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posted on September 29, 2017

Working out: whether you love it or you hate it, we could all use a little help to shake things up from time to time. Fitness apps are a great way to invigorate your workout at the gym, or motivate you to stay active when you’re not—but let’s face it, there are a million to choose from. So, we’ve done the work for you:

For the Runner

Run Tempo This app will pull music directly from your phone and curate a playlist to keep your workout upbeat and help you power through. Just select your desired BPM and Run Tempo will adjust your music to guide your pace. The best part? Run Tempo runs in the background, so it won’t be disrupted by any other exercise or running apps.

$0.99

Strava If you’re the competitive athlete, then you’re going to love Strava. Built with competition in mind, this unique app links you with other runners while you run for a virtual race. Runners love this app for the accurate start/stop detection and its connectivity to Apple Watch. Not much of a runner? The app is adapted for cyclists as well.

Free

For the Yogi

Yoga Studio With guided meditation and yoga classes for every level from beginner to advanced practice, Yoga Studio provides over 80 classes to help you find your Zen when you can’t get to your usual in-studio class. Know what you’re looking for in your routine? Choose from over 280 positions and build your own custom class. Find yourself forgetting to work out? Yoga Studio connects to your phone’s calendar so you can set reminders for yourself.

App: Free | Classes: $1.99/month

Down Dog Bring the studio experience home with you. Down Dog provides a new vinyasa sequence with each use, so you’ll never get bored of your routine. With clear vocal instruction and an accompanying playlist, this app provides a comprehensive yoga experience. Friendly for beginners or experts, Down Dog will help any yogi improve their at home practice.

App: Free | Membership: $3.99/month

For Everything Else

Nike+ Training Club No gym? No excuse. Nike+ Training Club provides you with over 150 free workouts ranging from strength and endurance to yoga and mobility. With personalized, adapted training plans, NTC works around you and your schedule to give you the body you want. NTC syncs your workouts to Apple Health to help you track your progress and record your activity. The best part? Your workouts are lead by some of your favorite athletes like Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Free

Sworkit With the ability to choose the length and type of your workout, Sworkit puts the power in your hands. Choose one of the offered six week plans and work towards getting “Leaner,” “Fitter,” or “Stronger.” Upgrade to premium for guided plans and trainer consultations. Rated one of the best apps in terms of safety, stretching, and progression, Sworkit builds total body workouts suitable for any fitness level. With sets ranging from an office stretch to a full cardio set, Sworkit can help you get your ideal body.

App: Free | Premium upgrades available

It can be a challenge to fit a workout into a busy schedule, but with these apps, there’s no excuse for missing a day—so get up and get moving!

Need a place to integrate your favorite new running app? Join the UF Run Group, which meets Sundays at 10am. Running between 2 and 6 miles on the North Side, UF Run Group welcomes runners of all training levels!