Best Fitness Apps of the Past Year Steve Orlando List Compiled by for the 21 st Century user

Top Apps for iPhone and Android Nike’s Training Club Couch to 5k Pocket Yoga Run Keeper Cardiio FitID Vitogo Gym Ball Workout Simply Being Remix Workout Fleetly Sportaneous and more…

Nike’s Training Club Comprised of a database of workouts ◦Created by professionals and athletes All workouts are geared for women A men’s version is currently in the works

Couch to 5k Geared to help motivated people If followed properly, the user could run a 5k in 9 weeks Also, app is able to adjust for those going further (i.e. running a 10k)

Couch to 5k A personal story: I have used this app while training for my water rescue certification… Pros Easy user-interface Starts simple and uses audible commands, if headphones are plugged in While running, it gives you verbal praise for your efforts Cons If you want to listen to your own music, the commands are too quiet to hear over mp3

Pocket Yoga Extensive dictionary of yoga poses 27 yoga sessions right from your phone 3 levels of difficulty Includes a personal yoga instructor that leads your sessions

RunKeeper GPS-enabled to track your outdoor progress Has over 14 types of activities to track (including running, cycling, swimming and elliptical) Has a web-based sharing system (via facebook or Can save your outdoor route for future use

RunKeeper A personal story (again): This is another app that I have used and still use on a daily basis… Pros During workout, gives several options to view progress (graphs vs. numerical) Can account for vertical climb Session information available online Cons Calorie counter is just an estimate Does not change with body weight/age input

Cardiio Developed from research by MIT’s Media Center No hardware required to track your heart rate iPhone 4S camera can tell by the refraction of light on the users face You can compare you statistics to the general population Only available on iPhone

FitID Track your meals, workouts & progress Database of popular diets and training programs Share via facebook, twitter or FitID’s site

Vitogo Select a variety of customizable goals Creates a fairly simple, yet well- planned workout with challenges every 4 weeks Can be synced with other apps, like RunKeeper Currently only available on iPhone

Gym Ball Workouts Most people know how to do a crunch on an exercise ball This expands that idea into an entire workout session Sessions can be focused around yoga, pilates, sports conditioning or more

Simply Being: Guided Meditation Meditation is an often overlooked component of fitness Sessions can be with or without music, most include verbal step-by- step instructions 5 to 20 minute sessions are included

ReMix Workouts Focuses on full- body endurance and strength Creates random fitness circuits every time Each exercise can include a demonstration video

Fleetly For individuals missing out on competing with others Using social media, users can compete and earn points Users can challenge friends to beat their progress

Sportaneous Currently only active in NYC Easy user interface ◦Answer a few questions, let the app do the rest When/where/what do you want to do? Locate others interested in similar activities Can also insert custom activity, like touch football

Instant Heart Rate Uses the camera of your phone Notices the change in color difference in your fingertip Similar to Cardiio but is available on all platforms

Daily Cardio Workout Simple cardio workout Sessions ranging from 5 to 15 minutes No exercise equipment required Many exercises with video demonstrations

Daily ______ Workout Similar to the previously mentioned Daily Cardio Workout This company created several apps, each target a different muscle group Daily Butt Workout Daily Ab Workout Daily Leg Workout Daily Arm Workout Then, the sum of it all: Daily Workouts Apps include:

Zombies, Run! For users who are getting bored of the standard running around the block 30+ “missions” to save your town from zombies Includes real zombie sound effects No, I’m not joking

Calorie Counter Track what you eat all day Share your logs with friends and they can comment on achievements New features allow users to add exercise data toward their calorie goal

Best Of The Best Runkeeper Cardiio Simply Being Calorie Counter Daily ___ Workout (the family of apps) Gym Ball Workouts These were decided by overall user satisfaction and how the app helps users achieve their goal