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CouCh to 5k Android, iPhone, iPad; active.com/mobile This tool guides beginning and out-of-shape runners on a nine-week training adven-ture to get them 5k-ready. users run for 30 minutes a day, three days a week, until the program is complete. The app provides audio cues and can track outdoor routes and treadmill workouts.

Noom CoaCh: Weight Loss Android, iPhone, iPad; noom.com This app aids progress toward weight-loss goals by encouraging users to make positive lifestyle changes. With a new inspirational quote flashing every time the page is refreshed, the app’s easy-to-use interface helps users log meals and track weight and exercise.

RuNkeepeR Android, iPhone, iPad; runkeeper.com Despite its run-centric name, this app has functions for a variety of workouts, including

staying on trackTechnology for monitoring fitness and optimizing health By Tanya Friedland

As the new year rolls along, and resolu-tions slip into the past, it can be easy to revert to unhealthy habits. However, there are now plenty of technological supports for helping to take control of one’s health, including fitness apps to match virtually every interest and activ-ity level, and link to motivational online communities. Many apps work on differ-ent smartphone platforms and can sync to dedicated wearable fitness devices. Below are some of the most popular and useful applications available.

fitNess deviCes

cycling and Crossfit. It tracks speed, pace, distance, elevation and calories burned, and can provide audio updates during workouts. users are able to plan workouts and running routes, train for events such as a 10k and sync with tracking devices such as a fitbit.

sLeep CyCLe aLaRm CLoCk Android, iPhone, iPad; sleepcycle.com a popular sleep-health app, this alarm clock softens the impact of early mornings by going off during the lightest part of a user’s sleep cycle (within a selected 30-minute window). The app uses a smartphone’s accelerometer to monitor movements during sleep and lets users chart sleep quality over time.

up iPhone, iPad; jawbone.com/up This versatile app can be

Fitbit Charge ($129.95) tracks motion and sleep, and syncs wirelessly to the Fitbit app; the Fitbit One ($99.95) is a pared-down version.

garmin Vivofit ($129.99) customizes daily goals after “learning” a user’s activity levels; works independent of an app; displays steps, calories and distance traveled; monitors sleep.

Healbe goBe ($299.99) reads body-glucose levels through contact with skin; tracks calorie intake and use; and monitors stress, hydration level and sleep patterns.

Jawbone UP24 ($129.99) wirelessly accesses all health-fitness features of the UP app; Smart Alarm technology wakes wearers during lightest sleep; Idle Alert functions encourage activity during idle periods; the UPmove ($49.99) offers some of the same features.

nike+ Fuelband se ($99) works with Nike Fuel, a specialized system that measures activity level and intensity instead of counting calories; syncs with Nike+ Fuelband app. —T.F.

apps for healthy livingtools to record Fitness data and assess routines

The Workout Trainer app offers thousands of expert-coached multimedia workouts, such as this one on planking exercises.

Jawbone UP24 device (shown in pink).

used with a smartphone or with a dedicated uP device. The app tracks the user’s fitness, sleep and diet, and is able to connect with social networks.

WoRkout tRaiNeR, by skimbLe Android, iPhone, iPad; skimble.com/workouts This app enables thousands of different workouts, ranging from weight lifting to running to yoga. Timed step-by-step audio and video instruction allows easy hands-free use.

Zombies, RuN! Android, iPhone, iPad; zombiesrungame.com Part fitness app, part videogame, “Zombies, run!” lets users run or walk through a real-life workout while following audio instructions for evading the undead in a virtual scenario. This app features an engaging storyline, several levels of play and “Zombie Chase” interval training. —T.F.

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