For everyone that is ready to set new goals and get more healthy there are many free fitness apps that can help you meet your goals and track your progress. Some of these free fitness apps have higher levels of access that you can pay for, but all the ones in this post should be enough for you without paying anything extra.
(If you’re looking for some apps to track other aspects of health like food, check out my post on 11 free apps to help you lose weight and stay motivated.)
12 Best Free Fitness Apps
C25K (Apple | Android)
The Couch to 5K running plan has been around forever, but there’s a free app that gives you guided instructions as you are training. I’ve used this one as well as the C210K app with great results. It’s perfect for anyone, even if you’ve never run a day in your life. Download the app and then do a search in your area for 5Ks that are happening in the new few months, and you’ll have something amazing to work toward.
Runkeeper (Apple | Android)
Runkeeper is another free app that I’ve used for years. I’ve logged something like 1,000 activities over the years! You can opt to get a subscription for $39.99/year if you want training plans and workout comparisons, but I just like it tracking my walks and runs as I go and have never felt the need to pay for premium access. There are also free challenges you can join if you like having some measure of accountability.
Nike Training Club (Apple | Android)
This is an app that gives you access to free workouts, tells you what kind of equipment you need for each workout, and shows videos of how to do each workout. You can upgrade to premium for $14.99/month, which lets you have access to more intense workouts and trainer-led workouts. It seems to me that you could get plenty of use out of this app without paying for anything, but even if you decide to pay for the premium level, it’s still cheaper than a gym membership!
30 Day Ab Challenge (Apple | Android unavailable)
This is a super simple app that basically offers different levels of ab challenges. There are 6 total, and there is a section of the app that explains how to do each exercise. It shows you your progress over 30 days. If you start at the beginning level, you could use this app to work your abs for 6 months!
Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout (Apple | Android)
This app is perfect for those who don’t have time or resources to get to the gym. It is a 7-minute high intensity workout that you can do multiple times. You can also do smart workouts, which are predetermined by the app, or make up your own workout from their library of exercises. There are videos that show you how to do the exercises and I love the visual timer that shows you how long to do each exercise. It also keeps track of your exercise history.
Sworkit (Apple | Android)
Sworkit lets you receive a personalized workout plan or choose workouts on your own to create your own plan. If you want a personalized plan, they’ll ask you a handful of questions to help the app figure out the best workout for you. The app also provides weekly goals to help you stay on track! All kids content is 100% free or there is a free 7-day trial for adults.
Zombies, Run! (Apple | Android)
This is a fun twist on an exercise app. The app helps you increase your endurance when running by having you pretend like zombies are chasing you when you run. You can complete missions and quests in the process. You can join the premium level for $34.99/year to gain the ability to customize your zombie chases, do interval training, see your full statistics, and unlock 5K training.
Strava (Apple | Android)
Strava lets you track running, swimming, and walking through their GPS navigation process. There are also challenges and clubs you can join. Enabling premium access is optional but allows you to see your training progress over time.
Fitocracy (Apple | Android unavailable)
The Fitocracy app takes exercise and turns it into something like a video game. When you work out, you earn points and can level up and make progress. Complete quests to spice up your workouts, join groups to find other people with similar goals, and earn achievements and badges for hitting certain milestones. You can also track workouts and get recommended workouts.
Fitbit (Apple | Android)
Even if you don’t have a Fitbit, you can still use the app. It uses your phone to track your steps and other data. Like many of these other apps, you can pay for premium but can still track your weight, water, exercise, and food with the free version.
Runtastic — Adidas Running (Apple | Android)
This app is mostly for running but also has free strength training plans. You can set different goals for yourself regarding how often or for how long you exercise. There are challenges to join and it also keeps track of how many miles you’ve put on your shoes, so you know when to buy new ones! With the premium level, you can keep track of your personal bests and get access to running training plans.
Fitbod Weight Lifting Workout (Apple | Android)
This app is strictly for weight training, but it’s perfect if you spend a lot of time doing strength training. It will create workouts for you or simply let you track workouts you’ve already done.
Do you have any exercise or fitness goals for the new year? How do you plan to keep track of your progress? Let us know in the comments!