Obvious statement alert: Getting to the gym on super-busy days can be damn near impossible. Plus, when everyone’s trying to hit their #fitnessgoals, enough space to get your sweat on can be hard to come by. Rather than skip a workout, why not take it mobile? That’s the beauty of training apps – there are plenty of options out there for women, from yogis to lifters to runners.
What’s also great about using a workout app is that you can track your progress. By reviewing your data each week, you’ll be able to identify whether you’re working too hard, not training enough or not hitting the ideal heart rate long enough for significant calorie burn.
Here you’ll find a list of the nine top workout and training apps for women – all approved by fitness pros. Each one will basically turn your phone into your very own personal trainer. Time to sweat. it. out.
Best Training Apps For Distance Training
Strava
Best for: Cardio
Price: Free; premium from R50
So many runners and cyclists use Strava — and that’s likely because the workout app is so big on community. You can follow friends, see their routes, share photos, and compete in challenges. It allows you to stay connected with your fit friends, which is a great way to hold each other accountable. The best part: You can easily find places to run if you’re in a new city, thanks to the local feature that shows popular routes in major cities.
Runna
Best for: Running
Price: From R149.99
Swap that Netflix night for a few laps around your neighbourhood. All you have to do is download this app, which will get beginner runners clocking kms with personalised guidance. The best part: The plan is laid out so it’s super-easy to follow.
Nike Run Club (NRC)
Best for: Running
Price: Free
Loved by many, this coaching-forward app leans on pro coaches, athletes and celebs to create an accessible running hub for everyone, from sub-20 5k sprinters to beginners. Coach Bennett, an encouraging in-your-ear specialist and Nike Running Global Head Coach, helms your daily plod with advice, mental shifts and all-around feel-good vibes.
READ MORE: “I Didn’t Fit The ‘Runner’s Body’ – But I Still Finished Two Half-Marathons”
Best Fitness Apps For All-Around Training
Pumatrac
Pumatrac
Best for: HIIT/Strength
Price: Free
This is a great ‘all-round’ app that appeals to runners and gym-goers alike. Pick a goal (running, fitness, weight loss) and the nifty scheduler will help plan the right workouts you need to reach your goals. The super-smart algorithm will serve up personalised workouts from PUMA’s huge library of performance-based running and training content. The best part: You can work out with the PUMA Global Athletes (like our very own Takkies) and learn from the pros.
Nike Training Club (NTC)
Best for: Cross-training
Price: Free
Not much to say here that you’re not already aware of, we’d wager. A stalwart in fitness, Nike has long been using real trainers to develop training programmes that measure performance through athletic output, like endurance, conditioning and strength. Choose from whiteboard-style workouts and trainer-led classes. Do Pilates, yoga, weightlifting, cardio and more. And, if you’re a cross-trainer, you can integrate your programme with NRC, so your running is tracked and accounted for.
Ladder
Best for: Goal-oriented training
Price: 7-day trial, then from R493.69p/m
For anyone wanting to focus on a specific goal and train with purpose, Ladder uses a personalised lens to pinpoint your coach and training programme. Reviewers love it for pumping motivation through communication, pushing progress and for working with what you have, be it time, equipment or ability. If you love accountability and the feeling that you’re not alone, give this a try. Also, it offers different modalities, including yoga, Pilates and cardio machines.
READ MORE: The Best Strength Exercises For Female Runners To Prevent Injury, According To Studies
Holistic Fitness Apps
Zing Coach
Best for: Strength training
Price: From R400p/m
If you prefer detailed feedback, like how your form can improve or want real-time coaching, Zing offers an AI coach inside an app. Packed with features, the app feels like an on-demand trainer, with people loving the moment-to-moment adaptations the app can provide. It’s also diverse, able to accommodate gym machines, cardio equipment and functional movements.
Shred
Best for: Personalised AI workouts
Price: Free, or from R164.43p/m
Get on-demand workout classes – and live sessions – from an app. If you prefer structured strength training, the app also offers weight and rep recommendations, exercise substitutes and in-workout guidance. This app is praised by pro athletes and beginners alike, who love how adaptable and challenging the workouts are.
Bevel
Best for: All-in-one health
Price: Free
If you’re overwhelmed by metrics/wish everything was in one place/can’t be arsed to keep up with ten different apps for your health, Bevel might be your answer. Integrating with your smartwatch and Apple Health, this app understands that fitness training is one piece of the puzzle. It lets you log your food with just a photo, tracks your monthly cycle, helps manage stress and yes, creates workouts using the time, equipment and energy available.
READ MORE: The Fitness App Privacy Check Every Woman Should Do Today
