The Best Fitness Apps & Instagram Accounts to Keep You Motivated
It feels like everywhere I look there’s another fitness app or Instagram trainer popping up on my feed. There’s so much information and so many sources that sometimes it can be hard to filter it into what’s actually useful (and can really help you get in shape). So I asked our resident fitness expert, Zach, for the apps and accounts that he really trusts – and recommends.
Whenever someone asks me for fitness advice I tell them that the first step is to find a plan and stick to it. The last year has made that really tough with gyms closed and most of us working out at home. Now that gyms are reopening so many people have told me they feel lost on where to start. The great thing is that it’s now easier than ever to find workouts or training plans. There are so many great apps and some really inspiring, helpful Instagram accounts for whatever kind of exercise you’re into. To help you find one that works for you I put together a list of some of my favorite apps and IG accounts.
When it comes to what fitness app is best, there is no correct answer. It’s all about finding what works for you based on what you enjoy, what your lifestyle is, and what equipment you have access to. The best plan is the one you can stick to. Most of these apps offer a free trial so you can test it out and make sure it works for you!
Photo: Playbook
Playbook
I’ll be honest, I’m a little biased when it comes to this one. I’m one of the creators on Playbook and have a program on the app, but I was already a big fan of it before I decided to join them. There are tons of other great trainers and health experts on here that you would have access to, allowing you to find a program or workouts that fit your needs. When you sign up you pick a creator and program to follow. Having a plan to follow along with will help keep you accountable and give you a plan of action, but you’re able to complete the program at your own pace on the days that work for you. You’re also able to do workouts offered by other creators if you prefer to try out different workouts. There’s everything from HIIT and CrossFit style workouts to yoga to pilates to dance. Playbook also has nutritionists and health experts that offer their expertise to help guide you to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. If you want to try it out, use this link to get your first month for only $1! After that, it’s either $15/month or $100/year.
Photo: Ladder
Ladder
The ladder app was created to bring the positive impact of team training to people who may not have a group to work out with. When you join the app you don’t just get access to a training program, you join a team led by one of their master trainers. The trainer is there to lead, educate, and motivate you to get the most out of the workouts. You’re also able to connect with the other members of your team to share stories and inspire each other as you all put in the work together, even if you can’t actually be together. If you want to check it out the first week is free!
Photo: GOWOD
GOWOD
As important as it is to work out hard, it’s equally important to move well. GOWOD is the app that I use to make sure I’m staying on top of my mobility and warming up well. It starts you off with a test of your mobility and flexibility, giving you a score and assessing where your weak spots are. Then it can create routines just for you. There are daily routines that you can follow along with or set a length and do the custom mobility routine that it provides. You can also put in what exercises or body parts you’re doing in that day’s workout and it will give you a warmup based. That way you can keep moving well, recovering, and avoiding injury.
Photo: Strava
Strava
This app is for anyone who loves getting outdoors! It’s used by runners, cyclists, triathletes, hikers, or anyone who wants to track their outdoor activities. It doesn’t give you workouts like the other apps, but it does allow you to keep track of things like distance, pace, or elevation so that you can see how you’re progressing. It’s also great for building a community of people to keep you accountable. You can add friends, create groups, or join challenges (some of which you can even win stuff by completing). It also connects with most wearables so that you can automatically sync workouts.
Julia Morgan
You may recognize Julia because this isn’t her first time on this site. She’s been my chiropractor for the last 5 years and Bobby’s for about 3. Julia is an expert on injury prevention, functional movement and muscle activation techniques, mobility, and kettlebell workouts. Her IG is full of useful information to help you get the most out of your workouts and keep your body moving well and feeling good. Plus her dog Crosby is SUPER cute!
View this post on Instagram
Joe Holder
You know who Naomi Campbell is, right? Well, she’s just one of the many models and actors that Joe trains. As one of the Nike Master Trainers, he has some great workouts and practical tips to make your workouts not just more challenging, but smarter. If you’re looking for lots of great information and inspiration he’s worth following!
View this post on Instagram
Jessie Diaz-Herrera
If dancing is your thing then Jessie is your gal! She teaches dance classes in NYC and online, does CrossFit, and is all about positivity and self-love. If you want to be motivated and inspired then check her out!
View this post on Instagram
Emily Abbate
Emily is a health and wellness writer who has worked with GQ, Self, Runner’s World, and more. Her specialty is running, but she covers all areas of fitness and health. She’s completed 9 marathons, so 9 more than I’ve done. In addition to some practical advice, you’ll find tons of inspiration on mindset, finding motivation, and learning to love yourself. She also has a podcast called Hurdle where she interviews experts on what “hurdles” they’ve had and how they got over them to be successful. If you want a daily dose of inspiration then she’s got you covered!
View this post on Instagram
