Many of us trainers have done a fair amount of research for the systems and apps that will help us take payments, keep track of schedules, and time workouts effectively.

Instead of tackling these big-bucket items, below is my list of little-known apps that have helped me be a more effective trainer and add a bit of fun to my workouts! 

Apps to Make Sessions More Play-Full:

Party Game Timer

I found this app when I was looking for a way to time a workout using surprise intervals. This timer allows you to choose the minimum and maximum time possible, as well as the style of ominous ticking as it randomly counts down. Great for ‘Hot Potato’-type workouts.

Tiny Decisions

This is a fun, colorful app that gives a number of ways to make choices. It includes a wheel you can add your own choices to, a random number-picker, and a really fun option where 2-5 people can place their finger on the screen and one finger will be chosen! These three options open the door to adding the elements of fun and surprise to many workouts (bonus, it’s also great for solving disputes between your kids)!

Dice Dice

I periodically use dice in my workouts, but since my classes are all still virtual, I must rely on campers to have their own with them at home. With an app like Dice Dice, you don’t have to worry if a camper has dice in their house or not – they can just download a set! 

Apps to Run Challenges & Stay Connected:

Rallly

Disclaimer: this is web-based rather than an app, but it is worth mentioning! Rallly (three ‘L’s’ intentional) makes the task of collaborative scheduling a breeze. It is an excellent tool to easily and simply get a quick online tally from a group of people. I’ve used Rallly often when trying to decide the best night to meet up for a group get-together.

Challenge Runner & Habit Share

In my search for an app that will help run online group challenges, these are two I have used in the past. Both apps allow participants to track whether they’ve done a particular habit/activity each day, and both allow some amount of transparency between members of the group, where the leader (you) or other participants can offer accountability to each other. I can’t say that either app has been the answer I’ve been looking in total for these types of challenges, but so far, they are the best I’ve found that work with all types of phones. The search continues…

Loom

If you haven’t found Loom yet, I highly recommend you experiment with it! Loom offers trainers an easy way to send videos to clients without all the hassle and uploading time. While the paid version offers more options (of course), there is a free option that can still be helpful to use. 

Apps For Your Health:

Balance

There are a ton of meditation apps out there, but at the moment, this one is my favorite. Whether using it for yourself or recommending it to clients, Balance is a great tool for beginner meditators to try without committing to paying for it. 

Pace

If you offer specific running-based challenges or workouts, Pace is an excellent tool to have on-hand. It allows you to enter a client’s distance and time and immediately calculates their pace, speed, and split.

Apps Too Good Not To Mention:

You have probably heard of these popular apps and/or websites by now, but if you haven’t, you need to!…

PT Minder

This software allows trainers to do things like collect payments, schedule classes, collect forms (like waivers), and distribute workouts, and it does so at a very reasonable price. There are a ton of options out there for trainer software and much of it boils down to personal preference, but this is definitely one to consider. 

Canva

This popular website is also an app which allows you to create beautiful content anywhere you are! Canva can take the aesthetics of your posts to a whole new level. 

Seconds Pro

In my opinion, this is, hands-down, the greatest workout timer ever. Whatever way you need to time a workout, Seconds Pro has you covered. While it may be the only app mentioned that you really need to pay for in order for it to work well (the free option does not allow you to save timers), the $4.99 is absolutely worth it. 

The above is my list for best little-known apps…what did I miss? What apps have you found that you love, and what specific problem do they solve?

Let us know!

Niki J. Torres

Niki J. Torres is the owner of Folk Fitness where she specializes in helping everyday folks come together to build healthier, stronger lives. A personal trainer for over 9 years and nutrition coach, she believes there is strength in numbers, power in fun, and that the smallest changes make the biggest differences. With a background in theatre and a love for board games and all things silly, Niki loves finding ways to build community and make fitness enjoyable. Folk Fitness currently offers virtual classes, online programs, and in-home personal training in the Raleigh area.