Healthy living is not just a fad. Today, according to the CDC, one in three Americans is overweight or obese making it a national health issue of epidemic proportions. That’s why hitting the gym and exercising should be a daily priority. And while some people prefer to hire personal trainers to guide them through their fitness journey, for others this is not an option—so why not go the route of an online personal trainer?
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Fortunately, there is no shortage of personal training apps that deliver effective custom workout plans straight to your, well, phone. This allows you to workout anytime, anywhere and get visible results within weeks (it’s also a lot less intimidating than having to work out in a gym surrounded by super fit people).
While there are specialty apps dedicated to certain types of workouts such as CrossFit, HIIT, and Pilates, others take a more general approach by offering you a wide range of classes and workout routines that incorporate elements from different fitness regimens or with the assistance of an online personal trainer. Most apps are incredibly easy to use—all you have to do is narrow down your options by choosing a body part you’d like to focus on, the duration of the workout, available equipment, intensity level, etc.
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So without further ado, here are the best personal training and workout apps that will get you in the best shape of your life.
FIIT
Do you miss going to the gym? The FIIT app brings the best studio trainers and classes to your home so you can stay in shape regardless of proficiency level. FIIT’s sessions are each about 25 to 40 minutes long and are either led by one or two trainers (think Adrienne Herbert, London-based postnatal fitness expert Charlie Launder, and martial art and yoga expert Chris Magee) that perform each exercise with you. You can also start a training plan and get weekly classes tailored to your level as well as invite friends to work out together (for extra motivation).
CENTR
CENTR is the brainchild of actor Chris Hemsworth and a team of fitness, wellness, and nutrition experts whose goal is to help you “train, eat and live better with the tap of a finger.”
The app gives you access to world-class trainers (including Hemsworth’s own Da Rulk) who guide you through 20- to 40-minute workout classes such as HIIT, MMA, boxing, and many more. Easy to prepare healthy recipes (with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options available) will help you nourish your body while guided meditations and stress relief techniques and tips will calm your mind.
adidas Running App by Runtastic
Formerly known as Runtastic, the adidas Running app provides some of the most useful features that will help you make the best of your next run.
The built-in GPS lets you track your run in real-time even if you don’t have Internet coverage in a particular region. You can also personalize your dashboard to your goals while a personal coach will help you achieve them. And since this is an adidas-owned app, you can even track the miles on your shoes so when it’s time to get a new pair, the app will send you an alert.
Aaptiv
If staring at a screen while trying to replicate workout moves is not your idea of a pleasant workout session, then you’re going to love Aaptiv. While the company does have video classes, its main focus are audio-based guides that allow you to focus your attention on performance and not your smart device. To help you reach (and crush) your goals, Aaptiv has enlisted the help of expert trainers, health educators, and physical therapists that will guide you every step of your fitness journey.
This unique approach—and the results it yields— has landed the company among the best and most downloaded audio and video apps. And it’s super easy to get started—simply choose your fitness goals and the app will suggest programs and workouts (of different duration and intensity) that will help you achieve them.
Peloton
Peloton needs no introduction. The company became a household name thanks to its premium cycling and running equipment and classes. But even if you don’t own a Peloton bike or a treadmill, you’ll want to download the app because it gives you access to thousands of workout sessions led by world-class instructors—no training gear needed.
The classes—both live and on-demand— are divided into workout types such as strength training, yoga, stretching, or meditation and are appropriate for pros and beginners alike.
Alo Moves
If you are serious about yoga (or want to get serious about it), then Alo Moves will get you there. The app is an extension of the celebrity-favorite athleisure brand Alo Yoga, and offers classes by some of the best and most influential yogis in the world. So whether you are looking for a way to unwind after a long day with a relaxing mediation session or would like to build some strength and increase your flexibility, you will certainly find a class that fits your goals. With over 2000 on-demand videos and new ones added each week, you will never have to repeat the same class. The platform also offers HIIT and barre sessions as well as some prenatal stretching and yoga classes.
FitBit Premium
If you’re already a FitBit user, then upgrading to FitBit Premium in the company’s app will reveal a whole new world of personalized fitness stats and workout options. Because your FitBit device tracks a bunch of activity and nutrition information every day, the app will not only help you make sense of them but also guide you through the best workout programs for you based on those stats.
FitBit Premium is geared towards beginners and those with some experience who would like to focus further on their strength or run training, HIIT, or just get more active overall.
