In simple terms, hybrid training or hybrid workouts are the combination of two different types of exercise–cardio and strength. The combination usually consists of a fast-paced endurance exercise such as running or cycling and strength training such as weightlifting.

But what are the advantages of combining these two workout techniques? Firstly, constantly doing the same old exercises can cause boredom and burnout. Secondly, challenging your muscles in a variety of different ways can help you get stronger and fitter. Combine two or more of the following effective workout apps to satisfy both parts of a good hybrid training program.

Cardiovascular and Endurance Exercise

The first major part of hybrid training consists of cardio or endurance exercise. These cardio activities focus on increasing your heart rate with activities like jogging, cycling, swimming, skipping, dancing, and HIIT workouts.

1. Strava

Strava is one of the most popular fitness tracking apps around, mainly because you can share your workouts with a community of fun, like-minded people. To start tracking your journey on the app, first tap Record, then choose your sport, and finally then hit the Start button.

You can use the Strava app to track almost any cardio activity, from running, cycling, and swimming to skiing, rock climbing, and skateboarding. Additionally, Strava provides a complete breakdown of your progress, goals, activities, training log, and training intensity.

Download: Strava for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

2. Crossrope

If you're looking for a quick cardio workout, jumping rope is a great choice. Furthermore, using a jump rope is the perfect way to exercise at home, and the Crossrope app offers a variety of workouts for beginners and experts alike.

The app is straightforward and easy to use. All you need to do is pick the workout or challenge you'd like to do, add an optional warm-up, and select the rope you have available. Don't worry if you don't have a Crossrope jump rope; you can use any jump rope you have or purchase your own Crossrope set online.

Download: Crossrope for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

3. BitGym

BitGym Immersive Cardio Tours mobile app

If you can't go running or cycling outside, or you'd prefer not to, BitGym is the perfect app for you. Through the BitGym app, you can explore the world from your cardio machine. Simply choose one of the beautiful tours, and begin exercising.

BitGym can track your cadence using your smartphone's camera if you don't have a fitness tracker. This helps ensure that the journey perfectly progresses according to your pace. But for the most accurate tracking, connect a Bluetooth-enabled sensor to the app. In addition to viewing your time and speed, you can turn on or off the sounds and location facts during your virtual workout.

Download: BitGym for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

4. Down Dog HIIT

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is an intense cardio exercise method that can take your workouts to the next level. If you want to try a quick but effective workout, the HIIT app from the Down Dog collection of fitness apps is your new best friend.

The Down Dog HIIT app gives you the option to fully customize just about every part of your workout, from the voice coach to the style of music. Furthermore, you can design a custom workout mix based on how many aerobic, leg, upper body, core, and glute exercises you want to include.

Download: Down Dog HIIT for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

Strength and Resistance Training

The other half of a hybrid training plan is strength or resistance training. It is a pretty straightforward way of exercising to build and strengthen muscle that includes weightlifting, exercise bands, or body weight movements. Besides boosting your muscle mass, strength or resistance training can affect your metabolism and help you lose weight.

1. JEFIT

Planning, tracking, and logging your weightlifting is effortless with the JEFIT workout tracker app. Browse through the app's collection of premade workout plans or create a custom routine depending on what equipment you have available.

Are you a newcomer to strength training? Tap on the exercise library, and you can carefully read through the instructions and watch a video demonstration of each exercise. One of the best features of the JEFIT app is the fitness community. Here, you can share motivation with others and pick up helpful fitness tips.

Download: JEFIT for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

2. Calisteniapp

A calisthenic workout is perfect for people who want to do strength training using only their body weight. Kickstart your journey using Calisteniapp, which gives you access to hundreds of different calisthenic workouts.

Calisteniapp has plenty of free workout routines to get started. No matter if you're looking for strength training, muscle building, or exercises using basic equipment like a kettlebell, this app has valuable content and tips. Moreover, if you upgrade to the premium subscription you can unlock various training programs and features like Smart Progress.

Download: Calisteniapp for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

3. Sportsman

The simplicity of the Sportsman app makes it the perfect place for beginners to start. Rather than using fancy gym equipment, you can use the app to train from home with a basic workout that you can modify when needed. To use the Sportsman app, simply select a specific exercise that you'd like to test yourself on and the app automatically tracks your progression.

In addition, you can even use the app to add your own custom exercises. And aside from the exercise challenges, Sportsman features both circuit training, which focuses on the upper body, abs, and lower body as well as a unique street workout.

Download: Sportsman for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Dumbbell Workout at Home

Dumbbell Workout at Home is an app from Leap Fitness that provides you with 30-day workout plans available in three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. However, you can opt to select a workout of your choice if you want to specifically target your arms and shoulders, back and chest, or abs and legs.

In order to have an accurate calculation of calories burned, you need to set your dumbbell weight on each side before beginning your workout. So dust off your dumbbells, set a daily reminder, and start lifting to get stronger and fitter.

Download: Dumbbell Workout at Home for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

Download These Apps to Create the Best Hybrid Training Program

There are often two types of people: those who stick to strength or resistance training and those who stick to cardio or endurance exercises. But ideally, you should integrate these two exercise types into your daily workout to maximize results. In terms of health benefits, hybrid training is the ultimate workout program. So if you want to make gains in both cardio and strength, try these fantastic workout apps to build your own hybrid program.