Meals

Centr Team

How to choose the best workout and meal plan app

Hungry for a decent meal plan app? Get a taste of the healthy, delicious recipes on Centr.

What makes a good app that combines workouts and meal plans?

With countless apps promising quick fixes and dramatic results, it’s important to focus on features that genuinely help you integrate fitness and nutrition into your daily life. A well-rounded workout and meal plan app should go beyond flashy designs and unrealistic claims, offering practical tools to support your goals.

Here’s what to look for:

Customized workout plans: Choose an app that offers workouts tailored to your fitness goals, whether that’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improving endurance. It should provide a range of options, from bodyweight exercises to full gym sessions, and include guidance for all fitness levels.

Variety in training styles: Your fitness goals can evolve, so having access to diverse training styles – strength training, cardio, yoga, and more – keeps things engaging and adaptable.

Genuine nutrition guidance: A great app needs depth around nutrition. Look for meal plans that include recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, ensuring you hit your macros while keeping things simple and enjoyable. Handy tools like shopping lists and recipe filters (e.g., low-carb or high-protein options) can make meal prep seamless.

Progress tracking tools: Apps that allow you to log your meals, workouts, and progress help you stay accountable.

Catering to your space and equipment: Whether you’re training at home with minimal equipment or in a fully equipped gym, the app should offer flexibility. Can you cast workouts to a TV or follow along with equipment-free routines?

Built-in support and community: Access to a supportive community or expert advice can make a huge difference in staying motivated. Look for features like live chats, coaching support, or exclusive groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

Holistic approach to health: A top-tier app won’t just train your body but will also help with mental wellness. Features like mindfulness tools, stress management tips and guided breathing exercises can enhance your overall experience.

Be wary of apps that promise quick results or extreme transformations with little effort.

Wondering if Centr has the right workout program for your goal? Read our guide to find out.

How to choose the right Workout and meal plan app for you

Now that you know what features to look for, it’s time to narrow your options and find the workout and meal plan app that fits your needs. Here’s how to make the best choice:

1. Define your goals
What are you trying to achieve? Whether your focus is on losing weight, gaining muscle, improving endurance, or balancing your fitness and nutrition, your goals will guide your decision. Are you preparing for a big event or just aiming for long-term health improvements? Choose an app with features that align with your objectives.

2. Assess your budget
Apps come at a range of price points, from free options to premium subscriptions. While free apps may lack comprehensive features, premium apps often bundle personalized workout plans and meal prep tools. Decide what you’re willing to spend and compare payment plans – monthly, quarterly or yearly. Be mindful of extra costs, like equipment purchases or in-app upgrades, and remember that investing in your health can save you in the long term.

3. Research user reviews
Before committing, read app store ratings and browse reviews on trusted sites like fitness and tech blogs. Pay attention to feedback on the app’s usability, effectiveness and customer support. Reviews from people with similar goals can help you determine whether the app’s workout and meal-planning features will suit your needs.

4. Test the app with a free trial
Most apps offer a free trial, so take advantage of this opportunity to explore its features. Look at the quality of the workouts, the range of meal plans, and how intuitive the interface feels. Can you track your macros easily? Does it offer the level of personalization you need? These insights will help you decide if it’s worth committing.

By clarifying your goals, setting a realistic budget, and thoroughly testing the app, you can confidently choose the best workout and meal plan app to support your fitness and nutrition journey. Make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and sets you up for long-term success.

Ready for some inspiration? Mark completely overhauled his diet and fitness with Centr.

How a workout and meal plan app changed Mark’s life.

For much of his life, Centr member Mark considered himself a benchwarmer.

“I was unmotivated and unathletic. I always had big plans and big ideas that I never followed through on.”

When his young son requested that dad dress as Thor for Halloween, Mark knew this was one plan – and two big arms – he would have to follow through.

That’s when he discovered Centr Power, the muscle-building program and meal plan inspired by the training Chris Hemsworth uses to get into Thor shape.

“The progress I have made with Chris’s team is amazing to me. Not in a million years did I think I would ever be able to do this.”

“The workouts are tough, but the biggest challenge was being able to eat the amount of food that is required to gain that level of muscle. One of the best things that Centr provides is Super Smoothies – such a good way to get the calories in without feeling like I was constantly eating.”

So, what are some Mark’s go-to muscle building recipes?

"Some of my favorites are the Teriyaki-glazed Chicken Sushi Bowl, Taco Salad Bowl and the Coconut Caramel Bliss Balls."

Whatever your goals, whatever your current level of fitness or experience in the kitchen – prepare to take it to the next level with Centr. Start with a free trial today