Ten Fitness Apps to Keep Your Workout Plan on Track
Do you want to start a new workout plan, but need some tools to help you stay on track? There are tons of fitness tools available, but you probably already have one of the most useful ones around: your smartphone. There are a variety of apps that can help you monitor your progress, give you ideas for new workouts, and more. Here are 10 of our personal favorites.
1. BodySpace, iOS and Android
This free app is one of the best around, especially when it comes to weightlifting. You can build workout programs or follow one that’s already been created (and there are workout programs for every conceivable goal.) It also tracks all of your past workouts and allows you to easily see how you’re progressing. The app also gives you access to Bodybuilding.com’s extensive Exercise Database, so you never have to wonder how to safely perform a move.
2. Cody, iOS and Android
The Cody app brings some of the world’s top fitness trainers right to your phone. The workouts are video-based, and you can choose plans ranging from yoga to weightlifting. There’s a virtual journal to log your workouts, an active community to participate in, and you can easily access all of your information on your computer (and, if you have a Chromecast device, you can cast the videos to your TV.) You do have to pay for the programs, but the app itself is free.
3. Pact, iOS and Android
If you’ve ever needed a strong incentive, like money, to keep you on track, then here’s an app for you. You pledge to workout for a certain number of days, and if you don’t, you’ll have to pay up. However, you also get paid when you finish a workout. The app itself is free, but slacking on your fitness will cost you.
4. Nike+, iOS and Android
For all of our runners out there, there’s hardly a better free running app than the Nike+ option. You can compete with your friends to try to top the leaderboard, and the app logs your progress, including mileage and time. There’s even an option to get in-run audio feedback on your mileage.
5. Google Fit, Android
If you’re a Google-lover and you have an Android, Google Fit could be your new favorite fitness tracking app. Easily track your daily activities (for free) just by carrying your phone, set goals, and connect the app to your Android Wear device, if you have one. If you use other apps like Strava, Withings, Runtastic, Runkeeper and Noom Coach you can even connect them with Google Fit to keep all of your data in one place.
6. MapMyFitness, iOS and Android
If you’d rather stay away from Google, MapMyFitness is a premier fitness tracking application. This robust app has been around the block more than a few times, and it’s definitely a tried and tested fitness companion. You can track your activities, log your food, and even set up challenges for yourself and your friends. It’s easy to use, robust, and free.
7. MyFitnessPal, iOS and Android
If you want to start keeping track of the food you’re eating (a vital part of any health and wellness plan), there’s hardly a better app than the free MyFitnessPal. Scan the barcode of prepackaged foods to instantly tap into that item’s nutrition information, or input your own recipes and ingredients. This app is an excellent companion to the more fitness-oriented apps available.
8. Fitnet, iOS and Android
Do you have a habit of slacking off in the middle of your workout? If you use Fitnet, that will be a problem of the past. It uses your phone’s camera to gauge how well you’re following along with videos from personal trainers. If you stop to take a breather, this app will know. It’s like having your own boot camp coach, but for free.
9. StrongLifts 5×5, iOS and Android
Here’s another free app for the weightlifters out there. The idea behind StrongLifts is to complete the three main powerlifting exercises (squat, deadlift, and bench press) for five sets of five reps. If you want to develop insane strength, this app and program are worth considering. It even tells you when you should be adding more weight.
10. Zombies, Run! iOS and Android
At $3.99, this is the only paid app on the list, but it’s too fun not to include! Save yourself, and the human race, from the impending zombie apocalypse by tracking your runs, and even your daily steps. Not being attacked by zombies on your next training run is pretty good motivation, right?