I’ve become a huge fan of fitness apps over the years. They’re a great opportunity to learn from experts and connect with a community of people who have similar health goals. There are so many awesome health and fitness resources out there – it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through everything. Here are some of my faves, depending on the type of exercise you’re looking for.
If you need to work on mobility: GOWOD
I recently downloaded GOWOD when I realized how stiff my muscles have been. I’ve made my way back into a hot yoga practice, and in addition to that, I’ve been spending at least 5-10 minutes each day on stretching and mobility work. This app is $11.99 per month, so it’s a little pricier, but I think it’s an excellent complement to a solid strength or training plan.
If you want access to the best instructors: Peloton
Oh, Peloton. We’re coming up on 2 years that I’ve used and LOVED this app consistently. It started off with the cycling classes, since I used to use the app propped up on my indoor bike. Then, I finally converted and bought a Peloton bike – my favorite purchase of 2018 – and since then, I’ve taken the cycling classes at least 2-3 times a week. I also adore their selection of workouts, including strength, yoga, meditation, running/walking, and stretching. The app is $12.99 per month (it’s more if you have a bike at $36) but so worth it for the caliber of instructors, the music, and the variety.
If you need a solid strength training plan: SWEAT
SWEAT is an app that I come back to if I have just a half hour to work out and don’t want to think about it. The workouts include simple movements that always challenge me and increase my heart rate. I love that they’ve added different formats over time, including Stronger (the gym version of the Bikini Body Guides (BBG) workout), PWR (long traditional strength training workouts at a gym), PWR at Home, Post-pregnancy, Fierce (gym-based combining strength and high-intensity), and Build (combining bodybuilding and powerlifting).
If you’re looking for variety: Tone It Up Studio
This app is $12.99 per month and includes HIIT (high-intensity interval training), cardio, yoga, barre, and strength. You can choose any workouts On Demand or join live classes (and see who’s working out with you), and the workouts are categorized for an easy selection.
If you’re a beginner: Aaptiv
These are audio-based fitness classes from personal trainers ($9.99 per month). I haven’t personally tried this one, but according to the reviews, the trainers are extremely motivational and the music is good.
If you want to start running: C25k
Couch to 5k is a solid running and walking plan to build up to a 5k. This is an excellent app if you know you want to venture into racers or longer distances but aren’t sure how to do it. I used to use the old school plan when I first started running, and it really gave me insight into what I needed to do to build time and mileage while increasing my running endurance. It’s FREE and $1.99 to remove ads.
If you want to practice yoga more often: Alo Moves
This app includes a variety of yoga classes from top-notch instructors. This is perfect if you know you want to practice yoga more frequently but aren’t able to take studio classes due to price, childcare, or commute. This app also includes tutorials on how to safely build up to specific yoga skills and poses. I think it’s worth noting here that if you’re a yoga beginner, it’s a good idea to start off by going to some live classes where you have access to an instructor who can help you become familiar with the basic poses and make sure your alignment is correct.
If you’re looking for prenatal and postnatal fitness: Studio Bloom
This one is for all of my expecting and new mama friends out there! I personally haven’t tried this one because I found out about it after the girls were born, but it has excellent reviews. I also have to shout out my postpartum workout guide here if you’re looking for a safe postpartum plan.
If you want to set up your own interval workout: HIIT timer
This is a handy app for setting up your own interval or circuit training. I like to use 30-30 splits or 45-15 splits of work and rest, and using the app, I don’t have to keep track of my time.
