Mobile Apps

There are many choices for apps on the market. Popularity rankings can't tell you which app will get you out of bed and on your run each morning. Instead, think about your fitness needs: motivation, structure, nutrition/weight loss, or something else? Most apps target one or more of those elements. First, determine what you really want and need in an app. Consider one that you will actually use to enhance your workouts and your lifestyle.

If you hate exercise and you're looking for an app that will change that, it probably doesn't exist. But here is a list of some that may get you past some hurdles of discomfort, insecurity or boredom!

Fitbit:

This App is used for tracking all-day activity, workouts, food log, goal tracker, with the ability to sync with your phone or connect with Fitbit’s line of activity trackers and Aria Smart Scale to get a complete picture of your daily stats—including steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, weight, and more. This App is FREE!  

MyFitnessPal:

Track your diet and exercise in less than 5 minutes a day! It's that fast and easy. With the largest food database by far (over 5,000,000 foods) and amazingly fast and easy food and exercise entry, it can help you take those extra pounds off! And it's FREE!

Strava:

Lets you track your running and riding with GPS, join challenges, share photos from your activities, and follow friends.

Fitocracy:

Get free workouts for any goal and fitness level, earn points, badges, and medals for workouts based on duration and level of intensity. View progress with interactive charts. 

As with all fitness apps, think of them as a tool more than a game-changer. If it's long-term motivation you're seeking, you're better off finding that through a real-life experience, a workout buddy who keeps you company, a coach or trainer who holds you accountable, or a fitness class you actually look forward to attending. Apps can get you so far, but ultimately they're much easier to ignore or delete.