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Are you looking to exercise at home but don't know where to start? Are you hoping to get the best results without heading to the gym? Nothing beats a versatile workout routine you can do right in the comfort of your home. Fortunately, for both fitness fanatics and newbies looking to get into shape, there are a host of home workout apps available online!
We've searched the app stores to find the 10 best home workout apps available. We chose Beachbody on Demand by Beachbody as our favorite as it doesn't require equipment, offers half-hour routines, and has nutrition plans. As well as choosing our 10 home workout apps, we've also constructed a handy buying guide reviewed by a personal trainer.
I am the manager and head personal trainer for a local fitness facility. I graduated from college with my bachelor's in Exercise Science and have been in the industry for the past 5 years since. I am super passionate about fitness and how our bodies work!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Working out at home is so much easier when you have an efficient app to guide you. So what exactly makes the ideal home workout app? Here are some easy buying tips to help you pick the best app for your fitness goals.
Working out at home means that you do not have a trainer watching to see if you are doing the exercises properly. This means you can easily injure or strain yourself if you follow a workout plan that you are not yet fit enough for or familiar with.
On top of that, you may not like the inconvenience of having equipment in your house. For example, treadmills and weights take up lots of space, so some people may have enough space while others don't. However, something like yoga only requires a mat and maybe a yoga ball.
You should know what equipment you need to use the app. For example, some apps may not require equipment while others may need some for certain exercises. You should note some apps may require or recommend you get more equipment with time, so keep these points in mind while you look into apps.
Make sure you are using the required equipment safely. If you don't know how to use the equipment, ask for help or look for workouts that do not require any equipment.
Considering your equipment is important. You don't want to start an exercise app, be dressed and ready to go, only to find out that you don't have any equipment to use with it.
The most important thing to look out for in a workout app is the ease of the exercises. If you're not able to execute the exercises, the app will not really be of use to you. An app with exercises below your fitness level will not be challenging enough, but exercises too difficult will be disheartening.
If you are a beginner, go for apps that are described as being for beginner or intermediate levels. These are more likely to have simple exercises that will also be safe for you to execute. Build up your regimen slowly, from beginner workouts to more complex exercises to help you see progress while avoiding injury.
On the other hand, if you've been training for a while, go for home workout apps designed for your level of fitness. These are apt to be more challenging and therefore more beneficial to your overall fitness. You can also try an app that has exercises you've never tried before as these will also pose a challenge.
There are many home workout apps that cater to almost every fitness level from beginner to advanced. You need to make sure that whatever level you are at, you can achieve the exercises comfortably. You also want to make sure that by a few weeks in, you will start to be challenged. This is super important in your fitness journey to maintain a good routine, health, and reach your goals!
There are various types of home workouts available with different programs. Depending on your fitness goals you can choose a home work out app that suits your preference and fitness levels.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is great if you are looking for workouts that boost weight loss. They consist of periods of short, high-intensity exercise that are alternated with recovery periods. Since they are designed to promote fat burning, HIIT workouts are ideal for people looking to lose weight in a fast and efficient manner.
HIIT exercises do involve a lot of movement, though, so if you're looking for a quiet workout that won't disturb neighbors or people in your house, you might want to consider another app. Some workouts do come with "no jump" alternatives for exercise, though!
HIIT workouts are a great way to get your heart pumping and lose weight. Although this is not the only way to lose weight, when you incorporate HIIT into your workout routine - even if it is once or twice a week - you will see weight loss results quicker.
Yoga is a great low-intensity workout that suits people of all ages and fitness levels. This means that this type of workout is ideal for anyone looking for low-impact exercises that also help to boost flexibility. Most yoga poses can be adapted to suit your level of fitness.
That doesn't mean that yoga can't be hard work, though! As you practice you'll be able to add little variations to your poses to increase the challenge over time. Yoga is also a great way to manage stress.
You can identify other low-intensity workouts including squats, skates, lateral shuffles, and more. It comes down to figuring out what exercises allow you to work out without stressing your body too much.
Yoga is great for strength and flexibility. It is a great workout to be one with your body, focus on your breathing, focus on each movement, and settle your mind. These exercises are low intensity so they are great for every exercise level.
If you want a little bit of everything in your home workout app, go for apps that incorporate different types of workouts. There are plenty of apps that offer a fun mix of cardio, dance, strength, pilates, HIIT, and many other types of workouts.
With all-in-one workouts, you can switch up your routine to avoid boredom. These types of comprehensive workouts also help you work on different parts of your body for better fitness. You can dedicate different days of the week to different exercises to make sure that your fitness levels increase from head to toe.
You won't get bored quickly with all-in-one apps. These apps are fun because they change up your routine and movements. They help you target different muscle groups so that you are not fatiguing the same muscles each workout. They will keep you more motivated and interested the more you workout! These are my personal favorite apps that I use myself when working out at home.
While you can't always have a personal trainer in your home, you can find an app that connects you to one. More apps are allowing you to communicate with a trainer through messages, video calls, and in other ways.
Connecting with a personal trainer allows you to get immediate advice on your form, exercise routine, and other advice. This means you can figure out the best workout plan for your situation based on their advice. However, some trainers may take a while to respond to you, especially if you tend to work out during the evening or at odd hours.
Even if you don't work with personal trainers often, having the feature available could benefit you. They can often suggest workouts you may not have thought of doing yourself otherwise. On top of that, you can ask for advice or help whenever you may need it.
The best home workout apps will also have a host of additional features. Apps that help you track your macros and calorie intake can help you stay fit. Some apps also offer customized nutrition plans that are suited to your particular fitness goals.
There are also apps with community-sharing features. These apps allow you to interact with other members on the platform and share your progress. You can connect with your real-life friends or with strangers, and take part in challenges or just encourage each other. This is great for motivation and support!
Apps that allow you to track calories burned during the workout are also great because they help you track your progress and stay motivated. You can see your progress over time and see how you are improving.
Other features you may want to consider when searching for the right app include personal trainers to help you stay motivated or meal plans with calorie counters. By adding up the calories of the meals you eat, you can better track your fitness goals, All these add value to the product and help you reach your fitness goals.
Apps that are easy to navigate, customize, and use make for a better user experience. For a fluid workout experience, use a home workout app that is versatile and user-friendly. Consider the quality of video and audio instructions on the app. The better the instruction and demonstrations are, the easier they will be to follow.
Home workout apps that allow you to cast a video to your TV are an ideal option since you can easily follow along as you work out, as opposed to when you have to refer to a small device such as a phone. Take advantage of any free trials, so you can properly assess whether the app is for you.
Some apps may mention how long the exercises or sessions take. You must make sure you choose an app with appropriate session lengths for your schedule.
For example, you may have an hour or so to work out each day, but others may only have half an hour or even just a few minutes. You may want multiple ten-minute sessions each day, so make sure the app gives you this flexibility. It should also keep track of your workout routines, so you can meet your daily exercise goals.
Home workout apps can either be free, offered on a subscription model, or purchased at a one-off fee. Some workout apps will allow you to download for them free but have additional charges if you want to access additional features.
There are home workout apps that require monthly or annual subscriptions, which means you need to pay a certain fee routinely to keep accessing the workouts. Other apps have subscriptions for certain types of exercise, so you can choose to pay for HIIT workouts, without paying for yoga, for example.
Subscription apps are a great choice if you want premium workouts and will often have a variety of additional features such as personalized plans and choice of trainer. Many offer free trials, so always take advantage of these before you decide to buy. Before you join any subscription, make sure you know what you're paying and the cancellation rules.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Beachbody Beachbody on Demand | Best for Versatility in Your Workouts and Planning | ||
2 | Leap Fitness Group Simply Yoga - Fitness Trainer | Best for Muscle Improvement and Bodybuilding | ||
3 | Daily Workout Apps, LLC Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer | Best for Easy-to-Understand Instructions | ||
4 | Daily Burn At Home Workouts | Best App to Communicate With Others | ||
5 | Peloton Interactive Peloton | Best for Video Tutorials | ||
6 | Fitbit Fitbit | Best for Tracking Health Stats | ||
7 | Les Mills Media Les Mills on Demand | Best for New Exercises and Consistent Updates | ||
8 | Perfect Thumb Perfect Workout | Best for Quick Workout Sessions | ||
9 | Skimble Workout Trainer | Best for Customized Workouts | ||
10 | Olson Applications Ltd 5 Minute Home Workouts | Best for Working Out Specific Parts of the Body |
Pros:
Cons:
This app focuses on versatility and flexibility by offering over 1,000 workouts and allowing you to adjust your schedule. It also lets you download videos, so you can watch the workouts whenever you want to.
A couple of reviewers said the videos wouldn't load when they tried to use the app. However, the majority of reviewers loved how the app offered tons of workouts. They also appreciated how it gave them the flexibility to work on their own schedules.
Pros:
Cons:
This app puts an emphasis on working out your body while helping you build up your muscles. It also includes warm-ups and stretches to prepare you for the upcoming exercises.
A couple of reviewers didn't like how they could only repeat the same plans if they didn't get the subscription. On the other hand, many reviewers were effectively able to build muscle and improve their strength with the app. They also said the app was easy to understand and use, and ads don't get in the way too much.
Pros:
Cons:
This home workout app offers a simple interface and even shows you instructional workout videos. The app was also created by a personal trainer to make the most out of the workout routines.
A few reviewers said the free version had too many ads that seemed intrusive and annoying. Nevertheless, many reviewers felt the app displayed the instructions in a way that was easy to understand. Other reviewers said the app helped them lose a lot of weight.
Pros:
Cons:
At Home Workouts puts an emphasis on using the app to communicate with others who use it. Not only can they share their experiences, but they can also stream the app to various devices.
Some reviewers had issues canceling the subscription once they didn't want to use the app anymore. Despite that point, loads of reviewers said they were impressed with the variety of exercises available on it. They also loved how they could change the workouts when they wanted to.
Pros:
Cons:
This app gives the user access to all the features as long as they pay about 13 dollars a month. It also includes live and on-demand classes to offer various workout routines.
A couple of reviewers didn't like how the iPhone version of the app had some features the Android version didn't. On the bright side, loads of reviewers appreciated the videos available. They also loved how the exercise sessions could be of various lengths based on their needs.
Pros:
Cons:
This app tracks tons of health-related information including your weight-loss goals and heart rate. It also allows you to set goals for your steps while letting you follow different workout routines.
A few reviewers had problems with the FitBit app interfering with their phones, so it would deactivate alerts. On the other hand, most people loved how the app could track their stats for sleep, workouts, and more. They also loved how it helped them keep track of their calorie intake.
Pros:
Cons:
Les Mills focuses on adding new workouts every week to keep things interesting. It also includes workout routines for kids and teens, so they can exercise without worrying about injuries.
A few reviewers didn't receive an email when they tried to make an account with the app. Nevertheless, loads of reviewers loved how the Les Mills workouts were on demand. They also appreciated how the app included exercises for any fitness level.
Pros:
Cons:
This app includes 10-minute workouts, so you can do a quick routine when you have time. It also allows you to customize the looks of the virtual demonstrator based on what you prefer.
A few reviewers weren't happy with the in-app purchases offered on this app. Despite that point, many reviewers loved how this was available on the Windows app store along with the Android store. They also loved how the app was easy to use and follow, especially because they weren't required to enter personal information before accessing the workouts.
Pros:
Cons:
This app allows you to contact the personal trainers involved with it, so you can get a custom workout plan. You can also look through the programs available and purchase whichever ones you want.
Some reviewers didn't like how many features for the app were locked behind the pro version. On the bright side, a good portion of reviewers appreciated how they could customize the workouts. They also felt the videos made it easier to understand the exercises.
Pros:
Cons:
This app includes targets for each exercise, so it lets you know how many reps you should aim for. It also gives you some flexibility to create multi-workout plans.
Some reviewers ran into a glitch where they paid for an upgrade and didn't get the benefits. However, quite a few reviewers noticed the app was easy to use and offered many at-home exercises. They also liked the various exercises offered for different parts of the body.
There are some common questions people ask about workout apps, so we want to provide you with the answers!
Yes, home workout apps work if you use them correctly! If you want them to work, you must follow the instructions provided and focus on your form. Just like with other workout areas, you need to maintain the right form to improve your muscles.
As long as you use the workout app properly and follow its instructions, they can work. They'll help you burn some extra calories while improving your overall health. You can even find some workout apps that incorporate equipment, so you can work out other parts of your body.
Whether home workouts are as effective as the gym depends on your goals. For example, you can do yoga at home or in a gym. On the other hand, if you plan to run on a treadmill, you may need to go to the gym if you don't have one in your home.
As long as you have the equipment available at your house, your home can be as effective as a gym. Since the apps provide instructions on how to work out, you just need to follow them to get a great workout.
You can get general workout equipment to exercise including yoga mats, weights, and treadmills. However, the best home workout equipment depends on what you want. For example, one person may find a yoga ball excellent to improve their flexibility while another wants to focus on leg strength with a cycling machine.
In short, you need to figure out what types of workouts you plan to do and buy the corresponding equipment. There's a wide range of equipment you can use, so make sure to check out the next section to find some.
We have plenty of fitness recommendations just for you. Take a look at the following products that will enhance your workout experience!
Once you have your workout app, you may want some accessories to improve your experience, so check out these best selling products on Amazon!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Beachbody|Beachbody on Demand
No. 2: Leap Fitness Group|Simply Yoga - Fitness Trainer
No. 3: Daily Workout Apps, LLC|Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer
No. 4: Daily Burn|At Home Workouts
No. 5: Peloton Interactive|Peloton
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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