Best Fitness Apps of the Past Year

Steve Orlando

List Compiled byfor the 21st Century user

Top Apps for iPhone and Android

Nike’s Training ClubCouch to 5kPocket YogaRun KeeperCardiioFitIDVitogo

Gym Ball WorkoutSimply BeingRemix WorkoutFleetlySportaneousand more…

Nike’s Training Club

Comprised of a database of workouts◦Created by professionals

and athletesAll workouts are geared

for womenA men’s version is

currently in the works

Couch to 5k

Geared to help motivated people

If followed properly, the user could run a 5k in 9 weeks

Also, app is able to adjust for those going further

(i.e. running a 10k)

Couch to 5k

A personal story:I have used this app while training for my water rescue certification…

Pros• Easy user-interface• Starts simple and uses

audible commands, if headphones are plugged in

• While running, it gives you verbal praise for your efforts

Cons• If you want to listen to

your own music, the commands are too quiet to hear over mp3

Pocket Yoga

Extensive dictionary of yoga poses

27 yoga sessions right from your phone

3 levels of difficultyIncludes a personal

yoga instructor that leads your sessions

RunKeeper

GPS-enabled to track your outdoor progress

Has over 14 types of activities to track (including running, cycling, swimming and elliptical)

Has a web-based sharing system

(via facebook or www.runkeeper.com)

Can save your outdoor route for future use

RunKeeper

A personal story (again):This is another app that I have used and still use on a daily basis…

Pros• During workout, gives several

options to view progress (graphs vs. numerical)

• Can account for vertical climb• Session information available

online

Cons• Calorie counter is just an

estimate• Does not change with

body weight/age input

Cardiio

Developed from research by MIT’s Media Center

No hardware required to track your heart rate

iPhone 4S camera can tell by the refraction of light on the users face

You can compare you statistics to the general population

Only available on iPhone

FitID

Track your meals, workouts & progressDatabase of popular diets and training

programsShare via facebook, twitter or FitID’s site

Vitogo

Select a variety of customizable goals

Creates a fairly simple, yet well-planned workout with challenges every 4 weeks

Can be synced with other apps, like RunKeeper

Currently only available on iPhone

Gym Ball Workouts

Most people know how to do a crunch on an exercise ball

This expands that idea into an entire workout session

Sessions can be focused around yoga, pilates, sports conditioning or more

Simply Being: Guided Meditation

Meditation is an often overlooked component of fitness

Sessions can be with or without music, most include verbal step-by-step instructions

5 to 20 minute sessions are included

ReMix Workouts

Focuses on full-body endurance and strength

Creates random fitness circuits every time

Each exercise can include a demonstration video

Fleetly

For individuals missing out on competing with others

Using social media, users can compete and earn points

Users can challenge friends to beat their progress

Sportaneous

Currently only active in NYC

Easy user interface◦ Answer a few questions,

let the app do the restWhen/where/what

do you want to do?Locate others

interested in similar activities

Can also insert custom activity, like touch football

Instant Heart Rate

Uses the camera of your phone

Notices the change in color difference in your fingertip

Similar to Cardiiobut is available on all platforms

Daily Cardio Workout

Simple cardio workout

Sessions ranging from 5 to 15 minutes

No exercise equipment required

Many exercises with video demonstrations

Daily ______ Workout

Similar to the previously mentioned Daily Cardio Workout

This company created several apps, each target a different muscle group

Daily Butt WorkoutDaily Ab WorkoutDaily Leg WorkoutDaily Arm WorkoutThen, the sum of it all:Daily Workouts

Apps include:

Zombies, Run!

For users who are getting bored of the standard running around the block

30+ “missions” to save your town from zombies

Includes real zombie sound effects

No, I’m not joking

Calorie Counter

Track what you eat all day

Share your logs with friends and they can comment on achievements

New features allow users to add exercise data toward theircalorie goal

Best Of The Best

RunkeeperCardiioSimply BeingCalorie CounterDaily ___ Workout

(the family of apps)Gym Ball Workouts

These were decided by overall user satisfaction and how the app helps users achieve their goal