If you can't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded and just thinking about running a mile is enough to leave you feeling exhausted, then it might be time to start (or get back into [1]) a fitness plan. Whether you've taken an extended break from any type of physical activity (no shame!) or are a true beginner looking to embark on a fitness journey, taking the first step is the hardest part.
Instead of signing up for a gym membership (do you know how crowded that place gets in January?) or paying for pricey boutique fitness classes ($20 to $40 a pop), get a head start on your fitness journey with these apps. For prices ranging from totally free to a yearly subscription, you can work out in the comfort of your own home [2] under the guidance of trainers and trainer-approved fitness plans. Mix up your workouts, track your progress, get your sweat on with these 11 apps for beginners.
Active by POPSUGAR
Cost: Free
The only app on this list that's free, Active by POPSUGAR [3] features hundreds of workouts from celebrity trainers and POPSUGAR Fitness experts. You can schedule your workouts in advance and get notified when it's time to get started. Plus, you can filter each workout based on difficulty, duration, and type — so if you're looking for a beginner workouts for 20 minutes, this app has got you! Plus, you can download your favourite workout videos to play online, just in case your mom's basement doesn't have WiFi.
Aaptiv
Cost: $15 a month. $100 when you sign up for a 12-month plan (plus first seven days free).
Aaptiv [4] is one of the most popular audio fitness apps looking to disrupt the boutique fitness game. This app is like having a personal trainer right in your ear. With over 2,500 audio guided workouts in 12 categories, you're bound to find something you like. There are programs for every level and you can choose from over 20 certified trainers and listen to music right on the app. It also tracks your progress with minutes, calories, and activity.
Gixo
Cost: First seven days free. $20 per month month-to-month, or $15 a month for a year subscription.
Gixo [5] has workout classes scheduled throughout the day so it's like going to a boutique fitness class without the price tag. There are up to 19 hours of live workouts every day and you can choose from indoor or outdoor workouts. There's a variety of classes including cardio, strength training, or a mix of both. You can even do a work out for as little as 15 minutes if you need to squeeze something in. Track your progress with stats for minutes, pace, distance and steps.
My Fitness by Jillian Michaels
Cost: First seven days free. $15 a month, $30 for a three-month subscription, and $99 for a one-year subscription.
The workouts on the My Fitness by Jillian Michaels [6] app is completely customizable: you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced, swap exercises, adjust transition times, select available equipment, and play your own music — the Beat Sync adjusts the beat of your music to the pace of your workout. You can also choose workouts in increments of 10, 20, 30, or 45 minutes. It also includes personalized meal plans, daily advice, and you can track your progress.
YogaGlo
Cost: First 15 days free. Then $18 a month.
If you're looking to start a yoga practice, YogaGlo [7] is the perfect place to start for yoga and meditation. The app has thousands of classes and programs in a variety of styles, levels, and durations. You can follow your favourite yoga teachers and download yoga classes to be viewed offline so you can practice any time, anywhere.
Fit Body With Anna Victoria
Cost: First seven days free. $17 a month for a one-month membership, $15 a month for a three-month membership, $13 a month for a 12-month membership.
Fit Body by Anna Victoria [8] (formerly Body Love) is great for beginners because it features no-equipment workouts you can do right at home. The workouts range from 30-60 minutes and are available in beginner, intermediate, or advanced. It also has a custom meal plan component and you can calculate your macros.
Couch to 5K
Cost: $3 (one-time purchase)
If you're a true beginner and looking to start running, Couch to 5K [9] is a great place to start. Work your way up to 3.1 miles by just exercising 20 or 30 minutes three times a week for nine weeks. Schedule a 5K in your area as your target so you can have a goal to work towards.
Studio Tone It Up
Cost: $13 a month
The Tone It Up trainers, Karena and Katrina, have made a name for themselves on Instagram and online with their workouts and nutrition plan, but the Studio Tone It Up [10] app streamlines it all in one place. The Studio has 20-30 minute workout video classes of the day and you can schedule your classes directly in the app. You can create fitness goals, track your workouts, and connect with the community.
Pure Barre on Demand
Cost: $30 a month
If barre is something that interests you, forego a traditional barre studio and try Pure Barre on Demand [11]. You don't need an actual barre; you can use the back of a tall chair or a counter ledge. If you're a true beginner, you can start with just five or 10-minute classes; as you advance, you can pick 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute classes. Barre is a low-impact workout that uses your own bodyweight with small, controlled movements.
Sworkit
Cost: $30 for a three-month subscription, $80 for a an annual subscription.
If you're still working your way up to longer workouts, Sworkit [12] offers classes that range from five minutes to a full hour. You can also choose the type of workout you want, such as strength or cardio. There are 100 pre-built workouts and you can create your own custom workout from the over 300 exercises featured.
Sweat: Kayla Itsines Fitness
Cost: Seven-day free trial if you sign up for a monthly plan. Then $19 a month, $120 for an annual subscription
We love Kayla Itsines for all the workouts she posts and, of course, her famous Bikini Body Guides [13] (BBG). The Sweat [14] app includes other trainers: Kelsey Wells, Stephanie Sanzo, Chontel Duncan, and Sjana Elise Earp. There are several programs to choose from, including BBG, post-pregnancy, PWR, BUILD, FIERCE, and yoga. Some workouts use weights while other are high-intensity plyos with minimal equipment. The workouts are just 28 minutes long and can be done at home or at the gym.