Getting healthy doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on gyms, Peloton bikes, OrangeTheory memberships, glucose monitors focused on metabolic conditioning, or expensive nutrition programs.
Here is a list of free health and fitness apps to improve your well-being.
Free Meditation Apps
Meditation is a great way to improve your health without working up a sweat. It brings mental clarity and an increased ability to focus.
1. Headspace
I have used the Headspace app for nearly two years. The difference between Headspace and some of the other meditation apps I’ve tried is that it has structured programs that vary in length and topic.
I love it for myself but also for the amazing meditations for kids. There is a free 30-day trial, so you can figure out if you like the app before signing up for a subscription.
2. Ten Percent Happier
I tried Ten Percent Happier for a free trial several years ago, but it wasn’t the right program for me. That said, it is a solid app with more advanced meditations and techniques.
3. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is 100% free and is similar to Ten Percent Happier. If you already have a good grasp of how to meditate, this is a good option to consider.
Free Workout Apps
When you think of health apps, you probably think of exercise. These apps will help give you the best workout without having to step foot in a live class in the gym.
4. Nike Training Club
I used the Nike Training Club app for about two years. It uses your own music, which is great if you have your favorite music on your phone. Better yet, it has a really good variety of exercises and programs.
Some are taught by famous athletes, and I appreciated the technical skills it helped me with. For example, there were some great plyometrics classes that helped me with my tennis footwork.
5. Peloton
Before I bought a Peloton Bike, I used a free three-month trial with the Peloton app and then a regular exercise bike with the $14/month app subscription for nearly a year.
Unlike the Nike App, which uses your own music, Peloton has great curated music and better instruction.
6. Seven Minute Workout
If you haven’t heard of the Seven Minute Workout, you are in for a treat. Researchers found that this simple workout can drastically improve your fitness.
I previously had a newspaper clipping that guided me through the exercises, but now I use the Seven Minute Workout App.
7. Daily Burn
I subscribed to Daily Burn after my daughter was born. The workouts were pretty straightforward, and there was a good variety.
I would say that these workouts tended to be more beginner-level than Peloton or Nike.
8. Asana Rebel
I have not had personal experience with Asana Rebel, but I have heard good things about it. The app focuses on getting in shape and staying healthy.
9. Volt
This is another app I haven’t had personal experience with but have heard great things about. The Volt app provides an intelligence training platform with intuitive workout experiences.
Free Yoga Apps
Yoga is great for increasing mobility, flexibility, and the mind-body connection. The following free apps are great for those who want a devoted yoga program.
10. Glo
Glo is a fast-growing app and community that features various styles of yoga, plus pilates and meditations.
11. Down Dog
The Down Dog app specializes in yoga and prenatal yoga but also has HIIT (high-intensity interval training), meditation, and barre classes.
The Bottom Line
Getting in shape doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Try out one of these free health and fitness apps to determine what you enjoy the most and are most likely to stick with.
