If fitness feels complicated, it’s not because you’re lazy—it’s because you’re trying to DIY something that should come with a plan. I’ve got the workout app for you, friend!
I’ve tried so many programs and apps over the years (yes, I even had a Beachbody coach era), and Ladder is the one that finally made consistency feel simple. I’ve been using it for about six months, and it’s been a huge part of how I’ve stayed consistent with strength training while losing 50+ pounds, keeping it off, and gaining muscle.
So this is my no-fluff Ladder Exercise App review: what it is, why it works, and how it can help you start without spiraling.
*I’ll say this up front: I’m not a nutritionist, trainer, or dietitian. I’m a hobby, deep-rabbit-hole researcher with a Type A brain and a notes app full of “WAIT, that’s interesting.” I’m basically a sponge for knowledge. This post is what I’ve learned from years of trying programs, testing what actually helps me stay consistent, and paying attention to what my body responds to. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and always loop in a qualified pro for anything medical or truly personalized.*
Why the Ladder App Wins
I have done a lot of workout programs and apps over the years. I was even a Beachbody coach for a little while. I’m not saying that to be spicy, I’m saying it because I’ve lived the “all the things” fitness era: hopping plans, collecting subscriptions, doing random YouTube workouts, and still feeling like I was starting over every Monday.
Ladder feels different because it isn’t just a giant library of workouts. It’s a structured, coached plan that tells you what to do each day, builds week to week, and makes it hard to overcomplicate.
And as a reflective, intentional, slightly Type A human who can absolutely overthink herself into paralysis? That matters.
Ladder’s whole promise is basically: no planning, no guesswork—just show up and do today’s workout. It includes a weekly plan, in-ear coaching, video demos, progress tracking, and a team chat (that the coach is actually active in) for real support.
Who Ladder is Perfect For
If your goals are to improve mental health, physical fitness, strength, energy, confidence—or you just want a plan that removes decision fatigue—this is for you.
Especially if you relate to any of these:
- “I don’t know what to do at the gym.”
- “I start strong and then fall off.”
- “I need someone to tell me what’s worth my time.”
- “I want to lift, but I’m nervous about form.”
- “I want structure without overcomplication.”
You don’t need trendy. You don’t need perfect. You need a plan you’ll actually do.
Movement doesn’t have to be intense. Or aesthetic. Or optimized. A walk around the block counts. A five-minute stretch counts. A shaky first rep counts. Start where you are.
The Features That Make Ladder Ridiculously Easy to Stick With
Here’s what I love, and why I think this app converts “I should work out” into “I actually work out.”
1) You can browse coaches like you’re picking a show you’ll actually watch
One of Ladder’s best features is that there are multiple coaches/teams on the platform, and you can browse based on what you need: programming style, equipment, workout length, and difficulty level. If you hate your plan, you don’t have to quit fitness—you can switch teams and find a better fit. Ladder even has a team quiz to help match you.
This is huge because so many people quit working out when the program isn’t a match. Not because they’re lazy. Because it wasn’t realistic, enjoyable, or sustainable.
2) In-ear coaching that actually feels like coaching (not fluff)
My husband and I both agree: the voiceovers before and during the workout are one of the biggest reasons we’ve stayed consistent.
Yes, other apps have coaching. But Ladder’s in-ear coaching paired with precise pacing feels like someone is actually with you. You get cues for form, pacing, mindset, and what matters most in that set—without the cheesy “you’re a warrior, babe!” stuff that sometimes makes me want to throw my phone.
Ladder highlights in-ear coaching and built-in pacing as core features, and it shows.
3) Real coaching + team chat support (this is the magic)
This is where Ladder has been next-level for me: Team Chat. You’re not just following workouts in isolation—you’re training alongside a community and can get support from the coach and the team.
As soon as I joined a team, I was provided an onboarding guide and absolutely all the info I needed to start and keep going. I enter new things excited, but with a lot of questions. I was amazed they answered them right off the bat.
In case you’re wondering I’m on Team Limitless with Coach Kelly Matthews, and our chat has been incredibly active and supportive. I’ve posted videos of my lifts and asked for form feedback, and I’ve gotten responses from the coach and community members who are more advanced than me. That kind of access is priceless when you’re trying to learn and improve without hiring a personal trainer.
4) Built-in tracking so you can see progress (and stay motivated)
Ladder’s tracking (“Ladder Journal”) makes it easy to log weights, reps, and notes so you can actually see yourself getting stronger over time—without juggling three notebooks and a spreadsheet. Ladder calls out integrated rep and weight tracking, PR alerts, and training notes as part of the experience. It’s a serious dopamine hit, I’m tellin’ you!
Progress is motivating. Not just scale progress—strength progress. “Wow, I used to do that with 15s and now I’m using 25s” progress.
My Husband’s a Believer Now
I shared Ladder with my husband, and he quickly became a believer. He’s used a lot of apps and has tried plenty of free or low-budget programs, and this app has outperformed them by a mile. In the last three months, he has grown significantly in strength and has never been more consistent with working out.
And here’s what I think that proves: people don’t need more shame or more hype. They need a plan that’s clear, well-programmed, and easy to follow when motivation is low.
Ladder Nutrition
In 2025, Ladder added Ladder Nutrition inside the app, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how helpful and accurate it is. It’s designed to keep your training (output) and fueling (input) in one place.
You can log food using photo, barcode scanning, voice, or search, and there’s even a Protein Mode to keep tracking simple.
I’ll be honest: I was already using another macro tracker I really love, so I haven’t fully transitioned yet. But I can absolutely see myself moving everything into Ladder eventually, because fewer apps = fewer excuses = more consistency.
Price + Value
Ladder usually offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required, which I love because you can actually test-drive it without the “gotcha.” (But I have something better for you below!)
At the time of writing, pricing on Ladder’s site shows:
- $29.99/month for the Pro Plan (monthly)
- $179.99/year for Pro Annual (about $14.99/month)
And truly? For the programming, coaching, team support, and features, it has been one of the best values I’ve paid for in fitness—because it’s the thing that helps me stay consistent.
Want to Try It? I Have a 30-day Guest Pass
Here’s my favorite part: I have a guest pass for a 30-day free trial if you want to go for it. Use my link here!
And remember: you can switch teams if you’re not enjoying your coach’s vibe. Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all—and Ladder actually lets you act like that’s true.
Want to Take it Next Level with Nutrition?
You’re smart for not wanting your sacrifices and gumption to actually work out to go to waste in the kitchen! Here’s my tried-and-true high-protein breakfast meal prep that I’ve been doing variations of for years.
My Favorite Workout Gear
I’m definitely one of those girls who is more motivated to workout if I feel good in what I’m wearing or how I look. I’m also one of those girls who loves having all the tools I can possibly have to be successful. In case you’re in those lanes too, or just need some basic equipment ideas, here’s my list!
