Stocking your phone with the best fitness apps is an
excellent way to keep you motivated and on track for becoming the version of
yourself you want to be. Because your smartphone and apps are always with you,
they are a constant reminder to check your progress, stay the course, and keep
your willpower strong. Whether you're trying to lose weight, walk more steps in
a day, or make time for a seven-minute power workout in your living room,
fitness apps can help.
While some apps for fitness connect you to a community of
people who cheer you on and send their support, others motivate you through
competition. Some fitness apps let you compete for cold, hard cash (she who
hits the gym most in a month wins the pot). In others, such as Strava, glory
comes from having the shortest time when running or bicycling a segment in your
neighborhood while competing virtually against everyone else using the same app
and covering the same ground. One app featured in this list is actually a
text-messaging robot who coaches you to make the healthy choice when faced with
temptation. The options for support and motivation are endless.
Some of the apps highlighted here operate as tracking tools,
in which you log your workouts or calories eaten, while others automate the
tracking process for you while you're working out. Some are coaching apps that
march you through a fitness routine, and others are a combination of all these
things. Most of these apps can pair with an activity tracker to
further help you keep an eye on your total fitness. But most important of all,
the best fitness apps let you set your own goals and maintain a pace that's
right for you.
Cyclemeter
Free; $4.99 Elite Upgrade optionalAvailable on: iOS only
The best bicycle-ride tracking app I've tested is Cyclemeter by Abvio. This iOS-only app collects a wealth of data, is very accurate, contains several well-thought-out features, and appeals to fitness enthusiasts who participate in more than one sport. Despite the name, you can use Cyclemeter to track walks, runs, and other activities. It does not include a calorie-counting component, but it is packed with data about your biking outings.
Digifit iCardio
Free app; requires compatible heart rate monitor (about $50
to $100)
Available on: Android, iOS
If you want real hard stats about your workouts, accelerometers and GPS aren't enough. You need a heart rate monitor...and an app that can access the information it collects. One option is theDigifit iCardio app for iPhone and Android (it's called simply iCardio in Google Play). You can pair it with any supported heart rate monitor to track your runs, bicycle rides, and other workouts. Digifit iCardio records heart rate, of course, but also distance, time, and pace. All the components needed to track heart rate can add up, so plan to spend somewhere in the $50 to $100 range to get full use of this app. If you're in the market for a heart rate monitor, I recommend the MIO Link wristband.
Available on: Android, iOS
If you want real hard stats about your workouts, accelerometers and GPS aren't enough. You need a heart rate monitor...and an app that can access the information it collects. One option is theDigifit iCardio app for iPhone and Android (it's called simply iCardio in Google Play). You can pair it with any supported heart rate monitor to track your runs, bicycle rides, and other workouts. Digifit iCardio records heart rate, of course, but also distance, time, and pace. All the components needed to track heart rate can add up, so plan to spend somewhere in the $50 to $100 range to get full use of this app. If you're in the market for a heart rate monitor, I recommend the MIO Link wristband.
Endomondo Sports Tracker
Free to $4.99 for Pro
Available on: Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone, and Web
Endomondo focuses on the community aspects of staying motivated to reach your fitness activity goals. The app uses GPS features on your phones to track running, cycling, jogging, skating—any sport that you can measure by distance (plus a few others). You then share your progress with friends by connecting Endomonodo to other online social accounts, such as Facebook, so that not only do you keep an eye on your progress, but your friends do, too. If you like social accountability and support, Endomondo is a good app to try. It can connect to other fitness-tracking devices, such as Garmin sports watches, too.
Available on: Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone, and Web
Endomondo focuses on the community aspects of staying motivated to reach your fitness activity goals. The app uses GPS features on your phones to track running, cycling, jogging, skating—any sport that you can measure by distance (plus a few others). You then share your progress with friends by connecting Endomonodo to other online social accounts, such as Facebook, so that not only do you keep an eye on your progress, but your friends do, too. If you like social accountability and support, Endomondo is a good app to try. It can connect to other fitness-tracking devices, such as Garmin sports watches, too.
source: http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/292474/the-25-best-fitness-apps/4
by Jill Duffy
http://www.buyetail.com
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