16 Best Apps For Tracking Your Exercise Goals

Setting fitness goals is easy. Sticking to them? That’s the hard part.

Whether you’re training for a marathon, trying to build muscle, or just want to stay active, a fitness tracking app can be your best friend. These apps help you track progress, stay accountable, and stay motivated, all from your smartphone.

But with hundreds of fitness apps available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To make things easy, we’ve handpicked the 16 best fitness tracking apps. No matter your fitness level or workout style, there’s an app here for you.

Why Use an Exercise Tracking App?

Before we dive into the list, let’s take a moment to understand the benefits of using a fitness tracking app. If you’ve ever felt like your workouts weren’t leading to results or struggled to stay consistent, these apps can be game-changers. Here’s why:

Accountability: Tracking your progress creates a sense of responsibility and helps you stick to your goals. Many apps even send reminders or nudges to keep you on track.
Motivation: Achieving streaks, earning badges, or participating in challenges can turn fitness into a fun, reward-driven experience.
Personalized Plans: Most apps offer tailored workout plans based on your fitness level, goals, and even the time you have available.
Data Insights: Seeing your progress visually—whether it’s miles run, weights lifted, or calories burned—can be incredibly empowering.
Convenience: With workout plans, performance tracking, and even meal suggestions in one place, these apps simplify the entire fitness journey.

Now that you know why fitness apps are so helpful, let’s explore the best options available today.

16 Best Apps for Tracking Your Exercise Goals

1. MyFitnessPal

Best for: Overall fitness tracking and diet management

MyFitnessPal is one of the most widely used fitness apps for good reason. It’s a comprehensive tool that allows you to track both your workouts and nutrition.This making it perfect for those wanting a holistic view of their fitness journey.

With a massive food database, MyFitnessPal makes calorie counting and meal tracking a breeze.

Key Features:

Tracks calories burned during exercise and calories consumed through food.
Offers a database with over 14 million foods, including restaurant menus, so you can accurately log meals.
Syncs with popular fitness trackers like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch.
Provides detailed breakdowns of macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat).
Allows you to set goals for weight loss, maintenance, or muscle gain.

MyFitnessPal is ideal for anyone who wants to take control of both their fitness and nutrition. The app’s simplicity and flexibility make it appealing to beginners, while its advanced features cater to experienced users.

Pro Tip: Use the barcode scanner feature to log packaged foods effortlessly, and set reminders to log meals to stay consistent.

2. Strava

Best for: Runners, cyclists, and outdoor fitness enthusiasts

Strava is more than just a fitness app—it’s a thriving community of athletes. Known for its detailed tracking capabilities and social features, Strava is a favorite among runners and cyclists.

It provides in-depth performance metrics and allows you to map your routes, making it perfect for outdoor workouts.

Key Features:

GPS tracking for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more.
Tracks performance metrics like pace, elevation gain, heart rate, and calories burned.
Offers leaderboards where you can compare your performance with others on the same route.
Allows you to join challenges and set personal records.
Integrates with wearables like Garmin, Polar, and Apple Watch.

Strava combines fitness tracking with a social element, allowing you to connect and compete with friends, or even strangers, in your area. The app’s community challenges and leaderboard rankings keep you motivated to beat your own records.

Fun Feature: You can use Strava’s “Heatmaps” to discover the most popular running and cycling routes near you.

3. Fitbit App

Best for: Comprehensive health and fitness tracking for Fitbit users

The Fitbit app is designed to complement Fitbit devices, but even if you don’t own one, the app itself is a powerful fitness tracker. It monitors your daily activity, sleep, heart rate, and workouts, making it a well-rounded option for those aiming to improve overall health.

Key Features:

Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
Provides detailed insights into heart rate, including resting heart rate trends.
Offers guided workouts and mindfulness sessions.
Monitors sleep quality and provides tips to improve recovery.
Syncs seamlessly with Fitbit wearables for even more data insights.

Fitbit’s sleek interface and user-friendly design make it accessible to both beginners and advanced users. The app’s focus on holistic health—combining fitness, sleep, and mindfulness—sets it apart from other trackers.

Pro Tip: Join Fitbit’s community challenges, like step competitions, to stay motivated and connect with others.

4. Nike Training Club

Best for: Strength training, HIIT, and guided workouts

Nike Training Club (NTC) is like having a personal trainer in your pocket. It offers a wide variety of workouts led by professional trainers, ranging from bodyweight exercises to strength training and yoga. The app is designed to accommodate all fitness levels and goals.

Key Features:

Over 185 free workouts, including strength training, cardio, yoga, and mobility.
Personalized workout recommendations based on your activity history.
Video demonstrations of exercises to ensure proper form.
Ability to filter workouts by intensity, duration, and equipment availability.
Progress tracking to help you stay consistent.

The app’s guided workouts feel like having a personal trainer with you at all times. Whether you’re working out at home or in the gym, NTC provides structure and variety to keep your routine fresh and engaging.

Bonus: Many of the workouts are equipment-free, making them perfect for those who prefer exercising at home.

5. C25K (Couch to 5K)

Best for: Beginners transitioning to running

C25K is the ultimate app for anyone who has ever said, “I’m not a runner.” It’s designed to help complete beginners build up the stamina to run a 5K (3.1 miles) over an 8-week period. The app’s structured and gradual approach makes running feel achievable, no matter your starting point.

Key Features:

An 8-week running program with three 30-minute workouts per week.
Audio coaching to guide you through intervals of walking and running.
Gradual progression to prevent burnout or injuries.
Syncs with music apps so you can run to your favorite playlists.
Tracks your distance, pace, and calories burned.

C25K removes the intimidation factor of running by focusing on small, achievable steps. It’s perfect for beginners who want to ease into running without overdoing it.

Pro Tip: Pair C25K with a good pair of running shoes and a motivating playlist for the best experience.

6. MapMyRun

Best for: Runners, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts

MapMyRun, by Under Armour, is a versatile app that tracks your outdoor activities with precision. It’s especially popular among runners and walkers due to its GPS-based route mapping and performance analysis.

Key Features:

Tracks routes, distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned.
Provides real-time audio feedback during runs or walks.
Offers personalized training plans tailored to your goals.
Lets you discover and share routes with the community.
Syncs with fitness wearables like Garmin, Apple Watch, and Fitbit.

MapMyRun’s ability to map routes and provide detailed stats makes it a favorite among outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The app’s challenges and community features add an extra layer of motivation.

Fun Feature: Use the app’s “Route Genius” tool to create new running or walking routes in your area.

7. Strong

Best for: Weightlifting and strength training

Strong is a no-nonsense app for gym-goers and weightlifting enthusiasts. It focuses on helping you log your workouts, track your progress, and stay organized in the gym.

Key Features:

Log sets, reps, and weights for each exercise.
Track progress over time with charts and graphs.
Create and save custom workout routines.
Access a library of exercises with instructions and tips.
Timed rest periods to keep your workouts efficient.

Strong’s focus on simplicity and functionality makes it a go-to app for anyone serious about strength training. It eliminates the guesswork from tracking your lifts, ensuring you’re always progressing.

Pro Tip: Use the app’s “1RM Calculator” to estimate your one-rep max for major lifts like squats or bench presses.

8. Apple Fitness+

Best for: Apple device users

Apple Fitness+ is an all-in-one fitness platform that integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, particularly the Apple Watch. It offers studio-style workouts led by expert trainers, covering a wide range of activities such as HIIT, yoga, cycling, and strength training.

Key Features:

Guided workouts with real-time metrics displayed on-screen.
New workouts added weekly, keeping the content fresh.
Integration with Apple Music for curated workout playlists.
Mindfulness sessions to improve mental wellness.
Tracks calories burned, heart rate, and time spent exercising.

Apple Fitness+ provides a premium workout experience with the convenience of at-home access. The seamless syncing with Apple Watch ensures you get the most accurate data possible.

Bonus: The app also includes mindful cooldowns to help you recover after intense workouts.

9. Google Fit

Best for: Android users and those seeking a simple, no-frills tracker

Google Fit is a minimalist fitness app that focuses on tracking your daily activity and promoting heart health. It’s simple to use and perfect for Android users or anyone looking for a straightforward way to stay active.

The app integrates seamlessly with other fitness tools, making it a great option for those who use multiple devices or apps.

Key Features:

Tracks steps, activity time, and heart rate (if connected to a compatible device).
Encourages movement with “Heart Points” and “Move Minutes,” designed by the American Heart Association.
Syncs with third-party apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, and Nike Run Club.
Works with wearables like Wear OS devices and smartwatches.
Offers personalized activity goals based on your health data.

Google Fit’s simplicity makes it perfect for beginners or those who prefer not to dive into complex metrics. It’s also completely free, so there’s no barrier to getting started.

Fun Feature: The “Heart Points” system turns staying active into a fun and achievable daily challenge.

10. FitOn

Best for: Free guided workouts and holistic wellness

FitOn is a standout app because of its library of high-quality workouts led by celebrity trainers—all for free. The app covers a wide range of workout styles, from cardio and strength training to yoga and mindfulness practices. It’s perfect for those who want professional guidance without spending a dime.

Key Features:

Unlimited access to workouts in categories like HIIT, Pilates, strength training, and stretching.
Workouts led by celebrity trainers like Jeanette Jenkins and Cassey Ho.
Social features that let you connect with friends and join challenges.
Tracks your activity and progress over time.
Includes meditation sessions to focus on mental health.

FitOn’s high-quality, professional workouts are completely free, making it accessible to everyone. The mix of fitness and mindfulness sets it apart as an all-around wellness app.

Pro Tip: Use the app’s reminder feature to schedule workouts and stay consistent with your fitness routine.

11. 8fit

Best for: Personalized workout and nutrition plans

8fit is a fitness and nutrition app that provides a truly personalized experience. It combines custom workout plans with healthy meal suggestions, making it ideal for those who want to pair exercise with better eating habits.

Key Features:

Custom workout plans tailored to your goals, fitness level, and available time.
Short, efficient workouts designed for home use, with no equipment required.
Provides meal plans with healthy recipes and grocery lists.
Tracks your progress and adjusts your plan as you improve.
Offers guided meditation sessions for stress management.

8fit takes a holistic approach to health by focusing on both fitness and nutrition. It’s especially useful for anyone who struggles with meal planning or wants a structured fitness program.

Bonus: The app allows you to customize your meal plans based on dietary preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free.

12. JEFIT

Best for: Strength training enthusiasts and gym-goers

JEFIT is a detailed workout tracker designed for people who take their strength training seriously. It provides an extensive library of exercises, pre-designed workout plans, and advanced tracking features to help you fine-tune your routine.

Key Features:

A database of over 1,300 exercises with step-by-step instructions and animations.
Ability to create custom workout routines or follow pre-made plans.
Tracks sets, reps, and weights for each exercise.
Progress monitoring with detailed graphs and stats.
Community features, including challenges and leaderboards.

JEFIT is perfect for gym-goers who want to log every detail of their workout. Its robust tracking tools and large exercise database make it a must-have for anyone focused on building strength.

Pro Tip: Use the app’s rest timer to stay consistent between sets and maximize your efficiency in the gym.

13. Adidas Running by Runtastic

Best for: Tracking outdoor activities like running, walking, and hiking

Adidas Running (formerly Runtastic) is an excellent option for tracking outdoor activities such as running, walking, cycling, and hiking. It offers detailed performance metrics, route mapping, and motivational features to keep you going.

Key Features:

GPS tracking for distance, pace, elevation, and speed.
Audio coaching to provide real-time feedback during your runs.
Personalized training plans to help you prepare for races or achieve specific goals.
Social challenges and leaderboards to compete with friends or other users.
Integration with wearables like Garmin, Polar, and Apple Watch.

Adidas Running combines accurate activity tracking with motivational tools like challenges and audio coaching. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys outdoor workouts.

Fun Feature: Join virtual races and challenges to compete with runners worldwide.

14. Pacer

Best for: Walking and step tracking

Pacer is a simple yet effective app for tracking steps and walking activity. It’s perfect for beginners or those looking to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. The app also includes GPS tracking for walks or runs.

Key Features:

Tracks steps, calories burned, and distance walked.
GPS tracking for outdoor activities like walking, running, and hiking.
Offers community challenges to keep you motivated.
Integrates with wearables and other apps like MyFitnessPal.
Provides health insights based on your activity.

Pacer’s simplicity and user-friendly design make it a great choice for anyone looking to stay active. It’s especially useful for people who want to focus on walking as a primary form of exercise.

Pro Tip: Set step goals and use the app’s notifications to remind yourself to move throughout the day.

15. Freeletics

Best for: Bodyweight workouts and no-equipment training

Freeletics is designed for those who want to get fit without the need for equipment or a gym membership. It specializes in bodyweight exercises and offers personalized training programs based on your fitness level and goals.

Key Features:

AI-powered personalized workout plans that adapt as you progress.
Bodyweight exercises that require no equipment, making it ideal for home workouts.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts to maximize efficiency.
Guided audio coaching to keep you motivated.
Tracks your progress and provides feedback on performance.

Freeletics is perfect for those who prefer no-equipment workouts or need a flexible program they can do anywhere. The app’s AI-driven customization ensures your workouts are always challenging but achievable.

Bonus: The app includes mindset coaching to help you stay mentally focused on your fitness journey.

16. Sweat

Best for: Women-focused fitness and structured workout programs

Sweat, founded by fitness influencer Kayla Itsines, offers a variety of workout plans tailored to women’s fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner, postpartum, or looking to build strength, Sweat has a program for you.

Key Features:

Programs like BBG (Bikini Body Guide), PWR, and post-pregnancy workouts.
Video demonstrations for every exercise to ensure proper form.
Progress tracking with visual graphs and stats.
Meal plans and recipes to support your fitness goals.
Community features to connect with other users and share your journey.

Sweat’s focus on women’s fitness and goal-specific programs makes it a standout. Its supportive community and clear structure make it easy to stay motivated and consistent.

Pro Tip: Join the community challenges to stay inspired and connect with like-minded individuals.

How to Choose the Right App for You?

With so many fantastic options, choosing the right fitness tracking app can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you decide:

Identify Your Goals: Are you trying to lose weight, gain muscle, improve endurance, or simply move more? Choose an app that aligns with your specific goals.
Consider Your Fitness Level: Beginners may prefer apps like C25K or Pacer, while advanced users might enjoy JEFIT or Strong.
Think About Your Preferred Activities: Love running? Try Strava or Adidas Running. Prefer strength training? Go for Strong or Nike Training Club.
Check Compatibility: If you own a fitness tracker, ensure the app integrates with your device.
Evaluate Costs: Many apps offer free versions, but some features may require a subscription. Consider your budget before committing.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your exercise goals has never been easier, thanks to these incredible apps. Whether you’re running your first 5K, building strength at the gym, or simply trying to stay active, there’s an app that can help you succeed. The key is to find one that matches your lifestyle and keeps you motivated.