Jump Start Your 2015 Fitness Goals With These 10 Apps
It’s time to get up and work off those seconds, thirds and fourths from our Thanksgiving feasts. While we’re at it, might as well get a head start on our New Year’s resolutions. Let’s be honest, “exercise more” is always on the resolutions list, but by the time February hits, sometimes our good intentions fall by the wayside. Not this time. We’ve got 10 apps that’ll make sure to get you moving and keep you going.
1. Spitfire: It all starts with mentality. Spitfire is a strength training app that helps you meet your goals by showing you what it takes to reach them. Instead of only providing movements to tone yourself, this app is goal-oriented, so each workout is done to gain strength both physically and mentally. (Free on iOS)
2. Strava: Have friends encourage you and add a social aspect to your exercise. Strava tracks your runs and bike rides and allows you to share how far you pushed yourself in your latest workout. You also get to track and see your friends getting out there and maybe even topping your trail run. This app is great for all you competitive types out there. (Free on iOS and Android)
3. Spring Moves: If making a new playlist is what’s holding you back, check out Spring Moves. This app chooses music based on your running, biking or power walking rhythm. While you’re concentrating on feeling super badass for running in sync with your music, you’ll be speeding through your miles like a pro marathon runner. (Free on iOS)
4. Quick Fit Workouts: The Quick Fit Workout apps are for busy people who still want to get their full-body workouts in daily. There’s a choice of doing a seven-minute workout or a four-minute workout. Both sets have been created to be as effective as going to a gym, sans any extra equipment. All you need is yourself and a wee bit of time. ($1.99 on iOS)
5. Zombies, Run!: What better way to get running than to immerse yourself into a post-zombie apocalyptic world and get chased by a hoard of the undead? Co-created by award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman, this app sucks you right into the crux of an intense zombie novel where you’re the protagonist who has to rebuild your own base with the help of shaken survivors. During your run, you’ll collect essential supplies and find out the bigger mystery underneath all the walking corpses. ($3.99 on iOS and Android)
6. Moves: If you weren’t able to snag a sweet Black Friday deal on a Jawbone or Fitbit fitness tracker, you’re still in luck. Moves is a free app that tracks the distance, duration, steps and calories burned during all of your walking, cycling and running adventures. (Free on iOS and Android)
7. Fitmob: Fitmob lets you browse all types of fitness classes in San Francisco and Seattle. The app includes class descriptions, studio locations and profiles of trainers. In the past, Fitmob-specific classes were cheaper per class if you attended more throughout the week. Now, all you need to do is pay a flat fee and attend as many as you desire. Get a banging bod while you’re getting the best bang for your buck. (Free on iOS)
8. Charity Miles: Raise money for your favorite charity by running, walking or biking. Bikers earn 10 cents per mile while runners and walkers earn 25 cents per mile. Linking a passion for a great cause to your workout is a great way to give yourself a little extra motivation to get in shape. (Free on iOS and Android)
9. Couch-to-5K: For those who want to get back into exercising but want to start out slowly, Couch-to-5K can help. It progresses with you. It even teaches you how to pace yourself so you can accomplish your first 5K. ($1.99 on iOS and Android)
10. Zumba Dance: This app turns boring exercise into a dance party. If you don’t have time to stop by your drop-in Zumba class across town, fit in your own Zumba sesh at home. It’s like a more intense Just Dance that will have you sweating it out and having a blast. ($4.99 on iOS and Android)
Which app are you going to download? Let us know in the comments!