Getting fit doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These fab fitness apps are all free.
It’s no secret that great workout programs can shake up fitness routines regardless of individual fitness levels.
Fortunately, getting fit doesn’t need to take a hit on your bank account. With the help of these free apps, individuals can train like a pro through structured, targeted and efficient programs.
Here are five of the best free workout apps that keep the body fit and active without the hefty pricetag.
Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout App
Fitness type: Full body, strength training, cardio
Best for: Beginner to intermediate level, busy individuals
Point of difference: On demand and high intensity 7-minute workouts
The Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout app formulated its exercises with strength-training and aerobic workouts in mind, and focuses on interval programs that build up fitness fast through conveniently short 7-minute workouts that are accessible anytime throughout the day.
The app, described as “a gym in your hand”, was founded by Chris Jordan, who is the director of exercise physiology at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. His expertise means that the workouts are designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s fitness guidelines.
For those who do not want to go to the gym and only have time for a simple yet high-intensity workout, the 7-Minute app allows individuals to get started without equipment.
Simple tools like dumbbells and a yoga mat may be necessary for some exercises, however there are exercises featured on the app catered to those who may not necessarily have a home gym at their disposal.
Before and after the workout, optional 2-minute warm-up and cool-down sessions help prep the body by stretching the muscles. Users can also customise their workouts using exercises such as Mountain Climbers, Power Squats and Spiderman Push-Ups.
Their Workout Library provides users with a total of 72 workouts that vary intensity and duration. The duration of the workouts also cater to a variety of schedules, with exercises ranging from a shorter 7 minutes to a longer 30 minute session.
HD instructional videos make the app useful for beginners who are seeking an effective full-body workout that combines general exercises to build up strength and tone all parts of the body.
Weight Loss Running by Verv
Fitness type: Running, Aerobic Training, Endurance
Best for: All Levels (Beginner to Advanced), Weight Loss
Point of difference: Helps prepare for long distance running events and marathons
This app is a personal running coach, from beginners right up to a 5km run or marathon and focuses on interval training and weight loss.
It is suitable for all levels of expertise. Exercise plans include runs that alternate between easier and low-level routines and higher intensity levels.
Although the app targets weight loss, interval-training forms the backbone of the exercises, and so the app is great for building strength and endurance over time.
The app also features training programs for (individuals wanting to prepare for) long-distance running events. For instance, a program specifically made (for individuals) to prepare for a 5 km run within seven weeks is available, as well as a 16-week marathon training program.
Verv also provides users with a section devoted to meal-planning for those who want to lose weight. These include meal recommendations, recipes, meal plans and shopping lists.
StrongLifts 5×5
Fitness type: Weightlifting
Best for: Beginners who want to start lifting, strengthening and toning
Point of difference: Structured goal-oriented bodybuilding workouts to complete at the gym
Awarded the Best Workout App of 2020, StrongLifts 5×5 is an app that targets those who want to strengthen and tone – no matter what level they are starting at.
The app is ideal to be used at the gym where equipment such as weight bench presses and barbells are readily available.
The app features 3 new workout releases a week and focuses on 5 types of lifts to help shape and tone the whole body: the squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press, and barbell row. The training program takes only 3 exercises, 3 times a week for 45 minutes.
For beginners, the app starts with lower-intensity workouts, gradually increasing the amount of weight lifted over time. This helps build strength in a safe and effective way.
The app is a good choice for individuals who want to improve their foundational weightlifting skills before advancing to more difficult exercises.
Nike Training Club
Fitness type: Strength training
Best for: Beginners and those who are busy
Point of difference: Highly customisable and flexible workouts from a leading sports brand
Nike Training Club is an at-home personal trainer with over 160 guided workouts.
The app provides a personal plan that adjusts with progress and continued use of the program, customisable to individual schedules and fitness levels.
The app has four sets of 4-6 week training plans. They also include a variety of individual workouts and multi-week training programs.
Once signed up, the app will recommend workouts based on how actively the user exercises already and current fitness level.
Users are also able to choose a recommended workout for a quick and easy start, set up a training plan or scroll through the entire list of workouts.
Training plans can be customised based on personal goals, such as how frequently the user intends to work out.
Programs can also be chosen based on whether gym equipment are accessible or not, with plans that rely solely on body-weight being options.
The app has a range of possible activities and training programs, catered to those who are regular exercisers or those who are just starting out.
Daily Yoga
Fitness type: Yoga
Best for: All levels, individuals who want to improve flexibility.
Point of difference: A forum-based yoga community to ask questions and make friends.
With more than 50 million users around the world, Daily Yoga is an app that boasts and worldwide community and caters towards all fitness levels.
With over 100 yoga and meditation classes, the app boasts 500+ poses, 200+ video classes and 50+ workouts and plans that aim to tone the body while improving overall health and flexibility.
A forum hosts the worldwide customer base for the app, and allows users to ask questions about yoga, make new friends and share their progress like they would on social media.
To get started with the exercises, all users need is a yoga mat. Instructional videos contain step-by-step instructions that enable mastery of basic to challenging yoga poses, no matter the user’s current level of expertise.
The free app also allows users to personalise the length of their workout session, with options ranging from 5 minutes, to complete in between daily tasks, to longer 70-minute sessions for a more relaxed day.
The app also keeps track of all completed sessions so users can monitor their improvements and accomplishments over time.
