Fitness apps are Useful for busy People
Welcome to the best fitness apps for busy people.
Picture this: It’s 7 AM, your alarm goes off, and you have back-to-back meetings lined up for the day. By the time you finish work, all you want to do is crash on the couch. Sound familiar? It certainly rings a bell within my busy life.
For many of us, finding time to exercise amidst our hectic schedules can feel impossible. But what if I told you that staying fit doesn’t have to be a chore?
Enter the world of digital fitness, where your smartphone becomes your personal trainer, and exercise fits right into your busy life. Ready to discover the top 10 fitness apps for busy professionals that will revolutionise your fitness routine? Keep reading, because your journey to a healthier you starts now.
Worry not, I’m a blog and affiliate free site. If this ever changes, my integrity matters more than a quick side hustle buck, so you’ll never see a product I don’t recommend, or don’t have have personal/close second hand experience of.
The below apps have been a personal godsend, or for those close to me and are well worthy of exploration. Prior to the conclusion, you’ll find recommended links to other articles closely related to this one.
I’ve attempted to keep this app list varied and provide you with sufficient information on free vs paid app functions.
1. MyFitnessPal: The Ultimate All-Rounder
If you’ve been reading my other articles for a while, you’ll be aware that I’m a big fan. It would have been rather foolish omitting it from the best fitness apps for busy people. Putting it rather simply – what gets measured gets done. You’d assume an app to complete every time you consume calories is tedious. You get used to it and it ultimately serves as a tool to enlighten you regarding how much really gets passed through your mouth.
When it comes to digital fitness, MyFitnessPal is the Swiss Army knife of apps. It’s not just about tracking calories; this app offers a comprehensive fitness solution. With a vast food database and easy-to-use interface, it helps you keep tabs on your diet and exercise.
My Fitness pal Features
Food diary, barcode scanner, customisable goals, community support. I’m not going to get into the premium paid benefits as I honestly feel there’s no need to go premium. A free account will serve you well.
Why It’s Great
It integrates with numerous other apps and devices (smart watches etc), making it a versatile choice for tracking your health. Plus, it’s like having a dietician who doesn’t judge your late-night ice cream binges.
My app Experience
I’ve mostly been consistent for the last 6 years.
2. Strava: For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Strava is perfect for those who love to run, cycle, or hike. It turns your outdoor activities into a social experience, allowing you to compete with friends and explore new routes. Strava stands out by combining fitness tracking with a social network, creating a community of athletes who motivate and challenge each other.
Strava Free Features
GPS Tracking
Track your runs, rides, and other activities with precise GPS data.
Performance Analysis
View detailed statistics on distance, pace, speed, elevation gain, and calories burned.
Social Sharing
Share your activities with friends, give and receive kudos, and leave comments on each other’s workouts.
Community Challenges
Participate in monthly challenges to stay motivated and compete for virtual badges.
Route Discovery
Explore new routes with the help of the Strava community’s shared activities and recommendations.
Paid Features (Strava Summit)
Advanced Metrics
Get deeper insights into your performance with metrics like heart rate analysis, power data, and Suffer Score.
Training Plans
Access customisable training plans tailored to your goals, whether you’re training for a race or just trying to get fitter.
Live Segments
Compete in real-time on popular segments and see your performance compared to others instantly.
Safety Features
Use Beacon to share your real-time location with friends and family for added safety during your workouts.
Personalised Coaching
Receive training advice and feedback based on your performance data.
Route Planning
Create custom routes with detailed maps and sync them to your device for turn-by-turn navigation.
Why It’s Great
The app’s community aspect keeps you motivated and engaged. It’s like Facebook for fitness, but without the political rants. With Strava, you’re not just working out; you’re joining a global network of athletes who support and challenge each other. The free version of Strava offers plenty of features to get started and stay motivated, while the premium Strava Summit unlocks advanced tools for those who want to take their training to the next level.
Strava also integrates seamlessly with various wearable fitness devices and other fitness apps, allowing you to centralise all your fitness data in one place. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best, explore new trails, or just stay active, Strava provides the tools and community support to help you reach your goals.
Here’s my profile link. feel free to add me if you’d like to keep tabs on if I practice what I preach :). https://strava.app.link/6zdrlHUJrLb
3. Zwift: Your Virtual Training Partner
Zwift brings the thrill of outdoor cycling into your living room. It combines the fun of video games with the intensity of serious training, allowing you to cycle through virtual worlds with other users. Zwift is designed for cyclists, runners, and triathletes looking for a structured and interactive way to train indoors.
Free Zwift Features
Virtual Workouts
Access a selection of virtual rides and runs through various digital landscapes, from cityscapes to mountain trails.
Social Interaction
Ride or run alongside friends or strangers from around the world, making your workouts more social and engaging.
Basic Performance Tracking
Track basic metrics such as distance, speed, and time.
Paid Features (Zwift Membership)
Extensive Course Selection
Gain access to a wide range of virtual worlds and courses, including famous cycling routes and custom-built environments.
Structured Training Plans
Follow detailed training plans tailored to your fitness level and goals, from beginner workouts to advanced race preparation.
Customisable Workouts
Create and personalise your own workouts, adjusting intensity and duration to fit your needs.
Real-Time Performance Metrics
Monitor advanced metrics like power output, cadence, heart rate, and more, to optimise your training.
Events and Races
Participate in scheduled group rides, runs, and races, competing against other Zwift users in real-time.
Leaderboards and Achievements
Challenge yourself and others with leaderboards, and unlock achievements and virtual rewards for your performance.
Workout Analysis
Detailed post-workout analysis helps you understand your performance and track your progress over time.
Integration with Fitness Devices
Sync your workouts with various fitness devices and platforms, such as Garmin, Strava, and TrainingPeaks, for comprehensive data tracking.
Why It’s Great
Zwift’s immersive experience makes training fun and competitive. It’s like being in a video game, but for your health. Whether you’re a competitive cyclist, a recreational runner, or someone just looking to stay fit, Zwift offers a unique blend of exercise and entertainment that keeps you coming back for more.
The social aspect of Zwift is particularly engaging, as it allows you to ride or run with others, giving you a sense of community and support. You can join group rides, participate in events, or simply enjoy a casual run while chatting with friends. Zwift’s integration with smart trainers and treadmills ensures that your indoor workouts feel as realistic and challenging as possible, simulating real-world conditions and resistance changes.
The premium membership is well worth it for those serious about their training, providing access to a wealth of features that enhance the overall experience and effectiveness of your workouts. With Zwift, indoor training becomes a dynamic and motivating experience, helping you achieve your fitness goals while having fun.
It will be an interesting journey for Swift over the next decade. AI enhancements certainly look exciting (you’ll find a further reading link below) and Swift is the embodiment of digital fitness.
4. Nike Training Club: Workouts by the Best
Nike Training Club (NTC) offers a plethora of workouts designed by professional trainers and athletes. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, there’s a workout for you, catering to all fitness levels and preferences. This app aims to bring the expertise of Nike’s world-class trainers directly to you, making high-quality fitness accessible anytime, anywhere.
Free Features
Workout Library
Access over 200 workouts, including strength training, cardio, yoga, and mobility exercises. These workouts range from short, high-intensity sessions to longer, more in-depth routines.
Customisable Workout Plans
Create personalised workout plans based on your fitness goals, available equipment, and schedule. The app adjusts the plan based on your progress and feedback.
Guided Workouts
Follow along with step-by-step instructions and video demonstrations from professional trainers. These guided sessions ensure you perform exercises with proper form and technique.
Nutrition and Wellness Tips
Receive expert advice on nutrition, recovery, and general wellness, helping you maintain a holistic approach to fitness.
Community Challenges
Participate in community challenges to stay motivated and compete with others.
Paid Features (Nike Training Club Premium)
Exclusive Workouts
Access to premium content, including exclusive workouts from top Nike trainers and athletes. These workouts are designed to push you further and keep your routine fresh and exciting.
Advanced Training Programs
Follow advanced training programs that are specifically tailored for particular sports or fitness goals. These programs offer more structure and progression, ideal for serious athletes or those with specific targets.
Professional Guidance
Get additional tips and tricks from Nike’s elite trainers, including insights into improving performance, recovery techniques, and mental strategies for staying motivated.
Expanded Nutrition Guidance
Access more detailed nutrition plans and recipes that complement your workout routines, ensuring you fuel your body correctly for optimal performance.
Why It’s Great
The variety and quality of workouts in Nike Training Club cater to all fitness levels, making it accessible whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing routine. The app’s comprehensive approach combines exercise with nutrition and wellness, providing a well-rounded fitness experience.
Nike Training Club’s customisable plans are a standout feature, allowing you to tailor your workouts to your specific goals, available equipment, and time constraints. This flexibility ensures that you can maintain a consistent fitness routine, no matter how busy your schedule might be.
The premium version, while optional, offers significant value for those who want to take their fitness to the next level. With access to exclusive workouts and advanced training programs, you can continually challenge yourself and prevent workout monotony.
Additionally, the community aspect of NTC adds a motivational element, encouraging you to stay committed and engage with others on similar fitness journeys. The ability to participate in community challenges and share your progress helps to build a supportive environment that fosters long-term fitness habits.
Overall, Nike Training Club brings the expertise of world-class trainers right to your fingertips, making it easier than ever to achieve your fitness goals with structured, engaging, and effective workouts.
Nike Training Club offers a plethora of workouts designed by professional trainers. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, there’s a workout for you.
5. Carrot Fit: Digital Fitness with a Sense of Humour
Carrot Fit is a unique app that combines fitness with a sarcastic sense of humour. It offers a variety of quick, high-intensity workouts, and its sassy AI coach will keep you entertained (and slightly terrified). This app stands out by providing an engaging and humorous approach to fitness, making it a fun option for those who find traditional workout apps too serious or dull.
I sometimes use these workouts if pushed for time at a hotel. Don’t think you can’t get fit in 7 minutes! Remember, fitness is about achieving an intensity adaptation and fat loss is all diet.
Free Features
7 Minutes in Hell Workout
Access the core 7-minute workout that includes 12 punishing exercises. Each exercise is designed to maximise your effort in a short amount of time.
Humorous AI Coach
Experience the app’s unique selling point – the sarcastic AI coach who delivers biting commentary and humorous insults to keep you motivated.
Progress Tracking
Track your weight loss and fitness progress with visual graphs and metrics, adding a bit of fun to your fitness journey.
Achievements and Rewards
Unlock achievements and virtual rewards for completing workouts and hitting milestones.
Paid Features (Carrot Fit Premium)
Additional Workouts
Access a variety of additional workout routines beyond the basic 7-minute workout. These include more advanced exercises and different types of routines to keep your fitness regimen varied and challenging.
Customisation Options
Customise your workouts with more flexibility, choosing specific exercises or adjusting the intensity to better suit your fitness level and goals.
Detailed Analytics
Gain access to more in-depth analytics and insights into your performance, helping you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhanced Motivational Tools
Benefit from additional motivational tools and features, such as more frequent updates from the AI coach, enhanced tracking capabilities, and personalised workout suggestions.
Why It’s Great
Carrot Fit’s humorous approach makes workouts fun and engaging. It’s like having a fitness coach who isn’t afraid to roast you, adding a unique twist to your fitness routine. The app’s sarcastic and often biting commentary can be a refreshing change from the overly positive tone of many fitness apps, providing motivation in a distinctly different way.
The core 7-minute workout is highly effective for those with tight schedules, allowing you to get a high-intensity workout in a short period of time. The additional workout routines available through the premium version ensure that you can keep your exercise regimen varied and prevent boredom.
Progress tracking with Carrot Fit is also a highlight, as the app uses entertaining visuals and metrics to show your improvements, making the process of getting fit more enjoyable. The achievements and rewards system further incentivizes users to stick with their fitness goals.
The premium version of Carrot Fit offers significant added value, with more workout options and advanced features that help you stay motivated and make the most of your fitness efforts. Whether you’re looking for a quick daily workout or a more comprehensive fitness plan, Carrot Fit provides a fun and effective solution with a healthy dose of humour.
Overall, Carrot Fit’s unique blend of high-intensity workouts and comedic motivation makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to inject some fun into their fitness routine while achieving serious results.
If you find a method of roasting Carrot’s AI, please do get in touch. I’d pay good money for it.
6. Strong: Strength Training Made Simple
Strong is an intuitive and powerful app designed for strength training enthusiasts. It helps you plan, track, and analyze your workouts, making it easier to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, Strong provides the tools and insights you need to optimise your training sessions.
I’m a long term user of the strong app. It allows you to view your poundages over time (total poundages) and has a whole host of tricks giving your valuable workout tracking and insight. Most of the time I use Apple Notes (as per the below link), but during times when I really push the weight sessions to next level goals, Strong is invaluable.
Free Features
Workout Logging
Easily log your workouts with a user-friendly interface that allows you to add exercises, sets, and reps. The app supports a wide range of exercises, including custom entries.
Progress Tracking
Track your progress over time with detailed graphs and statistics. Monitor metrics such as total weight lifted, max lifts, and body measurements.
Customisable Routines
Create and save custom workout routines tailored to your specific goals and preferences. The app allows you to plan your workouts in advance and make adjustments as needed.
Built-in Exercise Library
Access a comprehensive library of exercises with detailed instructions and illustrations. This feature helps ensure you perform each exercise with proper form and technique.
Paid Features (Strong PRO)
Advanced Workout Analysis
Gain access to more detailed workout analytics, including advanced metrics like volume per exercise, 1RM estimates, and workout duration analysis.
Personal Records
Track and manage your personal records for each exercise, helping you stay motivated and see your progress.
Warm-Up Calculator
Use the built-in warm-up calculator to determine the appropriate warm-up sets and weights based on your workout plan.
Plate Calculator
Simplify weight adjustments with the plate calculator, which helps you quickly determine the number of plates needed for each lift.
Apple Health Integration
Sync your workout data with Apple Health for a more comprehensive view of your fitness progress.
Why It’s Great
Strong’s straightforward and efficient design makes it an excellent tool for anyone serious about strength training. The app’s ability to log workouts quickly and accurately ensures you can focus on lifting without being bogged down by complex input methods. Its detailed progress tracking and customizable routines provide a clear path to achieving your fitness goals.
The Strong PRO version offers valuable enhancements that can take your training to the next level. With advanced analytics and helpful tools like the warm-up and plate calculators, you can optimize every aspect of your workout routine. The app’s integration with Apple Health also allows you to keep all your fitness data in one place, making it easier to monitor your overall health and progresOverall, Strong is a versatile and powerful app that caters to both beginners and experienced lifters. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive exercise library, and robust tracking features make it a top choice for anyone looking to improve their strength training regimen.
7. Yoga with Adriene: Zen Out Anywhere
Yoga with Adriene is a popular app and YouTube channel led by Adriene Mishler, offering a wide range of yoga routines that cater to all levels. With a focus on mindfulness, relaxation, and fitness, Adriene’s approachable teaching style and variety of routines make yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
My wife and her friends swear by this app. I’m yet to delve into the world of Yoga. you’ll be the first to know if I take the plunge.
Free Features
Extensive Video Library
Access hundreds of free yoga videos covering various styles, durations, and difficulty levels. From beginner-friendly sessions to more advanced practices, there’s something for everyone.
30-Day Challenges
Participate in structured 30-day yoga challenges designed to build a consistent practice and improve overall well-being. These challenges provide daily videos and a supportive community to keep you motivated.
Themed Practices
Explore themed yoga practices focusing on specific areas like stress relief, flexibility, strength, and more. These videos are tailored to meet different needs and preferences.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Enjoy guided mindfulness and meditation sessions that complement your yoga practice and promote mental well-being.
Paid Features (Find What Feels Good Membership)
Exclusive Content
Gain access to an extensive library of exclusive yoga videos, including advanced practices, workshops, and specialised series not available on YouTube.
Ad-Free Experience
Enjoy an ad-free experience, allowing you to focus fully on your practice without interruptions.
Offline Viewing
Download videos for offline viewing, making it easy to practice yoga anytime, anywhere, even without an internet connection.
Personalised Playlists
Create and save personalized playlists of your favorite videos, making it easier to follow your preferred routines.
Community Access
Connect with a supportive community of fellow practitioners, participate in discussions, and share your experiences and progress.
Why It’s Great
Adriene’s warm and engaging teaching style makes yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their experience level. Her emphasis on finding what feels good encourages a non-judgmental approach to practice, allowing you to focus on your own journey and well-being.
The free version of Yoga with Adriene offers an impressive array of content, including various themed practices and 30-day challenges that help build a consistent and rewarding yoga practice. The structured challenges and themed videos provide guidance and motivation, ensuring you always have something new and exciting to try.
The Find What Feels Good membership offers significant added value for those who want to deepen their practice. With exclusive content, offline viewing, and personalized playlists, it provides a more tailored and convenient yoga experience. The ad-free experience and community access further enhance the value of the membership, creating a supportive environment for continuous growth.
Overall, Yoga with Adriene is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to incorporate yoga into their daily routine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Adriene’s approachable and inclusive teaching style, combined with a vast library of content, makes it easy to find what feels good and make yoga a regular part of your life.
8. Calm: Because Stress Less is Best
Calm is a leading app for mindfulness and meditation, designed to help you reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote overall mental well-being. With a vast library of guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and more, Calm offers a comprehensive toolkit for achieving a peaceful mind.
Free Features
Daily Calm
Access a new 10-minute meditation every day, designed to help you start or end your day with mindfulness and relaxation.
Breathing Exercises
Use simple yet effective breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and enhance focus, available for free within the app.
Mindfulness Reminders
Receive gentle reminders to take a moment for yourself and practise mindfulness throughout your day.
Basic Meditation Sessions
Try a selection of introductory meditation sessions that cover fundamentals like mindfulness, body scan, and loving-kindness.
Paid Features (Calm Premium)
Guided Meditations
Gain access to hundreds of guided meditations covering various topics such as stress, sleep, focus, relationships, and personal growth. These sessions range from 3 to 25 minutes, catering to different needs and schedules.
Sleep Stories
Enjoy over 100 sleep stories narrated by soothing voices, including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Stephen Fry, designed to help you fall asleep quickly and peacefully.
Masterclasses
Learn from mindfulness experts and psychologists through in-depth masterclasses on topics like anxiety management, mindful eating, and resilience.
Calm Music
Listen to exclusive music tracks and soundscapes created to help you relax, focus, and sleep better.
Nature Scenes
Use calming nature scenes and sounds to create a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation or meditation.
Mindful Movement
Access guided stretching and movement sessions that combine mindfulness with physical activity, promoting holistic well-being.
Customisable Backgrounds
Personalise your app experience with a variety of calming backgrounds and sounds that suit your mood and preferences.
Why It’s Great
Calm’s comprehensive approach to mental well-being makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life. The app’s free features provide a solid foundation for beginners, offering daily mindfulness practices and simple exercises that can easily fit into any schedule.
The Calm Premium subscription significantly enhances the app’s value, offering an extensive library of guided meditations, sleep stories, and masterclasses that cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re struggling with insomnia, anxiety, or just looking to incorporate more mindfulness into your day, Calm provides tailored solutions to help you achieve your goals.
The sleep stories are a standout feature, offering a unique and effective way to wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. The addition of celebrity narrators adds an extra layer of comfort and familiarity, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The personalised nature scenes and background sounds also enhance the app’s calming effect, allowing you to create a soothing environment that promotes relaxation and focus. The mindful movement sessions further extend Calm’s benefits to include physical well-being, making it a truly holistic wellness app.
Overall, Calm’s user-friendly interface, diverse content library, and focus on mental well-being make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to incorporate mindfulness and relaxation into their daily routine. Whether you’re new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, Calm offers the tools and guidance you need to cultivate a peaceful and balanced mind.
Fitness, fat loss and health are all symbiotic with mitigating daily stress. Although it won’t add to your VO2 max or a reduction in body fat, for health and lifestyle reasons it justifies it’s place within the top fitness apps for busy people
Wearable Health Tracking: A Bonus app for Busy People
I just had to add this as a bonus point! You’ll gain more enlightenment into reading my related articles below.
In today’s digital age, wearable health tracking devices have become an essential part of our fitness journeys. From smartwatches to fitness bands, these gadgets provide real-time data on your health and activity levels, helping you make informed decisions about your fitness routine.
The Benefits of Wearable Health Tracking
Real-Time Feedback
Devices like the Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung watch and Garmin provide immediate insights into your workouts, allowing you to adjust and improve.
Health Monitoring
Track vital signs like heart rate, sleep patterns, and even oxygen levels. For the science nerds out there, some devices also track Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which can indicate your body’s readiness to train.
Goal Setting and Motivation
Set daily activity goals and receive reminders and encouragement to achieve them. It’s like having a tiny, enthusiastic cheerleader on your wrist.
Wearables Give you an Edge
Research shows that using wearable devices can significantly improve physical activity levels and health outcomes. A study published in the *Journal of Medical Internet Research* found that participants who used fitness trackers were more likely to increase their physical activity and lose weight compared to those who didn’t use them. Another study in *Digital Health* highlighted the role of gamification in fitness apps, showing that features like rewards and social challenges boost motivation and adherence.
Wearable devices are not just fancy gadgets; they are backed by science. For instance, tracking your HRV can provide insights into your autonomic nervous system, helping you understand when your body needs rest versus when it’s ready for intense exercise. This kind of data-driven approach to fitness ensures you’re not just working out harder, but also smarter.
Further Related reading
If you enjoyed this article, you’ll also want to get stuck into the below:
AI in Fitness and the gamification of exercise
I’m too busy to exercise: finding time to workout and stay fit
do you need a fitness wearable? Smart watch vs fitness tracker
Conclusion
There you have it – the best fitness apps for busy people, each designed to fit seamlessly into your hectic lifestyle. From all-encompassing apps like MyFitnessPal to specialised tools like Yoga with Adriene, these digital fitness solutions offer something for everyone. And with the added benefits of wearable health tracking, staying on top of your fitness game has never been easier. So, why wait? Dive into the world of digital fitness and transform your health journey today.
Remember, the key to staying fit is finding what works best for you. With these apps and wearable devices, you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. Now, it’s time to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. And hey, the next time you’re stuck in a boring meeting, at least your smart watch will keep you company.
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Chat soon,
Matt.