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Nike
The Best Fitness Apps of 2021
Countless apps strive to help make you fitter, stronger and leaner than ever before. Here are our favorites.
By
Peter Koch, Meg Lappe and Steve Mazzucchi
Our smartphones, we’re told, are ruining our lives. You’ve no doubt heard the news stories by now (or, more likely, scrolled past the headlines on your phone) about how they’re destroying our cognitive resources, disrupting our sleep, giving us bent backs and kinked necks, and causing us to become anxious, depressed, antisocial weaklings while we obsessively scroll through our social media feeds 100 times a day.
But it’s not the phones themselves that are the problem, so much as how we use them. In fact, a host of health and fitness apps can help you to get fitter, stronger, leaner, looser and healthier than ever before — to fight back, in other words, against the creeping physical and mental ills of the Information Age.
Taking advantage of today’s information-rich environment, they focus on putting personalized, coach- or trainer-built workouts at your fingertips, so you can get better results faster, no matter your preferred fitness modality. Check out our 12 favorites below, and start working toward your best body ever in 2021.
Editor's note: A lot of these apps offer a limited free version (or brief free trials), but for best results you almost invariably need to upgrade to some sort of paid membership, so that's what we focused on with the pricing info.
Peloton has built a fanatical following thanks to colorful instructors, live streaming and competitive flare. The workouts themselves — including cycling, running, HIIT and yoga routines — are pretty impressive, too. And while getting one of its fancy indoor bikes certainly helps, you can push your body to the limits for just $12.99 per month.
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Some of the best instructors in the business keep you fired up
Competitive leaderboards push your pace
While you don't need the bike or treadmill, you miss out on some things without them
Celeb-backed products can trigger eye rolls, but when the guy behind a fitness one is Thor himself, it’s a different story. Using a holistic approach to advise you on how to eat, train and think, Centr provides a roadmap to a better mind and body that’s worth the price of admission for those who appreciate some extra TLC.
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Wide variety of moves and workouts helps you challenge your muscles and grow
Free six-week trial period is longer than most others
Recipes can get a bit redundant
At $29.99 per month, it's the priciest app in this guide
Nike got into the training app game way back in 2009, so the brand has had years to hone a product its acolytes love. And now that even the premium features, including Nike Master trainers, full workout programs and nutrition tips are available for free, the price just can’t be beat.
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Hundreds of routines cover a wide range of modalities, including weightlifting, HIIT and yoga
Did we mention it's free??
Downloading videos to your phone takes time and space
No live streaming or music
Peloton
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Best Overall
You don't garner 400,000-plus ratings on the App store (average score: 4.9 out of 5) without being one hell of a download. While it certainly helps to pair with a Peloton bike or treadmill — as thousands of this brand's most fervent fans do — the Peloton app alone grants you access to loads of awesome live and on-demand strength, running, cycling, yoga and HIIT workouts, many requiring minimal equipment. Of course Peloton is probably best known for its charismatic instructors and competitive leaderboards, qualities that helped its popularity only grow during the pandemic. Call it a cult if you want — or join up and get fit AF.
The best ad for Centr may be the sterling physique of its creator, Chris Hemsworth, a.k.a Thor. And much like the mythical Mjolnir, this thing delivers, personalizing a meal plan, training regimen and mind-body routine that keeps you on steady path toward success. The verdict from our reviewer? "Centr is perfect for those who need someone else to take the wheel on a holistic fitness and wellness plan, whether you’re just getting started or already have a regimen. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking to begin a fun, versatile and reliable program that’s easy to implement into your daily life."
Price: $29.99/month, $20/month for 3 months or $119.99/year
The Nike Training Club offers hundreds of free workouts from yoga to stretching to strength to speed. The app's been crushing it for more than a decade, part of why we dubbed it a Standard in the pages of our own magazine. Even better? The premium elements — handpicked elite trainers, four- to six-week courses, recipes, strategies and more — used to cost $14.99/month or $119.99/year. But Nike began offering them for free last March in response to the pandemic — and later extended that sweet deal indefinitely.
Debuting to much fanfare just last month, Apple Fitness+ boasts a smooth interface, high production values and a diverse group of world-class trainers. Our own reviewer is impressed with the ease of use, ability to choose your own favorite Apple Music and the fun, at times challenging routines. The accessibility is a mixed blessing: while veterans may feel underserved, newer gym rats can jump in and start making gains right away. Note: you do need an Apple Watch and some other Apple device to use Apple Fitness+.
Using AI, Fitbod handles the heavy lifting of workout planning, so you can focus on, well, the heavy lifting. Based on your past workouts, it develops a plan that’ll push your limits based on your goals, preferences, struggles and available equipment. Then it guides you through each exercise (telling you weight, reps and sets) and even adjusts according to muscles you want to target and your recovery state. Plus, like a personal trainer, the more iron you pump, the better it gets at helping you grab the gains you want.
When you’re looking to knock out a quick, effective full-body workout, HIIT is hard to beat. Keelo recommends intense, fast-paced workouts — each tweaked, based on your recent history, to hit compound muscle groups that are being ignored — that last between seven and 20 minutes. There’s a mix of bodyweight and free weight workouts, so you can stick to a three-a-week routine at home or on the road and still get results.
Price: Free, but Keelo Premium unlocks loads of additional features and workouts for $12.99/month, $30.99/3 months or $93.99/year
While this app now offers video, it started as audio-only, and continues to be ideal for delivering workout instructions through your ear buds. Aaptiv lets you pick from more than 2,500 (and counting) on-demand workouts covering everything from stretching and yoga to boxing and weightlifting. Select the type of workout you want, the kind of music you like and how much time you have, then get ready to sweat it out.
Sworkit’s customized programs allow you to fit a solid, targeted workout into whatever time you have, whether that’s a trainer-recommended 40 minutes or 4 minutes between episodes of Cobra Kai. Simply choose the kind of routine you want and how many minutes you have, and it outputs a video-guided, precision-timed, sports scientist-approved workout that’ll help you trim fat, pack on muscle or just loosen up, excuses be damned.
Following the trend spearheaded by Peloton, NEOU live streams workouts and stores hundreds in the app so that you never get bored. Top-notch trainers bring the knowledge and enthusiasm so you can stay focused on getting the best possible pump. You can test out a variety of modalities from HIIT and Bootcamp to boxing and core — even mobility and dance. Follow your favorite trainer or mix it up to keep going and growing.
Yes, you can use Strava for lots of activities, including running, swimming and CrossFit. But the brand is best known for helping cyclists track their rides, from distance and speed to elevation gained and calories burned. The app also offers the world's largest trail network, monthly challenges and the infamous Segment Leaderboad, which allows you to compete with friends and foes on popular stretches of road and trail. No wonder some cycling buddies are convinced that if you didn't turn on Strava, you didn't really ride.
From the company hell-bent on reviving American distance running comes the Nike Run Club, an innovative app that, in addition to tracking your runs via GPS, provides audio-guided runs for newbies and personalized coaching plans fit for hardcore racers. Each workout helps you build strength, speed and endurance, and there are motivational tools— from weekly challenges to Spotify playlists tailored to the pace of each run —to keep you cranking toward a PR.
Like a personal trainer and nutritionist in one, 8fit creates custom exercise and meal plans based on your goals, current stats and fine-tuned preferences. It asks probing questions, like how many weekly workouts you want, how much variety you require in a diet and how you prefer to meal prep. Then it spits out an achievable, step-by-step plan — with at-home HIIT workouts and nutritionist-created recipes — to become your healthiest self.
Goldwin's Mac Coat is made from Gore-Tex Paclite – which is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, packable and doesn't compromise on a soft handfeel. Get 15 percent off one of your own by signing up for the brand's newsletter.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
Huckberry teamed up with the squad at GORUCK to make a pared-back version of GORUCK's flagship GR1 backpack that still packs a solid punch. Made with 500D Cordura, it is tough but not overdoing it with super thick fabric. One of its coolest features is the laptop compartment, which sits higher against your back so that it is protected if the bag gets dropped.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
This is your new go-to for spring. Whether you're headed to the gym, lounging around the house or pairing it with a button-down shirt, this heather crewneck will get the job done. Todd Snyder sure knows how to outfit the American man.
If you want a mask with more protection and versatility than a simple cloth mask, check out this one from Outdoor Research. It has adjustable straps to keep your fit dialed and comes with three replaceable filters that block out 95 percent of particles.
Casio's legendary G-Shock line is not only a utilitarian achievement but is also just super stylish. You can find G-Shocks everywhere, from space to the street. This one is a bit pared back compared to others, which makes it an excellent addition to any fit any time.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
This desk lamp is packed with features that will make you wonder how you lived without it. Aside from its lighting, it utilizes RavPower's groundbreaking HyperAir technology for ultra-fast wireless charging and has a USB port for any other devices you might have.
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
This is our pick for the best big and tall office chair, but that doesn't mean it won't work for those of us that are more vertically challenged. The ergonomics on this chair are excellent, ensuring that you stay comfortable for the long haul.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
