Top Fitness Apps for Staying Active While Traveling
Top Fitness Apps for Staying Active While Traveling
Traveling is exciting, but it can also throw off your fitness routine. Between long flights, hotel stays, and packed itineraries, finding time to work out can be tough. Luckily, your smartphone can be your best workout buddy! Whether you’re in a tiny hotel room or exploring a new city, these best fitness apps will help you stay active without needing a gym.
Why Use Fitness Apps While Traveling?
Let’s face it travel disrupts routines. You might not have access to your usual gym, equipment, or even enough space. That’s where fitness apps come in! They offer:
- Convenience: Workouts you can do anywhere, anytime.
- Variety: From yoga to HIIT, there’s something for every fitness level.
- No equipment needed: Many apps focus on bodyweight exercises.
- Motivation: Track progress and stay accountable.
Now, let’s dive into the top fitness apps that make staying fit on the road a breeze.
1. Nike Training Club (NTC)
Best for: All-around workouts
Nike Training Club is a traveler’s dream. It offers:
- Free workouts (yes, completely free!)
- Bodyweight-only options
- Short, effective routines (perfect for busy schedules)
Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, NTC has guided workouts for strength, mobility, and endurance. Plus, the app adjusts to your fitness level.
Pro tip: Download workouts offline so you can exercise even without Wi-Fi.
2. MyFitnessPal
Best for: Tracking nutrition on the go
Travel often means indulging in new foods which is great! But if you want to balance treats with healthy choices, MyFitnessPal helps.
- Log meals easily (even restaurant dishes)
- Track macros and calories
- Sync with fitness trackers
Why it’s great for travelers: You can scan barcodes from snacks bought at airports or convenience stores.
3. Down Dog (Yoga, HIIT, & More)
Best for: Yoga lovers
Down Dog offers customizable yoga sessions:
- Choose duration (7-90 minutes)
- Pick your difficulty level
- Select focus areas (e.g., flexibility, strength)
Perfect for unwinding after a long flight or stretching in a hotel room.
4. Seven – 7 Minute Workout
Best for: Quick, effective workouts
Short on time? Seven delivers fast, science-backed workouts:
- Only 7 minutes per session
- No equipment needed
- Great for small spaces
Ideal for: Early mornings before sightseeing or a quick energy boost.
5. Strava
Best for: Runners and cyclists
If you love exploring new places on foot or bike, Strava is a must:
- Tracks runs/rides with GPS
- Shares popular local routes
- Connects with a community of athletes
Bonus: Compete with your past performances or friends.
6. FitOn
Best for: Group fitness vibes
FitOn brings celebrity trainers to your phone:
- Free live and on-demand classes
- Workouts as short as 5 minutes
- Fun challenges to stay motivated
Great for: Those who miss group fitness classes while traveling.
7. Aaptiv
Best for: Audio-guided workouts
Aaptiv is like having a personal trainer in your ear:
- Audio-only workouts (no need to stare at your phone)
- Categories: running, strength, yoga, and more
- Curated playlists to keep you pumped
Perfect for: Outdoor workouts or hotel gyms.
8. Peloton App
Best for: Variety (even without the bike!)
You don’t need a Peloton bike to use the app:
- Thousands of classes (yoga, strength, meditation)
- Outdoor running audio guides
- 30-day free trial
Why travelers love it: High-energy classes that feel like a studio workout.
9. JEFIT
Best for: Weight training
If you prefer lifting but can’t hit a gym, JEFIT helps:
- Customizable workout plans
- Exercise demos (great for improvised equipment)
- Progress tracking
Travel hack: Use water bottles or backpacks as makeshift weights.
10. Zombies, Run!
Best for: Gamified fitness
Turn running into an adventure:
- Story-based missions (escape zombies!)
- Fun way to explore new cities
- Works with any pace
Ideal for: Runners who want entertainment with their exercise.
Tips for Staying Active While Traveling
Even with the best apps, consistency is key. Try these strategies:
- Schedule workouts: Treat them like important meetings.
- Use what’s around: Stairs, parks, or even hotel hallways can be your gym.
- Stay flexible: Can’t do your usual routine? Something is better than nothing.
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t have to mean skipping workouts. With these top fitness apps, you can stay active anywhere whether you’re in a tiny Airbnb or a bustling city. The best part? Most are free or offer trials, so you can test them before committing.
What’s your favorite way to stay fit while traveling? Share in the comments!