Staying active is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for older adults. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, improves balance, enhances mental health, and helps reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
Yet, finding the right fitness routine can sometimes be a challenge. Thankfully, technology removes many of these barriers. Exercise apps make it possible to work out from anywhere, follow guided sessions, and stay motivated—all at your own pace.
For older adults, the right app should go beyond workouts. It should be user-friendly, with clear instructions and exercises that suit all fitness levels. We’ve rounded up five outstanding free apps designed to help older adults stay healthy, engaged, and active. These apps are SilverSneakers GO, MyFitnessPal, FitOn, 7-Minute Workout, and Daily Yoga. Best of all, these apps reflect the variety of fitness needs—whether you prefer yoga, strength training, or simple low-impact cardio.
At Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch, we support our residents in their fitness journey by offering personalized guidance, creating a supportive community, and providing access to resources and technology that make it easier to engage with fitness apps. We can also organize group activities to help our residents learn how to use their chosen apps effectively, ensuring they feel confident and motivated to stay active.
SilverSneakers GO
Designed with older adults in mind, SilverSneakers GO is one of the best exercise apps for older adults. This app is an extension of the popular SilverSneakers fitness program, which is often covered by Medicare and other health plans. The app itself, however, is free to access.
Features
- Customizable Workouts: The app features workouts tailored specifically for older adults. Choose the duration, intensity, and activity type based on your preferences.
- Clear Instructions: Each exercise comes with step-by-step instructions and videos, making the sessions easy to follow.
- Reminders and Tracking: You can set reminders to keep yourself motivated and track your progress as you build habits.
Whether you’re starting with gentle stretching or tackling full-body cardio, SilverSneakers GO focuses entirely on older adult health. Its straightforward layout and intuitive features make it a top recommendation for anyone seeking a reliable, low-stress fitness companion.
MyFitnessPal
While MyFitnessPal is commonly known for tracking diets, it’s also a fantastic hub for exercise routines suited for all age groups, including older adults. The app provides a well-rounded approach to maintaining physical and overall health.
Features
- Exercise Library: A wide variety of exercises, including low-impact routines, strength training, and even flexibility exercises, are available.
- Tracking Capabilities: Track calories burned, steps taken, and even how many glasses of water you’ve had in a day!
- Simple Interface: Its clean layout and search features make it easy to find the exercises you’re looking for.
What sets MyFitnessPal apart is its practical mix of fitness and nutrition guidance. For older adults balancing health and wellness, this dual focus is especially useful.
FitOn
Looking for an app with a wide variety of free workout options? FitOn could be just what you’re looking for. FitOn is known for its extensive catalog of workouts, including exercises that focus on flexibility, balance, and core strength—perfect for older adults. The FitOn app also includes an interactive feature, where users can connect with each other to share tips or motivation!
Features
- Variety of Classes: Free yoga sessions, Pilates, meditation, stretch routines, and strength-building videos.
- Professional Trainers: Work out alongside leading trainers with clear instructions and modifications.
- Community Features: Join group challenges and connect with a community, all to maintain accountability and add a social element to your workouts.
FitOn feels inclusive for older adults thanks to its customizable options. Whether you’re doing a calming yoga session or short stretching routines, you can go at your own pace. Plus, the app’s flexible layout makes navigation easy.
7-Minute Workout
The 7-Minute Workout app is perfect for older adults who want to keep things simple but effective. Its quick, focused workouts are designed to improve strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health without taking up too much time.
Features
- Short Workouts: Sessions last just 7 minutes, fitting into even the busiest schedules.
- Low-Impact Options: Modify exercises to make them suitable for different fitness levels and joint health.
- Voice Guidance and Visuals: Each exercise is guided with vocal instructions and imagery to ensure safety and proper form.
The app focuses on core exercises like wall sits, step-ups, and light push-ups, making it ideal for building strength over time. The beauty of the 7-Minute Workout is its simplicity—you know exactly what to expect from each session.
Daily Yoga
For older adults interested in yoga, flexibility improvements, or light meditation, Daily Yoga offers an impressive array of free resources, for a trial period. This app caters to beginners and advanced users alike, making it a fantastic option regardless of experience.
Features
- Easy-to-Follow Routines: Choose from beginner-friendly exercises or more advanced stretching challenges.
- Meditation Programs: Pair your yoga practice with mindfulness exercises designed to boost mental health.
- Progress Tracking: The app tracks your consistency, motivating you to stay on course.
Daily Yoga excels at creating a serene, welcoming environment for its users. It’s especially well-suited for older adults looking to alleviate stiffness and improve mobility while benefiting from calming breathing practices.
Benefits of Using Exercise Apps for Seniors
Exercise apps aren’t just convenient—they’re empowering. Here’s why many older adults are turning to free fitness apps to stay active.
- Accessibility: Whether you’re at home, in a senior living community, or traveling, these apps are always available. You just need a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Customization: Apps can adapt to your fitness level, goals, and preferences, from low-impact stretches to more intense cardio.
- Community and Support: Many apps connect you with others. Exercising with virtual communities helps you feel supported and motivated.
- Health Tracking: Trackable progress means you can celebrate milestones and see the impact of your efforts over time.
Getting started is simple. Download an app that sparks your interest, experiment with its features, and stick with what feels achievable.
Staying Active with Confidence
Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your independence, improve your physical and mental health, and enjoy life to the fullest. With free apps like SilverSneakers GO, MyFitnessPal, FitOn, 7-Minute Workout, and Daily Yoga, older adults now have access to expert guidance without leaving the comfort of their homes.
At Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch, we believe in supporting older adults at every stage of their wellness journeys. These tools can help you cultivate a vibrant, active lifestyle tailored to your needs. All you need is the willingness to give it a try. Why not explore these apps today and discover new ways to move, breathe, and thrive! Connect with us to learn more about how we help our residents with their fitness journeys!
