Introduction: 4 Fitness Apps Prioritizing Mental Well-Being

In a world where fitness often seems synonymous with body image and aesthetics, it’s refreshing to find apps that prioritize something equally important: mental well-being. While many fitness apps aim to help users shed pounds or sculpt their bodies, these four apps take a different approach. They recognize that true health is more than just physical appearance—it’s about nurturing a positive relationship with exercise, boosting self-compassion, and achieving holistic fitness. Let’s delve into these fitness apps that not only care about your body but also your mind.

1. We Are Capable

Description: We Are Capable is a fitness app created by Adriana Blanc, a body image and fitness coach. Its primary goal is to help users build a healthier and more compassionate relationship with exercise. This app is designed for individuals who may have struggled with exercise, food, or body image issues and want to enjoy fitness in a way that prioritizes mental well-being.

Key Features:

• Work out without self-criticism: We Are Capable avoids using language that focuses on aesthetic outcomes, creating a safe space for individuals who have faced disordered eating or negative body image issues.
• Focus on improving physical ability: The app’s workouts emphasize enhancing physical abilities and strength rather than achieving specific aesthetic goals.
• Practice self-compassion: We Are Capable encourages users to develop self-compassion through accessible exercises.

  

  

  

Download: We Are Capable for Android | iOS (Free, with subscription or premium version available)

2. Alive by Whitney Simmons

Description: Alive by Whitney Simmons is a fitness and wellness app created by Whitney Simmons, a Gymshark ambassador and mental health advocate. It targets women who want to enhance themselves mentally and physically. The app offers structured workout programs and emphasizes mental well-being.

Key Features:

• Journaling: Alive provides a journal feature where users can record their progress and emotions. Journaling is known to support mental health by helping manage anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with difficult feelings.
• Fitness and well-being challenges: Users can participate in challenges that focus on both physical fitness and mental well-being. Daily well-being prompts encourage gratitude and mindfulness.
• Join the community: Alive by Whitney Simmons includes a Facebook Group community where users can connect with others, fostering a sense of belonging.

  

  

  

Download: Alive by Whitney Simmons for Android | iOS (Free, with subscription or premium version available)

3. Give Me Strength

Description: Give Me Strength is a fitness app created by Alice Liveing, a personal trainer and blogger. The app’s mission is to offer a safe tool for users to improve their fitness while prioritizing their overall well-being. It provides guidance on training, nutrition, recovery, and other wellness aspects of fitness journeys.

Key Features:

• Choice of workout programs: Users can select from home and gym workouts, customize their experience level, and choose a workout goal that suits their needs, including programs that focus on boosting energy and flexibility.
• Avoid tracking body measurements: The app allows users to avoid tracking weight, body measurements, and meal macros if they prefer not to focus on aesthetic changes.
• Educational resources: Give Me Strength includes articles on health topics and nutritious recipes to empower users with knowledge about improving their overall health.

  

  

  

Download: Give Me Strength for Android | iOS (Free, with in-app purchases)

4. Feel Better by Deliciously Ella

Description: Feel Better by Deliciously Ella is an app created by Ella Mills, known for her wellness blog, Delicious Ella. This app combines healthy recipes with over 300 at-home workouts and emphasizes overall well-being rather than weight loss or body image.

Key Features:

• Reduce stress: The app includes mindfulness features such as meditation and breathing exercises to help users relax, feel calmer, and reduce stress.
• Feel more in control: Nutritious recipes based on whole foods provide a healthy and accessible way to improve one’s diet, boosting self-esteem and a sense of control over eating habits.
• Connect with others: Feel Better offers a community feature where users can connect with each other, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Boost motivation: The app provides structured workout plans and wellness programs, promoting motivation and a holistic approach to mental and physical health.

  

  

  

Download: Feel Better for Android | iOS (Free, with subscription or premium version available)

These apps offer a holistic approach to fitness, placing mental well-being at the forefront of users’ journeys toward better health and fitness. Whether you’re looking to build self-compassion, manage stress, or improve your overall well-being, these apps provide valuable tools and resources to support your goals.