7 free workout apps to try this year

Did you make a new year’s resolution that 2020 is finally going to be the year you get fit and healthy?

Trying to figure out the best fitness routine can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get stuck before you even start, whether because of time or budget. But that’s where smartphone apps come in!

Smartphone apps can bring workout classes and even personal trainers directly to you — on your schedule and without expensive gym membership fees. And while some of them do have optional monthly subscription fees for upgrade experiences, there are plenty you can use without spending a dime.

The following seven apps are free to download and use without any sort of additional fees, though we’ll give you the lowdown on available upgrade options. So whether you’re looking to start walking, running, stepping, lifting weights, doing yoga or something else entirely, here are the apps that will get you up and moving towards your 2020 healthy goals

Running/Walking

Whether you’re a total newbie to the running/walking scene or are looking to add some structure to your training, the apps below are a great start. Some of them even offer communities in which you can get involved with a number of challenges (either virtual or in-person!).

1. Strava

Strava is a worldwide community of runners, walkers and active people looking to connect and inspire one another. The smartphone app and website work with a variety of fitness trackers (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.) or you can just use your phone to record your activity. You can also connect other fitness apps to your account in order to keep all of your workouts in one convenient dashboard.

You get a ton of data to review, including distance completed, heart rate and effort expended, and you can even compare different workouts. And all of this is free!

There are also challenges within the community to help keep you motivated.

There is an optional upgrade to the Strava Summit membership that enables you to get training plans and other perks.

2. Couch to 5K by Zen Labs

The Couch to 5K by Zen Labs app is one of the most popular apps to transform people from couch potato into runner. The app’s claim to fame is that it will train a brand new runner three days a week, 30 minutes a day, for eight weeks in order to prepare them for a 5K (3.1-mile) race. There’s a community built into the app in which you can connect with others who are working toward the same goals. Optional upgrades include music playlists.

Yoga

If you’re looking to build your physical strength and flexibility, improve your focus and reduce stress, yoga might be just what you need. But where do you start and does it mean you have to twist yourself into a pretzel? These apps will help you find your inner zen and discover the power within your own body.

3. Yoga for Beginners

Yoga for Beginners by Fast Builder Limited takes the intimidation factor out of this trendy workout. You’ll learn basic poses that anyone can do and progress to more advanced practices down the road as you get more comfortable. The app lets you select everything from what area of the body you want to focus on to complete workouts. This app is available to download on both Apple and Android devices and will sync with other health devices or apps.

4. Lotus Yoga and Workout

Available for both Apple and Android devices, Lotus Yoga and Workout from Labmobil is a free app offering hundreds of yoga workouts and meditation classes for all levels. The app has more than 450 instructed poses for users to follow and lists out health benefits and cautionary notes for each one. The app is free to download and use, though there is an optional monthly or yearly membership fee to open all of the deluxe features.

Varied Workout Classes

What if you want an app that gives you a wide variety of options on any given day? There are plenty of fitness apps that allow users to switch things up. Want to do some cardio and then some strength training? No problem. Want to cool down with some meditation and yoga? These apps have something for everyone.

5. Daily Workout Fitness Trainer FREE

Daily Workout Fitness Trainer FREE features 10 different workouts ranging from five to 10 minutes each. Plus, there are also 10- to 30-minute randomized full-body workouts. There are 100+ exercises included in these workouts. Each workout — developed by a certified personal trainer — has videos showing how to do each exercise. You can upgrade to the full version for a fee to boost your exercise library to nearly 400 exercises, including Pilates, kettlebell, stretches and ball workouts. This app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

6. Freeletics Body & Mind Coach

Freeletics Body & Mind Coach gives you a personal trainer in the palm of your hand. With access to HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts, guided runs and strength training workouts, users get a well-rounded fitness routine they can bring anywhere. Coaches will guide you through the workouts via video and audio instruction. You can upgrade to the fee-based premium level to get access to customized physical and mindset coaching to meet your individual needs. This app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

7. FitOn

FitOn is “always on, always FREE” according to the company’s website. FitOn features celebrity exercise workout leaders such as Gabrielle Union and Jonathan Van Ness, along with certified celebrity trainers such as Jeanette Jenkins, Kenta Seki and others. You can create a personalized workout for free with FitOn, including cardio, dance, HIIT, Pilates, yoga and Barre. If you subscribe to FitOn’s optional Pro Plan, you get personalized meal plans with more than 500 exclusive recipes, unlimited offline workout downloads and more. This app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Feeling inspired to start a new fitness routine?