16 Best Running Apps 2021 to Hit Your Training Goals

This app gives you a lot of freedom for setting your own custom goals, as you can choose a particular pace or weight you want to reach. RunKeeper will automatically track your running stats as well as your progress toward the goal. The premium version of this app, RunKeeper Go, includes additional features such as prescribed workouts, detailed progress insights, and live location tracking. The app’s compatibility with Apple Watch, Zwift, and Garmin Connect makes it versatile for tracking runs.

If you don’t have smart shoes (what is this, 2009?) the app also pairs flawlessly with Garmin devices, Apple Watch, and other fitness wearables that normal humans are actually likely to own. When it comes to quality, the most important thing to look for in an app is how dedicated the creators are to creating high-quality code. And while this old-school technique will definitely get you results, as with everything in this new age world, there is an app that was designed to help you do so more easily. App makers would love for you to believe that the best discounts happen between November and January, but it’s just not true.

So you’re just getting into running and you want to figure out which app is right for you? There are so many running apps on the market it can be hard choosing the right one. You can pedal with friends remotely or join paced group rides led by virtual ride leaders. A hunky AI coach can also spit out a workout program after you feed him some basic data.

Training Plans & Coaching Apps

If you’re not looking for a training plan right now, you can check out the rest of the apps that made it onto our best running apps list here. The Couch to 5K app is one of the best running apps for beginners, as it is more focused on helping users fall in love with running and reach their first big milestone – 5K (3.1 miles). The Aaptiv running app was created for people who prefer real-time coaching, with a major focus on classes led by trainers with motivating music in the background. This Nike Run Club app is one of the most popular running apps on the market today.

My Run Tracker – The Run Tracking App

• That’s why having a plan that’s personalized to your ability and adjusts your sessions, mileage, and paces to suit you is so important, and Coopah does this brilliantly.
• For an app to earn a 1-star rating, the interface is confusing, there are no filters for specific needs, and it generally feels chaotic.
• Maybe you get push notifications, or there’s a feature where you can integrate the workout app with your online calendar, but no human support or interaction.
• Other things to consider are if you prefer live streaming or On demand workouts.
• Paid plans are around $14.99 per month, but don’t be surprised if you get a discount as a first-time user.
• You can also use the map to create your own route, an especially helpful feature when traveling.

The primary limitation is that its best features are intrinsically tied to owning Garmin hardware; the app has little utility on its own. The interface can also feel data-heavy and slightly less intuitive for a brand-new user compared to more streamlined apps. The key is to choose an app that aligns with your running goals and motivational style. The smaller user community also means fewer opportunities for social interaction compared to more popular running platforms.

Best workout app for women

The one downside to running a spring marathon is dealing with the weather in the winter. On days when the weather took a turn for the worst, last year I opted to use one of the best treadmills in our Tom’s Guide testing center to get my miles in. It was easy to switch my session’s pace to be done on the treadmill on Runna — something that’s always tricky if you’re not used to running in kilometers per hour, or miles per hour. Nike Run Club has an app made specifically for Apple Watch, and also has a standard app for iPhones and Android phones. As long as you use the same account, everything will sync up, so you can use the watch app to track data, for instance, and your phone app to analyze it.

The best workout app for you will vary depending on your fitness goals, budget, preferred training method, and the level of coaching you desire. Some of our recommended apps include Shred, Future, Caliber, and iFIT. You won’t have to worry about coordinating with a personal trainer is mad muscles legit or dashing out of work to catch your favorite class.

Tips for Runners to Avoid Cramping on the Race Day

You can set a distance, time, or speed goal, stream music from either Apple Music or Spotify in the app, and take off running (or jogging). For more structured programming, choose a beginner, 5k, half marathon, or full marathon training program that sets you up over multiple weeks to tackle your ambition. Nike Run Club is a free running app that allows you to track your run while providing training plans and coaching to keep you moving in the right direction. While having an iFIT-compatible treadmill enhances the user experience, it’s not entirely necessary for the app.

Use coaching to take your running performance to the next level

During the sign-up process, you’ll answer a quick quiz that includes questions about your goals, activity level, equipment access, and more. Once you sign up for a paid subscription, you get access to personalized fitness plans to meet those goals. Paid plans are around $14.99 per month, but don’t be surprised if you get a discount as a first-time user. Lindsay Scheele is a certified personal trainer, ISSA-certified nutrition coach, Level 1 CrossFit coach, and lead reviewer on GGR Everything. She has a hard time not talking about fitness at family gatherings and thinks more about treadmills than Kayne thinks about Kayne. When not talking about treadmills, or testing out cold tubs, she loves lifting weights, trying new foods, and finding new music to share with friends.

Best Running App for Guided Audio – Nike Run Club

Although the subscription cost may be a downside, the extensive features and detailed performance metrics make it a worthwhile investment for Apple users. There is a paid version, but the free one offers more than enough features for most runners, which is why it earns 5 out of 5 for the value. With Runkeeper, you can set your own goals with the help of the training features and get tailor-made guidance on how to reach them. There are live events, progressive series running plans for everything from a 5K to an ultramarathon, challenges, and more to keep you moving. Many of the apps we listed above have a free option and then added benefits with a subscription. Cross-check the free running apps above and choose one that aligns with what you’re looking for.

Map My Run — Best Premium Version

Runkeeper is another one of the original running apps, and remains one of the most popular. The app has all the tracking and GPS features you’d expect, and syncs with wearables from Apple, Garmin, FitBit, and more. For the most accurate tracking possible, avid runners may wish to invest in a quality running watch. This will give you things like heart rate data and blood oxygen saturation levels, for example, as well as much more accurate GPS tracking than your phone alone can provide. If you want to get more out of the app, a Workout Pass ($3.99 per month or $39.99 per year) provides access to the Workout Calendar and all challenges and programs. An All-Access Pass ($6.99 per month or $69.99 per year) allows you to set goals, keep a daily journal of your progress, maintain a visual meal tracker, and track your water intake.

Runkeeper (iOS: 4.8 stars, Android: 4.2 stars)

Either way, with the best running apps, you can track your progress, improve your training routines, and get more out of every run. Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans. Garmin Connect offers in-depth performance analytics and is widely recommended for serious runners. It provides detailed historical reports to track training progress and personal records, making it an excellent training tool. For example, you can run Strava for social features and segment tracking while also using Motera for territory capture. Running two GPS apps drains your battery faster, so keep your phone charged or carry a portable charger on longer runs.

FitOn: Fitness Workout Plans

You can find numerous running routes or join virtual running groups, so-called clubs, for extra ideas and a motivational boost. Inside Apple’s Fitness app is Fitness+, a membership offering a variety of video workouts. You can choose from various activities, including dancing, HIIT cardio, kickboxing, and yoga, as well as more restorative wellness classes such as meditation. The app allows you to create custom plans based on class duration, music preferences, preferred workout days, trainers, and more. A free one-month trial is available, after which the cost is a reasonable $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. It also comes with an Apple One Premier Subscription ($37.95 per month).