Fitness Apps I’m Loving
Like most people I use my phone to run my life; well it seems that way. Diary, notes, apps, work email, banking, social media, portable nanny (games apps for the kids of course); it’s all on there. So using the apps on my mobile phone for my fitness is no exception. I’ve always got my phone close to hand so using it to monitor my fitness and track my progress is a no brainer to me; plus some of the notifications I receive from the fitness apps I use act as a reminder and at times nudge me into action. For me these are the best fitness apps I’ve used so far, see what you think All the apps I mention are available on Apple or Android and I tend just to download the free version see how I go and then if I want purchase add-ons.
This running app is an all time favourite of mine. I’ve used this app for a number of years. I do use it mainly for running but have used it for Sunday morning walks or bike rides with the kids. I love a stat so this is great to monitor speed, distance, splits and I can also look at the route I have travelled. It cuts to the chase when it comes to the information I need; distance and time.
Another running app but with an element of fun. This is how I got one of my boys into running. Each run is a mission to get supplies and run back home, if you don’t keep up the pace you run the risk of being caught by the Zombies. My son loves it but then he is of that generation that has a weird fascination with Zombies! Afterall my mantra when it comes to running is ‘Run like Zombies are chasing You!’
Basically this is a calorie counter and diet tracker, I tend to use this if I’ve gone off the rails a little with my diet. I don’t essentially diet and try just to eat healthy but come the holidays I can go a bit overboard so this is great if I want to keep myself in check a little. The app itself has a 50,000 foods in it’s extensive database, relatively easy to update and you can scan barcodes on food packaging if you want more information regarding nutrition of an item. To make it work for me I have to be disciplined and remember to update it so I only tend to use it for a couple of weeks but I have friends who use it all the time and it works for them too!
I am all for getting my kids active and fit so for them (and me) this is the perfect app. I don’t use it that much now but I loaded it onto the iPad for my children. To be honest I do prompt them to use it but when they do they enjoy it and do get a sweat on. As in it’s title it’s a 7 minute workout, you can choose the number of circuits you do, swap workouts to keep it interesting, follow along with the trainer, listen to your own playlist or just focus on the virtual trainer. I think it’s a great if you are a beginner, aren’t a gym goer or strapped for time.
Ok this is not an app that I now use but it is the app that got me back into running, inspired me to get fitter and helped me overcome some of the barriers I previously had to getting back in shape after having my daughter. I have a lot to thank this app for, read my post Rebooting my Fitness; getting motivated and overcoming Barriers if you don’t believe me. Basically if you stick at it within 8 weeks you will be able to run 5km. The commitment is 3 times a week, 30 minutes per session. Simple, easy to use with a virtual coach there to motivate and instruct you to run/walk.
I have tried a lot of fitness app’s, most I have deleted very quickly but others I’ve stuck at and I now can’t do without. Whatever you want to achieve with your fitness; from just walking a bit more to HIIT sessions there is an app out there for you. For me it’s just a case of trial and error but it’s great when I do find one that works for me!
So what are your favourite fitness apps?
