We can all use a little help reaching our health and fitness goals. Whether it's a gym membership, exercise videos, a weight loss program or a little help from your smartphone, there's something for everyone. Consider these handy, effective and FREE fitness apps. 

Workout Trainer from Skimble: This app offers thousands of free workout routines with step-by-step written or video instructions. It also allows users to create custom workout routines. 

JEFIT Workout: This free personal exercise trainer focuses on strength training and bodybuilding. The app is loaded with workout routines that can be broken down by specific body part. It also includes many other features such as a timer, exercise log, progress tracker, a personal profile and more. 

The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout: If you don't have a lot of time to spend working out this may be the app for you, from the inventors of the viral fitness hit 7-Minute Workout and the fitness experts at Johnson & Johnson. This is a fast, simple and proven body-weight workout that has been featured  in the New York Times, Good Morning America and more. The 7-minute fitness routine requires nothing more than a wall, a chair and a little bit of floor space. Routines focus on interval training, which involves varying the intensity of your movements for short periods of time. The app also features videos for guidance and a smart workout feature to help you develop yoru personal profile. 

FitStar Personal Trainer: This app lets you craft a personalized workout based on your abilities. For beginners, it calibrates the workout to your specific capabilities and adjusts it as you advance. It also offers videos and other social features that help you stay motivated. 

Sworkit: The makers of Sworkit market the app as being different from all the others. Rather than using pre-set routines, this app allows you to create targeted routines using stretch exercises, yoga, Pilates and other techniques. The app builds in random exercises for you based on your goals. The random routines help to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts and also help you stay motivated. 

Fitocracy: This app highlights motivation by offering access to a community of other users whose progress you can see. You will be ranked among others in the group, heping you stay focused on your goals through competitive motivation. The app also allows you to upload your results to other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

These and the countless other fitness apps out there are great tools for anyone who is looking to get or stay fit, from beginners to fitness fanatics. Personal accountability is ultimately what will drive success, and every little bit helps. Consider using one of these apps to help you develop a plan and make it a part of your everyday life. 

At HNI we focus on helping our clients improve their total cost of benefits by finding innovative strategies to improve health and wellness company-wide. Are you interested in learning more about how we can help you and your employees focus on wellness in the New Year? Contact us, and stay tuned to Steal These Ideas for more health topics throughout the year.