Boutique treadmill classes are gaining in popularity, but what if you don't live near a studio (or can't stomach the cost)? Luckily, anyone with a smart phone or tablet can take advantage of audio-guided treadmill runs, anytime and anywhere. We tried out some of the top treadmill training apps and have all the details you need to get started. Whether you're looking for that extra push from a coach, a bit of competition or a rockin' playlist, these apps fit the bill.
Nike+ Run Club
Cost: free
This app features a sleek design and offers audio-guided runs with elites like Mo Farah and Shalane Flanagan. You can also opt for custom coaching or participate in social media run challenges. One of the things that makes the Nike+ Run Club app stand out is that it's integrated with Spotify, meaning you can listen to your own playlist while also hearing the coach's audio cues; most other apps have pre-set playlists that you can't change. The app features over 50 guided runs with about half a dozen specific to the treadmill. Workouts range between 15 to 30 minutes.
Peloton Digital
Cost: free two-week trial, then $19.49 for a monthly membership
Peloton started out with branded bikes and treadmills, but now you don't even need a fancy piece of equipment to get in shape. Download the app and access over 100 guided runs outside or on your own treadmill. The workouts are between 10 and 60 minutes long and you can filter by length, class type, instructor, difficulty level or music genre. Offerings run the gamut from a tough 60-minute "Marathon Race Prep Run" to a 30-min "Pop Fun Run." Peloton Digital also offers other types of guided workouts such as yoga, stretching, boot camp and walking.
Studio
Cost: free two-week trial, then $14.99 for a monthly membership
Love boutique studio workouts like Orange Theory or Mile High Run Club? This app is for you. Instructors are very specific with treadmill speeds and inclines (e.g. They'll tell you to run at 7 mph vs. a 8:30 pace), and the app syncs with your Apple Watch, which will post your data to the class leaderboard. You'll be able to see how you stack up to everyone who's taken the class before (perhaps a needed kick in the butt if you're logging solo miles on the 'mill!). New classes are added every single day, and you can always access the backlog of workouts. If you want to take the run outside, Studio also offers workouts for the road. Workouts range between 10 and 60 minutes long and are good for beginners, advanced runners and everyone in between.
Aaptiv
Cost: free one-week trial, then $14.99 for a monthly membership
Treadmill workouts are the top category on this app, so there's plenty to choose from. Dozens of new workouts are added each week in 12 different categories, and there are thousands (yes, really!) of options in total. Users have the ability to choose a workout based on trainer, playlist, intensity, estimated distance, peak speed and more. Aaptiv is unique in that it offers workouts as short as 7 minutes, as well as full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K training programs. And if you don't have access to wifi or unlimited data, you can download classes to listen to offline.
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