10 Best AI Workout Tools May 2026

This can be a little subjective, but this score is based on whether we feel the cost justifies what you’re getting. To earn 3 out of 5 stars for value, we feel that what you get for the price is fair, while high scores are given to apps that provide exceptional value for the cost. For general programming, apps earned a 4- or 5-star rating when the monthly membership fee was under $15. For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the app costs $35 per month or more. Our expert product testers tested all of the fitness apps for at least several workouts, while many were tested for a whole month or even longer, especially the apps we really loved using.

Starlink Review

But this app is great for beginner cardio and general fitness workouts that will keep you moving forward toward your goals. Fitness apps can be handy tools for supporting your training and nutrition goals, especially if you’re at the starting line of your training, still wondering, “what is cardio? ” Additionally, they often cost less than hiring an in-person instructor. Plus, they can be ideal for athletes struggling to compile a worthwhile regimen on their own. Below are some of the perks that come with adding one of these services to your home screen. Having a personal trainer at your disposal can be great for staying diligent in your training, nutrition, and wellness journeys.

• We noted our experiences, as well as those of other customers who noted pros or cons in their respective customer reviews.
• For serious muscle-building goals, the scientific rigor is excellent.
• New plans are added weekly, by a roster of very impressive and inspirational coaches.
• Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has remained active by cultivating his expertise in strength training, running, footwear, and recovery.
• While there’s plenty to do in the free version, gym goers who love crunching numbers and data will get more stats and charts in the PRO version.
• Most workouts don’t require any equipment, though some do use weights.

Overall Rating: 4.1/5

She reports working with her coach and using the app is easy, and she appreciates the fact that there are demonstration videos for every exercise assigned to your program. She’s been a journalist for the last 14 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 11 years. She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon.

Goals

He also docked a couple of points for progressive overload, giving Fitbod 3 out of 5 stars. While our tester enjoyed the ease with which Muscle Booster crafts a workout plan for beginners, the app didn’t hit every bullseye. While BetterMe is more affordable than the average workout app, it doesn’t have quite as many strength-training plans.

Accessibility

With over 450 million training sessions completed, their algorithm is scary good. In the early 20s, “digital fitness” meant a stack of Beachbody DVDs and a clipboard. Fast forward today, and we have Artificial Intelligence (AI) analyzing your squat depth in real-time via your webcam.

Fitness Most Wanted 2026: The Best in Strength, Cardio, Recovery, And More

If you’re not a powerlifter looking to boost your big three lifts, you may want to consider an app service like Shred, which offers workouts for a variety of fitness goals. Because this is a powerlifting program, it may not be a surprise that you’ll need a squat rack, bench, barbell, and weight plates to complete your workouts. It will also be helpful to have access to dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands for a handful of different exercises. The Nike Training Club app received high scores for most categories, though it earned average rankings in a few select areas like equipment demands and progressive overload. The app works well, but doesn’t offer any sort of interaction, such as live classes or interaction with instructors. Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you’ll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available.

Personalization

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve tested, sweat, and analyzed the top contenders to bring you the ultimate showdown. From the adaptive algorithms of Freeletics that feel like a personal coach in your pocket, to the immersive virtual destinations of JRNY that make running through Paris feel real, we cover every angle. We’ll reveal why some “smart” gyms are actually just expensive e-waste and which free apps can outperform a $20/month membership. By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals—no more guessing games. Strava (available on Android, iOS, and the web) is the go-to app for tracking your outdoor cycling and running activities.

Best Free Workout App: Nike Training Club

If you’re looking for an app that takes the guesswork out of your training, TR[Ai]NER by Element 26 is worth considering. This AI-powered workout app offers programs you can customize based on your preferences, equipment access, and personal goals. Available modules include a four-week dumbbell muscle build fitness apps with meal plans program, a four-week metcon/HIIT program, and a six-week full gym strength gain program, among others.

The Best Home Gym Equipment for 2026

It features a variety of programs spread across seven exciting categories, including Backcountry Hunter Training, Military & LEO Application Training, and Minimal Equipment Training. The app really shines, though, if you use a Peloton bike or treadmill, since the classes are centered around that equipment. You can definitely fire up a class on your phone or iPad at the gym, but using Peloton’s actual hardware makes things easier.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Some may find the text to be difficult to read, however, which we attribute to the black and blue color scheme. If you can look past this aesthetic, though, we think you’re in for a refreshing new take on bulking up. During trials, our tester enjoyed how much interaction you have with the app through readiness prompts each day before training. These prompts gauge how prepared you are for a given workout, along with other inquiries asking if you’re dealing with any soreness, fatigue, or other factors that may influence your training.

If you’re going to be training in your garage gym, you’ll want to carefully consider what sort of home gym equipment may be required for the app you’re considering. Many apps have minimal requirements, and are designed to work with only your bodyweight and some light dumbbells. Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, says that personalized workout programs can be very beneficial, especially once you’re past the beginner stage. For this category, we aren’t just looking at the plan itself, but how much instruction the app provides.

While the Caliber app earns the nod on our best workout app for men, women can also achieve great results since it offers something for everyone. There is a robust free-forever version and two paid options that grant you access to either group coaching ($19 per month) or a fully customized one-on-one coaching program (starting at $200 per month). We also like that the app allows you to create three programs for free; some of which can last up to eight weeks. You can essentially get a six-month-long training program without spending a dime.