One of the most challenging parts of meeting your fitness goals is tracking your progress and knowing how to plan an exercise routine that will help you meet those goals step-by-step. Utilizing health and wellness apps can help you save money on a gym membership, take advantage of free classes, and get in shape without breaking the bank. Whether your goal is weight loss, strength training, flexibility, or simply getting your heart rate up for 30 minutes a few days a week, these health and fitness apps can help you track, strategize, and manage your goals.
(Bonus: They’re all free.)
Cardio: Couch to 5K
If you find that you like the idea of running more than you like actually running, give Couch to 5K a try. With voice-overs from Olympic athletes and world-renowned fitness specialists, it’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket. Couch to 5K is great if you’re running to lose weight and need to gradually increase the duration and intensity of your runs.
Strength: Nike+ Training Club
The Nike+ Training Club (NTC) workout app features yoga workouts, calisthenics, strength training tips, a variety of other workouts. You can choose bodyweight workouts or follow the app’s recommended gym workouts. For those of you who use an Apple watch, NTC integrates seamlessly with Apple’s Activity and Health apps to help. It’ll even map out a workout plan for the entire month. Did we mention it’s free?
Side note: Sworkit is one of NTC’s biggest challengers, and has been a long-time favorite of fitness fans since it was first released. We’re giving NTC the boost here since it’s completely free without any in-app offers or advertisements, and Sworkit charges fees here and there to access customized or premium versions of different workouts. You can read more about NTC vs. Sworkit here.
Flexibility: Asana Rebel
Sure, daily yoga sounds like a great idea. That is until you realize you only know three poses and you can only enjoy downward dog for so long before all the blood rushes to your head. Asana Rebel is a fitness-focused yoga app that offers a free and a premium version. The free version still allows you to access full yoga sessions with training tips and workout tracking.
When you’re trying to get in shape and stay in shape without getting burned out, variety is key. Mix up your workouts with these apps and take advantage of having access to your own pocket-sized personal trainer whenever, wherever you need it. Don’t forget, exercise is only one part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Get more out of your wellness journey with: 5 Tips for Reaching Your Health & Fitness Goals.
