12/month
