The 11 Best Workout and Exercise Apps of 2020

Whatever your fitness routine, there's probably an app for that

by
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
Freelance Contributor
Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Brad Stephenson
Updated on September 11, 2020

The best workout apps rival even highly paid personal trainers. Workout and exercise apps offer privacy, motivation, and support, helping users make drastic fitness changes or simply stay in shape.

We looked at fitness apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms, and rated these apps according to presentation, customizability, exercise variety, and unique elements. Here are our picks for the best workout apps of 2020.

Before beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor for advice on what types of exercise are best for your individual needs.

01
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Best Workout App for Fitness Growth: Fitbit Coach

Fitbit Coach workout and exercise app on iPhone
What We Like

  • Great for all levels of fitness, from beginner to expert.

  • Connects to your Fitbit account and automatically logs each workout.

  • Available as an app or on the desktop.

  • Customize music, coaching volume, and rep ticks.

  • Earn badges for progress and achievements.

What We Don't Like

  • Need a Premium subscription for the best content.

  • Fitbit Premium is available only in English and only in certain regions.

The Fitbit Coach app provides professionally curated exercise videos that are mixed and matched to create unique workout sessions. What sets Fitbit Coach apart from similar apps is that the sessions adjust to your fitness level, which is gauged by the feedback you provide after each exercise. As you get fitter, the workouts get harder.

You don't need a Fitbit device to use the Fitbit Coach app, which is available for iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices as well as desktop computers. Set up Fitbit Coach and create an account, choose your trainer, complete a Fit Test, and then select your program. Stream your Fitbit Coach workouts to your TV for a more immersive experience.

Basic Fitbit Coach members receive access to one personalized program and certain audio and video workouts. FitBit Coach Premium subscriptions unlock more programs, unlimited workouts, and additional features. Premium subscriptions cost $9.99 a month or $79.99 per year.

Try out what's available in the free version and then decide if you'd like to continue with this excellent tool.

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02
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Best Free Workout App: Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club workout app on iPhone
What We Like

  • Stylish app will appeal to both men and women.

  • Huge variety of workouts for all-around fitness.

  • Nike Training Club Premium is free.

  • Apple Watch support for workouts and body tracking.

  • Support for multiple languages.

What We Don't Like

  • iOS app works only on devices with iOS 12 or later.

Nike Training Club provides free workouts for bodyweight-only sessions, yoga classes, targeted training programs, full-equipment home workouts, cardio, boxing, endurance, and more, for all fitness levels. Nike made its NTC Premium version free to all members, as well, so everyone has access to class-style workouts, programs, and expert tips on nutrition, sleep, and more.

On-demand classes offer a streaming, studio-style experience, or opt for a gym-friendly whiteboard workout. New workouts drop every month. Sessions range from 15 to 60 minutes and include more than 185 free workouts.

Nike Training Club is available for iOS and Android devices, as well as the Apple Watch.

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03
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Best Motivational Fitness App: SWEAT

Sweat fitness and workout app on iPhone
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What We Like

  • Great variety of workout content.

  • Apple HealthKit and Apple Watch integration.

  • Includes recipes, meal plans, and shopping lists.

  • SWEAT Forum lets users connect and support each other.

  • Blog articles offer helpful, free exercise education.

  • Focused on women, with top female trainers.

What We Don't Like

  • Subscriptions aren't cheap.

SWEAT is a woman-centered, all-in-one fitness app designed to motivate and inspire women to work out, eat healthier, and feel better about themselves. Choose workouts from five top trainers with different specialties, such as post-pregnancy fitness, muscle-sculpting, high-intensity strength training, heavy lifting, and yoga.

The SWEAT Forum is a great feature, creating a support network of other caring women with many of the same goals and life hurdles.

SWEAT is available for Android and iOS devices, as well as the Apple TV and Apple Watch, including HealthKit integration.

Membership is $19.99 per month or $119.94 yearly.

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04
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Best-Designed Workout App: Zova

Zova fitness app for iOS and Apple Watch
What We Like

  • All-in-one fitness app with guided workouts and run/walk tracking.

  • Apple Watch support monitors your heart rate during a workout.

What We Don't Like

  • Available only for iOS devices, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

  • Not cheap.

Zova is a stylish all-in-one workout app that offers video and audio workouts as well as tracking for runs and walks. Sort exercises by strength, cardio, or flexibility, and enjoy a variety of special classes hosted by celebrity trainers and influencers.

If you have an Apple Watch, the Zova ZX5 workout program shines, using heart rate training to burn maximum calories with workouts such as Body Burner, Strength and Sculpt, and Cardio Sweat. There are three new workouts a week, so you'll never get bored.

iOS device users without an Apple Watch have access to more than 500 workouts and stretch routines, health and fitness courses such as "Build Unbreakealbe Healthy Habits," and motivational talks, such as, "Progress Not Perfection."

Try Zova for free for one week with your Apple ID. Afterward, Zova is $59.99 per year.

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05
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Best Basic Workout Apps: Adidas Running by Runtastic and Adidas Training by Runtastic

Adidas Runtastic Running and Traning apps
What We Like

  • Companion apps create a well-rounded fitness routine.

  • Community features create support.

  • Premium membership unlocks new plans, workouts, and features in both apps.

  • Focus is on motivation.

What We Don't Like

  • Requires iOS 12.0 and watchOS 4.0 or later. 

Adidas Running by Runtastic and Adidas Training by Runtastic are companion apps that focus on motivation and fitness. The free Adidas Running tracks your distance, time, speed, elevation, calories burned, and other stats. Create a group and run with friends or join one of the many Adidas Runners groups and be part of worldwide events.

Adidas Training by Runtastic is focused on short, quick workouts. Select muscle groups and create a personalized workout, and then join challenges, compare your activity to others, and find new ways to push yourself.

The Premium Membership unlocks all Premium features in Adidas Training and Adidas Running, including six training plans. The cost is $9.99 per month or $49.99 per year.

When Adidas purchased Runtastic, the company stopped supporting the Runtastic fitness app collection (Push-Ups, Squats, Sit-Ups, and Pull-Ups). Instead, exercises in these specialties were incorporated into the Adidas Training by Runtastic app.

Download Adidas Running for:

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06
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Best Yoga App: FitStar Yoga

Fitstar Yoga app on iPhone and iPad
What We Like

  • Production value is incredibly high compared to rival yoga apps.

  • Loads of free yoga classes available.

  • Great for beginners and experts alike.

What We Don't Like

  • Instructors and models are mainly female, which may deter male users.

  • FitStar Yoga Premium doesn't unlock Premium on Fitbit Coach, which essentially uses the same account system.

There are numerous yoga apps for the iPhone, but FitStar Yoga is one of the best. Like Fitbit Coach, FitStar Yoga creates custom workout sessions that adapt to your fitness level. The app has a fantastic design that seamlessly transitions from one yoga pose to the next.

Upgrade to a Premium subscription for access to exclusive, customized sessions for losing weight and gaining flexibility, a variety of new workouts added monthly, HD video, and more. A Premium subscription costs $7.99 a month or $39.99 per year.

FitStar Yoga is available only for iOS.

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07
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Best Celebrity Trainer Fitness App: My Fitness by Jillian Michaels

My Fitness by Jillian Michaels on Android and iPhone
What We Like

  • Workout Generator creates a workout session focusing on a specific body part.

  • Meal plans provide options for vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and pescatarian users.

What We Don't Like

  • Jillian Michaels hosts every workout on this app, so if you're not a fan, this app isn't for you.

Celebrity personal trainer Jillian Michaels heads this comprehensive health and wellness app that offers video workouts that can be mixed and matched. The free version offers a seven-minute workout. Upgrading to the Premium plan provides more than 800 workout exercises, the ability to stream titles from Jillian's DVD workout library, a customized meal planner, and more.

Premium membership costs $9.99 per month and $89.99 for one year. Try the Premium version for seven days free. My Fitness by Jillian Michaels is available for iOS and Android.

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08
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Best Running App to Make Running Fun: Zombies, Run!

Zombies, Run! Fitness Game App
What We Like

  • A zombie horde chasing you forces you to run faster.

  • Interesting storyline that grows with each run.

  • Syncs with Apple Health.

What We Don't Like

  • Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease battery life.

Zombies, Run! is a popular iOS and Android running app that turns your regular run into a post-apocalyptic survival audio experience. In this fitness game, you are a runner en route to one of humanity's last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their homes.

Take on missions as you get chased by zombies and collect supplies as you rebuild your town. Use interval training to create missions as you track your runs and share your progress.

This fun fitness game is unique and effective. Play the first four missions for free and unlock one extra mission every week, or upgrade to unlock more than 400 story missions plus Interval Training and AirDrop Mode. Subscriptions are $5.99 per month or $34.99 per year.

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09
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Best Workout Tracker: Fitbit

Fitbit App on iPhone and Android
What We Like

  • Tracks steps without needing a Fitbit wearable.

  • Leaderboards are usually full of friends due to the brand's popularity and Facebook connectivity.

  • Keeps records on all your workouts and activities.

What We Don't Like

  • Device notifications can be a bit much.

The official Fitbit app is required for syncing Fitbit tracker data. It's also a solid method of tracking workouts in general, keeping track of meals, and staying motivated with friends. The app turns a smart device into a Fitbit tracker for free, which makes it a great option for those who want to experiment with activity tracking before investing in a Fitbit wearable.

In addition to tracking physical activity, use the Fitbit app to keep a record of your workouts, such as gym or pool sessions. The free app is robust, with audio and video workouts, sleep tracking, stress-management and nutrition tools, and more. The Premium version unlocks habit-forming programs, additional audio and video workouts, and advanced insights. The monthly cost is $9.99, and the yearly cost is $79.99.

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10
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Best Running App: Runkeeper

Runkeeper app
What We Like

  • Seamlessly connects to other fitness apps.

  • Spotify and iTunes integration.

  • Workout comparison tool keeps you aware.

What We Don't Like

  • Need the Premium version for some basic functionality.

Runkeeper is a popular running app for both beginners and experienced runners. Go for a run, walk, hike, or take on any activity, and get a clear view of your training in real-time. The app also encourages you to get active more often. It's one of the best at tracking your route and also provides training plans to improve your speed and endurance.

Set goals, follow personalized routines, join challenges, and see your progress to stay motivated. Upgrade to the premium version, Runkeeper Go, and get tailored motivation and in‐depth details on your progress and history.

Runkeeper Go membership costs $9.99 a month or $39.99 a year.

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11
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Best Workout App for People Short on Time: 7 Minute Workout

Seven 7 Minute Workout App on iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch
What We Like

  • Create custom workouts and share them with friends.

  • Solid Apple Watch support.

What We Don't Like

  • The overall design of the app could be better.

7 Minute Workout is a fitness app designed to get everyone exercising for seven minutes a day. Choose from more than 10 workouts, including 7 Minute Workout, Glamour, Cardio, Arms, Pilates, and Alternative, or make your own.

Exercises in this simple, flexible app require no special workout equipment, only household items like chairs and steps.

Upgrade to the Pro version for $4.99 to unlock alternative workouts, custom workouts, customization options, and more.

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