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Fitness Apps For Exercising At Home

11 min read

By Katherine George

Technology has provided people with the tools they need to workout anywhere at anytime. Don’t have the money to join a gym or pay for a personal trainer? No problem! There are so many amazing apps that provide tips on how to workout at home, as well as videos and even full routines. While some do cost money, there are many free ones.

Since more and more people are moving their workouts inside their home, let’s take a look at some of the top fitness apps available for exercising at home (both free and subscription)…

Asana Rebel

Asana Rebel is almost more of a lifestyle app than just a fitness app. It focuses on improving the mind, body, and soul. This app includes workouts for all kinds of exercises from HIIT to yoga, and even some guided meditations to help you relax and unwind.

The most unique feature on this app that we’ve never seen before are quizzes that were created to “keep your mind sharp and your knowledge up to date.” The app is available for free, but to unlock full access to all of their workouts it costs $12.66 per month.

Obé

We must admit the Obé is a little pricey with a $200 annual subscription fee, but you get what you pay for. Obé has a huge library of workout classes to try, including 14 live classes every day that are under 30-minutes. Within these workouts, you’ll get real time shoutouts from trainers, plus you can find friends within the app and sweat alongside them. Obé really strives to create the same atmosphere that a gym-goer would get if they were there in person.

If you’re looking for a workout that’s longer than 30-minutes, don’t fret! You can string several workouts together to create one longer class. All of this from the comfort of your own home!

Peloton Digital

Peloton has made a huge splash with their high-tech spin bikes and treads, but they offer more than just that! There is a Peloton workout app that allows users to do a widespread of workouts from the comfort of their own home. The app includes workouts that have been designed for bootcamp, strength training, and of course, those who own a Peloton or even a non-Peloton bike, can hop on their bike and do a spin class that is guided by instructors.

If it’s a nice day outside, take your workout outdoors and try one of their guided running workouts. The app allows users to track mileages, pace, and splits so you can see how you’re doing and whether or not you’ve improved over time. This app is free with in-app purchases. Peloton is currently offering a free 90-day trial before requiring $12.99 per month for a full subscription.

Alo Moves

Alo Moves includes workouts for all kinds of different exercises including yoga, pilates, HIIT, and barre. Plus, it releases new workouts every day, so you’ll never get bored of the same old, same old! There are over 1,500 classes, but this number keeps growing. You can choose the class based on the instructor, difficulty, intensity, and length. Alo Moves understands the need to curate workouts for people of all different fitness levels and lifestyles.

If you’ve chosen to do a yoga workout, you’ll be able to move seamlessly through different yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Hatha, and even restorative yoga. Almost all of the workouts included in this app require minimal equipment. Most of them can be done with just a yoga mat and chair. This app is free, but there are in-app purchases and a membership available for $20 a month.

Nike+ Training Club

The Nike Training Club app was made for athletes who are looking for a serious sweat session that comes with a variety of different workout options. You’ll never get bored using this app because there is just so much to choose from. You have the option to pick drills, specified workouts from strength-focused exercises to a more cardio-focused workout. You’ll even get audio guides from professional Nike trainers or athletes like Serena williams. Pretty cool, eh?

Strava

Strava helps users keep track of their exercise, including cycling distance, speed, and endurance. If you’re training for a marathon or triathlon, this is a good app to use because it logs past performance so users can easily keep track of their progress. It’s a great way to set and achieve goals. Strava also includes a GPS app to help track runs in real time, again it will keep track of any progress over time including any milestones that are achieved along the way.

You can also form a community online through the Strava app. Share stats with already existing friends, or connect with new people who are also using the app. You’ll even have access to professional athletes and coaches like Lauren Fleshman, Rich Roll and Devon Yanko. All of these trainers have active profiles on the app, so users can take a look at what they are doing and how many miles they are logging with their training and racing.

Fitbit Coach

This app is a must have for anyone who uses a Fitbit! Fitness trackers are great, but why not use it to its full potential? Download the Fitbit Coach app which can take data from your Fitbit to help get you moving and achieve your goals.

Fitbit Coach will create customized workouts and send recommendations based on your Fitbit data. All of their workouts are in video format and easy to follow along. If you’re a Premium users, you’ll get access to exclusive workouts, but for those who are new to the app, just get started with their recommended workouts and go from there.

Charity Miles

Working out helps us feel better about ourselves, but with the Charity Miles app, we can feel EVEN better because with this app, the calories we burn turn into charitable donations. The Charity Miles app has partnered up with sponsors like Johnson & Johnson, Chobani, and Humani to donate a few cents for every mile a user does while biking, running, and walking. They will donate this money to charities like ASPCA, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Park Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.

All you have to do is create an account and then choose from their list of charities. The funds will come out of a corporate sponsor pool and are given out based on the miles tracked through your phone’s GPS. Now that’s some great motivation!

Seconds Interval Timer

Seconds Interval Timer is a lot different than the other apps on this list because it was created for people who don’t necessarily like following along to videos, but rather just want an app to help them keep track of their progress and intervals.

This app will speak out your interval name so that you don’t have to check a watch or timer to know when to stop within your workout. It also allows user to coordinate music with each interval so that you can match the intensity needed.

Sworkit

Do you have a really busy and hectic schedule? If so, the Sworkit app would be a good route to go. Sworkit has over 400 different exercise options with a little something for everyone. This includes people in all stages of their fitness journey, and those who only have five minutes a day to set aside. You will find anything and everything in their collection! Unlike some of the free apps on this list, you will need to purchase a subscription in order to access ALL of their workouts, but there are a few free workouts available.

Sworkit was created with the intention to provide every person the chance to stay healthy and active, no matter what their lifestyle is, by giving them the opportunity to workout on their own time. As a result, there are plenty of workouts included that require little to no equipment and many of which can be done anywhere at any time. We truly admire their desire to make working out accessible to everyone.

YogaGlo

While the name is YogaGlo, this app is really for anyone who’s interested in yoga, pilates, or meditation. In addition to workout videos, they also provide guided meditations that are great for anyone who needs help taking a break from their hectic schedule. It’s important to note, this app is only for iOS users. There is a free trial for anyone who is interested in simply testing the app before committing to their $22.99 a month subscription.

While there are plenty of yoga apps out there, a great feature within this app is the ability to download the videos so that they can be accessed anywhere at any time. Also, this app can sync to an Apple Watch or Health app, so that users can track their progress. The longer you use this app, the more useful it will be because the app can start suggesting workouts you might like based on previous ones you’ve done.

Aaptiv

Aaptiv provides audio-based workouts for those who are really looking to be coached through their fitness journey. If you’d like to give it a try, there’s a 7-day free trial offer available, after which point you’ll have to pay only $14.99 a month. All users are given access to their library of over 2,500 guided workouts from stair climbing to row training. All of which can be done anywhere — at home or in a gym. If you’ll be working out without internet, just be sure to download the video prior to leaving the house.

Some great features on this app are that users have the choice to pick their preferred trainer or for those who need the perfect music to get them motivated, you can choose a class based on the themed playlist. This ensures your workout is curated to exactly what you need and want. When choosing what personal trainer to work with, you’ll get a description of their style, for example one might be “fun and supportive” as opposed to someone who is more assertive in pushing users to reach their goals.

ROMWOD

A little different from some of the other apps on this list, RomWood was designed to help people maintain or improve their mobility and flexibility. They know that most people want to do their workout in as little time as possible which is why stretching and cool down are often overlooked. However, these are the things that are essential to recovery and safe exercise.

This app uploads daily videos that users can follow along to. ROMWOD includes over 1,500 videos on flexibility routines, including detailed voice and visual instructions so that every pose is done carefully and correctly. These videos are dedicated to help improve range of motion, boost performance, and assist with recovery. Best of all — this app is free with in-app purchases and a membership of just under $14 a month.

MapMyRun

This app is an oldie but a goodie. Sponsored by Under Armour, MapMyRun is part of a family of MayMy apps. This free app is designed to do exactly what it says (plus more). Users can keep track of their runs, training plans, routes, and workouts making it easy to hold yourself accountable and stay on track. They can even share this information live with family and friends which is a nice safety feature. It also helps users find new running routes in their area.

If you’re a competitive person, this app was made for you! MapMyRun holds tons of challenges each month, such as committing to a certain number of miles a week, month, or any specific number of days. It’ll even try to encourage you to go on walks and hikes. Thanks to their partnership, Under Armor sells smart shoes that actually connect to the app.

Down Dog

Yoga is the exercise preference of many people around the world. If that’s the case for you, then the Down Dog app might be a good choice. You’ll be give the tools to practice yoga every day in your own home. Catering to a wide audience, this app has sequences that range from 10-minutes to 90-minutes long. Not a seasoned yogi? No problem. It also has workouts for every experience level from beginner to advanced.

All their sequences come with music that flows perfectly with your practice. Another great feature is that the app generates a new vinyasa yoga routine everytime you sign on. This way you know you’ll never be repeating the same thing again.

Freeletics

Freeletics offers great workouts for people who don’t have access to any equipment or a gym. It’s also a great tool for people who’re just looking for a quick sweat. You can choose from bodyweight exercises that are anywhere from five to 30-minutes long for free, or pay $6.25 a month to add a personal trainer into the mix.

Ladder

Looking for a workout that is curated by a personal trainer, but don’t have the time or resources to get one? Try the Ladder app. It will create a custom workout with a personal trainer that is designed specifically for you. It does this by pairing you with a certified trainer based on your location, level of fitness, and the goals you’ve set for yourself. This is customization to a tee! What’s even better? This app is completely free.

One of the advantages of using a personal trainer is that they can teach the correct form of specific exercises. Ladder includes videos that will demonstrate the right form for every exercise and has features within the app that allows users to track their sleep and nutrition. It’s literally like having a personal trainer with you at all times!

NeoU

Yet another app that provides a huge selection of different workouts including videos on HIIT, barre, yoga, bootcamp, stretching, and even strength training. These workouts all come with a wide variety of energetic trainers that will cheer you on. Marie Claire calls it a streaming service for fitness. The NeoU app allows users to do their workout anywhere at any time. You have the option to download the videos for later so that you can still access them even without WIFI.

This app is free, but does have some in-app purchases. It’s best for people who are looking for strength and cardio.

Daily Burn

Burn baby, burn! We’re talking calories that is. The Daily Burn app allows users to workout in the privacy of their own home which is what a lot of people are looking for, especially if they are just starting out. Users turn to this app because it holds thousands of different workout videos, plus it allows users to tailor programs to their fitness levels and goals. While there is a membership fee, you can use the app for free during the 30-day free trial.

A great feature of this app is that it can sync to any Apple TV, Roku, or other streaming device so that you can watch your home workout videos on a big screen so that they are easier to follow. Who doesn’t want to turn their living room into a fitness studio?

Seven

A few years ago “the seven minute workout” was extremely popular. People wanted an effective, yet efficient workout. Hence, the seven minute workout. As you can probably tell by the name, this app is an extension of that idea. It was made for people who don’t want or have a lot of time to spend working out, so they want to really maximize what little time they have set aside.

Seven provides some really tough exercises that can be done quickly and without any equipment which is great for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money purchasing workout equipment or have a lot of space to store it. Some examples of exercises that can be found on this app are lunges, wall sits, squats, and planks — all of which are super effective exercises that can be done without any equipment. This app makes exercising accessible for anyone, anywhere.

Senior Managing Editor

Katherine is the Senior Managing Editor of ActiveBeat and Childhood. She is constantly striving to live a more active and healthy life, from eating healthy, exercising, and just spending more time outdoors. She enjoys cooking (with wine), walking her dog, reading, and recently joined a yoga studio!

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