"Gym memberships are expensive, and let’s face it: we probably don’t go enough to get our money’s worth (if you’re like me, anyway). I find myself going through phases all the time when it comes to working out. I cycle through different types of workouts that I enjoy, whether it be the cardio plus weight training method of a traditional gym, group exercise classes like pilates and yoga, running (rarely), or HIIT-style workouts. Sometimes, I think taking my dog for a walk at the park is enough physical activity for the day, and sometimes… I don’t work out at all.
One thing I really do consistently enjoy about working out, however, is being able to do it in the comfort of my own home. I love rolling out my yoga mat and doing a quick flow before bed or turning to an app for super quick workouts that still feel effective.
Great free workout tools are hard to come by — I don’t know how many times I’ve downloaded a fitness app thinking it was free only to be prompted to choose my membership plan for when the short free trial is over. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best free tools for working out without a gym membership:
Sworkit
Sworkit is one of my absolute favorites. It’s easy to navigate and has a ton of different workout options. You can browse by type of workout, and then set your workout length based on how many circuits of the workout you want to do. The app then guides you through each step of the workout. It also keeps track of your progress in your weekly workout goals.
Couch to 5K
You’ve probably heard of this one — it might even be one of the most popular workout apps out there. It’s a training program for extreme beginners when it comes to running (it starts with only 60 seconds of running at a time) that focuses on building your endurance so that you could run a 5K at the end of the eighth week. If you don’t have access to a treadmill, you can totally do this program outside as well!
Yoga for Beginners
This is a great app if you’re just getting started in your yoga practice. It has short (7 to 15-minute) yoga flows for different purposes, such as energy boosting, morning or night stretching, and inner peace, as well as for toning different parts of the body.
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club asks you questions about yourself when you sign up so that it can cater your experience directly to you. It has a variety of workouts, and you can browse by muscle group, workout type, or equipment. This one was recommended by Everygirl editor Maddie!
Workout Trainer by Skimble
This has a TON of different workouts to choose from, including everything from strength training to intervals to stretching and yoga. It also has a community aspect, where you can interact with trainers and fellow app users and participate in different programs like “Improve Endurance” or “Pre and Postnatal.”
Workout for Women
This is another favorite of mine. Think of it as the free version of the Sweat app. It has lots of 7-minute workouts (with the idea that you would do multiple circuits of them) as well as longer ones. There are tons of workout categories to choose from like trending, fat loss, beginner, and even “no jumping.” It also keeps track of how often you’re using the app to help you reach your goals.
The Fitness Marshall
Described by editor Kelly Etz as “my personal hero,” The Fitness Marshall creates quick and upbeat dance fitness routines to popular songs (sometimes teaming up with fellow influencers to get it done!). His instructions are easy to follow and inclusive of all levels of experience, and his infectious energy will make you actually WANT to get a workout in.
Yoga with Adriene
This one is a favorite of mine as well as of our editor Lauren. The Yoga with Adriene YouTube channel has every type of yoga practice that you could ever need. There are a wide variety of videos for target muscle groups, types of yoga, intentions, and lengths of flow. And as a bonus, she adds a new video every week.
PopSugar Fitness
PopSugar Fitness has a huge variety of 10 to 40 minute workouts, including HIIT, pilates, dance, cardio, strength, and more. These quick yet intense workouts that you can do at home will make you think twice before saying “I don’t have time to work out.”