Best Apps · Health and Fitness · KEUTEK Community · Nov 04, 2019

Best Fitness Apps and Equipment for Achieving Your Goals

Gone are the days of needing a pricey gym membership or a personal trainer to get in shape. Thanks to the ever-evolving world of fitness apps and equipment, you now have the power to create a personalized fitness journey right from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere else, for that matter!). This guide will walk you through the essential elements of building a successful fitness routine, focusing on the best fitness apps and equipment to help you reach your goals. Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply improve your overall health, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.

Get Fit the Modern Way - Apps and More

You know the feeling. You're sitting down with your bowl of nachos, loaded with chili, cheese, jalapenos and the works, watching T.V. Then the commercials about the super fit model or actor that travels the world, looking good and enjoying life pops up. All of the sudden that bowl of nachos looks a bit less appealing, and you decide you should get in shape. Those celebrities were able to do it, why can't you? Aside from the personal trainer, you have everything you need right in the palm of your hand!

Key Takeaways

Choose the perfect fitness app: Consider your goals, budget, and preferred workout styles when selecting an app. Look for personalized plans, progress tracking, and wearable tech integration. Test out free trials before subscribing.
Gather essential workout gear: Enhance your workouts with a few key pieces of equipment like resistance bands and a yoga mat. Boost your training with accessories like fitness trackers and heart rate monitors.
Select comfortable, performance-enhancing apparel: Pick moisture-wicking fabrics and supportive shoes. Keep your devices powered up with reliable chargers and cables for uninterrupted workouts.

Apps

While you may not have a personal trainer on call in order to help you on your journey, and keep you accountable. Apps on your phone and smartwatch can be a decent substitution. Tracking your fitness progress with an app not only allows you to see how you're coming along, but also gives you goals to achieve, alerts to remind you when to work out, and archives your information to compare later. Many of them are compatible with your wearable tech as well, which can help you track your progress without having to carry your phone on you the entire time.

Choosing the Right Fitness App for You

Finding the perfect fitness app depends on your goals, budget, and preferred workout styles. Think about what you want to achieve—build strength, improve cardio, increase flexibility, or learn a new skill? Do you prefer working out at home or at the gym? How much are you willing to spend on a subscription? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your choices. A good review, like this one from Garage Gym Reviews, points out that the best apps offer structured programs geared toward specific fitness goals. This is key when choosing an app that fits *your* aspirations.

Top-Rated Fitness Apps: A Detailed Look

Here’s a closer look at some popular fitness apps, categorized by their strengths:

Best Overall

Apps like Shred and Future consistently rank high for their comprehensive features, personalized plans, and engaging interface. Future, in particular, pairs you with a real-life coach for extra accountability, which can be a huge motivator.

Best for Strength Training

If you're focused on building muscle, check out Home Gym Club Training or JuggernautAI. These apps offer detailed workout plans, exercise demonstrations, and progress tracking specifically designed for strength training. They can be especially helpful if you’re new to lifting or want to refine your technique.

Best for Beginners

FitOn is a great option for beginners. It provides a wide variety of workouts, plus meditation and nutrition plans, making it suitable for those just starting their fitness journey. It’s a fantastic way to explore different workout styles and find what you enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.

Best for Specialized Training

Looking for something niche? Zwift creates an immersive experience for cyclists, letting you ride virtually with others around the world. Meanwhile, CENTR offers a wide range of yoga and Pilates classes for those looking to improve flexibility and core strength.

Apps to Avoid

While exploring, you might want to steer clear of apps like Freeletics, JRNY, and MVT Fitness App. These have received mixed reviews regarding their user experience and overall value. Look for apps with consistently positive feedback and a proven track record.

Understanding App Features

Most fitness apps offer a range of features, including personalized workout plans, progress tracking, nutritional guidance, and community support. Some apps even integrate with wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers—perfect for keeping tabs on your activity throughout the day, even when you're not formally working out. If you like data and seeing how your workouts contribute to your overall activity levels, this integration can be a game-changer. Look for features that align with your needs and preferences. For example, if you enjoy working out offline, ensure the app offers downloadable content. As PCMag advises, take advantage of free trials to test the features before committing to a paid subscription. This lets you experience the app firsthand and see if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

Pricing and Free Trials

Fitness apps typically offer free versions with limited features or paid subscriptions with premium access. Many apps also offer free trials, allowing you to test them out before committing to a subscription. Remember, annual subscriptions often provide better value than monthly plans if you plan to use the app long-term. Garage Gym Reviews notes that prices can range from free to over $200 per month, so it pays to shop around and compare features and pricing before making a decision.

Map My Fitness

Map My Fitness is a great app for beginners and experienced athletes alike, and it is owned by Under Armour. It supports hundreds of different activities that you may be using as your workout, and has a social feature for those who are more competitive. This social portion of this app encompasses the running or cycling sections, allowing you to see the routes that your friends post, and their associated information with it. Having access to new and unique routes helps keep you excited, motivated, and can yield better results. While this app can be downloaded in a free version, it has ads, and you can buy the version without them.

Couch to 5K

The name says it all with this one. You're on the couch, and you want to be able to run a 5K. That's exactly what this app will help you achieve. Over a nine week period, this app guides you through a training program toward your goal of the race. This is adjustable as well, for those who prefer to train at a slower pace. Since the app is fully intent on making people get off the couch and turning them into athletes, it offers a lot of positive encouragement. The virtual coaches offer tips and tricks to soon-to-be athletes as well, which is very helpful to you if you strive off from special instruction. The app itself is free for both iOS and Android.

Nike Training Club

This is one of my favorites. Nike Training Club is a very well-rounded app that has been developing and growing for years. If you have a fitness or nutrition goal in mind, this app is perfect. You can target specific muscle groups, or even choose workouts that will help you in specific sports. If you don't have a lot of time to work out, Nike Training Club has different workouts ranging from 15 minutes, to 45 or more. No gym? No problem. This app has a complete section dedicated strictly to bodyweight-only workouts and exercises. Nike Training Club really is a one stop shop for those interested in their health and wellness!

Equipment, Accessories and Apparel

Best Apps For Fitness KEUTEK

OK, so you have the training app on your cellphone that you want. That's a great start! Next, you will have to get the accessories and apparel appropriate for your workout and style. Many people opt for wearable tech, such as a Fitbit or Apple Watch, to use during their workouts. These watches are capable of tracking a wide variety of information and vitals for you. With the ones that have GPS enabled, you can track your running path, your times, and more location based information. They are also capable of playing music, which is very handy for those who do not want to carry their phone during their run.

For basic workouts, some basic equipment may be needed. This can include things like jump ropes, dumbbells, or stretching bands. If you need any of these and are on a budget, you can find them here. You can also find fitness apparel, such as leggings, tights, and more at goldbodyhealth.com.

Essential Equipment for Home Workouts

Creating a functional home gym doesn’t require a ton of space or expensive equipment. A few key pieces can go a long way. Think about investing in resistance bands, a yoga mat, dumbbells, and a jump rope. These versatile tools work for various exercises, from strength training to cardio and flexibility. Check out Garage Gym Reviews for more ideas on building out your home gym.

Choosing the Right Accessories

Accessories like fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and headphones can enhance your workout. A fitness tracker helps monitor your progress and stay motivated, while a heart rate monitor ensures you’re training in the right zone for optimal results. A good pair of headphones keeps you energized and focused with your favorite music or podcasts. For recommendations on workout apps and accessories, read articles like this one from Tom's Guide.

Apparel for Comfort and Performance

Choosing the right workout apparel makes a big difference in your comfort and performance. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool and dry, and choose comfortable shoes that provide adequate support. Proper footwear is essential for injury prevention and overall comfort during your workouts. For more tips on choosing the right apparel, PCMag offers some great advice. And don't forget to keep your devices charged! KEUTEK offers a range of fast wall chargers and portable power solutions to keep your devices powered up, whether you’re working out at home or on the go. Check out our ProSeries USB-C cables for fast and reliable charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right fitness app for me? Consider your fitness goals, budget, and preferred workout styles. Ask yourself what you want to achieve – strength, cardio, flexibility? Do you prefer home workouts or the gym? How much can you spend on a subscription? Reading reviews and comparing features will also help you make an informed decision.

What equipment do I need for home workouts? You don't need a lot of fancy equipment! Resistance bands, a yoga mat, dumbbells, and a jump rope are versatile and effective for various exercises. Build up your home gym gradually as you progress.

What should I look for in workout apparel? Prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool and dry. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and supportive to prevent injuries. The right apparel can significantly improve your workout experience.

How can I stay motivated to exercise regularly? Many fitness apps offer features like progress tracking, personalized plans, and community support to help you stay on track. Setting realistic goals, finding a workout buddy, and rewarding yourself for milestones can also boost motivation.

Are free fitness apps as good as paid ones? Free apps can be a great starting point, but they often have limited features. Paid apps usually offer personalized plans, more exercises, and additional resources. Consider a free trial to see if a paid app is worth the investment before committing.