10 Fitness Apps That Can Boost Your Workout
By Nancy Sullivan, PT
It was just a matter of time before someone figured out a way to turn your smartphone into your own personal fitness coach. In fact, the latest fitness apps can do anything from send you a “friendly” reminder to workout, to offer you expert instruction, to even keeping track of your weight and body measurements. Considering that so many of us carry smartphones with us everywhere we go, it makes them the perfect partner to assist us with our fitness goals. The following is a sampling of some of the more popular fitness apps. Most of them are free or have a small fee, and are available for Apple and Android platforms.
Workout Trackers:
Human: Keeps track of all your activity, focusing on how many minutes you moved today and how many minutes you need to reach the daily 30 minute goal. Price: Free
MyFitnessPal: Look up and track your food as well as activity. With barcode scanner, & nutritional information from local restaurants, it takes the guesswork out of eating out. The app gives you full access to your MyFitnessPal.com account. Price: Free
MapMyFitness and MapMyRide: Uses your GPS to track your outdoor workouts. View your stats at MapMyFitness.com and share it with friends. Price: Free
Endomondo Sports Tracker: Personal trainer and fitness partner with built in GPS. Tracks running, cycling, walking and any other distance based sport. Audio feedback on performance. Price: Free
Motivational Games:
Fitocracy: Turns workouts into a game, with incentives to reach higher levels of performance. After each workout, you are rewarded with points and level advancement. Price: Free
Zombies, Run: You have survived a zombie apocalypse. The faster you run away from the brain-eating zombies, the better you perform. There are several missions; users can mix their own tunes to keep inspired. Price: $3.99
Workouts:
7 Minute Work Out Challenge: Researchers have selected 12 exercises that are performed for 30 seconds with 10 second rest intervals. This high-intensity training with little rest results in higher daily metabolism and a very efficient workout. Price: $1.99
Daily Workouts FREE- Personal Trainer: 95+ exercises with written and video instruction. There are 10 different 5-10 minute targeted workouts and longer full body workouts. Price: Free
Yoga Studio: Thirty ready-made yoga classes with HD video. Easily customize or create your own unique video classes. Includes a library of over 280 poses with detailed advice and instructions. Perfect for beginners, great for experts too. Price: $2.99
The most important thing is to have fun, explore, and try something new. You may find just the inspiration you need to keep your activity program on track. Either way, you deserve a high-five just for striving to reach your goals.
