This is fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but many competitors, like Peloton, now offer a variety of workout modalities, and we wish Zwift would expand its offerings. If you want a bit of added motivation, without hiring a trainer, it’s hard to think of a better option than joining a virtual race and competing against real users. If you want a more affordable app that’s still personalized to your goals and performance, JuggernautAI may be worth a try, especially if you’re focused on strength goals. IFIT’s cheaper tier is more affordable than the average workout app, but the app’s self-guided nature might not be a fit for everyone’s training style. You can deviate from the workout plan given by BetterMe, though, as there is an entire workout library. That said, Nicole notes that you may have to dig around to find what you need.
The 12 Best Muscle Building Apps for Serious Gains in 2026
Within the program, feedback from the user is prompted and used to calculate the recommended load for each exercise. One of the less talked about qualities of bodybuilders is that they’re very often quite flexible. People who lift professionally understand the importance of stretching in building muscle, as it allows for an increased range of motion – essential for packing on weight.
- Along the way, the intensity gradually increases with day 30 promising to “test anyone.” Intriguing, right?
- Strive Workout Log provides the cleanest, most effective way to track your workouts and ensure progressive overload without ads or paywalls for core features.
- James Cunningham is an author and dietary supplement connoisseur with a solid academic foundation, holding a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science from the University of Hertfordshire.
- That said, there are some advantages to using a fitness app over a gym membership.
- The best workout app for you covers the exercises you’re interested in doing at a level that’s accessible to you.
- Users can choose a program that fits their goals, such as a popular 5 day split, and follow it day-by-day within a clean, intuitive interface that handles the tracking for you.
Future Fitness
Additionally, the program can be easily incorporated into a fitness routine through the use of strength training apps, which provide a convenient way to track progress and stay on track with the program. Overall, StrongLifts 5×5 is a reliable and efficient way to improve strength and physical fitness through weight training. While some apps only have free trials, there are a few free workout apps. For example, Nike Training Club is completely free, offers workout databases, and lets you track your workouts.
Can AI workout apps really replace a personal trainer?
Muscle Booster has no shortage of perfect 5-out-of-5 scores from our tester, though its is madmuscles worth it interactive features and overall value leave a little to be desired. While you can upload photos to send to your trainer, you can only send one at a time, according to Amanda. Our only real callout was the app itself, which had a few technical issues. “I think no matter where you are, there will be a workout you can do with the app,” says Lindsay.
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You’ll also want to figure out whether the app’s classes require you to have certain pieces of equipment on hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat. Make sure you either have these items, or you have the budget to purchase them. Not to mention, yoga is one of the oldest forms of exercise and is a great way to improve overall health. Daily Yoga app is an impressive application to help you do yoga at pace.
Progress Tracking: Log Lifts and Map Your Strength Gains
You can track your progress and have a personal trainer right at your fingertips. Whether you prefer the gym or working out at home, the app has fresh sessions for you. It engages all muscle groups and provides detailed guidance with visuals.
Isolation exercises
JuggernautAI, a periodization-based app built specifically for powerlifters, occupies a niche that the other six apps don’t touch. Fitbod is the best fitness app for strength training when you want maximum variety and zero planning overhead. Any functional fitness lover will appreciate the variety of CrossFit exercises available on SmartWOD. This app is a WOD generator as well as a WOD creator, so you can search for workouts or make your own custom workout using the app’s integrated timer and marking off reps and rounds. If you’re looking for a quick, new workout to do, SmartWOD can provide it.
What about the new RP hypertrophy app?
You’ll either need the Zwift Kickr Core 2 to use with your existing bike or the standalone Zwift trainer. Neither is exactly cheap, with the Kickr costing $549 at the time of writing. Like running on a treadmill, indoor training isn’t always the most fun. I will say, though, that Zwift does a great job of bringing outdoor rides into your home thanks to its video-game-style design. Zwift uses game features to make indoor cycling and running more fun, but the app has a history of crashing and isn’t great on small phone screens.
best free bodybuilding and weight lifting apps
It connects users with elite coaches who provide structured, progressive programs designed for specific goals like muscle building. This app is perfect for individuals who thrive on community motivation and expert guidance but want it delivered through a flexible digital platform. Fitbod excels as one of the best workout apps for muscle gain by using a smart algorithm to build and progress your strength training program. It generates workouts based on your logged history, available equipment, and muscle recovery status, ensuring you consistently apply progressive overload for hypertrophy.
Top 3 bodybuilding apps for beginners
“I like that the quiz will populate a workout plan based on your answers, but the quiz was a bit too long for my taste,” says GGR editorial member Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, who tested out the fitness app. If you’re looking for another great app that also offers personalized coaching from a certified fitness professional, you may want to consider Future. It also costs $199 per month, but GGR readers can get their first month for free. The SHRED app is significantly more affordable than the average workout app and includes a 7-day trial for new users.
When not training, testing products, or writing content, Ben spends his time pursuing his other interests which include cooking, hunting, fishing, hiking, DIY projects, and intramural sports, among others. While advanced lifters can seriously benefit from the data-driven approach, most apps cater to all levels. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or a seasoned vet, an AI bodybuilding app can take your results to the next level.