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top workout apps alternatives for beginners (2025 update)

August 21, 2025 · 8 min read

title: "Top Workout Apps Alternatives for Beginners (2025 Update)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Discover the best workout apps alternatives for beginners in 2025. This comprehensive guide covers top-rated fitness apps, key features, and pricing to help you make informed choices."
tags: ["fitness"]
image: ""

Top Workout Apps Alternatives for Beginners (2025 Update)

Finding the right workout app can be daunting, especially for beginners looking to start their fitness journey. With so many options available, it's crucial to choose an app that fits your needs, provides guidance, and keeps you motivated. This guide presents the best workout apps alternatives for beginners in 2025, highlighting their features, pricing, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Overview

The fitness app market is saturated with numerous options, each promising to help you achieve your fitness goals. However, many of the popular apps may not suit beginners due to their complexity or overwhelming features. In this guide, we focus on user-friendly workout apps that cater specifically to beginners, offering simplified interfaces, easy-to-follow routines, and a wealth of motivational resources.

Top Picks

Name Best For Key Features Price (USD)
FitOn Free workouts and classes Live classes, personalized plans, community support Free (Premium $29.99/year)
Nike Training Club Structured programs Variety of workouts, expert tips, progress tracking Free (Premium $14.99/month)
MyFitnessPal Tracking food and workouts Calorie counter, activity log, community forums Free (Premium $9.99/month)
JEFIT Strength training Workout plans, tracking tools, exercise database Free (Premium $6.99/month)
Sworkit Customizable workouts Custom workout plans, video demonstrations, goal setting Free (Premium $29.99/year)
Workout Trainer Guided workouts Audio and video coaching, user-generated content Free (Premium $9.99/month)
Fitbod Strength training and progression AI-driven workouts, tracking, and analytics $12.99/month
8fit Nutrition and fitness Meal planning, workout programs, progress tracking Free (Premium $39.99/year)

In-Depth Reviews

FitOn

Best For: Free workouts and classes
Price: Free (Premium $29.99/year)

FitOn is a versatile app that offers free workout classes led by top trainers. With its user-friendly interface, FitOn provides a wide range of workouts, from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The community aspect allows users to connect with friends for motivation and support, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Pros:

  • No cost to access a variety of workouts
  • Community support features
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features in the free version

Nike Training Club

Best For: Structured programs
Price: Free (Premium $14.99/month)

Nike Training Club offers a robust library of structured workout programs suitable for beginners. The app includes video demonstrations and audio guidance from expert trainers, ensuring users can follow along easily. The free version provides ample workouts, while the premium subscription unlocks additional content.

Pros:

  • High-quality video content
  • Well-structured programs
  • Progress tracking features

Cons:

  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription

MyFitnessPal

Best For: Tracking food and workouts
Price: Free (Premium $9.99/month)

While primarily known as a nutrition tracking app, MyFitnessPal also offers workout logging features. Users can track their calorie intake and physical activity, making it a comprehensive tool for fitness beginners. The app's extensive food database simplifies meal tracking, while the community forum provides additional support.

Pros:

  • Extensive food database
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Community support

Cons:

  • Limited workout guidance compared to other apps

JEFIT

Best For: Strength training
Price: Free (Premium $6.99/month)

JEFIT is an excellent option for beginners interested in strength training. The app features a vast library of exercises, allowing users to create personalized workout plans. JEFIT also includes tracking tools to monitor progress, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to build muscle.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive exercise database
  • Customizable workout plans
  • Progress tracking features

Cons:

  • The free version has ads

Sworkit

Best For: Customizable workouts
Price: Free (Premium $29.99/year)

Sworkit allows users to create custom workout routines based on their fitness level and available time. The app features video demonstrations, making it easy for beginners to follow along. With a focus on flexibility and customization, Sworkit is perfect for those who want a tailored fitness experience.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Video demonstrations for each exercise
  • Focus on flexibility

Cons:

  • Premium features may be required for full access

Workout Trainer

Best For: Guided workouts
Price: Free (Premium $9.99/month)

Workout Trainer offers a wide range of guided workouts, complete with audio and video coaching. The app features user-generated content, allowing beginners to explore various workout styles and routines. With a focus on accessibility, Workout Trainer is an excellent choice for those new to fitness.

Pros:

  • Audio and video coaching for guidance
  • User-generated content for variety
  • Easy navigation

Cons:

  • Some features require a premium subscription

Fitbod

Best For: Strength training and progression
Price: $12.99/month

Fitbod utilizes artificial intelligence to create personalized workout plans based on users' goals and available equipment. With a focus on strength training, the app tracks progress and adjusts workouts as users improve, making it a valuable tool for beginners looking to build muscle.

Pros:

  • AI-driven workout plans
  • Progress tracking and analytics
  • Easily adjustable routines

Cons:

  • Monthly subscription fee

8fit

Best For: Nutrition and fitness
Price: Free (Premium $39.99/year)

8fit combines workout plans with meal planning to provide a holistic approach to fitness. The app offers personalized workout routines alongside healthy recipes and meal suggestions, making it ideal for beginners looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive approach to fitness
  • Personalized meal planning
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Premium subscription required for full access

How We Picked

In compiling this list of the best workout apps for beginners, we considered several factors:

  1. User Experience: The simplicity and intuitiveness of the app interface were crucial for beginners.
  2. Quality of Content: We evaluated the variety and quality of workouts available, focusing on programs suitable for beginners.
  3. Community and Support: Apps that offer community features or support networks were prioritized.
  4. Pricing: We considered the cost-effectiveness of each app, looking for valuable free versions and reasonably priced premium subscriptions.
  5. Unique Features: We highlighted apps with unique offerings, such as nutrition tracking or personalized workout plans.

Alternatives

If the above options don't quite meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

  • StrongLifts 5x5: Focuses on strength training with simple, effective workouts. Price: Free (Premium $4.99/month).
  • Zombies, Run!: A fun, story-driven running app designed to motivate beginners. Price: Free (Premium $34.99/year).
  • Aaptiv: Audio-based workouts led by trainers, great for those who prefer guided sessions. Price: $14.99/month.
  • Centr: Offers workouts and meal plans curated by celebrity trainer Chris Hemsworth. Price: $19.99/month.

FAQs

1. What is the best workout app for beginners?
The best workout app for beginners varies based on personal preferences. However, apps like FitOn and Nike Training Club are highly recommended for their user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive workout libraries.

2. Are there free workout apps available?
Yes, many workout apps offer free versions with basic features. FitOn and MyFitnessPal are great examples of free apps that provide valuable resources for beginners.

3. How do I choose the right workout app for me?
Consider your fitness goals, preferred workout styles, and whether you want additional features like nutrition tracking or community support. Testing a few apps can also help you find the best fit.

4. Can workout apps help me stay motivated?
Absolutely! Many workout apps include community features, progress tracking, and gamification elements that can enhance motivation and keep you accountable.

5. Do I need to pay for workout apps?
While many apps offer free versions, premium subscriptions often unlock additional features, advanced workouts, or personalized plans. Evaluate if these features align with your fitness goals before committing.

6. Are workout apps suitable for all fitness levels?
Most workout apps cater to a range of fitness levels, with beginner-friendly options available. Be sure to check the app's offerings to find programs that match your current fitness level.

Final Verdict

With the plethora of workout apps available today, beginners have plenty of options to kickstart their fitness journey. Whether you seek structured plans, nutritional guidance, or customizable workouts, there's an app tailored to your needs. Our top picks for 2025 provide an excellent foundation for building a healthy lifestyle, each offering unique features and benefits to keep you motivated and engaged. Choose the app that resonates with you, and start your fitness journey today!

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