Best home workout app
There's no single best home workout app for everyone. Here's a checklist of what actually matters, so you can pick the one you'll keep using.
What to look for
- Feedback on your reps: does it know what you actually did, or just play a video?
- Form cues you can hear without looking at the screen.
- Works with no equipment, and scales when you add dumbbells or bands.
- Privacy: where does camera video go? Ideally it stays on your device.
- Clear pricing and easy cancellation.
Where Apex One fits
Apex One uses your phone camera to count reps out loud and cue your form on 10 exercises, with guided rehab programs for between physio sessions. Video stays on your phone. It's $19.99/mo or $99/yr in the US ($26.99/mo or $134.99/yr in Canada), cancel anytime.
Types of home workout app
- Follow-along video apps: a trainer on screen, you copy. Great for variety; nobody checks your reps.
- Plan and log apps: you get a program and log what you did. Great for structure; you count yourself.
- Camera coaching apps: the phone watches and counts reps, and may cue form. Great for honesty and feedback; limited to the exercises they can track.
- Wearable-based apps: use a watch or band for heart rate and some rep counting. Great for cardio; less reliable for counting strength reps.
Questions to ask before paying
- Does it cover the exercises you actually want to do?
- Does it work with the equipment you have, including none?
- Can you try it free first?
- Is the price clear, and can you cancel easily?
- Where does your camera video go, if it uses the camera?
- Does it help you stick with it: plans, reminders, streaks, progress?
Getting the most from any app
- Schedule your sessions like appointments.
- Start with three short sessions a week, then build.
- Track a few simple numbers: total reps, max set, how you felt.
- Change one thing at a time when you progress.
- Pick an app you like using. The best app is the one you'll open.
What Apex One does and doesn't do
Apex One counts reps with your phone camera on 10 exercises: squats, push-ups, lunges, curls, deadlifts, rows, overhead presses, sit-ups, jumping jacks and high knees. It scores your form on every rep and coaches you out loud. Video stays on your phone. It also has guided rehab programs for between physio sessions, which are voice-led and don't use the camera.
It doesn't have follow-along video classes, it doesn't track every exercise that exists, and rep competitions are coming soon. Apex One+ is $19.99/mo or $99/yr, cancel anytime. You can try the squat counter free in your browser first.
Who Apex One suits best
- People who train at home with bodyweight or a few dumbbells.
- Anyone who wants honest rep counts and form feedback without a trainer.
- People combining workouts with rehab exercises between physio sessions.
- It's less suited to people who want follow-along video classes or mostly train with gym machines.
Building a simple home routine
Whatever app you choose, a basic routine covers a squat, a push, a pull, a hinge and some core work. For example: squats, push-ups, band or backpack rows, glute bridges or Romanian deadlifts, and a plank. Three sessions a week of 2 to 3 sets each is a solid starting point for most people.
As you get stronger, progress each exercise with harder variations or a bit of load. A couple of adjustable dumbbells or a set of bands goes a long way at home.
Free versus paid
There are good free resources, including videos and printable plans. Paid apps usually add structure, tracking, feedback or coaching. Whether that's worth it depends on what you struggle with. If you know what to do but don't stay consistent, a plan and reminders help. If you're not sure your reps are good, feedback helps more.
Look for a free trial or demo so you can check the experience before paying. Apex One has a free squat counter you can try in your browser.
Space and setup
Most home workouts need about 2 by 2 metres of clear floor. A mat or towel, decent lighting, and somewhere to prop your phone if you use a camera app are all you really need. If you're in an apartment, avoid jumping exercises late at night, or swap them for quieter versions like step-backs instead of jumps.
What to look for
- Does it give feedback on your form, or just play a video?
- Does it adapt as you get stronger?
- Can you train with no equipment?
- Is the price clear, and can you cancel anytime?
- Does it keep your camera video on your device?
Where Apex One fits
Apex One counts reps and scores form on 10 moves with your phone camera, speaks the count out loud, and includes voice-led rehab programs for between physio sessions. It's $19.99/mo or $99/yr in the US, with a free squat demo to try first. Competitions are coming soon. Built in Calgary. Works globally.
Free vs paid
Free videos and apps are fine for getting started. A paid app earns its price when it does something free options can't, like counting and scoring every rep so you can see real progress. Try before you pay: Apex One's squat demo is free in the browser, and you can cancel the subscription anytime.
Where it might not fit
If you want long follow-along class videos, live classes or a huge exercise library, a class-style app may suit you better. Apex One focuses on counting and coaching the reps you do.
Count every rep with your phone
Prop your phone up and Apex One counts each full rep out loud and cues your form on 10 strength moves, including squats, push-ups, lunges and curls. Video stays on your phone. Try the free demo in your browser, nothing to install.
Questions
Can I try Apex One for free?
Yes. The free squat demo runs in your browser with your camera, with nothing to install.
Do home workout apps work without equipment?
Most do. Apex One's workouts all work with bodyweight; add weights when you're ready.
Is my camera video uploaded?
Not with Apex One. Tracking happens on your device.
Is a home workout app as good as a gym?
For general fitness and strength, a good home routine done consistently can be very effective. A gym gives you heavier equipment as you get stronger.
How long should a home workout be?
20 to 40 minutes is plenty for most people. Short sessions done regularly beat long ones you skip.
Is there a home workout app with no equipment?
Yes. Apex One's workouts use bodyweight moves, with dumbbell moves optional.
Do home workout apps actually work?
They work if you use them consistently. Feedback and tracking make that easier.