Exercising at home offers unparalleled convenience, but staying motivated or diversifying your routine without a workout partner or trainer can be challenging.
If you’re stuck in a rut with repetitive exercises or struggling to maintain focus, a workout app might be the perfect solution.
These apps are more affordable than hiring a personal trainer and provide a wide range of routines for strength training, yoga, cardio, marathon running, and more.
To help you navigate the vast selection of health apps available, our CNET fitness experts have curated a list of the best workout apps for women.
These apps cater to various fitness goals, offering personalized plans and flexibility to suit your needs.
While most of these apps are designed with women in mind and often feature certified female trainers, their programs can benefit anyone, as fitness is not gender-specific.
1. EvolveYou
EvolveYou stands out as the best overall workout app for women due to its comprehensive and customizable approach to fitness. Formerly known as Tone and Sculpt, this app offers expertly designed workouts tailored to your fitness level, goals, and preferences.
Pros
- Fully customizable workout routines
- Variety of levels, from beginner to expert
- Includes a nutrition plan
Cons
- Requires clicking through every repetition during workouts
EvolveYou provides a personalized experience, allowing you to select your preferred trainer based on specialties like strength training, endurance, barre, and yoga. You can also customize your weekly workout frequency, equipment availability, and even dietary preferences.
Programs range from short-term options like eight weeks for yoga to longer commitments like 67 weeks for strength training.
The app’s intuitive dashboard displays your weekly planner, which you can adjust to fit your schedule. Each exercise includes a video and description to ensure proper form.
Additionally, the meal planner offers four diet types—standard, vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian—complete with recipes and shopping lists. The app includes a seven-day free trial for new users.
2. Melissa Wood Health (MWH)
The MWH Method focuses on low-impact exercises that sculpt and strengthen through controlled movements, making it ideal for those who prefer gentle yet effective routines.
Pros
- Highly organized workout library
- Inclusive routines for all fitness levels
- Short workouts that can be combined into a full routine
Cons
- No long-term programs
- Limited progress-tracking tools
The app features 10- to 30-minute Pilates and yoga-based routines, with new content added weekly. Despite being low-impact, these workouts are highly effective, offering meditations, pre-and post-natal exercises, and beginner-friendly options. The emphasis on setting workout intentions fosters a mindful and rewarding fitness journey.
3. StrongHer
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StrongHer provides a balance of effective workouts and customizable meal plans, making it a standout app for building muscle and tracking progress.
Pros
- Weekly additions to the workout library
- Progress-tracking features for weight, calorie intake, and water consumption
- Personalized meal plans
Cons
- Persistent ads promoting membership upgrades
- Reports of slow customer service responses
StrongHer starts by assessing your goals—whether it’s weight loss, muscle toning, or muscle building—and offers personalized workout routines for home or gym settings. It tracks your fitness journey with features that document your strength gains and other milestones.
The app’s point-based nutrition system simplifies meal planning, accommodating various dietary preferences, including vegan modifications.
4. Alo Moves
@reena.de.dongxi I’ve tried over 100 of them and these 5 are the best. Core-focused, full-body workouts. Consistency, 80/20 diet, and 6 hrs + of sleep will get you where you want. Let’s do this. I’m rooting for you. #alomoves #alomovespartner #alo #fitness ♬ Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) – Doja Cat
Created by the popular Alo Yoga brand, Alo Moves offers a rich selection of yoga and fitness classes for enthusiasts of all levels.
Pros
- Tailored class recommendations
- Wide variety of workout options
Cons
- Higher price point than similar apps
- Limited guidance for beginners
Alo Moves delivers an array of classes across four categories: fitness, yoga, mindfulness, and skills. With over 70 instructors, the app personalizes recommendations based on your goals and preferences.
Classes range from restorative yoga to high-energy kundalini sessions, catering to different moods and skill levels. The app offers a 14-day free trial to explore its diverse offerings.
5. Sweat
Founded by Kayla Itsines, Sweat is a popular choice for seasoned fitness enthusiasts seeking challenging, results-driven programs.
Pros
- Integrated with Spotify and Apple Music
- Customizable weekly workout plans
- Alternatives provided for challenging exercises
Cons
- Pricier than similar apps
- Repetitive exercises within workouts
Sweat offers over 30 programs, including gym-based strength training, post-pregnancy recovery, and zero-equipment routines. Its PWR program, designed for muscle growth through progressive weight lifting, is particularly challenging and well-suited for experienced users.
The app also features a comprehensive nutrition plan and a user-friendly interface, with a seven-day free trial available.
6. Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club is a fantastic app for runners of all levels, offering guided runs and progress tracking.
Pros
- Free to use
- Expert coaching and guided runs
- Tracks progress and offers motivational features
Cons
- Limited cross-training options
This app caters to runners with features like GPS tracking, audio-guided runs, and progress analytics. Nike Run Club offers training plans for beginners and seasoned runners preparing for marathons, along with motivational audio to keep you going.
7. FitOn
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FitOn delivers free, versatile workout plans across various disciplines, including cardio, strength, and yoga.
Pros
- Completely free with optional upgrades
- Wide variety of workouts
- Celebrity trainers
Cons
- Limited nutrition features without a premium subscription
FitOn provides an extensive library of workouts, with options for beginners and advanced users alike. The app’s clean interface and engaging instructors make it a top choice for those seeking flexibility without a subscription.
8. Freeletics
@freeletics Track your daily fitness activity in the Freeletics app 🔑 #consistency #freeletics ♬ original sound – Freeletics
Freeletics is designed for those seeking high-intensity functional workouts, focusing on strength and endurance.
Pros
- AI-driven personalized plans
- No equipment is required for most workouts
- Time-efficient routines
Cons
- Limited yoga and Pilates options
- Premium features require a subscription
Freeletics combines AI technology with customizable plans to create efficient workout routines. The app is ideal for those who prefer quick, high-impact exercises that can be done at home or on the go.
Conclusion
Workout apps are an excellent way to bring structure, motivation, and variety to your fitness routine, no matter where you are.
Whether you’re building muscle with StrongHer, finding peace through Alo Moves, or running with Nike Run Club, there’s an app for every goal and preference.
Explore these options and find the one that fits your lifestyle to elevate your fitness journey.