I’m a dietitian, and I work with clients every day to create personalized nutrition plans that help them reach their weight loss goals. The number one question I get asked is, “What’s the best way to lose weight?” My answer is always the same: pair your diet with strength training. The benefits are undeniable, especially as we age and naturally lose muscle. So, this is the article I share with my clients.
The key to success is finding a strength training app that fits your goals, personality, and style. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your routine, the right app can make strength training accessible, effective, and even fun. Let’s find the perfect one for you!
My Top Picks (quick list)
Since these are strength training apps, you'll need a pair of dumbbells for each app.
I have these adjustable dumbbells (very affordable and beginner friendly, plus they look cute), this adjustable bench, and these resistance bands.
Optional equipment includes - resistance bands, bench, cable machines, etc. All I have are my dumbbells, a bench, and resistance bands, and I can do all the workouts.
Personalized Quiz To Match You Up
(No Email Required!)
A personalized quiz that matches you with the perfect women's strength training app, based on your answers!
Things To Consider & My Selection Process
Choosing the right strength training app isn’t one-size-fits-all. To help you find the best app for your goals and lifestyle, I focused on the most important factors that make an app truly effective for women, especially those just getting started or looking to progress in their fitness journey.
Here’s what I considered when selecting the apps:
Skill Level
Are you a beginner or more advanced? Some apps cater specifically to beginners with easier movements and gradual progress, while others are designed for women with more experience. I made sure to include apps that accommodate all skill levels so you can grow at your own pace.
Equipment Needed
Some apps require specific equipment (dumbbells, resistance bands, benches, etc.), while others offer bodyweight workouts that require no equipment at all. Consider what you already have available to avoid extra costs and choose an app that suits your home setup.
Personal Touch and Support
The best strength training apps should offer a personal touch, meaning access to direct messaging with the trainer for any questions you may have. Being able to reach out for support or clarification makes a huge difference, especially when you’re starting out or trying to push through plateaus. I prioritized apps that allow you to communicate with trainers or have easy access to additional help when needed.
Time Efficiency
We’re all busy, so finding an app with short, effective workouts that you can easily fit into your day is a must. I looked for apps with 30-45 minute sessions that deliver results without taking up hours of your day.
Pricing and Value:
Getting the most bang for your buck is important. I considered apps that offer great value for their price—whether that means providing personalized coaching, nutrition plans, or workout variety—without being too expensive. Affordability matters, but so does the quality of the service.
Variety and Progression
You need an app that offers both variety and progression to keep you motivated. Progressive overload, where workouts get gradually harder, is crucial for building muscle. The best apps offer different workout styles to keep things fresh and challenging.
Community and Accountability
Sometimes, staying motivated is the hardest part. Apps that offer community support, challenges, and accountability features are key for helping you stick with your routine and see real results. These features can be the difference between consistency and burnout.
Quick Comparison: Which Strength Training App Has What You Need?
Strength App | Price | Workout times | New workouts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$12/month (if you add recipes, it's $20/month) | 30-45 min sessions, spot-on timeframe | Each month | ||
$20/month | 30-60 min sessions. Workouts can run much longer than expected | Set programs and weekly | ||
$9.99/month | Moderate length workouts | Each month | ||
$15/month | 30-60 min sessions | Each month | ||
$49/month | 30-60 min sessions | Each month | ||
$24.99/month | Workouts vary in time, often longer | Set programs | ||
$99 for 6 weeks | 15-60 min sessions | Set programs |
The Best Women's Strength Training Apps
In this section, I'll go into more detail of what to expect inside each app.
Things to keep in mind that are pretty universal across these apps:
- Equipment Needed To Get Started: Dumbbells
- Optional Equipment As You Progress: Resistance Bands, Bench
- General Style: Video form cues of the exercise, then you perform it
#1. Fit Healthy Macros App (FHM+) (Best Overall - Fun, Challenging And Affordable)
The FHM+ App stands out as the best overall strength training app for women. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and specifically designed to help women achieve lean muscle and body recomposition goals.
At just $12/month, it offers a progressive overload approach that adapts to your fitness level, ensuring you’re always challenged and having fun, no matter where you start.
Inside the app, you’ll find monthly strength training programs that you can complete in either 30 or 45 minutes—perfect for busy women who need time-efficient workouts that still push them to get stronger. Tami Smith, the founder and NASM Certified Personal Trainer, is actively involved, offering in-app direct messaging and ensuring that each workout is both effective and achievable.
In addition to workouts, FHM+ includes a library of macro-friendly recipes created by Tami. These protein-packed meals are quick, easy, and perfect for fueling your workouts and helping you stay on track. The app also includes progress tracking so you can monitor your progress with weights, reps, and photos, all in one place.
With a community Facebook group and the ability to message Tami directly, FHM+ offers the ideal combination of personalized customer support, muscle-building workouts, and nutritious meals for women looking to change their body composition.
Key Features
- Video form cues for each exercise
- Progressive overload focused workouts
- Progress tracking
- Weight / rep tracking
- State of the art exercise flow
- In-app messaging to the trainer (in case you have questions)
- Community thread inside the app and a Facebook group
- Connect to MyFitnessPal for nutrition tracking
- The TRIM Challenge (separate purchase and she runs them quarterly)
Who It's For:
Women looking for outstanding customer support, affordable pricing, and time-efficient strength training that builds lean muscle and helps with body recomposition. Perfect for all fitness levels, especially those who want support in reaching their strength goals while maintaining consistency.
#2. Madeline Moves App (Best for Challenging, Weekly Workouts)
The Madeline Moves App is perfect for women who thrive on variety and enjoy fresh challenges each week. For just $20/month, you get a new set of workouts every week, making sure you’re always progressing without getting bored. Madeline, a certified personal trainer, focuses on strength training and progressive overload, but also incorporates core work, endurance, and postpartum-specific workouts.
Inside the app, you’ll find a mix of workout types, including the Strength Moves program for muscle building, Endurance Moves for stamina, and even Mom Moves for new mothers. The app includes weekly updates, ensuring you’re constantly being challenged, along with the community-driven motivation in an exclusive Facebook group.
While there’s no direct one-on-one trainer support, Madeline engages with her community by offering motivational content and guidance, making this app perfect for those who want to join a fitness family. If you're looking for new and fun ways to push your limits, Madeline Moves is the app that will keep you on your toes and constantly engaged.
The one knock on the workouts is the time frame that it says vs the reality of how long it takes you to finish. Many women complain that the 30 minute workout goes well beyond that time, and often pushes to 60 minutes. Obviously, that's not good if you're on a tight schedule and aren't able to finish your workout, leaving you feeling unaccomplished.
Key Features:
- Weekly workout updates (5 new workouts each week)
- Strength training and progressive overload focus
- Programs like Strength Moves, Endurance Moves, Core Moves, and Mom Moves
- Community support with an exclusive Facebook group
- Tracking for weights, reps, and progress
Who It's For:
Women who want fun, varied workouts and enjoy being part of a community. Best for those who need fresh weekly challenges, like a motivational atmosphere, and appreciate a more generalized approach to strength training without direct trainer interaction.
Price: $20/month
#3. Sadie Active App (Best Budget-Friendly Option)
The Sadie Active App is an excellent choice for women looking for a budget-friendly app that still delivers on quality strength training. At just $9.99/month, Sadie Active combines strength training with endurance workouts designed to help you build muscle and increase stamina over time.
The app provides weekly workout updates to keep things fresh and engaging. These workouts are perfect for women who are just starting their fitness journey or for those looking to maintain an affordable routine with personalized guidance. Sadie Rigby, a certified personal trainer, is actively involved in the app, offering personalized feedback to help users improve their form and track their progress.
Sadie Active also features community support through in-app groups, where users can share their experiences, get motivated, and stay accountable. With a focus on progressive overload, the app ensures that each workout challenges you to build strength and endurance gradually, while providing all the necessary tools to keep you on track.
Key Features:
- Weekly strength training and endurance workouts
- Personalized feedback to help improve form
- Community support for motivation and accountability
- Progress tracking for weights, reps, and fitness goals
- At-home workout options for convenience
Who It's For:
Women looking for a budget-friendly option that offers personalized feedback and a community-driven approach. Best for beginners or those seeking a consistent, affordable program to build strength and endurance without breaking the bank.
Price: $9.99/month
#4. Love Sweat Fitness App (Best For Strength + Cardio)
The Love Sweat Fitness App is an ideal choice for women looking for a holistic approach to fitness, combining strength training, cardio, and nutrition guidance. For as low as $8.25/month (with the 12-month plan), Katie Dunlop offers fun, challenging workouts that focus on helping women build strength while staying engaged and motivated.
Inside the app, you’ll find over 150 workouts ranging from strength training and HIIT to yoga and low-impact sessions. The app is built around Katie’s 3:1 Method, where you’ll alternate between strength-based and cardio workouts, ensuring a well-rounded approach to fitness. There’s also a progress tracking feature that allows you to log measurements, weights, and workout streaks, helping you stay accountable.
What sets Love Sweat Fitness apart is its community aspect. With a motivational Facebook group, you’re never alone in your journey. You can join challenges, get advice from Katie herself, and support other women in the community.
Key Features:
- 150+ workouts, including strength, cardio, and yoga
- The 3:1 Method: 3 strength or circuit days, 1 cardio day
- Progress tracking for weights, reps, and body measurements
- In-app community with Facebook support group
- Goal-setting with workout streaks and hydration tracking
- Beginner-friendly with options to progress as you improve
Who It's For:
Women looking for a holistic approach to fitness that balances strength training, cardio, and mindfulness. Ideal for those who need motivational community support and affordable pricing for an all-in-one fitness solution.
Price: $15/month
#5. The FITT Cycle App (Best for Strength + Carb Cycling)
The FITT Cycle App offers a comprehensive approach to fitness by combining strength training, carb cycling, and nutrient timing. For $49/month (or $490/year), it provides a holistic fitness plan that’s perfect for women who want to maximize muscle growth while also promoting fat loss.
The app’s targeted training and intermittent fasting protocols are designed to work in harmony with your workouts, making it ideal for those who are ready to stop diet hopping and adopt a sustainable lifestyle.
Inside the app, you’ll find a combination of strength training and metabolic conditioning workouts, which are perfect for increasing energy levels, improving muscle tone, and boosting overall endurance. Additionally, the app includes daily macro recommendations and recipes to help you fuel your body and meet your fitness goals.
Lindsay, the founder, is a Registered Nurse and fitness coach, providing expert insights into nutrition, hormone health, and fat loss. With her focus on sustainable living, The FITT Cycle is ideal for women who are tired of quick fixes and want a fitness solution they can maintain long-term.
Key Features:
- Strength training and carb cycling focused workouts
- Personalized daily workout plans for both at-home and gym settings
- Daily macro recommendations and meal planning guides
- Social accountability and access to community support
- Monthly live Q&A with the founder, Lindsay
Who It's For:
Women who want to build lean muscle, maximize fat loss, and adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Perfect for those interested in carb cycling, metabolic conditioning, and intermittent fasting.
Price: $49/month
#6. SWEAT App (Best for Large Community and Variety)
The SWEAT App offers a massive variety of workout programs, making it an excellent choice for women who love diversity in their routines. For $24.99/month, you get access to over 60 programs, led by top trainers from around the world, with a focus on everything from strength training to HIIT, yoga, and pilates. It’s ideal for women who want a varied fitness routine with expert trainers and the ability to mix things up every day.
The app includes workout programs that range from muscle building to endurance training, so whether you’re looking to tone, build strength, or boost stamina, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find nutrition guides and recipe ideas to fuel your progress and keep you on track with your goals.
SWEAT’s strength lies in its global community, offering support and motivation from other women on their fitness journeys. While there is no direct one-on-one coaching, the app’s vast range of workouts and interactive community make it a great choice for women looking for variety and flexibility.
Key Features:
- 60+ programs, including strength training, HIIT, yoga, and pilates
- Nutrition guides and meal ideas for balanced eating
- Progress tracking for workouts and body measurements
- Community support with an in-app forum and social media integration
Who It's For:
Women who want variety in their workouts and prefer having multiple trainers to choose from. Ideal for those who enjoy mixing up their routines with a range of fitness styles and appreciate community support for motivation.
Price: $24.99/month
#7. Faster Way to Fat Loss App (Best for Group Workouts)
The Faster Way to Fat Loss App is perfect for women who want to combine intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and strength training to optimize fat loss and build lean muscle. For $199 for the 6-week intro program (with ongoing VIP membership options available), you get access to a comprehensive program that includes daily 30-minute workouts, macronutrient tracking, and one-on-one coaching.
Inside the app, you'll follow a customized nutrition plan that adjusts to your needs, whether you’re targeting fat loss or building muscle. The program also incorporates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength workouts to keep you engaged while burning fat. The app’s coaching feature offers direct support from expert coaches, who provide personalized guidance to help you stay on track.
The Faster Way to Fat Loss program is built around science-backed methods, and it’s known for delivering guaranteed results. The app is ideal for those who want quick and effective fat loss through a structured, holistic fitness plan.
Key Features:
- Daily 30-minute workouts combining HIIT and strength training
- Intermittent fasting and carb cycling nutrition strategies
- One-on-one coaching with personalized guidance
- Weekly meal plans and macronutrient tracking
- Extensive bonus education and community support
Who It's For:
Women who are looking to lose fat quickly, build lean muscle, and incorporate intermittent fasting and carb cycling into their routines. Perfect for those who want coaching support and a structured program to achieve their fitness goals.
Price: $99 for 6 weeks
Recap: What's Best For Your Goals?
Let's recap the top apps so you can get stronger starting now:
- Best for Building Muscle and Feeling Confident: Fit Healthy Macros FHM+ or Madeline Moves (both apps emphasize progressive overload for muscle building. My advice: while Moves App is great, if you have limited time, you will most likely not like it as her workouts go well over the planned time).
- Best for Variety: SWEAT (due to its diverse range of trainers and programs). I also compared SWEAT to Madeline Moves and FHM+, if you want to see a side-by-side comparison.
- Best Budget Option: Sadie Active (affordable and provides personalized feedback).
- Best for Fat Loss: Fit Healthy Macros App (FHM+) (if you combine the high protein recipes and strength training, this is the preferred holistic approach for fat loss).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to strength training apps, the best choice depends on your goals and preferences. FHM+ is great for those who want affordable, personalized workouts and macronutrient recipes. If you love variety and enjoy weekly challenges, Madeline Moves is a solid choice. For women looking for a fat loss focus with intermittent fasting and strength training, Faster Way to Fat Loss stands out.
If you're after more options or need something budget-friendly, SWEAT and Sadie Active have their perks—SWEAT offers variety and Sadie Active provides personalized feedback without the price tag.
Ultimately, the best app is the one that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Stay consistent, and you'll see results.
