Using a technique known as progressive overload, this team-based strength-training app takes a sure and steady approach to helping you build muscle and lift more.

What we love: How Ladder keeps us moving forward, even though we started with just two dumbbells and a dream. Each week, we got a new weekly plan that was a bit more challenging than the last one, packed with full-body burners, push presses, and one meditative breather.

Quick tip: Teams ensure you don’t sweat alone. Each one is led by a trainer with their own focus—some target specific goals, like glute-focused conditioning, while others offer beginner-friendly training, like a hybrid program that combines strength workouts and running. Our current fave, Team Neen, is led by pro skateboarder Neen Williams, who mixes dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells.

Meet the creator: Ladder went from idea to App Store in 100 days, launching in June 2020. Since then, members have logged 14 million workouts while following videos filmed in Ladder’s custom studio in Austin, Texas.