Sweat sessions courtesy of your smartphone are the future of fitness, these are the best apps to download asap.
Right now we live in a highly connected world glued to our smartphone round the clock to the point of addiction. (Heck, I'll be the first to admit I'm a total phone addict.) And while our unhealthy phone behaviour probably needs a little reality check here and there, the irony is that there's a truckload of apps out there designed to keep on top of your health and wellbeing (read: how to kick ass everyday.), giving us a completely guilt free reason to pick up that beloved device.
I've always been into gym classes and smashing out the latest fitness craze. Kayla Itsine's Bikini Body Guide? Tick. Sydney's notoriously badass 6 Weeks 2 Sexy program? Yep, nailed it. F45? Every.damn.day. But those classes and programs can come with a hefty price, what if you could spend a couple of bucks downloading an app (or better yet, get it for free) and let the smartphone you already own help you achieve your fitness goals?
Smartphone apps are tailored to track and monitor things like our calories, distance, heart rate, speed, keep track of time, even talk to us directly to keep up the motivation while storing the results and data aiding to improve your overall fitness and wellbeing. It takes some self motivation but they won't cost you a small fortune to get your fitness in order. Fact.
Our top pick for right now? Pokémon Go. Yes, seriously. The newly released and insanely popular augmented reality app that's already trumped Tinder downloads is a phenomenon that's blitzing the scene and is the ideal accomplice to boost your daily physical activity in a fun and friendly environment. (Dear Nintendo: we love you!)
Read on for a list of the top apps keeping us fit this season and whipping our butts into serious shape. It's health in your hands, literally.
Feature image source: Nike Instagram
The top free fitness apps to download right now
Pokémon Go
Use it for: Fun fitness
Cost: Free, in-App purchases
Available on: iOS, Android
What else?
Location based augmented reality app
Over 8 million downloads
Fun fact: More downloads than Tinder!
Download the app on iTunes here
MyFitnessPal
Use it for: Calorie tracker, diet and exercise journal
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Cost: Free to download. Premium service available for AU$14.99 a month, AU$79.99 a year giving you access to additional features.
What else?
Over 5 million foods in the database
Tracks calories burnt with your exercise
Compatible with fitness trackers.
Featured on Huffington Post, Men's Health, SELF, Mashable
Download the app on iTunes here
The John and Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout App
Use it for: Quick, high intensity cardio workouts
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Compatible with Apple Watch
Smart Workout gauges your fitness levels to design a personalised workout regime
72 exercises and 22 additional workouts
Customise and modify workouts to suit you and your fitness levels
High intensity interval training (HIIT)
Over 1.5 million downloads
Download the app on iTunes here
C25K: Go from couch potato to running the 5km
Use it for: Running
Available on:
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
8 week long running plan
30-40 minutes sessions
Tailored to first time runners
Seamless integration with MyFitnessPal
Audio coach
Add in your own music
Download the app on iTunes here
Strava
Use it for: Running and cycling
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Track and analyses runs, rides and cross training
Social network for athletes
Fun fact: Strava means "Strive" in Swedish
Download the app on iTunes here
Zombies, Run!
Use it for: Fun fitness
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
A gamified app combining fitness and fun
Get lost in a world of Zombie missions
Compatible with Apple Watch
Download the app on iTunes here
Nike+ Running and Nike+ Training Apps
Use it for: Running, training
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Over 100 guided workout videos
4 week training programs available
Weekly featured workouts
Personalised training plans
Personal audio coach for Nike+ Running
Download the app on iTunes here
Endomondo
Use it for: Running and walking
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
Personal audio feedback
Tracks and analyses your fitness activity
Tracks activity with GPS
Logs pace, speed and distance on every workout
Download the app on iTunes here
PACT
Use it for: Sticking to your fitness goals
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Pact uses cash stakes to help you achieve your health goals; gym pact, food logging pact, veggie pact
Featured on: The NY Times, CNN, Lifehacker, TechCrunch, Men's Health
Download it on iTunes here
Make money while you exercise
Download the app on iTunes here
Charity Miles
Use it for: Earning money for charity while running
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Over $2M raised for charity so far
Featured on: Mashable
Move with purpose and make money for charity
Download the app on iTunes here
Blogilates Official App
Use it for: Pilates
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
Developed by Youtube star Cassey Ho
Specific training plans
Access to training calendar
Download the app on iTunes here
Daily Yoga
Use it for: Yoga
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
Scheduled plans from experts
Relaxing music
Voted "Best Yoga App" by Healthline
Featured by Apple in: "New and noteworthy", "For Yogis", and "What's Hot" Essential App Collection
Awarded by EveningStandard as the Best Apps for Londoners, along with Uber
Download the app on iTunes
Freeletics
Use it for: High intensity training workouts
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free with in-App purchases
What else?
Short workouts developed by sports scientists
built in psychological mechanisms
Compatible with Apple Watch
Download the app on iTunes here
Lorna Jane
Use it for: Tracking fitness activity, finding healthy recipes and inspiration
Available on: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
What else?
Voice cues from founder Lorna Jane
Track all workouts, from yoga to running
Earn rewards from kicking your goals
Inspirational and motivational content
Share your successes on social media from the app
Nourishing recipes
Compare your activity to friends and the Lorna Jane network
Download the app on iTunes here
ClassPass
Use it for: Everything!
Cost: The app is free to download and you allows you to purchase a monthly subscription
What else?
This is by far my favourite fitness app, ClassPass connects you to hundreds of the best fitness studios and gyms around the globe under a single monthly subscription fee. While it's not available in Australia right now, word on the street is that it's coming to us very soon. Keep your eyes peeled and prepared to be seriously addicted.
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Image source: iTunes