Best Free Fitness Apps
Free workouts are ten a penny on You Tube, but what if you’re new to fitness or just aren’t sure what’s the right workout for you? Ideally you’re going to want the guidance offered by a fitness professional. But not having the budget for a spenny gym membership, PT or fitness subscription programme shouldn’t be the barrier that sees you sit back down on that sofa. There’s some amazing Apps out there are completely free and will guide you through any fitness journey you feel you’re ready to set out on. Whether that’s running, yoga, strength or conditioning, these five apps might be about to change your world:
- NHS COUCH TO 5K
C25K is a rock solid, nine week progressive Running programme that will put you out on the road three times a week. You start by alternating periods of walking with short bursts of running/jogging …. and over the weeks you gradually start up build up your endurance, running more & walking less. Until … voila! It’s Week 9 and there you are, running a whole 5km without stopping. You can choose your very own celebrity trainer (Denise Lewis, Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican & co) who will be there to guide you through the programme and provide motivation and support. There’s also the option to tap into a multitude of other resources on things like mental health and nutrition.
Suitable for: Beginners (completely new to exercise or just those new to running)
Workouts: Running
Extras: Cardio workouts, Pre & Post Exercise stretching routines, Music, Nutrition, Community
2. NIKE TRAINING CLUB
With access to 200+ free workouts and targeted training programmes, the NTC App is designed to support you every step of the way. From yoga classes to bodyweight sessions, with and without equipment, at home or in the Gym, this stylish app has got it all. Embracing the no-excuses ethos their workouts range in time from 5-50 minutes, there are nice intro classes for first timers too. There’s really so much amazing content here it’s easy to fall in to a massive hole, so I’d recommend staying focused, starting a programme and then start really scrolling & digging deeper once you’re started. Of all of these apps I’ve mentioned here this is the only one I have actually used … so I can honestly say it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for top level guidance through your fitness journey.
Suitable for: All Abilities
Workouts: Strength, Cardio, HIIT, Yoga
Extras: Nutrition, Wellness, Motivation & Reminders
3. GYMSHARK TRAINING
Not simply content to offer us fine fitness apparel, GymShark are now offering to train our asses as well as dress them. The GS Training App gives you access to a multitude of workouts (up to 66 per day) it allows you to plan workouts, track progress and record PBs … amongst many other things. Workouts can be ones you do at home or take to the gym … and they can be anything from a beginners 15 minute bodyweight HIIT to a full-on Intermediate 90 minute Leg sesh. Let the app know who you are, what you like, what kit you have and away you go.
Suitable for: All abilities
Workouts: Strength, Conditioning, Cardio, HIIT, Yoga & Mobility
Extras: N/A
4. DAILY YOGA
If yoga appeals more than your traditional strength and/or conditioning style workouts then make Daily Yoga your go-to free fitness App. With over 100 workouts, from Yin to Ashtanga, there are all types of practice available here. You do need to dismiss the prompts to upgrade to their premium service more than you do on the other apps I’ve featured, which does get slightly annoying, but once you’ve found your workout and you’re ready to go, there’s no more of that nonsense. You can choose workouts that range in time and intensity, ones that focus on specific areas of the body or on building flexibility or strength. You’ll be standing on your head or hovering in Crow before you know it.
Suitable for: All Abilities
Workouts: Yoga
Extras: Stretching, Facial Yoga, Meditation, Music
5. FIT ON
Offering a vast selection of workouts from cardio and HIIT, to strength, yoga and pilates, FitOn has a huge amount of content. There is the option to upgrade to their ‘Pro’ service which allows you access to personalised meal plans, offline downloads, music etc … but the benefits you get from their free service is enough to keep you super busy and motivated. There’s also lots of advice and support in respect of the workouts, nutrition and wellbeing. You may want to cherry pick your own workouts based on how you feel from day to day or you can choose to follow a programme. The choices feel literally limitless, so knock yourself out.
Suitable for: All abilities + Pre & Post Natal
Workouts: Cardio, Strength, HIIT, Yoga, Pilates
Extras: Mindfulness, Wellness, Nutrition