‘So motivated now’: 4 Best Fitness Apps for Exercise and Workouts in 2025
With just a few taps on your device, you can get a solid workout started without heading to the gym.
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As the co-founder of one of Sydney’s most popular free social run clubs, Coogee Run Club, I’m here to tell you that fitness doesn’t have to cost a thing. Or at least no more than a weekly coffee.
Because while gym bills keep building up and personal trainer prices become unaffordable, workout apps are multiplying and they’re coming out with the biggest gains.
No matter what kind of fitness you’re into or what level of fitness you’re at, there’s a download for everyone that’ll not just carry you into January but get you through the whole year and beyond.
So, here’s our round up of some of the best fitness apps in the online store.
Kic
Who it’s best for: Those who want to workout in different ways while nourishing their body.
What type of workouts are included: Strength, running, HIIT, boxing, bootcamp, dance cardio, pilates, yoga, dance cardio, pre and post-natal and more.
Price: $29.99 for one month, on sale at $16.33 a month for a three month membership (usually $23.33 a month), and $6.67 a month for a year’s subscription (usually $11.25 a month).
With more than 850,000 downloads around the world, 11,000 reviews and a 4.8-star average rating, Kic is one of the most successful apps for health, fitness and recipes.
Founded by besties Steph Claire Smith and Lauren Henshaw, Kic – self-described as the “feel-good fitness app” – is redefining how people move, nourish their bodies and nurture their minds.
With over 1,000 on-demand workouts that last five to 30 minutes, 11 progressive programs that you can do from home or the gym including an exclusive gym strength program and a learn to run program, more than 850 recipes formulated by expert nutritionists, and over 1,000 guided mindfulness activities. Kic has everything you could need to get you feeling your best.
Tried and tested by Jessica Smith, checkout Health and Wellness writer
I fell in love with pilates a couple of years ago, and have been trying to keep up the relationship while also keeping my bank account healthy ever since. But as prices rose, the exorbitant costs of a reformer class had my budget on the brink and my pilates love affair at stake. Thankfully, Kic came to the rescue, with an affordable way to do pilates at home, that sacrificed nothing except the early wake up call and communal yoga mats.
(Considering I aim to do pilates about three times a week, on a monthly Kic plan it works out be as little as $2.50 a class. Bargain!)
The fun, casual and encouraging manner of every one of the Kic instructors (my favourite at the moment is pilates-strength weapon Greta) makes each class feel like you’re in the studio with them. I struggle to find the motivation to push myself when working out alone (hence the chokehold in-person classes have on me), but I’ve been continually surprised at how engaging Kic classes are compared to anything else I’ve tried online.
For the first time ever, I’m actually working out consistently each morning, because there are basically no excuses for me not to. No crazy early starts, no exorbitant cost, no bookings required, no need to get in the car. I especially love it for the flexibility of being able to choose something that feels good with where I’m at in my cycle, so I don’t even get an excuse there.
With the new app update, Kic is even easier to navigate, and you can plan your day around the workouts you’ve got scheduled, the recipe you’re making for dinner and the meditation practice you’re doing before bed. I find the recipes also really easy to follow, and the One Pot Asian Chicken and Rice was a serious crowd favourite with my family.
RELATED: Four women share their honest thoughts on Kic
Apple Fitness+
Who it’s best for: Those who love stats, data, monitoring their progression and being held accountable.
What type of workouts are included: Strength, HIIT, yoga, core, pilates, dance, kickboxing, cycling, treadmill, rowing, mindful cool down, plus meditation.
Price: First month free then $14.99 per month or $119.99 annually.
Stay active and mindful with Apple Fitness+ and its thousands of workouts and meditations, with new sessions dropping every single week.
Bringing together your goals with your progress throughout the day, including your estimated active calories, the app is aimed at keeping you accountable and on track, while creating a program that works for you, based on your preferred exercises and days of the week.
In the For You space, users will receive recommendations that reflect their favourite activity, trainers, time and music, while also having the chance to take part in Programs, like staying active during pregnancy, and Collections, such as the 30 Day Core Challenge.
Described as the “world’s most welcoming fitness and wellness service”, Apple Fitness+ is available on iPhones, iPads and Apple TVs meaning it’s never been easier to get in an online workout.
Nike Run Club
Who it’s best for: Those looking to start running, keep running and enjoy running more.
What type of workouts are included: Guided runs, training plans, wellness tips and run challenges.
Price: Free.
Whether it’s starting from scratch and building up to a 5K, or working through a program to complete a full marathon, the Nike Run Club is like a running coach in your ear, and on your terms.
With more than 300 free guided runs available from Nike’s team of trainers, athletes and experts, anyone is able to walk, jog or sprint towards their fitness goals with this app, which has been given a 4.7 star rating from 25,000 reviews in the App Store.
The NRC also features challenges that allow you to compete with your friends or runners from around the world in a bid to help you stay motivated and working towards your goals.
While when it comes to the tech, the app tracks distance, the GPS route, speed, pace, heart rate and even the kilometres you rack up in your shoes, and allows you to keep a log of your progress.
Tried and tested by Tara Meakins, checkout Health and Fitness Writer and Co-founder of the Coogee Run Club
This was the app that got me into running in 2017, and eight years later I now lead one of the biggest run clubs in Sydney, so to say it helped me fall in love with running is an understatement!
As someone who used to struggle to find the motivation to leave the house for a run and then keep going, having a friendly and welcoming voice in my ear to encourage me really got me moving. I especially liked how the app held me accountable and monitored my progress throughout the route, updating me on distance covered, speed, and how many kilometres I had left.
I’d recommend this app to anyone looking to get into running, or improve their performance. It’s so easy to use and really helps you stay on the right track!
Aaptiv
Who it’s best for: Those looking to spice up their exercise routine with the help of AI.
What type of workouts are included: Running, walking, elliptical sessions, strength training, stretching, yoga, rowing, and more.
Price: $21.49 a month or $154.99 for a year with a money-back guarantee.
Work smarter not harder with the AI-powered fitness app that creates hyper-personalised and adaptable workout plans.
Using the SmartCoach, aka your trusty pocket PT, Aaptiv will ask you a series of questions to better understand you and design a tailor-made workout plan. Then, after your session, the app will ask for your feedback so it can better create the most effective workouts.
With more than 8,000 on-demand audio and video workouts, there is something for everyone, while the Stats feature helps keep track of your accomplishments, checks for improvements and celebrates your wins.
The app also offers Heart Rate Zone Training to take your sessions to the next level and Programs & Challenges for specific fitness goals. While you can either listen to your own music in the background, or tune into Aaptiv’s specially curated playlists to get your blood pumping.
There’s also a Community Feed to share your progress with other fitness bunnies and support one another in your journey to a better healthier life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I START WITH IF I’M NEW TO WORKING OUT?
If you’re just starting to give exercising a red hot crack, you might be a bit over eager to start seeing results. However, you should always start slowly and set realistic goals – you won’t be ready to run a marathon after a few days jogging.
Start with the lower intensity workouts like walking, cycling or yoga, then build up to more challenging exercises. You should also set a routine, as this will help you stay consistent as you build up your fitness. If you have someone to exercise with, this is always a bonus to keep you motivated and stay on track.
Prior to each session, you should be warming up to get your muscles working and prevent injuries and strains. While exercising, it’s crucial to keep hydrated. Once you wrap it up, do a cool down to relax your muscles and bring your heart rate and breathing back now to normal.
Most importantly – listen to your body. If it hurts, give yourself a breather. If you need a day off or two, take them. And of course you should always talk to a health professional prior to any big exercise changes and if you have any health questions or concerns.
HOW DO I STAY MOTIVATED TO EXERCISE?
Exercise isn’t everyone’s favourite activity, and it can become more of a chore than a hobby.
Here are some top tips on how to keep motivated to reach your fitness goals.
- Set goals: Having a target in sight will help keep you going until you reach it.
- Monitor your progress: Following how you progress can motivate you to keep improving.
- Treat yourself: Achieving one of your goals or performing a task you didn’t think you could needs to be rewarded. This can be anything from a chocolate bar to a night out. This will encourage you to keep working so you can get another treat.
- Keep to a schedule: If you follow a routine, you’ll be more inclined to stick to it and not miss a day.
- Change things up: It can get boring and tedious following the exact same workout plan. Add a couple of new exercises to make things a bit more interesting.
- Exercise with others: Working out with friends or as a group will help to keep you on track and build skills together. Plus who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition?
Looking for more ways to reach your fitness goals? Sign up for the free news.com.au checkout newsletter to stay up to date with the latest fitness and exercise trends. You can also visit our news.com.au Coupons page to snap up a bargain from some of the country’s biggest health and fitness brands, including Lorna Jane, HelloFresh, Gymshark and Nike.
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