Will your New Year’s resolution for 2014 be to lose weight and get in shape? You won’t be alone. Losing weight and getting in shape are the top New Year’s resolutions year after year. We all know that it’s a lot easier to consume 1000 calories than it is to burn them. Trying to eat right after the holiday season and kick off a new exercise routine in January is never fun—especially if you live in a cold climate!
Fortunately for us locals here in the Lake Travis area, the weather is mild enough to get out and stay active throughout most of the year. And your smartphone might be the perfect tool to get you up and running for an indoor workout on those cold or raining days.
Today’s fitness apps can make it easier for anyone who wants to eat right and stay in shape. From weekend warriors to serious athletes and everyone in between. Sometimes being able to track things like your goals, routines, calories, and routes are just the motivation you’ll need to keep exercise fun and coming back for more.
Here are 5 fitness apps to keep you motivated, and help you track and celebrate your fitness successes in 2014!
My Fitness Pal: This app not only helps you track how many calories you consume and burn, it also makes recommendations for your daily calorie budget based on several factors. I’m always amazed by the food database—which includes many popular restaurant items—making calorie counting a cinch.
5K Trainer: This app promises to get you from couch potato to 5K finisher in eight weeks. It lets you listen to your own playlists from within the app and has audio commands to help you pace your workouts. It even tells you when it’s time to head out the door again, but don’t worry—time for rest and recovery is built into the training plan.
Map My Ride: Whether you’re looking for new routes to try on your trusty bicycle or want to geek out over your stats (like average pace and elevation change) post-ride, this is the app for you. It uses your phone’s built-in GPS to follow your path, speed and distance, all while letting you listen to music, take calls and stop for photo opps along the way.
Yoga Studio: With 30 classes in HD video ranging in length from 15 to 60 minutes each, a library of 280 poses with instructions and advice, and the ability to cobble them together to create your own sequences, this app is perfect for everyone from beginners to yoga instructors looking to design new classes.
Runtastic Pedometer: You can finally stop counting under your breath on your daily walk. This app turns your phone into an accelerometer that tells you with crazy precision how many steps you’ve taken, your pace, distance and calories burned. Take a look at your route on a satellite map when you’re through, and pat yourself on the back.
