Buzz
You began the year with high hopes, but life’s challenges—like crowded gyms, sick kids, late work hours, or bad weather—derailed your fitness plans. Don’t worry, though! Achieving your goals doesn’t require expensive trainers or classes. With just your smartphone and a dose of determination, you can stay on track. Check out our curated list of 10 free apps to keep you active this winter.
1. RUNKEEPER
Runkeeper
As one of the pioneering fitness tracking apps, Runkeeper remains a reliable choice despite no longer being the latest trend. It enables you to establish goals, design a workout plan, and monitor your runs, walks, and cycling activities using your phone’s GPS. This app is ideal for maintaining accountability and motivation, as it lets you track long-term progress and connect with friends for mutual encouragement or friendly competition.
Find it: iOS; Android
2. THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON OFFICIAL 7 MINUTE WORKOUT
Short on time? Skip lengthy spin classes and long runs. With just a chair and seven minutes, you can complete an effective workout. The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout makes it easy to fit fitness into your schedule. Including warm-up and cool-down, each session lasts around 11 minutes. You can adjust the intensity, and the app provides step-by-step guidance throughout.
Find it: iOS; Android
3. PACT
Imagine a world where you’re rewarded for picking healthy snacks like carrot sticks over doughnuts and even earn money for working out. The Pact app makes this possible. This free app lets you set weekly fitness or health goals and place a monetary bet on achieving them. If you fail, your credit card is charged; if you succeed, you earn rewards funded by users who didn’t meet their goals. It’s motivation that pays off—literally!
Find it: iOS; Android
4. BLOGILATES
Cassey Ho, the energetic YouTube star, brings her signature enthusiasm to pilates-inspired workouts that will make you forget your burning abs. The free Blogilates app offers workout videos, recipes, and a vibrant community forum. For just $0.99 a month, you can upgrade to access weekly workout plans.
Find it: iOS; Android
5. CHARITY MILES
Charity Miles
This app merges the simplicity of a fitness tracker with the satisfaction of helping others. Simply launch the app before a run or walk, and each mile you cover earns money for a charity of your choice (from a list of over 30). So far, the app has generated over $2 million for charities through its sponsors.
Find it: iOS; Android
6. YOGA WAKE UP
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning? The Yoga Wake Up app offers a solution with free yoga routines you can do without leaving your bed. These 10-minute audio sessions guide you through setting daily intentions, stretching, and meditating, helping you start your day refreshed. You might even find yourself eager to wake up!
Find it: iOS
7. ZOMBIES, RUN!
If you enjoy running but often cut your route short, the Zombies, Run! app adds excitement to your workout. It simulates a zombie chase, with bloodthirsty creatures closing in on you as you run. The app plays your favorite music but interrupts with zombie sounds to push you to run faster. You can also collect supplies and aid other survivors in this immersive apocalypse-themed game.
Find it: iOS; Android
8. MYFITNESSPAL
Achieving fitness isn’t just about exercise—it’s also about what you eat. If you reward a five-mile run with a whole pizza, your goals will remain out of reach. The MyFitnessPal app bridges the gap between nutrition and fitness by letting you track workouts, meals, and snacks. With a database of over 1,000,000 food items, logging store-bought or restaurant meals is simple. Plus, their free forums let you connect with others on similar health journeys.
Find it: iOS; Android
9. YONDER
Not everyone is cut out for the gym. If treadmills and locker rooms aren’t your thing, take your workout outdoors. With Yonder, simply input your location to discover nearby hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing spots. The app also features user reviews for each trail, so you can explore confidently. This winter, enjoy fresh air and sunshine while staying active.
Find it: iOS; Android
10. FREELETICS
If you embraced minimalism last year and got rid of excess gear, the Freeletics app is perfect for you. It offers over 900 bodyweight exercises customized to your fitness level, requiring no special equipment.
Find it: iOS; Android
