Best Running App for Apple Watch: 7 Options to Try
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Finding the right app for your Apple Watch can be frustrating, but there are great options that cater to personal training plans. All of these choices have distinct features, so keep on reading to see our top 7 picks, including how we tested them for your long-term benefits.
There are certain apps that can keep track of your running goals.
You may use mobile apps to monitor long-term progress, set distance targets, and find workout videos that encourage you to go outside. Apple Watch users could also use the app on their wrist gadget without having to pick up a phone and faff about with it while running.
Of course, there are lots of running apps in today’s market, but which ones are the best? You might be on the lookout for premium features, music playback, or even live tracking. We provide a range of fun options that could enhance your training progress through a simple watch.
In this article, you’ll discover 7 of the best Apple Watch running apps.
7 Best Running Apps for Apple Watch
The best Apple Watch running app should cater to your long-term goals. Some people might want to create their own route, and others could care more about their target distance. There are plenty of apps that offer distinct features and bonuses that suit everyone’s training program.
Let’s take a look at the 7 best running apps for your Apple Watch:
#1 Joggo Run App – Best overall
The easiest to follow running plan for weight loss
- Beginner-friendly running plan
- Personalized guidance
- Injury prevention and recovery programs
- Nutrition tips and meal plan
- Progress tracker
- Adjustable plans based on your progress
- Daily caloric intake tracker
Joggo is a great app to use for beginner and pro runners. The app can give you a starting mark after discovering more about your goals, feedback, and running preferences. You’ll then receive a personalized plan that offers educational tips and meal ideas for 10+ popular diets.
You might use the app to lose weight, improve your mental health with running, and grow your fitness strength. Creating your own goals is important in reducing any anxiety and stress. Joggo is an app that values people’s mindsets, especially when it comes to running motivation.
There are also bi-weekly running plan adjustments that change based on your running streaks, well-being, and accomplishments. The app can increase your program’s intensity to make things more challenging. People may feel encouraged to push themselves further when running.
Here are some pros and cons of using Joggo:
#2 RunGo – Best for voice guidance
- Beginners can use turn-by-turn voice navigation when going on their favorite running routes
- This app was designed to motivate people to complete their run
RunGo is the best Apple Watch running app for custom voice navigation. It contains route sharing with friends, audio-guided runs, and community leader boards. Beginners may use the turn-by-turn voice tool when going on new routes and finding a location that suits their targets.
This app was designed for motivation and personal guidance. People can hear announcements through their headphones, including inspiring tips through the Apple Watch. You should download this running app to prevent lost motivation and travel the best-supported routes.
Below, you’ll find some pros and cons of RunGo:
#3 iSmoothRun – Best for sharing your results
- iSmoothRun focuses on endurance training for people who want to feel physically fit
- There are lots of features that make running a smooth experience
iSmoothRun focuses on endurance training for people who want to feel stronger when running long distances. There are several key features that make running a smooth experience. For example, you can find autopause, GPS trackers, audio reports, and live support functions.
One great bonus is that you can share results with your friends on social media. They can see what routes you took and how fast you ran during that time. Reaching out to other passionate runners can reduce mental stress and encourage you to set more weight loss or running goals.
Keep reading to find the pros and cons of iSmoothRun:
#4 Runtastic – Best for creating challenges
- Runtastic encourages people to join challenges and reach their fitness goals
- You can select muscle groups and create workouts that fit your daily schedule
Runtastic is the perfect running app for people who need challenges. It encourages you to join online challenges and reach your desired fitness goals. On the Apple Watch app, there’s an option to select what muscle groups you want to target and workouts that fit your schedule.
Creators of this app believe people should make “every activity count” when putting on their running shoes. You can record your own personal challenges for motivation or future guidance. If you need more testing goals, Runtastic might be the app for your runs.
Here are some pros and cons of using Runtastic:
#5 WorkOutDoors – Best for finding maps
- WorkOutDoors has fully functional vector maps that guide people on their runs
- You can use the app for running, hiking, and cycling
WorkOutDoors is the best Apple Watch running app for finding maps with detailed screen layouts. It has fully functional vector maps, including ones on your Apple Watch, that guide you on your long runs. You can use the workout app for running, hiking, and cycling routines.
People can also view data screens that provide your heart rate, steps, and distance. The use of waypoints makes running easier for those who are just starting. Of course, if you love tracking progress on the Apple Watch, WorkOutDoors is there to improve your physical health.
Below, there are some pros and cons of WorkOutDoors:
#6 MapMyRun – Best for tracking your run
- This app is designed for you to track your progress when running
- You can find support and motivation from other runners using the application
MapMyRun was designed to help people track their running progress. You can monitor your pace, stride length, and cadence while on long-distance runs. There’s also the chance to get personalized coaching tips from experienced runners who set themselves challenging targets.
The Apple Watch is great for elevating your speed and pace. People may fall in love with running again if they can see their results over a long period. It’s important to understand your limits, especially if you run to relieve stress or reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Keep reading to see the pros and cons of MapMyRun:
#7 C25K – Best for setting goals
- The program can help people reach their goals in just 9 weeks
- Beginners can use this app to find the best running resources
The Couch to 5K is a running program that can help people reach their goals in just nine weeks. There’s nothing wrong with being a “couch potato,” but sometimes, it’s good to get up on your feet. Beginners can use this Apple Watch app to find the best 5K running resources.
C25K is all about getting the body moving when forming structured workouts. You can slowly build up your fitness level and use your Apple Watch as a training tool. Some people might prefer to set long-term goals rather than search for fitness apps with fancy-looking features.
You’ll find some pros and cons of C25K below:
Comparing Apple Watch Running Apps
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People can reach their running goals by creating a personalized plan
You may use the app to lose weight, feel better emotionally, and grow your fitness strength
Beginners can use turn-by-turn voice navigation when going on their favorite running routes
This app was designed to motivate people to complete their run
iSmoothRun focuses on endurance training for people who want to feel physically fit
There are lots of features that make running a smooth experience
Runtastic encourages people to join challenges and reach their fitness goals
You can select muscle groups and create workouts that fit your daily schedule
WorkOutDoors has fully functional vector maps that guide people on their runs
You can use the app for running, hiking, and cycling
This app is designed for you to track your progress when running
You can find support and motivation from other runners using the application
The program can help people reach their goals in just 9 weeks
Beginners can use this app to find the best running resources
People can reach their running goals by creating a personalized plan
You may use the app to lose weight, feel better emotionally, and grow your fitness strength
Beginners can use turn-by-turn voice navigation when going on their favorite running routes
This app was designed to motivate people to complete their run
iSmoothRun focuses on endurance training for people who want to feel physically fit
There are lots of features that make running a smooth experience
Runtastic encourages people to join challenges and reach their fitness goals
You can select muscle groups and create workouts that fit your daily schedule
WorkOutDoors has fully functional vector maps that guide people on their runs
You can use the app for running, hiking, and cycling
This app is designed for you to track your progress when running
You can find support and motivation from other runners using the application
The program can help people reach their goals in just 9 weeks
Beginners can use this app to find the best running resources
How We Tested the Apple Watch Running Apps
People are bound to have different gadgets, so it’s important to know if the runner app suits everyone. You can look at each app to determine if it’s right for your Apple Watch and long-term goals.
Let’s take a look at the below factors in more detail:
Quality
Most of these running apps have extensive features that are well thought-out. For example, Joggo is built on three pillars – personalized training, education, and motivation. This shows that the creators wanted to provide excellent services for both beginners and pros.
Effectiveness
Apple Watch apps should have features that are effective. People may need fitness trackers, race courses, and a built-in GPS for their running goals. The app has to serve a unique purpose, especially for those who track their key states and take running very seriously.
Price
These 7 best running apps are all inexpensive, with some containing free trials. You could also find a completely free app that still has optional in-app purchases. People don’t need to spend loads of money on a running tracker that doesn’t even have interesting stories and key stats.
Brand reputation
Now, you might find the right app for Apple Watch users, but what about the company?
Doing some research on each brand tells us more about their mission. For example, the creators of Joggo want to “inspire you on every run” and form a group of talented coaches. Other apps might only focus on getting money and reaching the top of the fitness market.
A Word From Our MD
Running should be enjoyable for everyone, including beginners who want to learn the ropes. A fitness app that doesn’t require your phone may be the start to a hassle-free run. The best apps for Apple Watch usually always contain a running tracker and detailed turn-by-turn directions.
Going outside should feel like your very own run tour. You can run for 2 miles and see the number of calories burned as well as other statistics like rolling pace, distance covered, and run history. Third-party apps have the chance to add features like this when people demand them.
Just remember to test these apps on your Apple Watch screen. This can help you determine if the application is worth your time and money.
Conclusion
So, what is the top running app for Apple Watch?
These 7 choices are great compared to other apps that don’t contain effective features. Even though Joggo is the best overall, you can still find an app that suits your long-term goals. Don’t forget that there are also in-app purchases for those who need extra running guidance.
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel's goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
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