Top Workout & Diet Apps to Kickstart Your New Year Fitness Goals
Every New Year brings a fresh opportunity to prioritize health, boost fitness, and build habits that stick. Whether you’re just starting or leveling up your routine, the right app can keep you motivated, organized, and on track without the overwhelm.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best workout and diet apps to help you crush your fitness goals in 2026.
Why Apps Make a Difference
Apps help you:
- Stay consistent with workouts & meals
- Track progress visually
- Set achievable goals and measure wins
- Stay accountable with reminders and community support
They put the power of a coach in your pocket and are the perfect motivation for the New Year’s fresh start!
Best Workout Apps for All Levels
1. Nike Training Club
Perfect for beginners to advanced users
- Offers workouts ranging from 5 to 60+ minutes
- Focused plans for strength, endurance, mobility
- Free and premium options
Best for: A varied workout library with expert guidance.
2. Fitbod
Best for strength training and gym routines
- Personalized workouts based on your equipment
- Tracks progress and adjusts automatically
- Great for muscle growth and strength gains
Best for: Gym-goers who want tailored strength programs.
3. Freeletics
AI-powered coaching and bodyweight training
- No equipment needed
- High-intensity workouts
- Adaptive training cadence
Best for: Home workouts and busy schedules.
4. Strava
Perfect for running and cycling enthusiasts
- GPS tracking for runs, rides, hikes
- Social features to share achievements
- Challenges and segments for motivation
Best for: Runners and cyclists who thrive with community goals.
| App | Best For | Key Features | Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Training Club | All-around fitness | Free workouts, expert guidance, programs | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| Fitbod | Strength training | AI workout planning, progress tracking | Paid | iOS, Android |
| Freeletics | Bodyweight workouts | AI coach, no equipment, high intensity | Free / Paid | iOS, Android |
| Strava | Running & cycling | GPS tracking, social features, challenges | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
Top Diet & Nutrition Apps and tips
1. MyFitnessPal
One of the most comprehensive food trackers
- Huge food database with barcode scanning
- Tracks calories, macros, and nutrition trends
- Syncs with many fitness wearables
Best for: Beginners who want simple, powerful tracking.
2. Lifesum
Balanced diet coaching with meal plans
- Guided diets like keto, high-protein, low-carb
- Visual feedback on nutrient intake
- Premium recipes and personalized plans
Best for: People who want meal guidance + tracking.
3. Cronometer
Deep nutrition insights for serious trackers
- Tracks micronutrients, not just calories
- Great for focused health goals
- Ideal for keto, vegan, or clinical diets
Best for: Users who care about nutrition detail.
4. Yazio
Simple food diary with goal-based plans
- Clear goals for fat loss or muscle gain
- Integrated fasting timer
- Smart reminders and habit tracking
Best for: Beginners who want structure without complexity.
| App | Best For | Key Features | Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyFitnessPal | General tracking | Massive food database, barcode scanner, macro tracking | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| Lifesum | Healthy meal planning | Meal plans, nutrition coaching, recipes | Free / Paid | iOS, Android |
| Cronometer | Detailed nutrient tracking | Micronutrient focus, custom foods, advanced analytics | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| Yazio | Simple meal tracking | Goal-based plans, fasting timer, reminders | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
How to Make Them Work for You
-
Pick 1 workout + 1 diet app
Too many tools = overwhelm. Start with one you enjoy. -
Set real goals
Think specific: “Build strength 3x/week” or “Eat protein with every meal.” -
Track for a month
Consistency > perfection. Trends matter more than daily perfection. -
Adjust as you grow
Your needs in January vs. April will change and that’s OK!
Bonus: Want to Know Your TDEE?
Understanding your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) helps you set calorie goals that match your fitness aim whether it’s fat loss, maintenance, or muscle gain.
What is TDEE?
TDEE is the total number of calories your body needs to maintain its current weight. It takes into account several factors:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Calories burned at rest to keep your body functioning.
- Physical Activity: Calories burned through exercise and daily movement.
- Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): Calories used to digest and process food.
- Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT): Calories burned from fidgeting, walking, and other small movements.
By understanding your TDEE, you can set realistic calorie goals for weight loss, maintenance, or muscle gain.
Why TDEE Matters
Knowing your TDEE gives you a blueprint for your diet:
- Weight Loss: Consume fewer calories than your TDEE.
- Maintenance: Match your calories to your TDEE.
- Muscle Gain: Eat more calories than your TDEE while maintaining a proper macronutrient balance.
Without knowing your TDEE, it’s easy to under- or overeat, which can stall progress or even lead to unwanted weight gain. Calculate your TDEE here!
Final Thoughts
2026 is your year, and with these apps in your corner, you’ll have structure, motivation, and clarity to make real progress. Fitness isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. Pick tools that fit your lifestyle, stay patient with the process, and celebrate every milestone, big or small.
Ready to kick off your fitness journey? Which app will you try first?
