This is an Adventure

So I recently downloaded some new fitness apps that I am really excited to try & will review once I give them some more usage, but for now, these are my first impressions. I have an Android phone, but for the iphone users out there I am sure that they have either the same or very similar apps (all of the hyperlinks are to the locations of the apps in the Android market).  

1. CardioTrainer: So I have been using this app since Jan 2010 when I got more serious about running and I love it. I just realized that I can link it to hook up with my heart rate monitor for a more accurate calorie count, but I haven’t actually tried it yet. I have found that the calorie count for how much you burn during the workout through the app alone is not that accurate but it is an ok estimate. Check it out here to download.

• C25k - Couch to 5k. I normally swear by the basic app found here. But I just came across this one. UPDATE: RunDouble IS NOT WORTH IT. AFTER WEEK 2 YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ADDITIONAL WEEKS! LAME! These apps help you build up your endurance for distance, since running can be really daunting when you are first starting out, these help you ease into it. 

Original C25K

RunDouble

2. Skimble GPS Sports Tracker: This is very similar to Cardio Trainer but seems to offer a greater variety of activities and also a feature to see who from your friends is working out near you, by linking to your facebook. I can’t decide if that is cool or just really creepy. Anyway check it out here if you are interested. I am pretty Cardio-Trainer loyal so I am doubtful that this app will sway me. With the free version it has some pretty annoying ads that are already getting on my nerves.

• SportsTracker: After checking into a few other apps I also downloaded this one. Similar to the apps above, it tracks your activity via GPS & calculates your calorie burn based on the weight that you enter. I really like the display of this app a lot so I am going to give it a try.

3. Workout Trainer: This is basically a personal trainer on your phone. There are a lot of workouts that are targeted to your personal goals, the length of your preferred workouts and also your intensity. I am curious to try it out! Check it out here. 

4. Virtua Gym: This seems pretty similar to the Workout Trainer, it allows you to select from different exercises depending on the amount of time and equipment that you have. On first glance the pace of the animations seems really slow, but it seems like a great app to learn some basics from. Check it out here.

5. LudusFit: This is a full body, 20 minute workout that does not require equipment. There are different workouts that advance in difficulty, but somewhere in there you have to throw-down for the paid version. This program runs a video and instructions, so it is another personal trainer. Check it out here. 

• JEFIT: for a more challenging strengthening program I would recommend this. You do need to download the exercise animation plug-in so that you have full access to see all of the exercises. Basically takes the notebook out of the gym when tracking all of your lifting. 

• LiftPro: another app that focuses on strength training can be found here.

6. My Fitness Pal: A calorie counting app with a bar-code scanner that allows you to easily enter what you are eating. It also lets you enter your goals and adjusts your recommended calorie intake accordingly. I’m not huge on counting calories, more on portion size and a balanced meal, but this seems like a helpful tool!

7. Push Ups: An app to help you get your push ups done! The screen turns into a sensor so that you have to touch your nose to it in order for it to track your push up. Check it out here.

8. Butt Workout: This is a five-minute, daily butt and leg video that goes through 10 lower body exercises. For target training I am excited to try this out! You can find it here.

9. Ab Workout: Made by the same developers as the butt workout, this targets the abs. You can find it here.

10. My Yoga Routine: Animated yoga classes for when you don’t have the cash to go to the studio! Check it out here. There is a 15 minute version, and I also installed the standing yoga plug-in, 30 minute version for additional sessions. This app also features narration and background music, so I am looking forward to trying it out. 

11. Stretch Exercises: Perhaps the most important part of any active life is stretching, but it is the one thing that I almost always never do. I am hoping that this app will encourage me to stretch post work-out! Join me.

If you have feedback on any of these apps I would love to hear it! I will post again once I have given them all a fair chance with any comments or recommendations that I have.