Top 5 workout apps for the iPhone: Nike Training Club, Sworkit, FitnessBuilder

Wow, there really are a LOT of apps out there developed to help you keep track of your health and improve your fitness, we know, we’ve been wading through them for the past 6 months in an attempt to bring you the best of the best.

However, what we’ve noticed on our app travels is that many of them try to tick all of the boxes, but we prefer specialist applications that really make a difference and don’t promise the world. So, if you enjoyed our round-up of dedicated running apps earlier in the week, then you should check out our top 5 apps for training, working out and tailored exercise routines to your body.

Whether you need a tailored training programme, exercise suggestions or just a reminder that you need to get up and get moving we’ve got an app for you this week…

1. Nike Training Club

It seems we can’t write a round-up without including a Nike product or gadget or application.

The workout list is no exception as Nike Training Club is a really comprehensive app packed full of full body workouts that you can choose to suit your body and customise afterwards.

The app is really simple to use, just select your goal, find the right workouts for your fitness level, change the intensity and get moving.

There’s audio guidance if you’re a newbie, but if you’re a seasoned Nike Training Club member you can just get on with it and share all of your stats and achievements with your social networks afterwards.

Ideal for: Those who already love Nike’s ecosystem of fitness products and apps who want a simple workout solution they can track and improve over time.

Available from iTunes for free.

2. FitnessBuiler

FitnessBuilder is a great app for dedicated beginners, but it’s also an ideal companion for those who take their workouts very seriously and even personal trainers and those working in the health and fitness industries.

FitnessBuilder comes with an extensive library of videos, images and workouts designed to really test your body and push your limits. You can use the app to drag and drop certain exercises to create a custom routine that you can then revisit.

As you’d expect from such a comprehensive application, there are all kinds of cool features, like audio guidance throughout all of the videos and workouts, fitness and body tracking, as well as planning and scheduling tools to keep you on track.

Ideal for: Those looking for a really comprehensive workout solution with a lot of guidance and information along the way.

Available from iTunes for free (extra charges for access to Fitness Builder Plus).

3. Seconds Pro Interval Timer

We know that some of you might not need help devising new fitness plans or guidance when it comes to exercise, so for you guys we recommend a great interval timer so you don’t lose track of your workouts.

This application may be a little pricey, but it’s fully customisable, allows you to share and keep track of times, integrates with other apps and gadgets and has a really easy-to-use interface.

Ideal for: Those who already know what they want from a workout but need a better way of tracking their time.

Available from iTunes for £2.99.

4. Gorilla Workout

Workout routines don’t have to be really complicated, many of the fittest people we know just do a lot of regular strength training to keep in shape, which is the basic premise behind Gorilla Workout.

The app consists of a range of quick, simple exercises that you need to complete against the clock while maintaining a good technique. All the exercises are ones most of you will be familiar with, like sit-ups, press-ups, squats and lunges, designed to get your whole body sweating, tone you up, build your stamina and help you lose body fat in the process.

However, to make sure you’re not crazily throwing your body into different exercises, there’s a detailed written description and video demo to go alongside them, and the videos are accessible wherever you are too, even when you’re not online.

Ideal for: Those who want a no nonsense workout solution and already know a bit about fitness.

Available from iTunes for £1.49.

5. Sworkit

Sworkit is an app for those who get bored easily, as every time you open it up it’ll present you with a random workout designed to get your heart racing, your blood pumping and your motivation levels high.

You begin by selecting how many minutes you have to spare, which area you want to work and then Sworkit will pick a few exercises just for you.

Ideal for: Those who get bored easily and don’t have much time on their hands.

Available from iTunes for free.

Related: Top 5 running apps for the iPhone: Nike, Garmin and Zombies!