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best workout apps under $149 for beginners (2025)

August 21, 2025 · 9 min read

title: "Best Workout Apps Under $149 for Beginners (2025)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Discover the best workout apps under $149 for beginners in 2025. Our comprehensive guide reviews top-rated apps to help you get fit, featuring beginner-friendly workouts and expert insights."
tags: [fitness]
image: ""

Best Workout Apps Under $149 for Beginners (2025)

Getting started on your fitness journey can be daunting, especially for beginners. Luckily, a wealth of workout apps is available to guide you through your fitness routine without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will explore the best workout apps under $149, focusing on their features, benefits, and pricing.

Meta Description: Discover the best workout apps under $149 for beginners in 2025. Our comprehensive guide reviews top-rated apps to help you get fit, featuring beginner-friendly workouts and expert insights.

Overview

In the digital age, fitness is more accessible than ever. With the right workout app, you can have personalized training plans, guided workouts, and nutritional advice right at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, there’s an app for you.

This buying guide will help you navigate the myriad of options available, focusing specifically on beginner-friendly apps that won’t exceed your budget of $149. Each app was evaluated based on user experience, functionality, and overall value.

Top Picks

Name Best For Key Features Price (USD)
Fitbod Strength Training Personalized workouts, tracking progress, equipment-based $12.99/month
Nike Training Club Variety of Workouts Free workouts, expert trainers, community features Free (with in-app purchases)
MyFitnessPal Nutrition Tracking Calorie tracking, recipe analysis, community support Free (with premium options)
JEFIT Bodybuilding Extensive exercise library, workout logging, community Free (with premium options)
Peloton App Cycling & HIIT Live classes, on-demand workouts, community engagement $12.99/month
Aaptiv Audio-Based Workouts Audio workouts, variety of classes, expert trainers $14.99/month
Calm Recovery & Mindfulness Guided meditation, sleep stories, mindfulness workouts $14.99/year
Sworkit Flexible Workouts Customizable workout plans, no equipment needed $9.99/month

In-Depth Reviews

1. Fitbod - $12.99/month

Overview

Fitbod is an excellent choice for beginners focused on strength training. The app creates personalized workout plans based on your fitness level, available equipment, and workout history.

Key Features

  • Personalized Workouts: Tailors routines to your preferences and goals.
  • Progress Tracking: Monitors your workouts and adjusts plans accordingly.
  • Equipment-Based Options: Can filter workouts based on available gym equipment.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Regular updates with new workouts
  • Ability to sync with Apple Health and Google Fit

Cons

  • Requires a subscription for full features
  • Limited cardio options

2. Nike Training Club - Free (with in-app purchases)

Overview

Nike Training Club offers a wide variety of workouts ranging from strength training to yoga. It’s designed for all fitness levels and provides both free and premium content.

Key Features

  • Free Workouts: Access to a library of workouts without a subscription.
  • Expert Trainers: Workouts guided by professional trainers.
  • Community Features: Connect with other users for motivation.

Pros

  • Extensive workout library
  • High-quality video and audio guidance
  • No equipment needed for many workouts

Cons

  • Premium features may require payment
  • Some users report bugs in the app

3. MyFitnessPal - Free (with premium options)

Overview

While primarily a nutrition tracker, MyFitnessPal integrates fitness tracking features, making it a well-rounded tool for beginners focused on diet and exercise.

Key Features

  • Calorie Tracking: Easily log meals and snacks.
  • Recipe Analysis: Input recipes to see nutritional content.
  • Community Support: Engage with other users for tips and motivation.

Pros

  • Extensive food database
  • Syncs with various fitness apps and devices
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Premium subscription required for advanced features
  • May be overwhelming for some users

4. JEFIT - Free (with premium options)

Overview

JEFIT is a comprehensive workout app that caters to beginners and advanced users alike. It offers a large exercise library and allows users to log their workouts easily.

Key Features

  • Extensive Exercise Library: Thousands of exercises categorized by body part.
  • Workout Logging: Keep track of your progress conveniently.
  • Community Features: Join forums and connect with other fitness enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Good for both beginners and advanced users
  • Easy-to-use logging system
  • Regular updates and new features

Cons

  • Some users experience bugs
  • Premium features may be necessary for full functionality

5. Peloton App - $12.99/month

Overview

The Peloton App extends beyond cycling workouts to include a wide variety of fitness classes, including strength training, yoga, and meditation.

Key Features

  • Live and On-Demand Classes: Access to thousands of classes at your convenience.
  • Community Engagement: Join live classes and connect with other users.
  • Variety of Workouts: Options for all fitness levels and preferences.

Pros

  • High-quality production value
  • Engaging and motivating instructors
  • Flexible workout options

Cons

  • Subscription required for full access
  • May be more expensive than other options for limited features

6. Aaptiv - $14.99/month

Overview

Aaptiv focuses on audio-based workouts, making it perfect for those who prefer guided sessions without needing to look at a screen.

Key Features

  • Audio Workouts: Led by expert trainers, allowing users to focus on their form.
  • Variety of Classes: From strength to yoga, there’s something for everyone.
  • Progress Tracking: Monitor your workouts and improvements over time.

Pros

  • Great for multi-tasking (e.g., running outdoors)
  • Extensive library of workouts
  • New content added weekly

Cons

  • Requires a subscription for full access
  • Some users prefer visual workouts

7. Calm - $14.99/year

Overview

Calm is primarily known for meditation, but it also offers mindfulness workouts that can help with recovery and mental health, essential components of any fitness journey.

Key Features

  • Guided Meditations: Focus on various aspects of mental wellness.
  • Sleep Stories: Help improve sleep quality, aiding recovery.
  • Mindfulness Workouts: Incorporate physical movement with mental focus.

Pros

  • Excellent for mental health and recovery
  • High-quality audio and storytelling
  • Very affordable yearly subscription

Cons

  • Limited physical workout options
  • May not appeal to those focusing solely on fitness

8. Sworkit - $9.99/month

Overview

Sworkit is designed for those looking for flexible workout solutions. With customizable plans, users can choose the type and duration of their workouts.

Key Features

  • Customizable Workouts: Tailor your routine based on your available time and goals.
  • No Equipment Needed: Perfect for at-home workouts.
  • Video Guidance: Clear demonstrations of exercises.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Great for beginners and busy schedules
  • Variety of workouts available

Cons

  • Limited advanced features
  • Some users report a lack of updates

How We Picked

In selecting the best workout apps for beginners, we considered several key factors:

  • User-Friendliness: The app should be easy to navigate, especially for beginners.
  • Variety of Workouts: A diverse range of workouts keeps users engaged and motivated.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: All options had to be under $149, providing good value for money.
  • Customer Reviews: User feedback played a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and reliability of each app.
  • Additional Features: We also looked for features like progress tracking, community engagement, and nutritional advice, which can enhance the overall fitness experience.

Alternatives

If none of the apps listed above seem appealing, here are a few alternatives worth considering:

  • Strava: Great for runners and cyclists, with a focus on tracking and community challenges.
  • Workout Trainer: Offers a wide range of workouts with audio coaching.
  • Zombies, Run!: An immersive app that turns running into a game, making it fun for beginners.

FAQs

1. Are workout apps effective for beginners?

Yes, workout apps can be very effective for beginners as they provide structured workouts, guidance, and flexibility to fit individual schedules.

2. How much should I expect to pay for a workout app?

Most beginner-friendly workout apps range from free to around $14.99 per month, with many offering premium features for a yearly subscription.

3. Can I use workout apps without any equipment?

Yes, many workout apps offer bodyweight exercises that can be done without any equipment, making them ideal for beginners at home.

4. What should I look for in a workout app?

When choosing a workout app, consider user-friendliness, the variety of workouts offered, progress tracking features, and community support.

5. How do I stay motivated to use a workout app?

Setting specific fitness goals, engaging with community features, or following along with friends can help maintain motivation while using workout apps.

6. Can these apps help with nutrition as well?

Several apps, like MyFitnessPal, include nutrition tracking features, while others may offer dietary advice alongside workout plans.

Final Verdict

With the myriad of options available, finding the right workout app as a beginner is crucial for your fitness journey. Each app listed in this guide provides unique features tailored to help you achieve your fitness goals without exceeding your budget of $149.

For strength training enthusiasts, Fitbod and Nike Training Club stand out with their personalized and varied workout offerings. If nutrition tracking is essential for you, MyFitnessPal is an excellent companion. For those seeking a holistic approach that includes mindfulness, Calm offers a unique perspective on fitness.

Overall, the best app for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to explore the options available, and you'll undoubtedly find a workout app that fits perfectly into your fitness routine. Happy exercising!

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