I have been using fitness apps on some sort of apple device since I got my iPad mini in 2012. I didn't have a smart phone yet, so the first fitness apps were initially downloaded to the iPad. Some of those I still use. Here's a run down of my most used fitness apps on my phone. (Side note, most used doesn't necessarily mean best. They just seem to be what I have found most useful throughout life phases.)
Initially, I used this as my running log in college. Since then, I don't run much, but I do more walking and bike rides. I like to use this to record my cardio and weight tracking. I like the goal setting, my stats, and shoe tracker are all parts of the app I have used heavily at some point. As a running coach, I also like to use to find exact distances of team routes using GPS because the distances are generally the most consistent compared to other distance apps.
The first Fitbit I had was one my mom got from work. It was a Fitbit Charge, and I used it without the app for a while because I didn't have a smart phone at first. Then, I didn't have a Fitbit for a while and just used the Fitbit app synched with my phone steps information. Since then, I've had two other Fitbits. I had a fitbit Blaze and then Fitbit Versa. I currently have a newer Fitbit Versa. I mostly use this to keep track of my sleep (I'm a bad sleeper) and steps. Since I recently have gotten a scale that says body fat percentage, I also record that now. I have used the calorie tracker sometimes, but at some points, this food tracker hasn't been my favorite. I also like to keep track of my resting heart rate and notice how it's related to stress. *I've also used the period tracker and water logging at times.
I love this. I've been with it for many updates, so I'm kind of overwhelmed by its variety when it updates. I downloaded this because I can't do burpees or pushups because of my wrist and I wanted something I could do at home (between classes or between gym memberships). It was also hard to find something that I could use weights. I know there are plenty of plans online, but I found myself not being as efficient with my time at home if it's not in video form to follow. I enjoy a lot of the 15 minute or less workouts. I have also done a few of their programs, which I have liked the progression. I mostly use the strength workouts, but I often use the stretching and cardio workouts as well while on vacation if it can all be done while standing. Laying down to workout in an unfamiliar place grosses me out.
Happy Scale is just for logging weight. You log weight each day for best accuracy, and it shows you your overall average, which is nice to see where the trend is going. I also like the way it shows estimated goal times and overall estimates instead of a rigid date for the goal date. It makes plateaus or spikes less stressful.
Daily Workouts has sections for each body part - Abs, arms, butt, cardio, leg, and full body. Once you click on it, it has 3 workouts for each time - 5, 8, and 10 minutes. I go back to this a lot because of the variety yet systematic approach it has going on. I like systematic and strategic variety--not randomness. Similarly, I'd love an app with good progression of bike exercises because I find it hard to see progress or notice growth if it's random.
Honorable Mention: Strong
Strong logs workouts. This app has pretty good variety in terms of accurately being able to log exercises you're doing in a gym. It's a lot easier than remembering what I do and writing it in my workout notebook when I get home. It also keeps track of what you've lifted and improvements (reps and weight). Haven't been to the gym since pandemic except one time. We were NOT a fan of how little safety was going on a the gym, so we haven't been back. Plus, what gym has a sign that says "be careful with the weights because we're not going to buy new ones." ....Ours.
While all of these apps have free versions that I typically use, I periodically have paid for the upgraded versions of Fitbit, Runkeeper, and Workout Women.
What fitness apps have you found to be the most useful?
Comments
Post a Comment