How many times have you downloaded an app, excited for it to deliver anything from an increase in productivity to a decrease in stress, yet after just two days in - you’re out? We get it, but maybe the app you chose just wasn’t a good fit. To help you give it another try, we did the research and rounded up our favorites in a few top categories.
We chose them based on reviews, accessibility, price, and offerings - so whether it’s wanting to up your fitness routine, learn how to meditate, or get more sleep, we’ve searched high and low to share the best of the best.
Some are free and some have a low monthly fee, so if you have room in your budget alongside Netflix and Prime, we think they’re worth it for the extra content and support they provide.
In the end, the real deal breaker as to whether an app will work is if you not only download it but actually use it - and the only person who can help you with that is, well, you. Set a goal within the app, then create space in your calendar to follow the program, videos, etc. and commit to it for at least 30 days to see and feel results.
Best of luck, we know you can do it!
Meditation
If you’ve ever tried to meditate on your own and declared you’re “not good at it,” we urge you to try again. Not only is meditation an amazing way to stay present and calm your nervous system, it can also help you sleep. These apps have guided meditations that help you stay focused and relaxed all at once.
Headspace: 14 days free, then $5.83 per month
Insight Timer: Free
Sleep
We all know how important a good night’s sleep is, yet it’s something so many of us are lacking. Try these apps to not only track your sleep, but set gentle wake up reminders, detect snoring, and even play relaxing sleep sounds to lull you into next level slumber.
Sleep Cycle: Free with in app purchases
Calm: Free trial then $69.99 a year
Nutrition
Sticking to a healthy eating routine isn’t always easy, but having a pocket nutritionist and endless recipes at your fingertips make it so much easier. These apps not only have amazing recipes, nutrition guides, and calorie trackers, but they also offer workout videos.
Deliciously Ella: Free 7 day trial, then $9.99 a month
My Fitness Pal: Free with tons of tools, upgrade for more personalized data at $49 a year
Fitness
Staying on track with exercise is something many people struggle with, so using an app that guides you through workouts you can do from your living room, in under 20 minutes, is a gift. These apps offer everything from strength training to guided runs and help you track your workouts so you have a record of what you’ve done each week.
Pear Fitness: Free with in app upgrades
Nike Training: Free
Yoga/Pilates/ Hybrid
If you’re looking for more of a mind/body workout, these apps offer great classes, some even incorporating strength training moves that get you not only flexible, but also strong. Plus many of the classes end with meditation for an all-in-one experience.
Alomoves: Free trial, then $20 a month
Gaia Yoga: Free trial, then $11.99 a month / $99 a year
BONUS: Goal Setting
Here’s the thing- you can set the loftiest of wellness goals, but if you don’t keep track of getting them done, there’s less of a chance you’ll stick with them, so we’ve included a bonus app that helps you do just that. Whether it’s drinking more water, walking your dog to get in your steps, or avoiding sugar during the week, Streaks can help you follow your progress.