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You want an app where you can document your progress.
If you use a fitness tracker, be sure the app you choose seamlessly integrates with your device.
Consider an app that provides evidence-based workout routines that’ll help you achieve your goals.
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Working out in your own home is a convenient option. But when you’re exercising solo it can be hard to stay motivated or expand your routine. If you find yourself losing focus, or in a workout rut repeating the same old exercises, a workout app can help. These apps are not only cheaper than getting a personal trainer, but they also offer a variety of types of routines for strength, cardio, yoga, marathon running and more.
To help you swim through the sea of health apps that promise to help with your workouts, our CNET fitness experts have put together this list of the best workout apps for women and what you can expect from each — whether it’s a personalized training plan or required exercise equipment. Most fitness apps listed here are targeted toward women, and most of the certified trainers involved are women. However, anyone can benefit from them, since gender-specific exercise simply doesn’t exist.
The best overall workout app for women
EvolveYou tops our roundup of best workout apps for women. EvolveYou offers a holistic approach to fitness that also caters to specific needs and goals. This workout app has a diverse range of expertly crafted workouts, from strength training to cardio to endurance. What sets EvolveYou apart from similar workout apps for women is its personalized workouts based on expertise level.
Best workout apps for women in 2024
Most of these apps I’ve used over the years in my fitness journey. For this list I looked at the following factors:
Customization: A great fitness app will allow you to customize your workout plan to your fitness level, preferences and goals.
Comprehensive approach: I looked at apps that offer a holistic approach and incorporate different exercise types (like cardio, strength training, yoga and more), nutrition, mental health exercises and guidance.
Support features and community: I especially like apps that foster a supportive community where women can share experiences and success.
User-friendly interface: An app’s interface plays a crucial role in your fitness journey. I looked for designs that are intuitive, easy to navigate and give clear guidance that contribute to a positive user experience.
Progress tracking: Look for apps that have robust progress-tracking tools and analytics. This will help you monitor your achievements and pace against your goals.
Wearable integration: If you currently use a fitness tracker, choose and app that can integrate with popular wearable devices.
Expert guidance: Look for an app that gives you clear guidance for your workout routines, like proper form and posture. Ensure the app collaborates with certified fitness professionals or nutritionists.
Work out wherever you are
The great thing about fitness subscriptions is that you can access them anytime and anywhere. If you’re traveling or stuck at home, and even if your gym is closed, you can pull out your phone and get a great workout done wherever you are.
Track progress
Most fitness apps collect data from previous workouts and provide a report on how much you’ve progressed over time. Whether you are looking to gain muscle, lose weight or build endurance, looking at your progress report will show you how far you’ve come.
Save money
All workout apps in this article cost between $10 and $20 per month — that’s likely cheaper than most fitness classes in a studio. You also get unlimited access to your workouts in the apps, so you can take as many classes or workouts as you want.
Requires a lot of self-motivation
Having an online coach that’s available 24/7 may sound tempting, but if you need that extra motivation or accountability, you may want to consider a personal trainer to help you with your fitness goals, or join forces with a workout buddy. With an online fitness subscription, you’ll get access to a ton of information and workouts, but it’ll require a lot of discipline to complete the programs on your own.
No professional assistance
If you’re new to any type of workout, it’s essential to have someone correct your form. Bad posture during exercise can lead to severe injuries. If you have experience exercising, this might not be an issue, but people beginning their fitness journey may find following classes and routines difficult if they don’t know how to do the moves correctly.
What is the best workout app for women?
The best workout app will be the one that offers you the right tools to achieve your goals and fits your lifestyle. Our best overall pick is EvolveYou, since it has the widest variety of workouts to choose from, allows you track progress and is highly customizable.
What is the best at home workout program for women?
We really like EvolveYou and MWH for home workouts, since both offer at-home programs that require little to no equipment.
Do workout apps for women really work?
Yes. Workout apps for women can help you achieve your fitness goals, but it requires a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline since no one will hold you accountable. If you follow the program with the right lifestyle changes — like nutrition and quality sleep — you should see results.
Exercise apps are abundant, and narrowing down the list can seem daunting. When selecting the best one for you, consider if it offers the necessary tools to help you reach your goals, such as weight loss, building muscle or simply becoming more active. Make sure that the app you choose offers multiple levels of expertise so that as you get fitter, you can challenge yourself and move on to the next level.