5 Free Fitness Apps That Will Improve Your Workouts

I’ve downloaded (and deleted) countless fitness apps over the years. Some are great, some are silly, and some are great but only if you pay for them. These 5 free fitness apps are the ones that have been on my phone for years – these are the apps I use every day!

When I think about the apps that have made a difference in the way I train and eat and track my progress, these 5 come to mind immediately. They range from in-workout timers, to inspiration, to tracking food and exercise.

I use the free version of these apps. Of course, you can always upgrade. I’ve never found the need (even after a couple of these apps updated to a primarily membership basis).

5 FREE FITNESS APPS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR WORKOUTS

Of course, everyone has their favorite apps, and their reasons. But these are all free so give them a shot and see how they can enhance both your workout and your diet.

IntervalTimer

IntervalTimer is exactly what it sounds like. Build as many intervals as you’d like (work to rest ratios). At any given time, I have 15-20 intervals built in so that I can use them in classes and my own workouts. IntervalTimer let’s you build in rest periods, timed circuits, warm up and cool downs…you can get as simple or as complex as you want and they all save in one easy to use interace.

Intervals are a great way to add intensity and variability to your workout. Instead of counting reps, do as many reps as you can in the time allowed.

Interval training is a great addition to your workout routine no matter if you are beginner or an advanced athlete. Intervals are a scientifically proven fat burner and you can use them to get stronger, faster and leaner.

If you are just starting out, being with shorter work intervals and longer rest intervals. Work your way towards even work:rest intervals (:30/:30 for example), and eventually longer work intervals and very short rest periods (:45/:15, for example).

Nike Training

Even the most creative souls need a little inspiration at times. I use Nike Training mostly for creative exercise ideas. The arsenal of workouts, pro-athlete inspirations and programs has increased monumentally since I first started using the Nike Training app.

There’s something for everyone here, and you can tailor the search output to exactly what you are looking for. Beginner, 10-minute core workout? Check. Advanced, 45 minutes total body conditioning? Got it.

The only app that I have found that is similar to Nike Training is Peloton, but once your free trial of Peloton is up, it’s time to pay. Not so with Nike Training, which is why it makes this list!

Body Space

Body Space is a Bodybuilding.com app that has recently moved to a membership platform. That said, I still use the free tracking platform on the app to log my workouts.

I recommend Body Space for two main reasons.

First, it has a wide variety of exercises in the library, all of which come with a how to and a video. In app, it tracks older workouts, let’s you set your own or repeat an already used workout, and gives you data about past lifts.

Second, you’ll receive an email at the end of each week showing you a breakdown of what muscles you worked, what you excelled at, where you hit new personal records, and what you could have done more of/should focus on for next week.

If you want to pay for it, you can sign up for a program made by one of Bodybuilding.com’s pro-athletes. You’ll receive reminders on workout days and can track your workouts within the app itself.

MapMyRun

MapMyRun is another app that you can start and use for free, and upgrade only if you want to. I’ve never felt the need. Use MapMyRun to log runs as you complete them, keep track of your mileage history and connect with friends for accountability.

MapMyRun follows your route real time. Hit Start at the beginning of your run and it’ll use GPS to track your steps and mileage. At the end, you’ll be provided useful data points like elevation, mile pace, average pace, etc.

Plus, you can snap a sweatie selfie at the end of each run to save and share =)

My Fitness Pal

And finally, my favorite way to track nutrition: My Fitness Pal. I’ve been using My Fitness Pal for years now and I really like how user friendly the interface has become.

Through the free version of the app, you can track food, you can build and save your own meals for future use, you get a plethora of useful data (total protein, carbs, fats, sodium, fiber, sugar), you can set your own parameters and you can get a print out of all of this!

Plus, my fitness clients can allow me access to their meal journals so that I can check in and help them adjust accordingly.