Nothing puts a spring in our step like an exciting new pastime, especially if it involves meeting new people and finding community in shared interests. This collection of apps will help you become a dab hand at your new hobby, while making meaningful connections.

Transform frustrating, irregular runs into a progressive and sustainable hobby with Runna’s personalised training programmes. Plans are tailored to your goals, experience and calendar, and if you’re running an event, it will work backwards from that. There’s expert coaching on nutrition, strength training and injury management when you need it, and you can share your runs and connect with others taking part in your race on the Community feed. Runna will even store your Parkrun barcode for this weekend’s communal 5K!

Pick up your school-level French or broaden your horizons from one of more than 40 languages in Duolingo. The playful, bite-size lessons encourage a daily learning habit with varied speaking, writing and listening exercises, and you can climb XP leaderboards with fellow learners or boost motivation by aligning on a Friends Quest. Duolingo even offers a chess curriculum; you’ll learn to craft a perfect opening and strategies to outmanoeuvre your pals, before pouncing for checkmate.

Add your first plant to PictureThis’s My Garden and boom! You’re now a budding plant parent. Use the camera to identify species and receive care tips, then find the perfect sunny spot with the light meter. The app is all about practicalities, from watering reminders to teaching you how to propagate and identify plant diseases and pests. Consult the app’s experts for tips and remedies to ensure both your plants and hobby flourish.

Learning to play the piano doesn’t have to be a “maybe one day” thing with Simply Piano. Through its engaging and progressive tutorials, you’ll learn chords, proper technique and music theory while playing everything from Bach to Billie Eilish. It works with any keyboard and piano (including compatible USB keyboards for perfect note recognition) or there’s an onscreen option. If tickling the ivories isn’t for you, try the Simply Sing and Simply Guitar apps instead.

May the familiar lament of “I wish I had time to read” ring out no more! With Audible’s audiobook library, every commute or chore offers a chance to enjoy a bestseller and then, finally, join the conversation. Beyond fiction, the library includes a stunning variety of titles on subjects from history to self-care. As Audible is Apple Watch and CarPlay compatible, there’s no reason for you to miss the weekly book club gathering.