5 of the Best Fitness Apps to Try at Home

With the gyms and fitness studios still closed under the nationwide lockdown, it’s a challenge to stay fit. And while we may now be allowed to go for walks and runs outside, it’s not always a convenient solution if you have a busy schedule or have to look after the kids while the schools are still closed. You need something more flexible which you can do in a few minutes from the comfort of your home. Enter fitness apps. These digital tools are designed to offer you an easy way to get fit without leaving the house. 

Looking at the app store, there are countless apps to choose from, however, not all are equally effective. A good fitness app offers a variety of exercises, clear instructions and provides a tracker for your goals. Finding the right one can be difficult if you have to consider these aspects. To help you, we have compiled a list of five of the best home workout apps available on Android and iOS. 

Some of the workouts on these apps may require basic equipment like dumbbells or a yoga mat. These can typically be found at affordable prices at hypermarkets such as Makro or Game. Game offers a comprehensive outdoor and exercise equipment department on their online store. This makes it easy to order all the apparatus you need and have it conveniently delivered to your door. Their dumbbells start at R40 each and they have high-quality yoga mats and balls, as well as durable resistance bands for under R100 each. If you’re ready to buy, browse the latest workout equipment specials from Game here. 

Best for strength training: Keelo

If you love Crossfit, Keelo is for you. The Keelo app is best for those who want to add strength training and have some equipment at hand. Keelo allows you to choose a workout based on your ability level or available equipment. Its catalogue also shows a short, detailed preview of each session and adds a list of the exercises and equipment you require, to make it easier to choose. Keelo costs R210 per month, but you can try a few workouts first to see if it is for you. 

Best for Yoga: Asana Rebel

Asana Rebel is a hugely popular yoga and fitness app with people around the world. Like most home workout apps, you will start by registering an account and entering some details about yourself, as well as your personal goals. This should take just a few minutes. Asana is not a free app, but for around R200 a month, you can buy yourself a premium subscription and get access to all the features. This app’s workouts are organised in different categories, so you can conveniently choose exercises based on the goals you want to achieve. Each exercise set comes with beautifully shot videos and detailed instructions. 

Best full-body workout – Xtend Barre

If you’re looking for exercises that work the whole body, try ballet. Xtend Barre offers different levels of ballet classes to do at home. This app also features suggestions for meals and snacks which are best to take when following the Xtend Barre routines. The classes range from 15 to 30 minutes, but there are also extended fitness plans available for those looking for a harder workout. Xtend Barre offers a 14-day free trial, where after monthly subscriptions cost around R210. 

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Best for variety: Aaptiv

If you’re keen to try out many different exercises before you start with a routine, try Aaptiv. This app offers over 3000 classes as well as a range of group challenges to keep you motivated. When you first start with Aaptiv, you’ll be asked to set a goal, which can include losing weight or running faster. You’ll also be asked what equipment you have access to, so the app can recommend certain activities. Aaptiv instructs you through every activity, so you don’t have to watch your screen constantly. All activities also feature ratings by users to help you choose the best ones. Aaptiv has a monthly fee of R250, but it also offers a free trial period, so you can try it out before you commit. 

Best outdoor workout – Fitbit Coach

You don’t require a Fitbit device to use this app. Formerly called Fitstar, this app offers video workouts that you can do anywhere. So, if you have a balcony, garden or patio, Fitbit is ideal. When you start, you can choose a workout based on the body part you want to work on, the level of difficulty and the time you have available. There are plenty of workouts to choose from and some of them are free. So, you don’t have to pay for a subscription right away, try it first! 

Most apps on this list offer a wide range of different workout ideas so you never get bored. Some also let you create custom plans. So, no matter which one you choose, you can be sure to find workouts you enjoy while conveniently monitoring your progress. Working out at home has never been easier!