10 Innovative Fitness Apps to Try This Year

As a personal trainer for over a decade, I've seen every fitness fad come and go. But when gyms closed during the pandemic, I watched in horror as my clients' hard-earned progress disappeared. That's when I became obsessed with finding apps that could actually replace in-person training. After testing 112 apps (yes, I counted), here are the only 10 worth your time - with real pros, cons, and unexpected benefits I discovered through months of use.

1. Future: The Closest Thing to a Personal Trainer

The Test Case:
My client Sarah, a nurse working night shifts, struggled with consistency. Future solved this by:

• Assigning her a real trainer who created 15-minute workouts for break rooms

• Adjusting routines based on her sleep patterns

• Sending voice notes when she missed workouts

What Makes It Different:
Unlike pre-recorded apps, your trainer:
✔ Modifies workouts if you're sore
✔ Checks your form via video submissions
✔ Actually remembers your dog's name

Cost: $149\mathrm{/}month(butreplaces$100+/session training)

Surprise Benefit: The "just show up" mode gives you one exercise at a time - perfect for overwhelming days.

2. Freeletics: AI That Knows Your Body Better Than You Do

The Reality Check:
After proudly completing a self-designed routine, the app warned: "This program will cause right shoulder dominance in 4 weeks." A month later? My physio confirmed the imbalance.

Why It Works:

• Camera Tracking: Uses your phone to count reps (no wearables needed)

• Adaptive Recovery: Learns how long you need between sessions

• Ninja Mode: Silent workouts for late-night sessions

Best For: People who want science-backed bodyweight training.

Annoying Quirk: The AI sometimes overestimates beginner ability.

3. Centr: Beyond the Hype of Celebrity Fitness

The Unexpected Gem:
While everyone focuses on Chris Hemsworth's workouts, the app's:
✔ 5-Minute Meal Prep section saved me hours
✔ Injury Prevention routines fixed my client's nagging elbow pain
✔ Meditation Programs actually reduced my resting heart rate

Cost: $29.99/month

Pro Tip: The "Surf Fit" program is the only cardio I've ever looked forward to.

4. Strava: More Than Just Cyclists Bragging

Features Most People Miss:
✔ Route Planning: Shows where locals actually run (avoiding unsafe areas)
✔ Gear Alerts: Told me to replace shoes at 487 miles (just before they blew out)
✔ Segment Matching: Found rivals at my exact fitness level

Life-Saving Feature: The safety beacon alerted my wife when I took a bad fall trail running.

5. Peloton App: Secretly the Best Budget Training Tool

What No One Tells You:
You don't need their equipment for:
✔ Bodyweight Strength Classes (perfect for travel)
✔ Outdoor Audio Runs with coached pacing
✔ 10-Minute Core Routines that deliver visible abs

My Go-To: The "Flash 15" HIIT workouts when time-crunched.

Cost: $12.99/month

6. Fitbod: The Smartest Weightlifting App

How It Outsmarted Me:
The app detected:

• My left side fatigued faster during presses

• I consistently skipped legs after work trips

• My grip failed before back on deadlifts

Then it automatically adjusted my program.

Best For: Lifters who hate workout planning.

Cool Feature: Tracks barbell vs. dumbbell strength differences.

7. Zombies, Run!: The Only Cardio I Don't Hate

How It Works:
You're a runner in a zombie apocalypse where:

• Jogging = delivering medical supplies

• Sprinting = escaping zombie hordes

• Walking = rebuilding your base

Psychological Hack:
I once accidentally ran 4 miles during a cliffhanger mission.

Best For: People who think they "hate running."

8. Down Dog: Yoga That Adapts to Your Life

Customization Options I Use:

• 7 Minutes on rushed mornings

• Hip Focus after leg day

• Slow Voice option for stressful days

Why Better Than YouTube:
No two classes are ever repeated.

Cost: $7.99/month (frequent 50% off sales)

9. MyFitnessPal's AI Upgrade: Smarter Than Ever

The Game-Changer:
Snap a photo of your meal and it:
✔ Estimates portions with scary accuracy
✔ Flags nutrient deficiencies ("Low iron today")
✔ Suggests healthier swaps ("Try sweet potato instead")

Annoyance: The barcode scanner is now paywalled.

10. Pvolve: Physical Therapy Meets Fitness

The Client Success Story:
After knee surgery, my client Rachel used their:

• Band Sequences to reactivate muscles

• Streaming Stick for safe resistance

• Seated Workouts when standing hurt

Best For: Post-injury training.

Which App Should You Choose?

If You Need...	Best App	Cost
Accountability	Future	$149/mo
Home Workouts	Freeletics	Free+
Holistic Health	Centr	$29.99/mo

Free Options Worth Trying:

• Strava (basic features)

• Down Dog (frequent sales)

• Zombies, Run! (first season free)