Fitness has always been a big market especially given the potential that it offers to both business and users. Business get to make money and change lives and users get to give their body what it really wants. In recent times, the trends in fitness have largely changed from having skipping ropes to apps that track even the least tasks that you do. This way, you’re able to keep better tabs on the little victories that you have. Fitness apps also give the user the ability to track other vital things to their well-being which include among other things your diet. However, while the app challenge might be quite enticing for quite a number of people, you have to be able to pick the right and the best one to enjoy the perks that come with them. Here are some great options that could work wonders for you.
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Couch to 5K
There is only one reason why Couch to 5K makes it so high on the list. Unlike most fitness apps that just allow you to get around your normal routine as they keep track and tell you how unfit you are, Couch to 5K does exactly what the name insinuates. If you have been a couch potato all your life and you want to get moving, this is the app that will get you from the couch to running a 5K without throwing up. The main idea of the app is to use it for about 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week. If you stick with the nine week regimen that the app has to offer, you should be able to compete in a 5K race without much trouble. Quite a pragmatic approach you would have to say.
The app comes with four virtual coaches that you can choose from. The coaches have a humanized voice that helps to guide you through the workout and ensure that you’re able to make the most out of the workout.
Features that are included in the app include GPS support, a distance and pace calculator and a music player. You get to listen to your favorite music in the in-app player. You also have a progress tracker that gives you the total amount of distance you have covered as well as your average pace. It is definitely a great app especially for new fitness enthusiasts that do not have a blueprint of the workouts they should be trying. Couch to 5K is available for both iOS and Android platforms.
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Seven
Are you new to fitness training? Do you have no equipment at all? Worse yet, are you the kind that can’t spare 30 minutes for a workout? Seven is the app for you. It’s based on setting a challenge for you for about seven minutes a day. Yap! In just seven minutes, the app is able to give you a proper workout and getting you feeling young again. What’s more, the app only has workouts that require no more that your own body weight, a chair and a wall.
The goal of the app is to make you work out each and every day for a period of seven month. Should you achieve the fete, you’re branded a 7/7 champion along with a great deal of fitness. To make sure that you stay dedicated to the workouts, the app has a “life” policy. You start with three lives. If you miss your training one day, you lose a “life”. If you miss it three times in a month, your progress is reset to zero. Other than having a great approach to fitness, the app also comes with illustrations that help you figure out how to do the different workouts correctly, it comes with visual timers, feedback and spoken illustrations among other features. You’re able to track your progress on graphs and calendars, unlock achievements and earn rewards for your commitment. The app is available for Android, Windows Phone and the iOS platform.
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Fitstar Personal Trainer
When it comes to fitness apps, most users would rather believe the reviews by their fellow peers instead of endorsements. However, the endorsement on this particular one does raise a couple of eyebrows. NFL fans might have heard of Tony Gonzales. If you haven’t, here are quick facts that will get your attention. In his 17 year career, Gonzales proved to be the most durable player missing only two games in that time span. How? He focused a lot on fitness and nutrition. He also happens to be one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the NFL.
Given a player of such caliber vouching for a fitness app, there has to be something. And there is. There are two options of the Fitstar personal Trainer. In the free version which is perfect for beginners, you have two session every week. The version has workouts demonstrated in high definition videos and some custom audio tracks. If you feel that you need a little more challenge and more features, you can opt for the paid version.
Regardless of the version you opt for, the workouts are carefully chosen to ensure that you use your bodyweight and you don’t have to buy extra equipment. The duration of the workouts is short and the space required is limited. With the premium version, you get email support, exclusive programs and unlimited access to all the sessions and many more features. The app can be downloaded for Android and iPhone devices.
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UP by Jawbone
Whether or not you have the Jawbone fitness tracker, this is a great app that can work either way for you. It can use the built-in sensors on your phone to track a number of metrics that would include the number of calories burnt, the intensity of the activities and even the number of steps you have taken in a day. You also have the option of manually entering the foods and drinks you have taken in a day for tracking and the amount of sleep. Unfortunately, with this one, you will mostly be able to enjoy the tracking features. Hence you should have a couple of workout charts well drawn out for you. The app is however free and available for Android and iOS devices.
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Sworkit
This is app happens to be a treasure chest of workouts. It has over 200 different types of workouts and over 13 million users. If you’re looking for an app that has been tried and tested this would be it. It even comes with a specialized app for kids just in case they would like to join in the fun.
The best thing about this fitness app is the fact that you can choose from the standard workouts that it has. If you have special needs and would like to target certain areas, you can also opt to have your own customized workouts. All you have to do is pick the length of your workout and the areas that you want to target. Ideally, the app lets you choose which area you would like to focus on. The user can select from a menu that comprises of Stretching, Yoga, Strength and Cardio. Whatever area you would like to work on, you have over 20 pre-built workouts that you can choose from.
To make following the workouts easier, the app employs the use of real video trainers and audio cues that help to take you through the length of the workout. It is much easier to follow along and even better, the engagement makes the workout more interesting.
There are two versions of the app that are available. On the free version, the workouts involved do not require any equipment. You choose from a collection of different workouts with video and audio demonstrations and can design up to 3 custom workouts. If you opt to go for the premium version, you get to enjoy the Ad-free workouts, low impact exercises tailor-made for beginners and older adults and you also get to save unlimited custom workouts among other premium benefits. Both versions of the app are available for both Android and iOS platforms.
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Charity Miles
How would you like to make some money to help someone in need while you get fit? Charity Miles is the app that could help you do that. The app helps you to earn corporate sponsorships for charities whenever you walk, run or even ride a bike. Of course this comes with the downside of losing other features like pre-built workouts.
You do get tracking features and especially with regards to distance. For every mile you walk or run, you earn 25 cents for one of the participating charities. Should you cycle, you get 10 cents per mile. This app provides a great reason for you to want to get fit and an even better reason to keep working out.
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Fitbit
Initially, Fitbit was built to work with the Fitbit wearable tracker. But later on, it was turned into a standalone and very solid app that could also use the sensors on your smartphone to track a number of metrics. These could include GPS for tracking your running routes, the pedometer to count your steps and it also has a food log that helps of tracking nutrition. This makes the use of a barcode scanner which makes it much easier to keep tabs on what you eat.
The other feature that makes Fitbit quite the interesting fitness app is the social features that it has to offer. Everyone loves a little competition. With the social features, you have leader boards and other challenges that you can compete. It is important to note that this is just an app. It is free and available for Android and iOS versions.
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Pocket Yoga
Over the recent times, fitness has been revolutionized. It is no longer about being able to take a walk or a jog in the morning. There are a myriad of other exercises that count as fitness workouts. Among them is Yoga. It has quickly grown and is now widely practices by a great deal of people. With the Pocket Yoga app, you will never again have to wait around for your Yoga instructor or visit the Yoga studio. The app will be your new Yoga studio. The app lets you train and practice Yoga which is an ancient art of breathing and stretching.
The app is built to help you build your own tolerance at your time and pace. The app has a detailed voice and video instructions that make it easy for you to be able to make the right poses. It also offers hundreds of poses with write-ups that help you with the execution of the poses and ultimately, you also get to enjoy the health benefits that come with the app. The app offers users the option of choosing between three durations, three levels of difficulties as well as three different practices. You have diversity and versatility and, you also have room for growth.
To make it easier for you to track your progress in the future, the app even logs it for you. This way you have a reference and you can compare notes and assess the progress that you have made. Unfortunately, there is no free version of the app. Nevertheless, the premium version is very affordable and is available for both Android and iOS devices.
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FIT radio
This is not your average fitness app. It is unique in all aspects and could be the perfect choice for those that want their workout time to rush without them noticing. Unlike most apps that are hell bent on making sure you’re aware of the effort that you’re putting into your routine and just how much sweat you’re breaking, the FIT radio does things slightly different.
It is a music streaming app that works with mixes that are DJ created. The goal of the app is to compile a playlist that has a consistent beat. It does however give you the option of browsing through the genres that you would like to work with like Yoga or spin Zumba. Other than the wide collection of features that are ideal for different workouts, the app also happens to have a number of workouts. You will have to contend with the internet use because of streaming the songs. But considering how easy the app helps to take your mind off workout and just have fun, you will definitely love this one. It has a free and paid for version and is available for Blackberry, iOS and Android.
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Jefit Workout
Lastly, we have an app that you can use if you like using weights. It came last because you don’t really need weights to get fit. But, for those that prefer to use them, this is an app that could save them the trouble of keeping notebooks and crumpled sheets of paper anytime they hit the gym. The app gives the user a simple array of tools that help in crafting the weight-lifting workouts as well as keeping track. It also helps to plan your workout and days you’re meant to rest among other features. While the app might not be the most feature-filled app, it does get the job done.
Conclusion
At the current day and age, hiring a fitness trainer though with its own perks is becoming less meaningful. With apps that are able to suggest workouts, demonstrate how to do the workouts and even suggest changes, you all the training help that you would need in one small app at any time of day. No wasting time waiting around for the trainer and the apps provide a great platform where not equipment is needed. With fitness apps, you have all you need at only a fraction of the price.
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