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Best At-Home Workout Apps 2021: Money-Saving Review
Serious about working out and improving your fitness even if you can’t make it to the gym right now? We tested the best fitness apps to help you keep on top of your fitness, wherever you are.

The gold standard of group exercise
Les Mills is a market leader in group exercise that’s been delivering programs since 1990. With their On-Demand App, you can get their latest releases to follow along and keep working on your fitness from the comfort of your own home.
Why we chose Les Mills:
- Access to world-renowned exercise classes that are performed in 100 countries around the world.
- Everything is expertly choreographed, and each class is designed to give you the ultimate workout experience.
- The classes and instructors are high-energy, which is great for keeping you motivated and working hard in your sessions.
- Classes are pre-recorded but the instructors talk as though you’re in the room.
- They even offer ways to make the workouts easier or harder.
- Unique soundtracks and routines are created for each class to give you an amazing boost of energy with every workout.
- Hundreds of classes are available to complete on the app whenever you want.
- It's a steal for $14.99/month, given the quality.
After testing all of the apps, we were convinced that Les Mills was the perfect option for working out at home. These are the same programs that are delivered in gyms and studios around the world, and you have an exercise class available for every goal, whether you want to focus on strength, yoga, or bodyweight training.
Read Les Mills' Full ReviewA high-energy workout option for music lovers
We’ve heard a lot about Peloton and were excited to try out their app. It stood out to us from the beginning as we saw the clean design and the huge list of all the classes on offer. You can go straight to the workout of your choosing, whether it’s strength, cardio, yoga, or meditation, and enjoy a fun class that wouldn’t look out of place in the gym.
Why we chose Peloton:
- Has 11 different fitness classes to choose from, covering all your bases when it comes to looking after your health.
- Includes a mix of live and pre-recorded classes that allow you to join in with your favorite trainers regularly.
- Can enjoy a personal exercise experience as the trainers call on you by name and even congratulate you on your workout milestones.
- Great music and high energy classes replicate the experience you would get in a high-end studio.
- The app is super simple to use.
- Costs $39 a month.
Similar to Les Mills, Peloton has a range of group exercise options that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. If you don’t have any equipment, don’t worry, as you can filter through the classes to meet your needs. Once you do, there’s a big range of live and pre-recorded classes for you to enjoy. The price is a little more than Les Mills, although still cheaper than most gyms, and with so many classes on offer, you won’t ever get bored of working out with Peleton.
The ultimate app to help you get strong
Designed to help the user get stronger, we loved how simple the app was to use and how easy it makes lifting weights. We were surprised by just how much we loved it, but when you see progress so quickly, it’s hard not to fall in love.
Why we chose StrongLifts 5x5:
- A perfect strength-based program for anyone interested in lifting weights, whatever your starting point.
- Makes calculating your weights, and knowing how to load up your bar extra simple.
- Tells you exactly when to move your weights up and lift heavier, making it easier for you to make progress.
- Easy to use timing system ensures your workouts run smoothly as you get the right amount of rest in-between each set.
- Helps you to get better at the essential complex lifts.
- Free to use but the pro option costs $4.99/month.
StrongLifts 5x5 is a fantastic option if you’re looking to get strong. The downside is that you do need a squat rack and weights, but once you have the right equipment, it’s a great app to help you make rapid progress in your strength training.
Everything We Recommend
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Our PickLES MILLS™ ON DEMAND: Stream Cardio, Strength, HIIT, Core, Flexibility Classes
Online workouts from LES MILLS, the world leaders in group fitness.
Get unlimited access to 12 different fitness programs and hundreds of high-energy, effective workouts with LES MILLS On Demand.
Everything from cardio, strength, high intensity interval training (HIIT), core toning to flexibility, whatever your age, fitness level or goal.
Choose from a variety of classes, 30 – 55 minute workouts to fit your schedule.
Great for working out on the go. Stream to your favorite device at home, at work, when you’re travelling or at the gym or club facility.
Build strength, burn calories, increase flexibility or just shake off your stress – on your time, anywhere!
SELECTED FEATURES:
1. Move with the best.
Our inspiring, motivating team of expert instructors around the world will lead, push and challenge you in every work out. Their expert advice will help you improve your technique and get your fit, healthy and strong.
2. Experience the latest in fitness research
With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, we will set you up for success. All workouts are safe, effective, and scientifically proven.
3. Go harder and push higher with unbeatable fitness music.
Chart-topping tunes that make each workout the most motivating and inspiring experience.
4. More than workouts
LES MILLS On Demand makes you part of a worldwide online community. Connect with other fitness fans all over the globe for support, tips and motivation.
5. Weekly Updates
New releases added weekly to bring variety to your weekly fitness and training routine. You’ll never get bored doing the same old thing.
Get access to:
- LES MILLS BODYPUMP™
- LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT™
- LES MILLS BODYFLOW® (US)
- LES MILLS BODYBALANCE™ (UK/EU/NZ)
- LES MILLS BODYATTACK™
- LES MILLS BODYSTEP™
- LES MILLS GRIT™ Cardio
- LES MILLS GRIT™ Strength
- LES MILLS GRIT™ Plyo
- LES MILLS RPM™
- LES MILLS SH’BAM™
- LES MILLS CXWORX™
- and more…CostFreeFreeIn-App PurchasesNoNo -
Runner UpTransform your fitness routine at home or on-the-go with thousands of live and on-demand classes taught by one of our 30+ world-class instructors who encourage you along the way.
Discover all the workouts you need to fulfill your personal fitness goals, including strength training, indoor and outdoor running, cycling, yoga, HIIT, meditation, stretching and more via your Android phone, tablet, or TV. Get our App on compatible Android TVs or cast workouts to your TV via Chromecast to easily follow along to every class from the biggest screen in your home. With new content and killer music to inspire you, Peloton can turn any space or any equipment into your own private fitness studio with our guided workouts.
HOW TO JOIN & ACCESS THE PELOTON APP
1. New to Peloton? Download the app and get started with a 30-day free trial. You will not be charged, and the plan will not auto-renew. Afterward, subscribe to our Digital Membership for at $12.99/mo (exclusive of taxes), which will auto-renew monthly until you cancel.
2. Already a Peloton Member? Access to the Peloton App is free with your membership. Just log in to your account on the app for access.
From HIIT to stretching, stream classes, work toward your own fitness goals and get access to game-changing studio-quality workouts.
FEATURES:
A DIVERSE RANGE OF LIVE AND ON-DEMAND FITNESS CLASSES: Stream classes from Peloton’s NYC and London studios, including our most popular classes:
Strength Training & Toning
Treadmill Running
Outdoor Running (audio)
Indoor Cycling
Yoga
HIIT
Treadmill and Indoor Bike Bootcamps
Meditation
Stretching
Cardio Workout
Walking
WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTORS: Get motivation from our instructor team, bringing unique teaching styles and killer playlists to every class to motivate you to get the most from your workout.
LIVE AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES: Join our live classes for a studio fitness experience wherever you are. Or, explore our library of thousands of instructor-led workouts to get moving whenever you’re ready to sweat.
VARIETY TO STAY INSPIRED: Get the mix of cardio and strength you need to hit your fitness goals, at any skill level. Pick the best fitness classes for you by filtering for length, time and your favorite music.
TREADMILL & OUTDOOR RUNNING: Go farther than you would on your own by running with guided outdoor running classes led by our expert instructors to help you build speed and endurance.
MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU: Move to the music with our library of thousands of songs, classes dedicated to your favorite artists and curated playlists for every class. Filter classes to your favorite genre so you never have to queue songs for your workouts again.
YOUR FITNESS PROFILE: Track your active days and workouts in your profile to stay on top of your progress.
HEART RATE MONITOR SUPPORT: Connect your Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor to view your live metrics whenever you are in class.
ON MOBILE AND TV: Work out with our App on compatible Android TVs or cast using Chromecast. Take your strength and yoga classes to the biggest screen in your home for an immersive workout experience.
Download Peloton to run, cycle or stretch, and get the thrill of a live workout class in the comfort of your own home.
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By completing your purchase, you certify that you are at least 18 years old and that you understand and agree to the Terms of Service (https://www.onepeloton.com/terms-of-service) and Privacy Policy (https://www.onepeloton.com/privacy-policy). By subscribing to our Digital Membership at $12.99/mo (exclusive of taxes), you will be automatically charged monthly until you cancel. Auto-renewal may be turned off in your Account Setting in Play store after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during an active subscription period. A user that cancels during a subscription month will not be charged for the following month.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$12.99 per item$12.99 per item -
Also GroovyThe most effective gym workout planner, exercise timer, weight lifting log & tracker to get stronger and build muscle. Simple, effective workout program for beginners new to lifting … and bodybuilders new to powerlifting-style routines. Log your lifts, let the app plan your workouts, and crush your gym goals with Stronglifts 5x5!
Three exercises, three times a week, 45 minutes per workout. Over 1 million people use StrongLifts 5x5 workout app to get stronger and build muscle... without weight training more than three times a week.
The StrongLifts 5x5 workout app is like having a personal strength training and weightlifting coach in your pocket. The app guides you through each StrongLifts 5x5 workout. It shows you which exercise to do each workout, with how much weight, how long to rest between sets and more. StrongLifts takes the guess work out of your weight training by picking the right gym workout plan so you focus on weight lifting!
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WHY GET STRONG WITH STRONGLIFTS 5X5?
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✔ FREE DOWNLOAD
✔ Simple, easy and intuitive design
✔ Interactive workout planner, timer and tracker
✔ Integrates the StrongLifts 5x5 workout used by millions worldwide
✔ Records weights, sets and reps - no more pen and paper!
✔ Know which exercise to do and how much to lift each workout
✔ Weight lifting programs for beginners and bodybuilders new to powerlifting
✔ Auto-alternate workout A/B, switch manually anytime from the menu
✔ Auto-add weight each workout plan, set increments/microload in settings
✔ Auto-deload/repeat the weight if you missed reps or hit a plateau
✔ Intuitive timer suggests how long to rest between sets based on the last set
✔ Graphs & tracker to view your progression of all the lifts and for body-weight
✔ Calendar for weekly and monthly overviews of your workouts
✔ Notes for tracking assistance exercises or how a workout went
✔ Kg/lb – set this on first use, switch anytime in settings
✔ Bar setting: set the weight of your barbell in settings
✔ Auto-backup workouts to cloud, sync to any device
✔ Videos of workouts and exercises
✔ Log from Android Wear!
✔ Ad-free!
Get Even Better Gym Results with The StrongLifts Pro!
Download StrongLifts and try our free workout plan. Upgrade to Pro for even better results with warmups, plate calculator, assistance exercises and more.
StrongLifts Pro can be purchased for three months or yearly. Payment is charged to your Google Play account during purchase confirmation. Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of the period for the same price. You can turn off auto renewal at any time up until 24-hours before the end of the subscription period in your Account Settings. When you cancel the auto-renewal, access to the Pro features will not expire immediately, you will have access until the end of the current payment period.
About StrongLifts 5x5
StrongLifts 5x5 is the simplest, most effective workout to get stronger and build muscle. 3 full body compound exercises exercises, 3x/week, 45 mins per workout. The first workout A you Squat, Bench and Barbell Row. After one day rest, you do workout B – Squat, Overhead Press and Deadlift. Start light to focus on form and build confidence under the bar, then add weight each workout.
The StrongLifts 5x5 app does all the thinking for you so you can focus on lifting. More info about our workout at https://stronglifts.com/5x5/
Permissions
- Internet to send crash reports so we improve app
- Photos/media/files to backup your workouts
- Vibrator for rest timer alarm between sets
- In-app purchases to unlock pro features
Support
- FAQ https://support.stronglifts.com
- Contact us from the app - menu - help
Like StrongLifts 5x5?
If you like this StrongLifts 5x5 app, rate it 5-star so more people find it.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$1.99 - $99.99 per item$4.99 - $99.99 per item
The 411 from our Appventurer
How we tested?
After searching for the best fitness apps on the market, I tested the top 10 to see how they compared. I was trying to find the best overall app and was looking for two things specifically. I wanted something good enough to help me keep on top of my fitness goals, without being too expensive. I was also looking for something that can help to motivate me. I didn’t just want to follow a list of exercises with no soul.
I upgraded to the paid versions to see the very best of the apps (many had long free trials) and then proceeded to test the apps over 10 days. I set time aside to exercise in the morning and the evening and I did a new workout each day (on some days I did extra because some of the workouts were short).
Why get the app?
Being able to exercise, go to the gym, and blow off steam is essential for our physical and mental health. But in 2020, that’s been harder to do as gyms have been forced to close. With the New Year just around the corner, people are hoping to burn off the excess weight they’ve gained over the holiday season and start on their new goals. Unfortunately, going to the gym is not looking very likely this year, which is why I decided to try a paid fitness app.
They are a great way to work out, even if you can’t make it to the gym, and with apps costing less than the price of most gym memberships, while also giving you access to hundreds of virtual classes, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to focus on their health and their budget.
While there are some good free options and it’s possible to find programs online, I felt that an app could offer me so much more than a spreadsheet of exercises. With an app, you can get live videos of real people exercising and even get coaching tips from the instructors as you exercise. Most could replicate what I would experience in the gym.
More About Les Mills: Our Pick
Les Mills workouts are available at 20,000 clubs around the world, either through their trained instructors or their virtual group exercise classes, but their app brings them all conveniently to your home. You can find workouts that require equipment, such as RPM or BodyPump, but they also have some fantastic options if you don’t have any equipment at all, including BodyAttack, Sh'bam, Bodycombat, and more, all on a user-friendly interface.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any equipment because they have you covered with a range of classes that don’t require anything but your body. However, if you have some weights or an indoor cycling bike at home, you will love their specialized workouts.
It quickly became my go-to fitness app as I fell in love with the workouts. They are expertly choreographed, with specially-designed music, and everything is done to help you work hard, but at your ability level, making it a fantastic app for beginners or more seasoned exercise lovers.
Whereas some of the apps seemed to lack direction, Les Mills provided a professional experience every single time. You just know when something is good and when it works well and that’s the feeling I got with the Les Mills app. It’s the gold standard in group exercise classes and it’s easy to see why.
Reasonably priced at $14.99 per month, you get a lot for your money and if you’re a fan, you can lower the subscription cost by signing up for a longer period of time. There’s a huge range of workouts available and once you’ve found the workouts that you like, you can download them for offline viewing at your leisure.
One of the best parts of the Les Mills Fitness app is undoubtedly the instructors. Most classes are run in groups so that each instructor can give it their all and then get their breath back while the next one takes over. That means each instructor gives you a different level of challenge and the sessions are always demanding.
Snags but not drags:
Some apps like Peloton offer live workouts, daily, but Les Mills does not. Instead, they offer a new release every three months, and while this sounds like a long time to go without a new workout, once you hear the reasoning behind it, it makes sense.
The time in between each new release is spent in the lab, creating the best possible routine to roll out, which means that instead of getting different quality workouts every day, you get a strong 9/10 performance every time that you can repeat and try to master before you move on. It’s also worth remembering that with the huge Les Mills database, pre-recorded workouts are always available to do.
More About Peloton: Runner Up
Peloton is a high-energy app with tons of workouts available so finding the right one is always easy. It even has live classes for you to join in so it’s like you’re actually attending a class at your local studio. You can filter through the options to find the type of workout for your needs, whether that means a quick workout because you’re short on time or one without weights because you don’t have any, and you even have the option of searching for your favorite instructor.
Whereas Les Mills oozed professionalism from the moment you log in, we found Peleton a little different.
Because the instructors are trying to mimic a real class by talking to you, calling users out by name, and making it a high-energy experience, they often miss the beats of the music, mumble into their mics, or aren’t fully clear with their instructions. It isn’t a deal-breaker and you still get a fun and enjoyable experience, but there were times when we didn’t know what to do because the instructor was more focused on dancing to the music.
It’s also worth noting that in some cases, the instructors speak to you like you’re all on the same piece of equipment, which if you’re using something different, or you're new, can lead to further confusion.
It’s still a fantastic fitness app, and at $39 it isn’t too expensive, but we felt these things just kept it behind Les Mills.
More About Stronglifts 5x5: Also Groovy
StrongLifts is a wonderful app if your goal is to get stronger, although you do need to have a squat rack and a barbell to get the most out of the app. However, the good news is you can continue where you left off once you make it back to a gym, unlike with some apps that use completely different equipment.
The idea behind StrongLifts is simple: five exercises that help you to build strength (squat, bent over row, overhead press, bench press, and deadlift) are split into two workouts (A and B) and you alternate between them.
Each workout only has 3 movements and your goal is to complete 5 sets of 5 reps before moving on to the next movement. As you’re only completing 5 reps, you will be training much closer to your max, which allows you to make progress quickly.
The workouts are suitable for beginners, intermediates, and more advanced lifters and it makes it super easy for you to progress as it breaks down what you should have on the bar when you should make it heavier, and how many reps you should complete.
The program is very basic, but it works, although you will miss out on some of the fancier moves that you could complete at the gym. It also doesn’t cater to you if you want to follow a different form of exercise or follow a different program.
The app is free to use but when you upgrade to Pro membership you do gain access to some additional assistance exercises that you can add to your routine. However, these are still fairly standard exercises so you shouldn’t expect anything too creative.
Other Apps Considered
We liked the idea of Aaptiv, but there are just a few things we’d like to see it improve upon. The app looks great and it’s very user friendly, we loved the design and the fact that it has a community for you to interact with other users, but, the workouts themselves just fell short for us. They’re more instructional videos with someone talking over them rather than a live workout and you have to move along to each new video as the coach talks you through the exercise.
The Nike Training Club app is free to use, and as you’d expect from a company like Nike, the app looks good. However, that’s where the fun ends. The workouts are simply instructions, listed out with small demo videos showing you what to do. Unfortunately, this format disrupts the flow of your workout and can make you lose interest pretty quickly.
This app has a range of programs for you to complete, but just like the apps named above, they only offer videos with someone narrating, explaining what to do. That could work for some people but for us, when there are fun and interactive options out there, settling for a voice-over doesn’t make sense.
Sworkit’s app looks good and we loved how they allow you to set up your fitness profile, making it easier for them to recommend a workout for you. However, to take it to the next step, we’d love to see live workouts f that we can follow along with. The app was also a little slow to respond when we tried to click a video or load a new section of the app.
We loved how you can filter your settings to create an exercise profile and get the type of workouts that you love. You can also select home-based workouts or gym-based workouts, making it easier to complete a program based on your current equipment availability. Unfortunately, we’d like to see some live videos to follow along with before committing to this app.
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About the Appventurer
Anton Mark
WriterAs a freelancer, I use all types of different apps so that I can manage my time and remain organized with ease. I’m always on the go so I love anything that can help me to stay on top of my tasks but for fun, I love playing games or watching movies.
I’m a huge sports fan so I’ll usually be checking the latest scores or following up on my teams and I also like to expand my mind with audiobooks and podcasts. Using apps allows me to get through so much more in a typical day that I simply wouldn’t be able to cover otherwise and I love it.
Being able to write about apps is pretty great as I get to research the best apps out there and find the hidden gems that people may not know about then share that information to help others discover their new favorite apps.
Introduction
Paid fitness apps are a great way to workout and can be an excellent option if you can’t make it to the gym. We tested 10 of the best apps on the market to see which one provided the best value for the cost.
We determined that the premium subscription for the app Les Mills was the best value at $14.99/month. We also have our favorite for music lovers and the best app to help you get strong. Here’s why we chose these apps: