If you’re a gym introvert, or gymtrovert, then you’re also probably all too familiar with this dilemma: you want to work out, but the idea of trying to use a machine for the first time in front of a bunch of gym rats is intimidating, the idea of communal-sweating in a group fitness class makes you shudder, and the little devil-person sitting on your shoulder is convincing you that you’ll be much happier at home on the couch watching “Grey’s” with a bottle of red and some popcorn.
Still, you muster up the courage to go the gym, walk through the doors, and you’re immediately overwhelmed by loud music, clanking weights, and people doing exercises that you didn’t think existed.
Bros to the left of you, hardos to the right, and here you are: stuck in the middle of the gym with an aversion to people, work-out machinery, and exercise in general.
So how does a gym introvert solve this dilemma? The ideal solution would be a personal trainer who sticks by your side, encourages you, and teaches you to embrace challenging exercises. But the reality is that the #BrokeCollegeStudent aesthetic doesn’t allow for personal trainers, and Jillian Michaels probably has better things to do.
Instead, here’s a list of some bomb personal training apps, so that you can rake up the benefits of motivational workout instruction without dropping major cash or hyperventilating with 30 other people in a group fitness class.
1. Aaptiv
Formerly known as Skyfit, Aaptiv is a training app which combines the instruction and motivation of celebrity trainers with personalized music playlists. The app lets you choose from classes like spinning, yoga, and treadmill, all while the voice of your preferred trainer gives you word of encouragement. The downfall to Aaptiv is that it’s $10 for a month, $25 for three months, or $50 for a year — which doesn’t exactly suit the baller-on-a-budget lifestyle — but it’s also important to remember that an hour session with an actual personal trainer is normally upwards of $50. With so many trainers, playlists, and workouts at your fingertips, Aaptiv might be worth the money.
2. Jefit
Jefit, which has an impressive database of over 1300 exercises, lets you create your own workout routine. It also lets you track progress, stats, and reps while analyzing your workout data. If the feedback and support provided by Jefit isn’t great enough, there are two versions: a free version, and a $4.99 ad-free version with additional features.
3. Charity Miles
Even if your own well being isn’t enough incentive for your workout, the well-being of others just might be. Charity Miles is a free app which lets you raise money for amazing organizations of your choice, like Wounded Warrior, the ASPCA, and Stand Up to Cancer. The app tracks your distance, and you earn money for every mile you cover; bikers get 10 cents per mile, while walkers and runners get 25 cents. Though it’s not technically a personal training app, it does provide you with the motivation to earn cash for your charity of choice, which is enough encouragement for us!
4. Johnson and Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout
If you’re short on time, this app won’t let you down. It has a super simple user interface, and it conveniently takes your current fitness level into account. It also features music, exercises, and tutorials from personal trainer Chris Jordan — that way, you’re not constantly wondering, “Am I doing this right…?” every time you attempt a new exercise. The best part? All you need is a chair (for exercises like tricep dips), and it’s free. This means you can avoid the gym altogether and workout in your home — gym introverts, unite!
5. Rock My Run
If you enjoy running to music, this app will most definitely rock your run; it doesn’t just track distance, like other running apps — it actually syncs music to your heart rate or footfalls. In other words, the music matches your own natural rhythm. We all know there’s nothing like a spunky song to kick your butt into gear during cardio, and this app provides the perfect push.
While all of these apps are awesome, it can still be difficult to find the motivation or the incentive to stay healthy and exercise. If you’re feeling discouraged by the gym, always remember that any effort, no matter how small, makes a difference.