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These Are the Best Fitness Apps to Get You Off the Couch This Winter
We're running out of workout excuses...and that's a good thing.
Getting to the gym on the best of days requires planning ahead and everything falling into place. But what happens when you oversleep, the dog goes missing, or your toddler decides today is the day he doesn’t want to wear clothes? Well, your best laid workout plans go right out the window. Thankfully we live in a digital age, where fitness regimens can be downloaded right into our smartphones. So no, we might not have time to make it to the gym, but we can fit in a quick run in our neighborhood or an ab workout in our living rooms. And, yeah, it also means we’re running out of excuses when it comes to skipping exercise altogether. But that’s a good thing!
Here’s we’ve rounded up the best apps for all your fitness needs, whether you’re a weight lifting junkie, a yoga beginner, or someone who’s just looking for a great GPS-tracking resource. And while we might not see you at the gym, we will catch you at the beach this summer—so let’s get moving!
Zombies, Run! 5K Training
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Because we all sort of dread running, right? Well, with this app zombies will literally chase you off your couch and out onto the street—all while tracking your daily and weekly/monthly progress and helping you set goals over the course of 25 workouts. Along with detailed exercise instruction, the app delivers a gripping zombie-laden plot straight into your headphones.
Map My Fitness+
BUY FROM: iTunes, $2.99-$29.99
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Because there a zillion general GPS-tracking apps out there, but this one is the best. With the ability to log up to 600 different types of sports, the app can also track your routes and suggest nearby paths for running, biking, and more. Created by Under Armour, Map My Fitness+ saves previous workouts and notes your pace, distance, calorie burn, and more.
Runtastic Six Pack Abs Workout & Core Trainer
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Because we all want a taut tummy! This app will get you there with more than 50 workouts and avatar videos taking you through each exercise step-by-step. A 10-week plan comes in several difficulty levels, and a smooth-talking instructor can coach you in eight different languages.
7 Minute Workout Challenge
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Because it’s fast and you don’t need any equipment to do these exercises—so, basically, you’re out of excuses! The 7 Minute app combines 12 30-second exercises you perform in rotation, with 10 second interval rests. The combination of high-intensity training and little rest for only seven minutes produces results on par with an hour-long workout at mid-intensity.
StrongLifts 5x5 Workout
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Novice and pro weightlifters listen up, this is the app for you. With the intention of building muscle and burning fat, 5x5 features three exercises that are meant to be practiced three times a week, 45 minutes per session. The in-app coach guides you through what to do each workout, how much weight to lift, and how long to rest between sets.
Yoga Studio
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: Because this is the holy grail of yoga apps. Created by yoga gear retailer Gaiam, the app offers more than 70 yoga and meditation class videos in HD, in addition to a library of more than 280 poses broken down with instructions and advice. Users can also cobble together custom HD video tutorials based on their workout preferences.
Sweat with Kayla-Bikini Body Guide Workouts
BUY FROM: iTunes, $19.99/month
WHY IT’S WORTH IT: BBG is taking over the world—and social media—thanks to Aussie trainer Kayla Itsines’ 28-minute workouts focused on getting you your best bikini body ever. The app also comes with daily meal plans, healthy recipes, shopping lists and fitness challenges you can partake in.
