2018’s Best Health and Fitness Apps

If there is one trend we have seen this year, it’s for fitness apps. As health and wellness has become such a key part of our collective daily lifestyles, with clean eating delis, veganism, home workouts and online workouts taking off, not to mention gyms springing up everywhere, the fitness app market has exploded.

Add to this the fact that the festive season is almost upon us – which means that the inevitable New Years exercise and diet resolutions are just around the corner – and we thought it was high time to round up this year’s best health and fitness apps. There are hundreds to choose from which can be confusing as a user but for any fitness business, it affords a treasure trove of inspiration. Read on to discover our top picks and uncover some great ideas for your own fitness app in 2019.

ESquared Fitness

Forbes picked this as one of its best apps of the year and going on the concept and convenience alone, it’s easy to see why. The app says that users “just pay for what you sweat” and it really is that easy. For those who travel a lot or want to try different classes without being tied down to a single gym membership, Esquared is genius. Users download then browse hundreds of gyms, studios and classes near to their location. After finding a venue and an activity, you pay in the app and then get your sweat on. It gives access to lots of different gyms and facilities, for everything from Pilates to HiiT without the burden of membership. It’s available for London and Sydney currently, but we predict more cities will follow.

Headspace

One thing that many of us have heard mention of this year is that wellness isn’t just physical – mental health is important too. A favourite of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Headspace is a meditation app to help users feel less stressed, more focused and sleep better. The app is suitable for beginners as it teaches users how to meditate and has won rave reviews in the app marketplaces.

Strava

Its number 10 on the App Store’s health and fitness chart but it’s concept is surprisingly simple; Strava lets you share details of your workout, ride or run with others. You can track your performance and post to social media, as well as see what other users have been up to. The app turns any smartphone into a tracker and fosters a sense of friendly competition within the community – perfect if you need that little bit of extra motivation or support when training.

Nike Run Club

This app, by sportswear brand Nike, acts as a run tracker and coach. As well as GPS tracking, it gives users weekly and monthly challenges and customised coaching plans to keep runners motivated whatever their fitness goal. Great for those training for a marathon or half marathon, it comes into its own for runners who need a bit of extra support and motivation to keep going. The app adapts to the runner’s progress, so it will progressively set harder challenges.

7-Minute Workout

One for those who like to work out at home without the cost of a gym membership or lots of equipment, this app (which was named one of Apple’s Best of 2017) has an audience of more than 20 million people. It provides 7-minute bodyweight workouts to give the maximum benefit in the shortest period possible. The app is personalised too, with users able to set goals and fitness levels for custom workouts.