Smartphones can do much more than keep us connected. With the right apps, your phone can become a workout coach, nutrition tracker, running companion, and daily source of motivation.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, become stronger, start walking more, or simply develop healthier habits, there are plenty of apps available to help. Here are five of the best health and fitness apps worth checking out.
1. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal remains one of the most useful apps for people who want to pay closer attention to what they eat.
Users can track calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, water, weight, exercise, and other nutritional information. The app can also connect with numerous fitness apps and devices, allowing activity and nutrition information to work together.
Best for: Nutrition, calorie and weight tracking.
2. Nike Training Club
If you’re looking for workouts you can do at home or at the gym, Nike Training Club is an excellent option.
The app offers workouts covering strength training, yoga, bodyweight exercises and other activities. It also provides multi-week programs and guidance covering areas such as movement, nutrition, recovery, mindset and sleep.
One of its biggest advantages is that beginners can find guided workouts demonstrating how exercises should be performed.
Best for: Guided workouts and overall fitness.
3. Strava
Runners, walkers, cyclists and other outdoor fitness enthusiasts should consider Strava.
Strava can record activities and help users analyze their performance while providing a social community where people can share activities and encourage each other. The platform also offers routes, challenges, goals and more advanced training analysis through its subscription features.
Seeing your previous activities can also provide a little extra motivation to get outside and keep moving.
Best for: Running, cycling and outdoor activity tracking.
4. FitOn
For people who enjoy having plenty of workout choices, FitOn provides a large collection of fitness and wellness content.
Workout categories include cardio, strength, HIIT, Pilates, yoga, stretching, dance, barre and more. Many exercises require little or no equipment, making the app particularly convenient for people who prefer exercising at home.
Best for: At-home workouts and workout variety.
5. Apple Fitness+
For iPhone and Apple Watch users, Apple Fitness+ can provide an integrated approach to exercise and activity tracking.
The service offers trainer-led workouts and meditation sessions across multiple categories and works particularly well within Apple’s health and fitness ecosystem. Apple Watch users can also see workout information such as heart rate and activity progress.
Best for: Apple Watch and iPhone users.
Which Fitness App Is Best for You?
There really isn’t one health and fitness app that’s perfect for everyone. The best choice depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
MyFitnessPal is particularly useful for nutrition tracking, while Strava is a strong choice for runners and cyclists. Nike Training Club and FitOn are great choices for guided workouts, while Apple Fitness+ makes sense for people already using Apple devices.
You may even find that using two apps together gives you the best combination—for example, tracking meals with MyFitnessPal while recording your exercise with Strava.
The most important thing isn’t downloading the app with the most features. It’s finding one that encourages you to consistently make healthier choices.
Remember: Fitness apps can be helpful tools, but they aren’t substitutes for professional medical or nutritional advice. Anyone beginning a new exercise or diet program—especially someone with an existing medical condition—should consider talking with a qualified healthcare professional.
