Top 10 Gym Workout Apps Every Kenyan Should Try

When I first started hitting the gym in Nairobi, I was overwhelmed by the clanging weights and the sea of unfamiliar equipment. Like many beginners, I wandered aimlessly between machines, unsure if I was doing exercises correctly or making progress. Then I discovered gym workout apps, and everything changed.

These apps became my pocket-sized personal trainers, guiding me through routines, tracking my reps, and keeping me motivated, all without breaking the bank. For Kenyans—whether you’re a fitness enthusiast in Westlands or a beginner in Nakuru—gym workout apps are a game-changer, offering structure and inspiration for your fitness journey.

With Kenya’s fitness scene booming (did you know the fitness industry here is projected to grow by 7.8% annually through 2028?), there’s no shortage of apps to choose from. But not all are created equal. I’ve tested dozens of gym workout apps, focusing on those that cater to Kenyan gym-goers, from crowded urban fitness centers to home setups with minimal equipment. Below, I’ve curated a list of the top 10 gym workout apps, blending personal insights, expert reviews, and local relevance to help you crush your fitness goals.

Why Gym Workout Apps Are a Must for Kenyans

Kenya’s fitness culture is vibrant, with gyms popping up from Mombasa to Eldoret. Yet, personal trainers can cost KSh 2,000–5,000 per session, and not everyone has access to high-end facilities. Gym workout apps bridge this gap by offering affordable, expert-designed programs you can follow anywhere—whether you’re lifting at IronFit in Karen or doing bodyweight exercises in your Kisumu living room. These apps provide:

• Structure: Pre-programmed workouts tailored to your goals (strength, endurance, or weight loss).
• Accessibility: Many are free or low-cost, with offline options for spotty internet connections.
• Motivation: Progress tracking and community features keep you accountable.
• Flexibility: Workouts for gym equipment, bodyweight, or hybrid setups.

With Kenya’s mobile penetration at 98% (over 60 million active mobile subscriptions in 2024), there’s no excuse not to leverage these tools. Let’s dive into the top 10 gym workout apps that deserve a spot on your phone.

1. Nike Training Club: The Free All-Rounder

Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious gym-goers
Cost: Free (premium options available)
Availability: iOS, Android

Nike Training Club (NTC) is a standout for its zero-cost access to over 300 workouts, ranging from bodyweight circuits to gym-based strength sessions. I started using NTC during a busy workweek in Nairobi when gym time was scarce. Its 15-minute HIIT workouts were perfect for squeezing in a sweat session at home.

The app’s Kenyan appeal lies in its variety—yoga, strength, and mobility workouts inspired by athletes like Serena Williams—and its offline download feature, ideal for areas with unreliable Wi-Fi.

• Pros: Free, diverse workouts, beginner-friendly, offline mode.
• Cons: Limited personalization without a premium subscription.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: No cost and minimal equipment options make it accessible for students or those in smaller towns like Thika.

Try it: Download Nike Training Club

2. Strong Workout Tracker: The Weightlifter’s Companion

Best for: Strength training enthusiasts
Cost: Free (premium $4.99/month)
Availability: iOS, Android

Strong is a favorite among Kenyan weightlifters who frequent gyms like Body & Soul in Westlands. Its exercise library of over 200 moves, complete with video demos, helped me nail my squat form. You can log reps, weights, and sets, and the app calculates your one-rep max—perfect for tracking progress. It syncs with Google Fit, which is great for integrating nutrition data.

• Pros: Detailed exercise library, progress tracking, customizable plans.
• Cons: Premium features like analytics require payment.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Ideal for gym-goers in urban centers with access to barbells and dumbbells.

Try it: Download Strong

3. Peloton App: Gym Versatility Without the Bike

Best for: High-energy group fitness vibes
Cost: $12.99/month (App One), $24/month (App+)
Availability: iOS, Android, web

Peloton’s app is a gem for Kenyans craving the energy of a group class without leaving the gym. I used its strength training programs at a local fitness center in Kilimani, and the charismatic instructors (think upbeat music and motivational shouts) made deadlifts feel like a party.

The Strength+ feature tailors workouts to your gym’s equipment, which is handy for varied setups across Kenya.

• Pros: Engaging instructors, gym-specific plans, live and on-demand classes.
• Cons: Subscription cost is steep for some budgets.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Perfect for urban gym-goers who love structured, high-energy sessions.

Try it: Download Peloton

4. FitOn: Celebrity-Driven Workouts

Best for: Socially motivated beginners
Cost: Free (premium $19.99/year)
Availability: iOS, Android

FitOn brings celebrity trainers like Gabrielle Union to your phone, offering workouts from HIIT to Pilates. Its community of 15 million users adds a social layer—I loved joining group challenges with friends in Nairobi. However, its shorter programs (2–4 weeks) may not suit those seeking long-term plans.

• Pros: Free, diverse workouts, strong community features.
• Cons: Limited program length, basic community feed.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: The social aspect resonates with Kenya’s communal culture, and free access suits students or young professionals.

Try it: Download FitOn

5. Centr: Chris Hemsworth’s Holistic Approach

Best for: All-in-one fitness and nutrition
Cost: $29.99/month (7-day free trial)
Availability: iOS, Android

Centr, backed by Chris Hemsworth, offers gym workouts, meal plans, and meditations. I found its equipment filter invaluable when I only had access to dumbbells at a small gym in Mombasa. The app’s structured programs cater to beginners and pros alike, with trainers like Kayla Itsines leading sessions.

• Pros: Customizable workouts, nutrition integration, high-quality instruction.
• Cons: Pricey subscription, meditation focus may not suit everyone.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Meal plans align with local diets (think ugali-friendly recipes), and equipment filters work for varied gym setups.

Try it: Download Centr

6. JEFIT: The Data Nerd’s Dream

Best for: Detailed workout tracking
Cost: Free (Elite $6.99/month)
Availability: iOS, Android

JEFIT’s 1,000+ exercises and customizable plans are a hit for Kenyan gym rats who love data. I used it to track my bench press progress at a gym in Eldoret, and its analytics showed me exactly when to increase weights. The community feature lets you share tips, which is great for connecting with other Kenyan lifters.

• Pros: Extensive exercise library, robust tracking, community support.
• Cons: Ads in the free version, complex for beginners.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Perfect for serious lifters in gyms like Fitness Hub in Nakuru.

Try it: Download JEFIT

7. Boostcamp: Community-Driven Customization

Best for: Flexible, crowd-sourced workouts
Cost: Free (Pro $4.99/month)
Availability: iOS, Android

Boostcamp offers 104 coach-designed workouts and 3,265 community-created plans, making it a treasure trove for Kenyan gym-goers who like variety. I customized a bodybuilding routine for my home gym setup, and the app’s progress dashboard kept me motivated. Its data-driven approach suits those who geek out over stats.

• Pros: Highly customizable, free tier is robust, user-friendly.
• Cons: Overwhelming for beginners, limited non-strength workouts.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Community workouts feel like sharing fitness tips at a local gym hangout.

Try it: Download Boostcamp

8. Hevy: Simple Yet Powerful

Best for: Minimalist strength training
Cost: Free (premium $2.99/month)
Availability: iOS, Android

Hevy’s clean interface and progress charts make it a breeze to log workouts. I used it during a trip to Kisumu, where I had limited gym access, and its bodyweight options kept me on track. The app’s exercise notes feature helped me tweak my form over time.

• Pros: Intuitive design, free version is sufficient, progress tracking.
• Cons: Fewer features than competitors like JEFIT.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Simple enough for beginners in smaller towns with basic gym setups.

Try it: Download Hevy

9. StrongLifts 5×5: Strength Training Simplified

Best for: Powerlifting beginners
Cost: Free (premium $4.99/month)
Availability: iOS, Android

StrongLifts 5×5 focuses on five core lifts (squat, bench, deadlift, row, overhead press), making it ideal for Kenyans new to powerlifting. I followed its program at a gym in Diani, and the app’s pre-programmed progression pushed me to lift heavier safely. It’s straightforward but effective.

• Pros: Simple, effective for strength gains, free version is robust.
• Cons: Limited workout variety, gym equipment required.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Perfect for those starting strength training in gyms like Planet Fitness in Nairobi.

Try it: Download StrongLifts 5×5

10. Aaptiv: Audio-Driven Workouts

Best for: Audio-focused gym-goers
Cost: $14.99/month (7-day free trial)
Availability: iOS, Android

Aaptiv’s audio-based workouts feel like having a trainer in your ear, which I found perfect for staying focused on the treadmill at a busy Nairobi gym. With 2,500+ classes, including strength and stretching, it’s great for multitasking. You can sync it with Spotify for custom playlists.

• Pros: Audio guidance, diverse workouts, offline downloads.
• Cons: No video demos, subscription required after trial.
• Why It’s Great for Kenyans: Ideal for runners or gym-goers who prefer audio cues over screen time.

Try it: Download Aaptiv

Comparison Table: Top Gym Workout Apps for Kenyans

Key Insights for Choosing the Right App

1. Match Your Goals: Beginners in Kenya might prefer Nike Training Club or Hevy for simplicity, while serious lifters should opt for Strong or JEFIT for detailed tracking.
2. Consider Your Budget: Free apps like FitOn and Nike Training Club are ideal for students or those in rural areas with limited funds.
3. Equipment Availability: Apps like Centr and Boostcamp let you filter workouts based on available equipment, crucial for Kenya’s varied gym setups.
4. Internet Reliability: Apps with offline modes (Nike Training Club, Aaptiv) are lifesavers in areas with spotty connectivity, like parts of Eldoret or Mombasa.
5. Community and Culture: FitOn and Boostcamp tap into Kenya’s communal spirit with social features, making workouts feel like a group effort.

Conclusion: Start Your Fitness Journey Today

Whether you’re sweating it out at a high-end gym in Nairobi or building strength at home in Kisumu, gym workout apps can transform your fitness routine. My personal favorite, Nike Training Club, helped me stay consistent as a beginner, while Strong kept me accountable as I progressed. With Kenya’s fitness industry growing and mobile apps making workouts accessible, there’s no better time to start.

Pick an app from this list, download it, and commit to one workout this week. Share your experience in the comments below, or let us know which app you’re trying! For more fitness tips, check out our guides. Your fitness journey starts now—let’s make it happen!