Gym memberships are expensive, and carving out time for exercise is harder than ever—yet seven fitness apps are tearing down those barriers, putting expert-led workouts at your fingertips for pennies a day. CNET's latest roundup of the best workout apps delivers a curated selection for home and gym alike, from Peloton's immersive cycling classes to MyFitnessPal's calorie-crunching database. The lead fact: total downloads for top fitness apps surpassed 2.5 billion globally in 2024, with revenue topping $3 billion, according to Sensor Tower data.
The Covid-19 pandemic supercharged the home fitness revolution, locking millions out of gyms and into living-room sweat sessions. Even as gyms reopened, the convenience of on-demand workouts kept users hooked. The market has matured: apps now integrate with smartwatches, offer live classes, and use AI to personalize routines. CNET's list—compiled by health editors who tested dozens of apps—focuses on value, ease of use, and proven results.
Key details from the roundup include: Peloton App (standalone, no bike required, $12.99/month with 10,000+ classes), Apple Fitness+ (requires Apple Watch, $9.99/month, integrates seamlessly with iPhone and iPad), Strava (the gold standard for runners and cyclists, $5/month for premium, 100 million users), Nike Training Club (free with 190+ workouts, strength and yoga), Fitbod ($12.99/month, uses AI to build weightlifting programs based on your equipment and progress), MyFitnessPal (free basic; $19.99/month Premium; 11 million food database), and JEFIT (free plus $6.99/month; 1,300+ exercises with tracking). Each app earns high marks for specific use cases—Peloton for motivation, Fitbod for science-based muscle building, JEFIT for gym-goers who log every rep.
Analysis: The shift from one-size-fits-all gyms to personalized digital coaching reflects a broader consumer demand for flexibility and control. Fitness app adoption is no longer a pandemic blip but a structural change in how people think about exercise, says Amanda Loudin, a seasoned fitness journalist. The best workout apps now rival personal trainers in effectiveness at a fraction of the cost. Gyms are responding by offering hybrid memberships that include app access, blurring the line between physical and virtual.
Outlook: Watch for deeper AI integration—apps that adjust your workout in real time based on heart rate and recovery data. Expect more partnerships with insurance companies offering premium discounts for app use. The next generation of best workout apps will likely incorporate spatial computing (think Apple Vision Pro for yoga). For now, CNET's list remains the definitive guide to staying active without a membership contract. Whether you are a marathoner or a morning stretch devotee, these seven apps make the “no time” excuse obsolete.
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The 7 Must-Try Fitness Apps for Home or Gym Workouts
No more excuses: These workouts are at your fingertips and can be used at any time.
Giselle Castro-Sloboda
CNET
3 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- Peloton App's standalone subscription costs $12.99/month and offers over 10,000 on-demand classes without requiring a bike.
- MyFitnessPal's food database includes 11 million items, with 200+ million users logging meals daily as of 2024.
- Nike Training Club remains completely free with 190+ workouts covering strength, yoga, and HIIT, created by pro trainers.
- Fitbod uses AI to generate personalized weightlifting routines based on your available equipment, gym or home, and progress history.
- Strava's premium tier at $5/month adds live segments and beacon safety features; the platform hit 100 million registered users in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
CNET's top seven include Peloton, Apple Fitness+, Strava, Nike Training Club, Fitbod, MyFitnessPal, and JEFIT. These apps cover everything from cardio and strength to nutrition tracking.
Yes. Nike Training Club and MyFitnessPal's basic versions are free and offer high-quality workouts and tracking. While premium versions unlock extra features, free tiers are still effective for many users.
Fitness apps use your input (weight, reps, meals) and sync with wearables to log steps, calories burned, and heart rate. Many provide charts, streaks, and goal reminders to keep you motivated.
For many users, yes. Apps like Fitbod and JEFIT offer guided strength training at home with minimal equipment. Combining a few apps can replace the variety of a gym at a fraction of the monthly cost.
MyFitnessPal is the top choice because it combines calorie tracking with exercise logging. Pair it with a workout app like Peloton or Nike Training Club for best results.
Not necessarily. Many apps offer bodyweight workouts (Nike Training Club, Peloton) that require zero equipment. Others like Fitbod let you tailor exercises to whatever dumbbells or bands you own.
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