Apps Sure to Help you meet your Fitness Goals
In the age of technology, smart phone or tablet apps are great tools to support your fitness goals. The problem is, everyone has an app these days! Which is why I sorted through a ton of them so I can share with you my Five Most Favorite Fitness Apps that are not only IOS and Android compatible, but also free!
MyFitnessPal
Understanding your typical habits to determine what and where you can switch things up is a must. This is why tracking apps can be of great service in reaching your personal wellness goals. And that's exactly why I love the MyFitnessPal app. It can be used to log a variety of lifestyle habits related to your health including exercise, sleep, calories, nutrition and bio-metrics. Best uses for this app include: weight loss, daily nutrition, activity tracking and calorie and macro-nutrient management. But let's not forget the accountability!
MapMyRun
Since I am fond of getting in my exercise while I am outdoors, I want to know how far I’ve traveled in my allotted time, my heart rate throughout my training and where my performance peaks. This leads me to another one of my top picks, MapMyRun by Under Armour. The app keeps track of your run via GPS signal on your phone, while giving you feedback every mile you travel. The thing that sets this app apart is its 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon and 50k training plans developed by Olympic runners. Whether this is your first run ever or you are an elite athlete, this app can help get you across the finish line and continue to improve your running performance. If you are not a runner, do not fret, Under Armour also has apps for cycling and walking.
Sworkit
As many of you know, life gets busy and fitting in a workout can be very tricky when you are crunched for time. That is exactly why I like Sworkit. As a workout app, Sworkit provides you with customizable workout videos that that you can fit into 5 minutes up to an hour. With a variety of exercises from strength training and stretching to pilates and yoga exercises, this app is perfect for when you are seeking variety in your physical activity while on the go.
Daily Yoga
Herein lies my least proud confession- I usually use my exercise time to do the things I enjoy the most like, running or high intensity interval training. However, due to my personal preference I tend to suffer most in my flexibility. So, now after a little research, the Daily Yoga app sits proudly on my tablet homepage! Being a yoga specific tool, Daily Yoga gives you 50 full yoga sessions with music alongside more than 500 exercises and poses with instructions. Whether you are a beginner or pro, this app is great for anyone looking for guidance in their yoga practice while improving muscular flexibility.
Headspace
Last but certainly not least, I have fallen in love with Headspace. Knowing that many of us suffer sensory overload, I am so happy I found this app. Headspace promotes meditation as it claims to be the Personal Trainer of the Brain by providing guided sequences to promote mindfulness for beginners and advanced meditators alike. In just ten minutes, this app can help you decrease your anxiety and stress while improving your focus, creativity and even relationships. Though many associate fitness only with the physical, having a clear head can make all life’s endeavors easier and much more enjoyable. Who doesn’t want that?!?!If you are looking for more ideas of apps that may be able to help you reach your health and well-being goals, simply contact your Health Adviser today!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
