As we say goodbye to summer, many of us are staring down the coming winter months with dread. See, it’s hard to avoid the temptation of food delivery, Netflix, and oversized sweaters when it’s cold and dark.
But, wouldn’t it be nice to stay in shape year round? There are literally countless apps that promise to help you stay in shape, sans boutique fitness classes or gym memberships.
That said, many of these tools just plain suck.
Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our top picks for straightforward instruction whether you’re into strength training, yoga, or a sweaty cardio sesh.
Peloton Digital
Okay, you’ll need a stationary bike for this one, but it beats shelling out for Soul Cycle by a long shot.
With the Peloton app, you’ll gain access to 10,000+ workouts led by top fitness instructors. And, the app provides more than spin classes. Bootcamp workouts and guided running sessions round out the app.
Peloton is a free app, with in-app purchases available. We like this app, as it takes into account all parts of a well-rounded training plan, bringing together yoga and recovery with high-impact cardio.
30-Day Squat Challenge
Who doesn’t love a good challenge?
The 30-day Squat Challenge is about as basic as it gets, but you’ll start slow and squat your way up to filling out the built-in calendar.
The app provides guided videos for different types of squats, aimed at helping you get the butt and legs of your dreams (or, ideally, your partner’s dreams). The benefit of adding a squat challenge to your routine is,it’s fast, straightforward, and bound to help you build strength in 30-day increments.
ACTIVEx
ACTIVEx actually started its journey as a basic workplace fitness program.
Today, anybody can download the tool and you’ll get a variety of personalized or group-based workouts, find “packs” to train with, and the ability to download training plans for 5 or 10ks.
Oh, and there’s a social aspect, too—so you can shame or celebrate with friends and family using the app.
Yoga Studio
Yoga Studio is an app that’s been around for a long time. But, don’t let the lackluster name fool you, this is one of the best yoga apps in the App Store.
And it’s just $3.99 for a one-time download.
With over 7,000 positive reviews in the App Store, Yoga Studio offers a broad range of instructional videos that work just as well for the headstand master as the person still perfecting their child’s pose.
You’ll have the option to take a beginner, intermediate, or advanced class—and within those skillsets, can determine whether you’d like to take a 15-minute session or something longer.
Poses range in difficulty and are presented by a calm-voiced instructor that explains each move with clarity.
While yoga apps aren’t going to replace an instructor who can help you with alignment and safety precautions, Yoga Studio is perfect for the yogi who doesn’t have time to make it to their usual practice.
Ladder
If self-motivation is your problem, try signing up for a personal training service instead. Ladder takes the trainer out of the gym, bringing expertise to your fingertips.
For $49.99 a month, your trainer will build workouts for you that work for your schedule, skills, and fitness level.
When you sign up, you’ll answer some questions and the app matches you with a certified trainer.
You also have the ability to text your trainer through the app for guidance on specific moves. While the app costs more than say, a one-time download, it’s a lot cheaper than a traditional trainer.
Strava
Strava is an app beloved by runners and cyclists alike—so you know its good. The reason for the following? It’s big on community.
Something of a social network for athletes, you can record activities within your Strava feed — this pool of routes and workouts allows you to uncover new places to work out, as well as share and celebrate milestones.
The app operates on a freemium model and you can choose from a selection of packs—training, safety, or analysis which each address different goals.
The training plan is likely best for someone looking for a guided workout with the added benefits of being part of a community. There, you’ll be able to set goals and elect training plans, as well as keep track of your performance data.
