The Best Fitness Apps for Android, iOS and Apple Watch in 2025

December 15, 2025

Every Reddit thread about training inevitably narrows to the same question: which app actually helps you stick to a plan? Whether you're chasing strength gains, bodyweight skills, or consistent gym sessions, Redditors favor apps that are simple, trackable, and adaptable. This guide summarizes the apps most frequently recommended across r/Fitness, r/bodyweightfitness, r/xxfitness, and other communities — with practical pros/cons, platform notes, pricing, and how to choose the best workout app reddit users will actually enjoy.

How Reddit decides what’s "best"

Reddit recommendations usually come from long-term experience rather than a single quick test. Common signals that push an app to the top: reliable tracking, clear progression models, minimal friction for logging sets/reps, and an active community or helpful documentation. People often prefer apps that let them export or review data, so you can see progress without guesswork.

Key traits Redditors repeatedly praise:

  • Simple, fast logging during workouts

  • Clear progression or templating (e.g., PPL, full-body, skill plans)

  • Honest free tier or reasonable pricing

  • Flexibility to customize rest times, supersets, or exercises

  • Good history/analytics to measure progress

If you want a quick, community-vetted start, many Reddit threads point to lightweight trackers and apps that don’t force complicated plans. That practicality is why apps like Strong and Jefit remain consistent favorites.

Top 10 workout apps Redditors recommend


People using fitness apps at the gym

Below are the ten apps most commonly recommended on Reddit. For each I summarize what Redditors like and what they complain about so you can match an app to your goals.

1) Strong

Pros:

  • Extremely fast and reliable logging for sets and reps

  • Clean interface focused on strength training

  • Easy to edit past workouts and track PRs

Cons:

  • Advanced features (e.g., cloud sync across devices) sit behind a paid tier

  • Not as many guided workout programs for beginners

Reddit take: Strong shows up in nearly every "best workout app reddit" conversation because of its speed in the gym. People who lift heavy and want a no-nonsense tracker often call it the simplest way to log progress.

Best for: Lifters focused on barbell and accessory work who want a frictionless log.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; free with optional subscription for syncing and advanced graphs.

2) Fitbod

Pros:

  • Auto-generates workouts based on available equipment and recent history

  • Good variety for both gym and home environments

Cons:

  • Some users feel generated workouts can be repetitive

  • Subscription required for unrestricted use

Reddit take: Fitbod earns praise when users want a program that adapts to what they actually have in the gym. Redditors warn to double-check exercise choices and not treat it as a one-size-fits-all coach.

Best for: People who like guided selections that adapt to fatigue and equipment.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; subscription model.

3) Jefit

Pros:

  • Large exercise library and routine database

  • Good for bodybuilding-style programs and logging

Cons:

  • Interface can feel dated; ads in free version

  • Some community routines are low quality without vetting

Reddit take: Jefit is recommended for users who want a lot of premade routines and tracking tools. Redditors advise curating routines you follow rather than trying random community plans.

Best for: Bodybuilders and gym-goers who like structured templates and a big exercise database.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android/Web; free tier with paid upgrade.

4) Nike Training Club (NTC)

Pros:

  • Huge variety of free workouts and guided classes

  • Professional production value and clear video demos

Cons:

  • Less focused on progressive strength tracking

  • Not ideal if you want to log detailed sets and weights

Reddit take: NTC is often recommended for beginners and people who enjoy class-style workouts. Redditors suggest pairing it with a tracker like Strong or Setgraph for weight progression.

Best for: Beginners and those who prefer guided, instructor-led sessions.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; many free workouts, premium content occasionally available.

5) Freeletics

Pros:

  • Strong emphasis on bodyweight workouts and conditioning

  • High-intensity plans with coach-guided progressions

Cons:

  • Heavily monetized; best features in paid plans

  • Some users find the app aggressively upsells

Reddit take: Freeletics gets recommended in r/bodyweightfitness for people wanting disciplined bodyweight programming. Redditors emphasize that it’s great for conditioning but pair it with knowledge of progressive skill work.

Best for: Bodyweight-focused athletes and people training cardio/conditioning.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; subscription required for full coaching features.

6) MyFitnessPal (strength + nutrition)

Pros:

  • Excellent nutrition tracking and food database

  • Integrates with many fitness apps and devices

Cons:

  • Workout logging is functional but not as focused as dedicated strength apps

  • Premium tier removes ads and unlocks deeper metrics

Reddit take: MFP is the go-to when diet matters as much as training. Redditors combine it with a strength tracker so both calories and progress are visible.

Best for: Users who need combined nutrition and exercise logging.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android/Web; free with premium option.

7) Aaptiv

Pros:

  • Audio-based workouts led by trainers

  • Good for treadmill, running, and guided cardio sessions

Cons:

  • Not designed for heavy strength tracking

  • Subscription required

Reddit take: Recommended for people who respond well to audio coaching during cardio sessions. Redditors sometimes pair it with a logging app to track strength gains separately.

Best for: Runners and cardio-focused users who prefer trainer-led audio.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; subscription.

8) StrongLifts 5x5 / Simple Strength Trackers

Pros:

  • Very clear, proven progression models (e.g., 5x5)

  • Beginner-friendly and minimal decision fatigue

Cons:

  • Less flexible for accessory work unless you add it manually

  • Can become repetitive if you want variety

Reddit take: StrongLifts-style apps are staples for novices who want a simple path to stronger lifts. Reddit favorites highlight the value of consistency more than the app feature set.

Best for: Novice lifters who want a structured progression and clear checkpoints.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; free tier usually available.

9) Bodybuilding.com App / BodySpace

Pros:

  • Extensive library of trainer-created programs and community content

  • Good for bodybuilding and hypertrophy-focused training

Cons:

  • Quality varies among community-created plans

  • UI and tracking features can be clunky compared to newer apps

Reddit take: Frequently mentioned when people want hypertrophy routines and a big library. Redditors advise vetting programs and checking author credentials.

Best for: Users focused on hypertrophy who like pre-built programs.

Platforms & pricing: iOS/Android; free with optional premium features.

10) Custom trackers and spreadsheets (honorable mention)

Pros:

  • Highly customizable, privacy-friendly, often free

  • Full control over how you record progress

Cons:

  • Requires time to set up and maintain

  • Not as polished or convenient during busy gym sessions

Reddit take: Many advanced lifters on Reddit prefer a simple tracker or spreadsheet that they control. This approach shows up in threads labeled "best workout app reddit" when people emphasize no bloat.

Best for: Data-miners and privacy-conscious users who want full control.

Platforms & pricing: Any device with spreadsheet app; free or low cost.

How to choose the best workout app reddit users actually like


Choosing fitness apps on a phone

Picking one app is easier if you answer three focused questions about your training:

  1. What is your primary goal? Strength, hypertrophy, fat loss, cardio, or skill work? Pick an app that emphasizes that goal — eg. Strong for strength, NTC for classes, Freeletics for conditioning.

  2. How much guidance do you want? Do you want auto-generated workouts (Fitbod) or a rigid progression (StrongLifts)?

  3. How do you prefer to log? Fast numeric entry matters for heavy lifters; video demos and cues matter for beginners.

Practical checklist before you commit:

  • Test the free tier for at least two weeks — that’s enough to evaluate ease of logging and whether the app nudges you to be consistent.

  • Check export options — if you want to move platforms later, ensure you can export your data.

  • Look for a community or reviews you trust. Reddit threads often include long-term user experiences that expose recurring bugs or billing issues.

If you want a modern, privacy-friendly logging experience with a minimal interface, consider also checking out dedicated workout tracker options like Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App which many users pair with training guides. For reviews and user ratings, see Setgraph App Reviews (2025): User Ratings for Tracking Sets, Reps & Workouts.

Tips Redditors share for getting the most from any app

  • Use the app consistently for at least 6–8 weeks before switching — progress tracking needs time.

  • Pair a guided workout app with a simple tracker if needed (e.g., NTC for workouts + Strong or Setgraph for logging). Many Redditors recommend this hybrid approach for the best of both worlds.

  • Customize rest timers and warm-ups. Small defaults can derail real-world workouts if you don’t set them properly.

  • Archive or delete unused routines. Cluttered libraries slow down finding your current plan.

If you want to deepen your programming knowledge while using an app, check resources like Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout and general tips at Fitness & Workout Tips | Setgraph.

Pricing considerations and what Reddit warns about

Subscriptions are common across modern fitness apps. Redditors recommend:

  • Look for a meaningful free tier before subscribing.

  • Avoid annual plans until you’ve used the app consistently for a month or two.

  • Watch for hidden renewals or lock-in features (like cloud-only histories).

Many Reddit threads stress: a cheaper app used consistently beats an expensive one that collects dust. If you’re balancing nutrition and training, a combo like MyFitnessPal for diet and a dedicated tracker for strength is a popular pairing.

Quick picks by goal (fast shortlist)

  • Best for strength tracking: Strong or StrongLifts

  • Best for adaptive workouts: Fitbod

  • Best free guided workouts: Nike Training Club

  • Best bodyweight/conditioning: Freeletics

  • Best nutrition + exercise combo: MyFitnessPal + tracker

  • Best audio-guided cardio: Aaptiv

If you prefer a single place to read expert tips and optimize your routines while tracking progress, see Optimize Your Training | Expert Tips and Workout Guides for practical ideas to pair with your chosen app.

Final verdict and quick recommendations


Person checking workout progress on phone

When people ask "what is the best workout app reddit users recommend?" the honest answer is: it depends. Redditors value simplicity, reliable tracking, and apps that respect their time. If you want a single recommendation to try first, start with Strong (for lifters) or Fitbod (for guided adaptation), and pair whichever you choose with nutrition tracking if that’s a priority.

One practical approach Redditors swear by:

  1. Start with a tried-and-true progression app (Strong or StrongLifts).

  2. Use a guided app for variety (NTC or Fitbod) on off days or when you need structure.

  3. Track nutrition with MyFitnessPal or equivalent if body composition is a goal.

  4. If you prefer minimalism, consider custom spreadsheets or privacy-first trackers.

For app-specific reviews and community feedback, the Setgraph reviews page compiles user experiences that can help you evaluate trackers and workflows: Setgraph App Reviews (2025): User Ratings for Tracking Sets, Reps & Workouts. If you want deeper training principles to pair with your app, the Setgraph articles and guides are practical resources: Setgraph App: Insights, Tips & Training Guides and Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout.

Choosing the best workout app reddit users recommend comes down to matching the app’s strengths to your goals and committing to consistent use. Try the free tiers, stick with one system for several weeks, and prioritize progress over features. That habit — not the app — will get you the results.

If you’d like, tell me your goals and equipment and I’ll recommend the top two apps from this list that match your situation and how to set them up for the first four weeks.

Article created using Lovarank

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