The 8 best free workout apps for working from home
Our round-up of the best (free) fitness apps, no gym membership required
With self-isolation now forcing many people to exercise at home for the first time, it can be hard to know where to start without a guide. To help, here's our round-up of the best fitness apps which you can access with just your smartphone - and they are all free to download.
1 | For desk-side workouts: Wakeout
Wakeout is designed for people who are extremely time poor and who spend hours on end at a desk. The app allows you to stretch and flex in 30-second increments in the places you spend most of your time. There are hundreds of exercises you can do right at your desk, like yoga, chair exercises and hand-health exercises to help you stay productive, energised and healthy.
Wakeout, Available on iOS, Free
2 | For the Yogi: Daily Yoga App
With more than 100 yoga and meditation classes, Daily Yoga aims to help people of all levels. The app features an entire series of beginner-friendly tutorials to help you find a more balanced and healthier self in just two weeks. Ask questions about your routines, make new friends to practice with or simply share your yoga moments in the app; there's a reason it boasts the largest yoga community worldwide.
Daily Yoga App, Available on iOS and Android, Free
3 | For maximum results: 7-Minute Workout Challenge
Backed by peer-reviewed scientific research, the 7-Minute Workout Challenge” has become an international hit, promising to transform your body in a mere seven minutes per day. Experts have put together 12 exercises that can be performed in seven minutes but achieve the equivalent of an hour’s workout. Perfect for achieving maximum results in minimum time.
7-Minute Workout Challenge, Available on iOS and Android, Free
4 | For achieving a goal: Nike Training Club
Turn staying at home into your at-home advantage with access to over 190 free workouts. With Nike’s app you can start training with a personal plan that guides you while adjusting to your progress. The programme gives you access to four training plans, each lasting four-to-six weeks. Whether you have access to a full gym or are training from the comfort of your home, there's a routine that fits you and your schedule so that you can reach your goals.
Nike Training Club, Available on iOS and Android, Free
5 | For squats: 30-Day Squat Challenge
The 30-Day Squat Challenge is a fuss-free one-month exercise plan based on the highly effective bodyweight move. The app boasts 13 variations of the squat and challenges you to a take on different squats every day with the intensity of the workouts gradually increasing. It also takes into account rest days so you can make sure you don’t strain yourself. We suggest downloading this one if you already have hand weights at home so you can really take advantage of all the exercises.
30 Day Squat Challenge, Available on iOS, Free
6) For kettlebell afficionados: Kettlebell Workouts
Kettlebell Workouts is a video-coaching app, which gives you full workout sessions that you can do with a kettlebell. These workouts increase muscular strength, balance and cardio condition. The app allows you to track the history of your workouts with built-in calendar features, and it can set up daily alert notifications so you can keep your streak going. Don’t have a kettlebell? The developers Fitify have also made apps for medicine balls, TRX suspension trainers, resistance bands and more so you can choose a workout based on whatever equipment you may have at home.
Kettlebell Workouts by Fitify, Available on iOS and Android, Free
7 | For specific exercises: Sworkit
Sworkit means to simply 'work it'. The app's workout plans are designed to help you reach your fitness goals faster and more simply. The programme is divided into categories to suit your needs; choose from cardio, strength and stretching, and you can pinpoint exactly what it is you want to work on. Personal trainers then give video demonstrations of the workout. The overall experience is enjoyable, and easy to follow.
Sworkit, Available on iOS and Android, Free
8 | For lower body: Daily Butt Workout
This daily glute workout app features lower body toning exercises which are great for both men and women. Developed by a certified personal trainer, there are videos showing how to do each exercise and useful on-screen instructions and a timer. You can choose between five, eight and 10 minute glute-toning workouts depending on how much time you have. It also integrates with the the Health app so data such as calories burned is available at the end of your session.