We are all well aware that maintaining an active lifestyle should be one of our top priorities. However, a convenient gym, an efficient trainer and, some free time are not things that everybody can afford. So cue in the excuses. Whenever it comes to justifying the lack of exercise in their lives, many tend to have them ready at the tip of their tongues.
Not any more though. Advanced technology, with some handy apps, is putting forth a strong defense. Fitness now can be a reward that anyone can enjoy at their leisure, in their homes, and under some personal expert advices. If you are looking to get in shape this summer, The Week brings to some of the best fitness apps for smartphones. Whether you're a workout beginner or a serious exercise addict, there's something for you here in our list.
The 7 Minute Workout Challenge
Cram everything into Seven Minutes. What's really cool about the challenge is that it's based on research that shows that high-intensity training can be just as effective as a normal one-hour workout. High intensity and short rest periods make this workout routine challenging and successful. The app features 12 different exercises that are done over 30 seconds and then there is a 10 second rest period. It continues with this routine for full seven minutes. The app isn't just about a great workout, but it has also been shown to help increase your metabolism, which means your body fat will burn faster and easier. The exercises are guided by a trainer through text, image, audio, and video. You can even pick between a male and female trainer. The best part is that you don't need an Internet connection to use the app once you've downloaded it. As you work out, you will stay motivated by the achievements you can unlock. Use the app to track your activity and weight. Another good this is that there is no need for any equipment and the workouts can be done at home.
Runtastic Six Pack Abs
Runtastic Six Pack Abs is designed to guide you through a 10 week long workout routine designed to sculpt that perfect set of six pack abs you've always craved for. The app contains a wide variety of workout routines, complete with animated male and female avatars to guide you through the proper form of each exercise. In addition to that, there are adjustable difficulty levels, and the option to create custom workout plans tailored to target areas, weight loss goals or daily schedules. The app features additional sync options with MyFitnessPal and Runtastic.
Fitocracy
The social network for exercise junkies, Fitocracy uses a combination of gamification and peer pressure to encourage your exercise habits. Users can look up exercise routines and then log them in to score points, level up and gain achievements, all of which are displayed in a social media stream that other Fitocrats can view, comment on and share, and encourage. Fitocracy adds a competitive twist to the workout routine, awarding points for each recorded workout, badges for significant milestones and bragging rights on a social network of more than one million users.
JEFIT
JEFIT.com's apps serve as an incredible resource for users looking to do strength training and bodybuilding. Loaded with an exercise database of thousands of routines sorted by targeted body part, it comes complete with detailed instructions, a workout planner, exercise log, progress tracker, numerous timers and options, and synchronization with your JEFIT profile. The free version is ad-supported, while a pro version offers more features and removes advertisements.
FitStar
FitStar functions as your personalized digital training coach, adapting its exercise routines to match your physical capability, carefully calibrating workouts to be challenging without being too difficult. Users can configure their ideal exercise duration and workout goals, and the app will whip up a good workout session for you. Once done, you can rate the difficulty of the workout, allowing the app to slowly learn and adapt to your workout capacity, challenging you without breaking your body.
Zombies, Run!
If your philosophy has always been to never run unless something is chasing you, here's a motivational app for you. Zombies, Run! puts you in the shoes of Runner Five, racing to save your life and the people of Abel Township. There are play-style missions delivering an ever-unfolding storyline for players to enjoy as they run. The app can integrate with your favorite music players and streaming apps such as Spotify and Pandora as well, with the app introducing radio outbursts and story messages in between songs. The app has gone free, with new users receiving episodes 1-4, and the ability to unlock new episodes once a week (or with a subscription).