5 Free Apps to Help Improve Your Fitness

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.

Yes, you can get fit on a budget. Sure, personal trainers do wonders, but there are plenty of ways to improve your fitness without one. Try out these free fitness apps on your smartphone to shape up in no time.

1. FitOn app

The FitOn app is recommended by Katy at Palm Beach on the Cheap, who uses it as part of her fitness routine. FitOn offers a selection of classes like yoga, strength training and cardio both on-demand and with live classes throughout the day. The company also offers a variety of challenges like the 10-day kickstarter challenge and Sexy Arms and Abs, which will help you work toward your fitness goals.

2. Map My Run app

When you’re on a budget, it seems crazy to spend precious cash on a GPS watch. Since many people run with their phones to play music anyway, tracking your progress with it just makes sense. The Map My Run app records your path on a map that shows you distance, speed and elevation. It even lets you save your favorite routes to run again. Also, you can share your progress with friends through connected social media networks.

3. Nike Training Club app

After testing numerous free fitness apps, Nike Training Club is my favorite for routines and strength training. You can choose from more than 100 targeted workouts that sculpt specific sections of your body. Just select your fitness level from beginner to advanced, then pick a workout that fits your time frame and the areas you want to work. Each workout includes videos of every exercise to ensure you’re performing the exercises correctly. If you want killer abs, try the Core Crunch routine.

4. My Fitness Pal app

Tracking calories is as important as tracking exercise when you’re trying to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight. My Fitness Pal is a calorie counter that connects with your FitBit and also integrates with other apps. Its searchable database has more than 3 million food items, including restaurant meals, so you can make healthier choices when dining out.

5. Charity Miles app

Charity Miles lets you feel better about yourself in two ways: By getting in your exercise and by helping others. For each mile you run, walk or bike, corporate sponsors will donate to a charity of your choice. Options include the Wounded Warrior Project, Stand Up to Cancer, the ASPCA and more. Typical donations are 10 cents per mile biked and 5 cents per mile run or walked. Make it a family project and see how much you can earn together.