The 5 Best Stretching Apps of 2023

StretchIt is the best stretching app because it offers a well-balanced routine and accountability

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Stretching should be an essential part of your daily routine, as it boasts many physical and mental benefits. It’s been proven to help relieve pain, reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, ease tension, and prevent injuries. While many health apps offer various workouts to get you in shape, finding ones focused on mobility may be a bit more challenging. 

The best stretching apps include various stretches, have easy-to-follow videos or descriptions, include in-app timers, and allow you to track your workouts and document progress. We looked at over 15 stretching apps available in the U.S. on iOS or Android and created a list of the best stretching apps for you to try.

Best Stretching Apps of 2023

Best Overall : StretchIt


StretchIt

StretchIt

Key Specs
  • Price: $19.99 per month (less if you pay for 1 year upfront)
  • Free trial: 7 days
  • Format: Video library, multi-day challenges
Why We Chose It

We chose StretchIt as the best overall because it offers many features needed to create a well-balanced stretching routine and hold you accountable to your goals.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Easy to use interface 

  • In-app challenges

  • Reminds you to do your workout

  • Variety of class lengths (5 to 45 minutes)

  • Works offline

Cons
  • Classes take up increased storage

  • App is pricey at $19.99 per month

Overview

StretchIt features an easy-to-use interface, clear and concise videos, and various classes to choose from. We liked that classes are sorted by themes, such as full-body stretch, bendy back, or learning to do the splits. You can filter classes by length and difficulty, making it easy to find the class you want to do. You can also set reminders to alert you to do your stretching every day, which may help keep you accountable to your plan.  

The best part of this app is the ability to download routines to your phone to view later. This is great for those who like to stretch outdoors where there may not be cellular reception. You can also add classes to your calendar and plan your week ahead of time.  

StretchIt offers a free seven-day trial to ensure it's the right fit. When the trial is over, the app is $19.99 per month and includes access to all the classes on the app. Each video includes video demonstrations and a calming voice guiding you through each movement.

You can navigate to the Challenges tab at the bottom of the app to choose a goal you would like to accomplish. For example, if you want to be able to do the front splits, a 30-day challenge will help you get there. You can also add progress photos and document achievements, which is a great way to measure progress.

Best for Flexibility Training : Pliability


ROMWOD

ROMWOD

Key Specs
  • Price: $17.95 per month (less if you pay for a year upfront)
  • Free trial: 7 days
  • Format: Video library
Why We Chose It

We chose Pliability as best for flexibility training as it is designed for athletes.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Made for athletes

  • Available on iOS and Android

  • Helps optimize range of motion

Cons
  • Expensive at $17.95/month

  • Most routines focus on static stretching

  • May not be appropriate for beginners

Overview

Pliability is designed for athletes. It was originally called ROMWOD and was specifically for Crossfit enthusiasts, but it has rebranded and now says it offers "better mobility for every athlete." The app provides you with a targeted stretching routine daily, but you can also choose from its library of routines. Each day focuses on a different body part or goal and provides a full video to teach you how to do each movement correctly. We like that some advanced stretches are included, and the movements are designed to help improve your overall mobility to make you a better athlete. 

This app costs $17.95 a month, which is more expensive than most other apps reviewed, but it may be worth it to some. Its varied stretching workouts, new daily exercises, and full-body movements can help increase your strength, agility, and overall performance, which is essential for many athletes. Because it is designed for athletes, it may be too advanced for beginners or those with little prior experience. 

One of the benefits of this app is that it provides accountability and helps users stay on track with a stretching routine. It also helps identify areas of the body that are particularly tight and teaches users the fundamentals of static stretching. Overall, Pliability is good for those who need the structure of a daily routine, have time to complete the 20– to 30-minute workouts, or want to work the routines into their warmup or cool down at the gym.

Best for Beginners : Start Stretching


Start Stretching

Start Stretching

Key Specs
  • Price: Free, with premium upgrade for $1.99
  • Free trial: No
  • Format: Illustrated stretching guides
Why We Chose It

We like Start Stretching for beginners because it includes stretches that are easy to understand, and the routines only take up to 10 minutes.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Free

  • Designed for beginners

  • Includes timer

  • Only takes up to 10 minutes a day

Cons
  • Only includes 9 stretches

  • Cannot change routine

Overview

Start Stretching is excellent for beginners due to its easy-to-use design, straightforward stretches, and well-written instructions. It includes graphic descriptions and text to show you exactly how to do each stretch. You can adjust the length of time to hold each stretch and use the in-app timer during your workout. It also alerts you by sound or vibration when moving on to the next stretch. If you are a beginner, this app will help you start incorporating simple stretches into your day to reap the benefits. 

We like that the Start Stretching routine only takes up to 10 minutes and requires no equipment. Unfortunately, there are only nine stretches to work through and no option to add more stretches or change the routine. This might be great for beginners, but more advanced users may find it repetitive and boring. 

Overall, this app will help you improve your flexibility, work stretching into your daily routine, and help you move better during your workouts or daily life.

Best for All Skill Levels : Stretch & Flexibility at Home


Stretching Exercises

Stretching Exercises

Key Specs
  • Price: Free with ads, $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year
  • Free trial: 7 days
  • Format: Video library, illustrations, voice-guided
Why We Chose It

We chose Stretch & Flexibility at Home as best for all skill levels because of its variety of pre-made stretching routines and ability to customize each workout.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Pre-made stretching routines

  • Routines for all levels

  • In-app timers

  • Can set daily reminders

  • Calendar feature

Cons
  • Computer voice can be annoying

  • Free version includes ads

Overview

The Stretch & Flexibility at Home app is great for all levels and provides well-designed routines to address specific concerns or goals. Their pre-made routines include morning warmup, sleepy time stretch, pre-run warm up, and many more. These routines range from 4 to 15 minutes and can be done anywhere. Each stretch includes a voice and video guide and background music designed to help you relax. We found the computer-generated voice to be slightly irritating but liked that there is the option to turn it off. You can also choose from their stretches library to create your own routine. The routines are organized by body parts, and their library of exercises is easy to navigate. 

We liked that it includes a calendar that shows your progress and allows you to set reminders to stretch every day. You can customize your music and sync with Apple Health to get credit for the workouts you complete. The free version of the app includes ads, and to get full access to all the stretches, you must upgrade to the pro version for $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year. The app includes a free 7-day trial before you commit.

Overall, this app is an excellent option for those who want different stretching routines daily, need an app to keep them accountable, or have specific goals like doing the splits or improving their running.

Best for Time Restraints : Sworkit


SworKit

SworKit

Key Specs
  • Price: $9.99 per month (all kids' content is free)
  • Free trial: 7 days
  • Format: Video library, message with certified trainers
Why We Chose It

Sworkit allows you to customize each workout and choose how long you have to stretch, making it best for those with time restraints.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Very customizable

  • Can set the desired time for stretch routine

  • Includes music

  • Easy-to-follow videos and verbal cues

Cons
  • Limited number of routines

Overview

Sworkit has many positive customer reviews online, and for good reason. It is a comprehensive app with different routines targeting specific goals, including basic stretching, yoga, foam rolling, rehabilitation-focused routines, and strength workouts. We liked that each routine is customizable, so you can set the total time from five to 60 minutes and swap out stretches as needed. This app can help both beginners and athletes alike and help keep you accountable to your goals. 

You can save custom workouts and log your progress on the calendar to keep you organized. It also includes features such as access to certified trainers to answer questions and allows you to set reminders to complete your workout. 

Sworkit costs $59.99 a year, which is more expensive than other stretching apps, but there's a 7-day free trial first. It also includes strength training and HIIT workouts in addition to stretching. Overall, Sworkit is great if you're looking for customizable routines, simple instructions, and upbeat music to accompany your workout.

Final Verdict 

Overall, there are many great stretching apps to choose from, each with unique features that cater to a variety of needs. Our top recommendation overall is StretchIt, which is easy to use and offers plenty of features to fit any stretching routine. Choose from various class options and partake in challenges to get a great workout in.

Guide to Choosing the Best Stretching Apps

As you evaluate app options that might work best for you, there are a few considerations. The first is budget. Some programs are much more costly than others, so consider price first if that's a make-or-break factor.

The next consideration might be your fitness level. If you are starting, you might benefit from a more straightforward user experience without a multitude of options. As you work to build flexibility, you can re-assess whether you begin to outpace a more simple app.

Finally, what kind of experience are you hoping for in an app? Are personality, upbeat music, and a good user experience high priorities for you? If so, look for apps that match your personality and motivate you.

Stretching Apps vs. Yoga Apps

Stretching apps offer some perks over yoga apps, especially for beginners. With stretching apps, you can customize your session to include a few stretches or enough to fill a 45-minute chunk of time. You can also choose basic stretches with minimal steps, seated stretches, and partner-assisted stretches, which are all excellent ways for beginners to ease into a stretching program. Plus, if you’re using a stretching app with advanced routines, you can focus on more complicated moves that require agility, a good range of motion, and flexibility. 

On the other hand, yoga apps are specialized and only offer routines with yoga poses. While most yoga apps have beginner to advanced classes, it’s a good idea to have a basic foundation of how a yoga sequence flows before diving into an online class.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do Stretching Apps Work?

    Stretching apps work the same as many other workout apps by providing you with photo, audio, or video instructions for stretches you can do at home with minimal equipment. Some apps provide a schedule of workouts to follow, short or long videos, daily reminders, or stretches to target specific goals, like doing the splits or decreasing low back pain. 

  • Are Stretching Apps Designed for Beginners?

    Most stretching apps can be used by beginners and experienced athletes alike. Many apps have customizable routines and various difficulty levels to choose from. 

  • How Much Should I Pay for a Stretching App?

    Many stretching apps have a free version to allow you to try it out and see if it’s a good fit. Upgraded versions often include additional features and range from $2 to $15 per month. 

  • How Long Should I Stretch Each Day?

    The time you spend stretching each day is completely up to you and your workout goals. Incorporating at least five minutes of stretching each day will help you reap the benefits with little time commitment. Full stretching workouts may take 15 to 45 minutes. 

  • What Are the Health Benefits of Stretching?

    Stretching can help you increase your flexibility and range of motion and improve your physical performance. It can also increase the blood flow to your muscles, improve posture, decrease stress, and help heal or prevent injuries. Lastly, stretching is a great way to warm up before or cool down after a workout or calm your mind before bed. 

Methodology

We looked at over 15 apps available in the U.S. on iOS or Android to compile this list of best stretching apps. We searched for apps that include various stretching routines, allow you to customize your workouts, and have plans or a way to track your progress. 

We also researched reviews online and on the App Store and favored those with multiple positive reviews. In addition, we tried the apps ourselves to explore the features available in the free version. To be considered, the app must focus on stretching or mobility, include options for any skill level, and have a free trial or low-cost option.

Best Stretching Apps

Verywell / Designed by Amelia Manley

Article Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Natasha Freutel, M.S., O.T.
Natasha is a writer and occupational therapist who has covered health and wellness topics for Healthline, Livestrong, and Fitness magazine. Her expertise lies in rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise, personal training, and geriatrics.