The top fitness apps you can use for FREE this January

Getting fit for 2021 has never been easier with these top fitness apps to kickstart your weight loss journey

Fitness app used in gym
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Do you need a bit of guidance getting started on your fitness journey? With lockdowns across the world closing gyms, the best online personal trainer and fitness apps are becoming more important than ever in when it comes to trying health and fitness at home.

However, many of these apps require a significant investment to get started, which you might be reluctant to do at the beginning of the year – after all, most people tend to give up their new year's resolutions around January 19. 

So you can make sure you get the right fitness app for you, we've compiled some of our favourite apps that either offer free trial periods, or are completely free from the get-go, to help give you a bit of guidance on getting fit.  

Top fitness apps: Centr

Spearheaded by Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, the fitness app called Centr contains nutrition plans, scheduled workout regimes and mindfulness sessions, all in one place. Right now, Centr is offering a six-week free trial to assist people who need fitness and health guidance during the pandemic, which is the best free trial deal we've seen out of any of the premium apps. 

Get Centr here

Top fitness apps: Apple Fitness+

Apple Fitness+

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Fitness+ is the newest kid on the block, but it's very highly recommended if you're the owner of an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Apple TV. A series of smart follow-along workouts syncs with your wrist-mounted device, showing your vital data on your TV, phone or tablet screen. 

If you buy a new Apple Watch, you get at least three months of Apple Fitness+ absolutely free, but existing owners can take advantage of one month's free trial. 

Get Apple Fitness+ here

Top Fitness Apps: Fiit

Fiit was rated our number one workout app with good reason: the sheer variety of options available. You can choose to take advantage of a quick cardio session, a long, relaxing yoga flow or a hardcore strength training workout, to name just a few. It uses real trainers in online group classes live, and it's also got plenty of healthy recipes and diet plans to boot. You can access it all with a two-week free trial. 

Get Fiit here

Top Fitness Apps: Strava

Running

(Image credit: Sportlab/Unsplash)

Based on a "freemium" model, where you have to pay for some features but the bulk of the app is free, Strava is for people who like to run and cycle their way to fitness. It uses the GPS on your devices to track your movements, providing you with advanced health metrics and a community of supportive runners for you to compare notes with. It's a great way to find new running routes, create a plan to beat that first 5K and connect with like-minded exercisers.   

Get Strava here

Top Fitness Apps: One You Couch to 5K

From the UK NHS, Couch to 5K is a structured exercise plan designed to get you into running for the first time (or to reintroduce those people who haven't run in ages). With celebrity voices coaching you through the training plan, One You Couch to 5K is great for beginners, offering a solid eight-week plan to shepherd you towards your first running goal. It's also absolutely free. 

Get the One You Couch to 5K app here

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Get Fit for 2021 with Fit&Well

Get Fit for 2021 with Fit&Well
As the sun rises on a brand new year, Fit&Well is here to help put last year behind you and make 2021 your happiest, healthiest yet. Here at fitandwell.com, we’ll be bringing you a wealth of workouts, diet plans and expert advice throughout January to help kick-start your health and fitness goals.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and is currently Fitness and Wellbeing Editor at TechRadar, covering all things exercise and nutrition on Fit&Well's tech-focused sister site. Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen runner, gym-goer, and infrequent yogi. His top fitness tip? Stretch.