I am a member with a club living room card. Don’t get me wrong. I went to the gym at least three times a week. But when I started working from home, and when I started working, I became a convert. Mainly due to fitness apps.
These apps saved me money and fit everywhere in my chaotic schedule. Even if I return to face-to-face training, I will keep them in my daily life. For most people, regardless of age, fitness level, or amount of disposable income, the smartest way to fitness is to use the app.
Indeed, the connected gym hardware provides an integrated, undisturbed, sensor-equipped social experience. However, they often have high upfront costs, monthly subscriptions, and run their own software that doesn’t work with other content providers.
The fitness app, on the other hand, can be customized to work outdoors at home or in the gym, with or without equipment. You can work out easily, enjoyably and effectively from home or anywhere, as long as you choose the right one. The number of options is overwhelming. Mobile analytics firm App Annie estimates that the iOS and Android app stores had at least 71,000 health and fitness apps worldwide in 2020.
What does a great fitness app need to offer? And how do you use the app to create a balanced and sustainable exercise routine?
“Fitness isn’t all-around. A great app explains it by providing diversity,” said Zakkoyya Lewis-Trammell, an assistant professor of kinematics at Pomona’s California State Institute of Technology. It may mean a combination of training by length, intensity and style that allows you to choose according to your needs and fitness level.
According to Aimee Layton, an assistant professor of physiology at Columbia University Medical Center and a member of Peloton’s Health and Wellness Advisory Board, the most important aspect of the fitness app is to provide your favorite exercise. Exercise — Watching TV while using an indoor cycling app such as Zwift.
“Self-efficacy,” that is, believing that the program can do what it wants, is another important feature, says Dr. Layton.
After testing dozens of different fitness apps, I have some tips of myself:
• Free YouTube content and free trials help you understand what kind of training you are enjoying before joining the program. (On iOS and Android, you can immediately unsubscribe to avoid billing.) However, paid subscriptions mean a better experience and greater commitment.
• Turn on silent during activity. E-mail pop-ups can help you speed up your workout quickly. (On iOS, you can also set a fitness-specific focus mode to let things that really matter pass through.)
• Access to downloadable classes is especially useful for those who travel frequently or have poor internet connectivity.
The following apps have been my favorites for the past year and have all of the above in mind. They engaged me in many different types of training and offered warm-up and cool-down options to prevent injuries. But, of course, workouts are a very personal activity, so give them a try before you buy. All of these platforms offer free trials.
The Peloton Digital app provides music-themed training and more to subscribers who don’t have the company’s expensive bikes or treadmills.
Photo:
PELOTON
Peloton Digital
that is: Music-motivated fitness enthusiasts
price: $ 13 per month
platform: IOS, Android, Web, Apple AAPL 0.10%
TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV
Peloton offers a lot to app subscribers, customers who don’t have a company’s expensive bikes or treadmills. Join multiple livestreaming classes a day or download your on-demand workout offline. The music-themed artist series workouts in the app are perfect. Try BTS Ride, AC / DC Full Body Strength Class, Beyonce Dance Cardio. Guided outdoor runs and walks are also available. You can connect a Bluetooth heart rate sensor or Apple Watch to see your “effort score” based on your heart rate zone. App users can’t see how their metrics overlap with other members on Peloton’s leaderboard. This is only for the person who owns the device.
The Alo Moves series includes a virtual yoga retreat to Greece.
Photo:
ALO MOVES
Alo Moves
that is: Focus on mindfulness
price: $ 20 / month or $ 199 / year
platform: IOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, Chromecast
The Alo Moves library is packed with content for those who prefer to move on yoga mats. From challenging power yoga to epic sound bath meditation, the app offers a variety of classes. There are also ballet, Pilates and strength-based workouts. Don’t know where to start? Stop by one of the Aromoves series, including a virtual yoga retreat to Santorini. If you can’t go to Greece, work out outside. All bookmarked classes can be downloaded offline.
Sweat
that is: People who want to make a plan
price: $ 20 / month or $ 120 / year
platform: IOS, Android, Web
Sweat is a personalized training app based on 37 different programs from 2 weeks to over 24. When you select a program, the app plots your workout schedule on your calendar. Instead of a guided studio-style workout, Sweat assembles a personalized exercise for each workout. You can enter an accessible device, select your own playlist, and select a pre-workout warm-up to replace it with an exercise that is either too easy or difficult. And if you need dietary inspiration, the app suggests daily healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, supper, and light meals. Unfortunately, offline workouts are not supported.
Apple Fitness + stands for Apple Watch and offers activities across 10 disciplines, including cycling and Pilates.
Photo:
Apple
Apple Fitness +
that is: Apple Watch users
price: $ 10 / month or $ 80 / year
platform: IOS, Apple Watch, Apple TV
Apple’s platform features guided activities across 10 different disciplines, such as cycling and Pilates. Many of the workouts you can stream or download are beginner and less impactful. There are programs designed specifically for the elderly and pregnant people. Fitness + requires users to own a Series 3 Apple Watch or later. Clock statistics such as heart rate and calories are displayed on the screen during training. On Monday, the app will launch a guided audio-based outdoor running workout called Time to Run. New episodes will be delivered weekly and downloaded to your paired Apple Watch.
Fitness + is better value to share. Everyone in an iCloud household (up to 6 people) can use one subscription, but everyone needs an Apple Watch.
Future will send you a weekly exercise schedule and pair you with a live personal trainer to take responsibility.
Photo:
future
future
that is: People who need personal training and accountability
price: $ 149 / month
platform: IOS and Apple Watch
Choose a workout, like choosing what to see on Netflix,
It can be daunting. Future removes guesswork from training planning. First, pair with a live personal trainer to discuss your FaceTime schedule, equipment, and goals. Then each week, the coach sends you a schedule that includes a series of personalized exercises to keep track of your progress on your Apple Watch. (The company plans to expand to Android this year.)
Share your thoughts
What is your favorite digital fitness platform? Join the conversation below.
You can upload a video of your workout to get feedback on the form. Need a trip or break? Send a message to the trainer via the app and change your exercise accordingly. The main function of the app is accountability. If Apple Watch statistics suggest that you’re not sticking to your plan, the trainer may fine-tune you.
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Write in Nicole Nguyen (nicole.nguyen@wsj.com)
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