As you look to push your fitness routine this year, combine your love for technology and health with fitness apps that boost your training. Whether you're pushing to improve your run times or hoping to find a new cycling route, we've rounded up the best apps to enhance your workout experience and get you moving with a purpose.
And for a little bit of everything — from yoga to marathon training to cross-training — all in one app, try our own POPSUGAR Active [1] for video workouts that can be completed in less than 10 minutes and step-by-step instructions to help you crush your fitness goals.
—Additional reporting by Kelly Schwarze
Source: POPSUGAR Photography [2]
Weight Training
- Nike+ Training Club [3] (Free, iOS and Android [4]): Along with 85 custom-built workouts, there are also exclusive sessions from celebrities and pro athletes. Even better? Detailed instruction and audio support ensure that you use proper form.
- FitnessFast [5] ($1, iOS): The exercise library — categorized by body zone — is simple to navigate. You can also create custom exercises, add notes to your workouts, track your body statistics, and use a timer for your sets.
Yoga
- Yoga Stretch [6] ($1, iOS): This app includes traditional and Vinyasa flow poses, allowing you to create and save up to five custom yoga sessions. Not only can you play your own iTunes music in the background, but you'll also have an audio instructor to guide you through the practice.
- Daily Yoga [7] (Free with in-app purchases, Android and iOS [8]): With more than 400 poses and 50 yoga classes, this app is a no-brainer. Video and voice instructions guide you through beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels so that every yogi can participate.
Cycling
- Strava Cycling [9] (Free, iOS and Android [10]): This app allows you to log your rides, map your routes, track your progress, and compare your results.
- Map My Ride (Free, iOS [11] and Android [12]): Record your time, location, distance, elevation, and speed. Plus, discover new routes, which are uploaded from the community of users.
Running
- RunKeeper [13] (Free, iOS and Android [14]): Easy to use, this app tracks your distance, time, and route. Not only does the data sync to the RunKeeper website, but you can also set target pace goals for yourself or create interval workouts with an audio coach.
- Map My Run [15] (Free, iOS and Android [16]): You can track and log your pace, distance, calories, elevation, stats, and nutrition with this app. Just like its cycling counterpart, explore new trails with routes uploaded by fellow runners.
Pilates
- Pilates Interactive [17] ($5, iOS): This app guides you through mat exercises with high-quality video featuring master teacher Rael Isacowitz. Follow the professional routines or build your own.
- Yoga & Pilates with Kristin McGee [18] (Free with in-app purchases, iOS and Android [19]): While the app itself is free, all the content you'll actually want requires in-app purchases. But consider it a private Pilates instruction as you'll get guidance on mastering moves straight from a celebrity trainer.
Swimming
- GoSwim [20] (Free, iOS and Android [21]): A library of free drills with video to help improve your strokes, turns, and starts. Each week, you'll also have access to swimming-related photos, articles, and practices for inspiration.
- Pocket Swimmer [22] (Free, Android): Perfect your freestyle stroke and avoid common mistakes with the tutorials offered here.