Download These 5 Mobile Apps for Cheap -- or Free -- At-Home Winter Workouts
Let's face it: Working out during winter can be challenging. The weather might make it harder to leave the house to hit the gym, or a snow storm may stop you from running outside.
These five apps offer ways to exercise at home and might even save you money by replacing your monthly gym membership, which costs an average of $54 per month, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.
Here's how to stay cozy -- and save money -- while breaking out a sweat.
[See: 10 Frugal Activities to Get You Out of the House This Winter.]
1. If you're looking for targeted workouts: Daily Workouts Free. You may have parts of your body that you love and parts that you'd like to tone up. Daily Workouts Free offers several apps that focus on specific parts of the body, such as your abdominal muscles and legs.
The app even offers a yoga option if you want an energizing flow that will work all your body parts. Plus, the exercises are simple and don't require any special props beyond what you probably already have in your living room.
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: Free
2. If you're in a rush, but running to catch the bus isn't enough cardio for you: 7-Minute Workout. It's perfectly understandable: You're busy trying to balance work, friends, hobbies and other obligations. Who's got time to spend hours at the gym every week? If you're generally strapped for time, the Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout might be the exercise routine for your packed schedule.
The workouts are fast, as the name suggests, and can be done almost anywhere. You will need a chair handy for certain moves, which also makes it a great option if you're looking to stay fit while traveling.
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: Free
[See: 10 Money Leaks to Shut Down Now.]
3. You're a weightlifter or want to be: StrongLifts 5x5 Workout. The StrongLifts 5x5 Workout app may be good if you want customized coaching for your weightlifting. It also works for beginners who might not want to display their budding abilities to the behemoths at the gym quite yet.
The app is built around five core exercises -- the squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press and barbell row -- and the goal is to gradually add weight to your routine, not totally wipe you out at the end of each session. Each workout is around 45 minutes long and should be completed three times a week.
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: Free, but you'll need access to weights, bench press and bar and some other equipment, which will be a big initial investment on its own. Many users recommend purchasing the StrongLifts Power Pack upgrade for $9.99 to get access to warm ups, additional workouts and more. Additional add-ons are available for $1.99 a piece.
4. If you want a customizable workout: Freeletics Bodyweight. Every day is different, and our goals -- and fitness levels -- are always changing. With Freeletics Bodyweight, you can fill out a profile for more personalized suggestions and choose how long you want your workouts to be.
Most of the exercises can be done at home except running (unless you have a treadmill) and only require a mat, if anything at all. That's because you use your own body weight as resistance while doing lunges, burpees and more.
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: There are subscription plans for a "Training Coach" or "Training & Nutrition" that vary in price from around $1 to $4 per week.
[See: 20 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store.]
5. If you want a meal plan to go with your fitness routine: 8fit. What we eat has an effect on our health and can drastically change the nature of our workouts, too. The app 8fit helps you take a rounded approach to your health by teaching you how to cook meals based on your lifestyle and fitness goals. Each workout is around 20 minutes, which makes it great for beginners or people who want to fit something quick into a busy day.
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: While the app offers some free fitness plans, meal plans do cost a little extra: The pro version costs $25 for three months or $60 for the year. The app also offers articles on why you should eat certain foods instead of just following a prescribed plan.
More From US News & World Report
