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6 Great (and FREE) Apps for Working Up a Sweat — or Bulking Up — Outside the Gym

Whether it’s due to long hours at work, unanticipated errands/responsibilities arising, the gym closing or other unforeseen events forcing a change of plans, sometimes fitting a workout into the daily schedule just isn’t in the cards. But for today’s connected fitness seekers, their gym doesn’t necessarily have to be open to get a workout in.

Fitness Focus – FTC Now Channel 26

First, for FTC Digital TV customers, several choices are available. They need only go to FTC Now, Channel 26, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Mondays to Fridays or from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays and choose a 30-minute episode of Fitness Focus. They can develop their Zumba skills, take a boxing class or maybe just get in a good cardio workout. Even better news is they do not have to be there at 6 a.m. if they have a DVR in their homes. They can record the episodes and complete the workouts when it is convenient.

Another option is checking out one of these free apps that offer great ways to keep fit, at home or on the go:

  • Nike Training Club

This app developed by the athletic shoe-maker features more than 180 free workouts divided up by muscle groups and workout types (strength, endurance, mobility, etc.). Offering exercises geared toward users of all fitness and strength levels, the app’s workouts vary in length from 15 to 45 minutes and feature full-equipment, light-equipment and body-weight-only exercise options. Find it in the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

  • Workout Trainer: Fitness Coach

Featuring thousands of free workouts led by certified trainers, this app uses step-by-step audio, photo and video instruction to help newbies and fitness veterans alike get into shape and maintain their physiques. Adjustable difficulty levels help users progress on their fitness journeys, and notifications, reminders, and streak and stat tracking help users stay focused on their fitness goals. Find the app in the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.

  • Freeletics Training Coach

Offering hundreds of routines covering the full range of muscle groups and fitness levels, this app uses short, guided workout sessions and audio coaching to help users achieve their fitness goals. Users will need no equipment or gym membership to use Freeletics, as all exercises outlined in the app use only body weight for resistance and muscle-building/toning. Users can download the app from the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

  • 8fit

This app helps users achieve their health goals by putting access to fitness and nutrition experts in their pocket and at the tips of their fingers. After conducting a question-based fitness assessment to determine health goals, it uses 15- to 20-minute workouts to tone the body (without the need for fitness equipment) plus packs in nutrition tips and meal planners to keep users’ eating habits on track. Fitness-seekers can find it in the Google Play store and in the Apple App Store.

  • Seven

Challenging users to work out for just seven minutes each day and maintain the habit for seven months, this app helps fitness-seekers reach their goals and maintain their activity levels by spurring gradual change with approachable, bite-sized chunks. The app’s 200-plus equipment-free workouts are based on scientific studies to achieve maximum effectiveness, and a helpful tracker screen in the app helps users follow the progress they’ve made toward their goals. For added motivation, users can unlock new activities in the app by sticking with their daily routine over time. The app is available from the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

  • Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout

Another app focused on developing long-term fitness habits by taking baby steps, this one was developed by the director of exercise physiology at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. It features 72 various exercises and a library containing 22 preset workouts ranging from seven to 32 minutes in length, all of which users can customize to create personalized fitness routines. Video tutorial help users ensure that they’re performing the exercises correctly. It’s available from the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.