The 5 best workout apps of 2023

As a former bodybuilder/physique competitor and current Olympic/powerlifter, TrainHeroic is the absolute best workout app I’ve come across for weightlifting. It’s another freemium app where free users can build their own routines and track overall progress while subscription users get access to things like readiness tracking (which tracks your energy levels, sleep quality, and overall soreness), exercise leaderboards, and individual coaching. 

If you prefer coaching, you can either choose a set program (which is a one-time purchase) that you can add to your in-app calendar whenever you want or an ongoing program (with a matching monthly payment). Each exercise has a video tutorial or text description attached so you can safely follow along with your workout and do movements that you may not be familiar with. And if you don’t want to get super bulky, you can find programs that are more focused on toning and weight maintenance. You can even find specific programs, like Body by Daddy, for creating a more masculine or feminine silhouette if you’re trans masculine/feminine, or non-binary.

TrainHeroic automatically calculates your one-rep and working max percentages based on your inputs, eliminating the frustration of trying to do math on-the-fly. If you choose a coaching program, you’ll also get access to that program’s community so you can compare techniques, ask questions, and hype each other up. The subscription price varies by program, but most ongoing coaching sessions are around $30/month while one-time programs are often even cheaper. The app also has a timer function so you can track how long your workouts take as well as ensure that you properly rest between heavy sets.