We use apps for everything these days, might as well for exercise too! When it comes to working out and getting/staying in shape, there are so many apps out there to help you, but how do you know which app is going to be the best? Sometimes it can be overwhelming reading through endless reviews trying to pick one. I have tried several different fitness apps over the years but here are my current top 4:
4.) Tabata Pro
Cost: $3.99 (one time fee)
This app is great to use when you need to do any type of interval training. Let’s say you found this awesome interval workout (I use Pinterest to find new workouts all the time) that you want to try and you are supposed to do each move for 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest in between and then break for 5 minutes before you repeat the same circuit of moves 2 more times through. Trying to keep track of this with a stop watch would be a nightmare! The Tabata Pro app not only allows you to set up your work and rest intervals but you also have an option to add a recover session for a break between sets.
I also love that I can play music straight from a playlist on my phone and can even set the volume to be louder while you ‘work’ to get that extra motivation. You can also set up 4 completely different interval workouts at the same time or have one set for your warm-up, one for your workout and one for your cool-down. Another feature is that while you work, the screen will be green and count down the time. When you rest, the countdown is on a red background. This is great in case you miss the sound, you can visibly see the interval has ended.
3.) Yoga Studio
Cost: Subscription – Based on which option you choose, they do offer a free either 7 or 14-day trial. After the trial period, if you do not cancel the subscription, you are charged for the option you chose.
– Weekly $2.99
– Monthly: $1.99
– Quarterly: $4.99
– Annual: $19.99/$95.99 **I don’t know what more is included in the $95.99 option. I have the $19.99 version.
If you have ever wanted to try yoga but have been hesitant to sign up for a class or if you are a seasoned yogi, this app is perfect for you! There are over 100 pre-made classes and guided meditations to choose from ranging from beginner to advanced in difficulty and length from 5-60 minutes. There is also variety in terms of class focus. You can choose from flexibility, strength, balance, relaxation, or combination. There are also specialty collections for back pain, runners, pre-natal yoga or hip hop yoga. If you are still looking for something more specific, you have the ability to create your own yoga class from a library of over 280 positions and they will put it to a video for you! The instructor’s voice is very soothing and the background music is calming ensuring you can find your zen. Even though this app does cost $20 a year, it is totally worth it in my opinion. You will easily spend that much on just two sessions at a studio, right?
2.) MapMyRun
Cost: Free – You can upgrade to the MVP version for $5.99 a month or $29.99 a year.
This app allows you to track and map your run while giving you feedback and stats to help you improve your performance. Besides your total distance and duration, see your split times per mile, your average pace, calories burned and elevation gain. If you have a smart watch, it will even track your heart rate within the app. With a smart watch, you can even start and stop your workout straight from your wrist. The app also allows you to connect to a global running community which can help motivate you.
With the MVP version there are a ton more advanced features. I did subscribe to the MVP version at one point and tried their 5k training plan. It was an easy to follow plan and would definitely be good for someone that doesn’t have a running background. Personally, I am satisfied with all the features of the free version so have continued on with that.
1.) MyFitnessPal
Cost: Free – You can upgrade to Premium for $9.99 a month or $49.99 a year
If you are looking to lose weight, you NEED this app. Losing weight is more about what you eat than exercise (about 70%/30%). Although exercise is important, if you aren’t fueling your body with the proper nutrients, you will not see the results you are looking for. Studies show that keeping a food journal doubles your weight loss. This app is an easy to use way to do just that. It contains a nutrition and calorie database for over 5 million foods. You can log foods by searching their name, scanning a barcode of a packaged food item, or by creating/uploading your own recipes and logging them. The app does connect with other fitness apps to adjust for exercise you’ve done throughout the day or you can hand-enter them yourself.
I stumbled upon this app as part of a nutrition counseling class project while studying for my Master’s degree a couple of years ago. I had to actually use the app to evaluate it. At the end of the 8 weeks of using the app daily I was the lightest I had been since high school! I have recommended the app to friends and those that have used it, have also seen results.
The premium edition allows you to set different calorie goals by day or meal and gives you a more detailed analysis of your daily nutrient intake as well as other features. I personally did upgrade to premium for a month to try it out but I didn’t feel it was necessary for my purpose.
Since this app is owned by Under Armour, another major bonus of using it is that if you log-in for a certain number of days in a row, they send you a code for $40 off an order of $100 + free shipping! I have gotten several of these codes and used them a of couple times. Under Armour is one of those brands that is rarely on sale so you’ve got to jump at the chance to grab some gear with the extra discount.
I truly hope my recommendations help you along in your fitness journey. Do you have a fitness app you absolutely love? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
– Allison
*All prices listed are based on what is listed in the App Store.
