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

Finding a workout app that’s actually useful without paying can feel like sifting through noise — Redditors have tested many options and generally converge on a few dependable free choices. This guide curates the best free workout apps Reddit users recommend, explains what makes each one worth trying, and gives practical tips for choosing the right app for your goals.

How I picked the best free workout apps

I scanned community feedback from fitness subreddits, developer notes, and official feature lists to focus on apps that offer genuinely useful free features (not just trial periods). Priority criteria:

• Core free functionality: app must provide valuable workouts or tracking without requiring payment for the basic experience.

• Quality and clarity: exercises have clear instructions or videos and safe progressions.

• Flexibility: suitable for common settings (gym, home, bodyweight) or specific goals (strength, HIIT, mobility).

• Active community or regular updates: evidence of sustained support.

Throughout the list I summarize why Reddit users like each app, what’s free, and the typical downsides people mention.

Top 10 best free workout apps Reddit users recommend

Below are the apps that come up repeatedly on Reddit threads about free options. Each entry covers who it’s best for, the free features you can actually use, and a short Reddit-era verdict.

1) Nike Training Club (NTC)

Why try it: Large, free library of guided workouts spanning strength, mobility, and bodyweight training. NTC often gets praise for polished videos and beginner-friendly plans.

Free features: Hundreds of workouts, multi-week plans, and clear video demonstrations.

Best for: People wanting structured classes and variety without paying.

Common downsides: Some premium content used to be paid in the past; occasional content gated to promotions.

Reddit verdict: Frequently recommended as the top free option for guided sessions and a polished app experience.

2) StrongLifts 5x5

Why try it: Simple, proven strength program focused on compound lifts. The app provides an easy-to-follow interface for beginners to intermediate lifters.

Free features: Workout schedule, logging, weight progression suggestions, rest timers.

Best for: New lifters who want a clear strength progression without thinking about programming.

Common downsides: Program is rigid — less ideal if you want more exercise variety or accessory work.

Reddit verdict: A perennial favorite for novices who want strength gains quickly and simply.

3) FitOn

Why try it: Free classes, celebrity trainers, and social features. FitOn emphasizes full-length workouts for all levels and has useful scheduling tools.

Free features: Most workout videos, favorites, and basic tracking.

Best for: People who prefer class-style sessions and varied trainers.

Common downsides: Some advanced features and certain celebrity content may push upsells.

Reddit verdict: Praised for being generous with free content and good for home workouts.

4) JEFIT

Why try it: A strong gym log and exercise database with a free tier that covers tracking and routines. JEFIT is popular among strength trainees who like logging details.

Free features: Workout logs, large exercise database, basic routines, rest timers.

Best for: Intermediate and advanced gym-goers who want a free, feature-rich logging tool.

Common downsides: Ads in the free version and occasional user-interface complexity.

Reddit verdict: Valued for logging depth and database of exercises; many users eventually upgrade for ad-free experience, but free tier stays functional.

5) Madbarz

Why try it: Focused on bodyweight strength and calisthenics. Madbarz includes programmed workouts and tutorials that suit home-only training.

Free features: Daily workouts, progress tracking, and some tutorials.

Best for: Calisthenics or home-only exercisers who want structured bodyweight programming.

Common downsides: Best features are sometimes behind a paywall; free plans can be less customizable.

Reddit verdict: Often suggested on threads about home bodyweight training as a solid starting point.

6) 7 Minute Workout (by various developers)

Why try it: Quick, research-backed circuit sessions that can be done anywhere. Multiple apps use the 7-minute format — the core idea is universally free.

Free features: Timed workouts, audio cues, short circuit-style sessions.

Best for: Busy people wanting a brief, daily stimulus or warm-up routine.

Common downsides: Limited long-term progression for strength — good for conditioning and habit building.

Reddit verdict: Recommended when people ask for a short, low-barrier daily routine.

7) Home Workout — No Equipment (by Leap Fitness)

Why try it: Straightforward, well-rated app with guided routines for strength and mobility without any equipment.

Free features: Workout programs, animations, and body-part focused routines.

Best for: Beginners and home exercisers who want to build consistency.

Common downsides: Ads and optional paid content; technique demonstrations can be less detailed than video-based apps.

Reddit verdict: A common suggestion when budget and equipment are constraints.

8) Fitbod (Free tier)

Why try it: Smart programming that adapts to logged workouts and available equipment. Fitbod’s free tier lets you try the adaptive approach.

Free features: Limited number of workouts per week on the free plan, adaptive exercise selection.

Best for: Lifters who appreciate algorithmic programming and gym/at-home hybrid routines.

Common downsides: The free plan is intentionally limited; heavy users usually need a subscription.

Reddit verdict: Often touted for its programming quality, but many Redditors note the subscription model limits long-term free use.

9) Map My Run / MapMyFitness (Under Armour)

Why try it: Great for runners and outdoor activity tracking with route mapping and basic metrics.

Free features: GPS tracking, basic workout metrics, goal setting.

Best for: Runners and walkers who want reliable GPS tracking and route planning.

Common downsides: Ads and premium features for deeper analytics.

Reddit verdict: Regularly suggested to runners wanting a dependable free tracker.

10) MyFitnessPal (free features)

Why try it: While primarily a nutrition tracker, MyFitnessPal’s free tier includes exercise logging and basic activity integration that make it useful when combined with workout apps.

Free features: Food logging, calorie tracking, manual exercise entries, app integrations.

Best for: Anyone who wants to pair diet tracking with activity to monitor progress.

Common downsides: Some advanced nutrition analysis is behind a paywall.

Reddit verdict: Often recommended as the go-to free nutrition tracker that complements workout apps.

How Reddit threads typically compare these apps

• Beginners vs experienced: Redditors push StrongLifts or a NTC plan for beginners, while JEFIT or Fitbod are recommended for intermediate lifters who want customized programming.

• Home vs gym: Madbarz, Home Workout, and FitOn are common picks for home training; JEFIT and StrongLifts for gym use.

• Tracking vs classes: If logging sets and progress is your priority, JEFIT or even dedicated trackers like Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App get mentions; for guided classes, NTC and FitOn win out.

How to pick the right free app for your goals

Choosing between these options comes down to three questions:

1. What’s your primary goal? Strength, fat loss, conditioning, mobility, or consistency?

2. Where will you train? At home with bodyweight, at home with dumbbells, or in a gym?

3. How much structure do you want? Do you want a rigid program, flexible choices, or class-like sessions?

Actionable picking guide:

• If your goal is raw strength and you’re okay with a simple structure: StrongLifts 5x5.

• If you want guided workouts in a class format: Nike Training Club or FitOn.

• If you need logging and exercise variety for the gym: JEFIT or Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App.

• If you have no equipment and want bodyweight progressions: Madbarz or Home Workout.

• If you want short daily habit-forming sessions: a 7 Minute Workout app.

Practical tips to get the most from a free workout app

• Use two apps together. For example, pair a class app like FitOn (workouts) with MyFitnessPal (nutrition) to cover both sides of progress tracking.

• Log consistently. Free progress is mostly built on consistency, not perfection. Even a simple daily check-in beats sporadic, intense weeks.

• Track minimum stats. Record at least sets, reps, and weight (if applicable). This makes growth measurable. If you want a dedicated logging experience, explore Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout for tips on tracking methods.

• Prioritize form over volume. Many free apps provide quick demos — pause and review the technique before chasing reps.

• Beware of upsells: many free apps offer valuable features for free but will occasionally push premium plans. Evaluate whether the free tier covers your needs before paying.

Frequently asked Reddit-style questions (and short answers)

Q: Are these apps safe to use without a coach?
A: For most healthy individuals, yes — especially for guided classes or beginner programs. However, if you have injuries or complex needs, consult a professional.

Q: Can free apps replace a gym coach?
A: They can replace day-to-day programming for many people, but not individualized coaching for injury rehab, advanced periodization, or elite goals.

Q: Will I get results from free apps?
A: Yes — consistent training, sensible progression, and adequate nutrition drive most results. Apps are tools; your effort matters most.

Combining logging and programming: a practical routine

If you’re starting from scratch, try this 8-week outline using only free tools:

• Choose a program: StrongLifts 5x5 for strength, or NTC for general fitness and mobility.

• Track every workout: use JEFIT or Setgraph-style logging (see Setgraph App: Insights, Tips & Training Guides for tracking inspiration).

• Do two mobility sessions per week from NTC or FitOn.

• Use MyFitnessPal to monitor calories and protein.

• Reassess every 4 weeks: increase weight for strength, add volume for hypertrophy, or swap workouts to avoid stagnation.

This combo keeps you disciplined while using only free tools.

When to consider upgrading from a free app

Free apps cover most beginner and intermediate needs. Consider a paid plan if:

• You need personalized programming or coach feedback.

• You want advanced analytics and exportable logs for long-term analysis.

• You require offline access or an ad-free experience.

If these are reasons you’re thinking about, check community reviews first — for example, the Setgraph App Reviews (2025) page compiles user feedback that can help you decide whether a paid tracker is worth it.

Final recommendations

• Best all-around free: Nike Training Club for its breadth of workouts and quality video guidance.

• Best for strength beginners: StrongLifts 5x5 for a simple, proven progression.

• Best for gym loggers: JEFIT (or a dedicated tracker) for detailed logging and exercise database.

• Best for home-only: FitOn or Home Workout for guided bodyweight sessions.

If you want to learn more about training principles and techniques to use alongside these apps, see Core Principles & Techniques for Every Lifter - Setgraph. For optimization tips and advanced guides that pair well with any app, check Optimize Your Training | Expert Tips and Workout Guides.

Choosing a free workout app is largely about picking something you enjoy and will use consistently. Try two complementary apps (one for programming/classes, one for logging), set a simple baseline routine, and measure progress. The Reddit community helps surface great free options — use their collective experience to find the app that fits your life and stick with it.

If you enjoyed this guide, explore more fitness tips and training resources at Fitness & Workout Tips | Setgraph.

Article created using Lovarank