Let's talk Health and Fitness Apps...
Although I'm not the most dedicated person to health and fitness, I do however try to stick to it as much as I can, so here are some of the apps that have helped me out a lot...
1. My Fitness Pal
When it comes to a health and fitness app this one is by far one of the best out there!
You begin by entering details about yourself, such as your height, weight, your daily calorie goals and ideal weight goals. The app is then used daily to record, well, pretty much everything you can think of to keep on top of your health.
When it comes to the food recorder, this app really shows why it is one of the best, as instead of searching through lists and lists of foods to try and find exactly what you are looking for, you can simply use the bar code scanner using your phones camera and it instantly brings up exact details of the food you're eating, including calories and macros (protein, carbohydrates and fats). The app also allows you to create and save meals onto your profile so that you don't have to waste time adding in each ingredient every time you enjoy one of your favourite meals.
The app also allows you to record any exercise that you have performed, including cardio workouts, with the amount of calories burnt, and strength workouts, with repetitions, sets and weight recorded, this great feature allows you to keep track of what you're doing on a daily basis, which I find especially great so I can look back on previous days and see how I may have improved, and push myself with higher repetitions, weights or duration.
The app also allows you to update your weight as you use the app, which then shows you your progress on a graph. This is great for keeping you on track to working towards your fitness goal.
* Free to download, with option to upgrade for a fee.
2. Coach to 5k
This app has been created in order to get your butt off that couch and running 5k in just 9 weeks. Its set to make you run 3 times a week, with each week giving you instructions to alternate between running and walking, then building you up with more running as the weeks continue. The app allows you to pick a voice of coach you want who guides you through the run whilst you can also listen to your own music.
I'm really happy that this is now an app as I used to follow this programme quite a few years ago when it was only available as a podcast, so I'm happy to be trying out once again and getting back into running.
*This app is completely free
3. Strava
If you're a slightly more experienced runner however, then Strava is a brilliant app that allows you to track your run or even cycle, whilst recording different statistics such as elapsed time, distance travelled and calories burnt, all whilst showing your track on a map.
The app also allows you to join in in challenges, where you can compete with other runners or cyclists that use the the app.
*Free to download with option to upgrade for a fee
4. Pokemon go
So I know this sounds utterly ridiculous but just hear me out...
When this app first came a long I was also really skeptical and instantly judged anyone who played it. I was also never into Pokemon as a kid so seriously didn't understand what all the hype about, but eventually I gave in and downloaded it....and one year later I'm still playing the damn thing.
But when it comes to this game its really not all that bad, it gets you out of the house and makes you walk to catch new Pokemon. You can also hatch eggs, but in order to do so you need to walk a certain distance, either 2km, 5km or 10km.
So if you're not really up for doing any boring adult exercise then treat yourself to a nice walk whilst levelling up on your game, you may even end up discovering and exploring new places!
*Free to download with options for in app purchases
