THE RUNNING is your comprehensive resource hub, built to support you every step of the way. Explore our in-depth guides and training plans at THE RUNNING to complement your new app and build a running habit that lasts a lifetime. The app that feels the most intuitive and encouraging is the one you’re most likely to open day after day.
Nike Run Club – Guided runs and curated motivation
Many running apps have this feature, but Nike has images of all its shoes saved in the app and will use an icon of your current shoe to show your location on the Start Run screen. Yes, it’s cheesy, but I found it useful to see that it’s about to log my miles on my pink shoes, not my black shoes—so if I’m wearing the black ones, I’ll need to tap to change that. There’s no doubt that running apps have revitalised fitness regimes and made runners’ lives a whole lot simpler and easier. You’ll find Strava’s social features great for sharing achievements, while Nike Run Club offers guided runs to help you improve. Finally, read user reviews and test a few apps to see which resonates with you. The right app should motivate you and enhance your running experience, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and effective.
Best Running Apps for Beginners (
Zwift Run has revolutionized indoor running by transforming the typically monotonous treadmill experience into an engaging, gamified virtual world. If you really value discovering new routes, then you will really benefit harna reviews from MapMyRun’s extensive route database. MapMyRun has evolved from a simple route mapping tool to a comprehensive running platform.
Nike Run Club is a comprehensive running app that caters to runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. With its plethora of features, it seamlessly integrates into your running routine, providing guidance, motivation, and detailed tracking to help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming to improve your pace, conquer a 5K, or simply maintain an active lifestyle, Nike Run Club empowers you to take control of your running journey. MapMyRun strikes an excellent balance between data tracking and guided improvement. Its MVP subscription unlocks training plans that adapt based on your progress, preventing you from hitting a plateau.
There are some reviews that reported that the GPS accuracy is questionable. But the vast majority of users really enjoy the mapping capabilities offered through this app. What is particularly great about iFIT is that it is also a mobile and TV app, so you can literally work out anywhere.
Best Motivational Running Apps
For example, if you have a calorie goal or you want to surpass a friend’s previous workout, you can set it and go. It also lets you sync with the other apps and wearable items (e.g., heart rate monitor or other mobile fitness apps) you may have. The home screen has large touchscreen buttons and only shows you the required information that you need to get started.
Free Tools
If you’re an outdoor runner looking for something that may be better for outdoor use, MapMyRun is another good option. This connected experience allows you to interact with the trainer to keep you motivated. Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, used the Couch to 5k app for several months when he wanted to start running longer distances. Intervals Pro lets you create custom interval workouts with audio/haptic cues. Road ID is known for bracelets that identify you to first responders after an unfortunate accident.
Best for social features: Strava
It has a variety of features to help you track your progress, set goals, and stay motivated. Overall, I would highly recommend ASICS Runkeeper to anyone looking for a running app. The free version is excellent for basic tracking, but most of the guided training plans and advanced analytics that help you improve are behind the Runkeeper Go paywall. The social features are less robust compared to community-focused apps like Strava. Did you know that 65% of new runners abandon their fitness goals within the first month?
NRC also offers a menu of pre-set training plans that cater to a variety of goals, whether you’re looking to boost your endurance or set a new personal record. Its social component, though not as expansive as Strava’s, still connects you with a supportive community where you can share achievements and cheer on fellow runners. Generally speaking, both running apps and walking apps share the same or very similar features. They track fitness metrics like pace, distance, calories, and time.
There are not the same live workouts as there are on the Peloton app, but Apple has announced that group classes will be rolled out onto the platform later this fall. There are also handy features like Strava Beacon, which are designed to keep you safe, by allowing your friends or family members to track your live location on a run. Despite what many people think, running isn’t one of those activities you can just dive into as a beginner. Otherwise, you could risk getting injured before you’ve even got started.
Should Runners Use Ice Baths for Recovery?
Rather than focusing only on flexibility, mobility training aims to improve how joints move through their full range of motion with control. When runners maintain good mobility in key areas, it can support more efficient movement, improve comfort during longer runs, and help reduce recurring stiffness after training. Every running stride places repeated stress on the ankles, calves, knees, hips, and lower back. Over the course of a typical run, these movement patterns are repeated thousands of times. If certain joints lack mobility, the body often compensates elsewhere in order to maintain the stride. These compensations may not appear in performance metrics, but they can gradually increase strain on muscles and joints.
The Benefits of Tracking Your Running Metrics Over Time
- However I would say that to really get benefit from the app its worth having a Garmin device.
- Several running apps are suitable for beginners, but Nike Run Club is often considered one of the most accessible options.
- Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans.
- NRC also offers a menu of pre-set training plans that cater to a variety of goals, whether you’re looking to boost your endurance or set a new personal record.
- The straightforward interface lets beginners set and track running goals without confusion.
- To read more about this training plan, which can be followed with or without the app, be sure to check out our Couch to 5k Planning Guide.
In 2025, you can choose free apps like Nike Run Club and Strava for community-driven motivation, or invest in Garmin and Apple Watch for advanced data. Add route planners like On The Go Map to keep your runs exciting and safe. The social media portion of Endomondo can give you some additional accountability and keep you motivated. You can connect with your friends, share your progress, create challenges, track a newsfeed, and more.
Startups & Small Businesses
As smartphones and wearable technology have advanced, running apps have become increasingly sophisticated, offering features previously only available in dedicated running watches. The web-based version is especially good for route mapping and its use-generated route database. The premium version of the app, called MVP, delivers an add-free experience and more metrics. Some running apps, unfortunately, allow other people to see your running routes. You might be able to disable this feature, but it might be best to look for a running app that doesn’t allow other users to access this information.
Best Apps for Advanced Runners
The app offers stats on your average pace, calories burned, and distance covered. It allows you to set running and fitness goals and track your workouts, which can include running, cycling, strength training, walking, and more. I use the Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch and the app syncs easily with the app.