If you want an app to tell you what to lift, look at Fitbod, Ladder or KalmeFit. If you already have a plan and want to log it, Hevy and Strong are the most rated trackers. If you want guided workouts at home or the gym, Nike Training Club is a good place to start. Ratings and descriptions below come from each app's App Store listing, read October 20, 2026.
The picks
- Hevy (4.9 stars, about 99,000 ratings). A workout tracker: log every set, follow any program, track your lifts. Its listing says it is free with no ads.
- Strong (4.9 stars, about 109,000 ratings). A simple tracker for any routine. Good if you already know what you want to do.
- Fitbod (4.8 stars, about 288,000 ratings). Builds personalized workouts for you. Several recent low reviews are about trial charges and renewals, so read the billing terms first.
- Ladder (5.0 stars, about 211,000 ratings). A structured, coach-built plan for every day. Its listing offers a 7 day trial.
- Nike Training Club (4.8 stars, about 282,000 ratings). Workouts and programs from Nike's trainers, at home or the gym, which its listing says are free.
- KalmeFit (new on the App Store since October 19, 2026, so very few ratings). You set your days a week, session length and equipment, and Kalme builds your plan. With Plus, it adjusts today's workout when your time or gym changes, waits for your yes before changing anything, and steps your plan up week to week. iPhone only, in English, exercise only.
How to choose
Ask one question: do you want to be told what to do, or do you want to record what you already do? A beginner usually does better with a plan. Then check the price and the trial terms before you start, and pick the one whose plan you will still open on a busy week.
Questions
What is a good workout app for a beginner?
One that gives you a plan you can follow on a busy week. Fitbod, Ladder and KalmeFit build plans; Hevy and Strong are for logging a plan you already have.
Are workout planner apps worth paying for?
A plan that adjusts to you can be. Check the monthly price, the trial length and how to cancel before you subscribe.
Keep reading
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General information, not medical advice. If you have pain or a health condition, check with a clinician before you start.