With the new year comes resolutions and among the most common each year are getting healthier, exercising more, losing weight and, in many instances, a combination of all three.
There are numerous tools available to assist with New Year’s fitness goals, but few are more useful than smart phone applications. But the question is which apps are the best?
Opinions vary, but generally choosing the best option depends on what information a person looks for from any resource. Below are some notable free apps. One caveat: most of the apps have a limited version that is free and a premium level that has monthly fees.
MyNetDiary
MyNetDiary helps with diet, nutrition and weight loss. It has a calorie counter, barcode scanner, a simple layout, food and macros tracker and effective diet plans for any lifestyle.
Apple Store: 4.8 on Apple Store with 103,200 ratings and reviews
Google Play Store: 4.7 with 82,000 reviews with more than 5 million downloads
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal has an extensive database of foods, both whole and packaged, along with foods from restaurants. The features in this app simplify the tracing of calories and assist in monitoring the intake of protein, fats and carbs.
Apple Store: 4.7 with more than 2 million ratings reviews
Google Play Store: 4.3 with 2.78 million reviews and 100 million downloads
Nike Training Club
The Nike Training Club app includes instructor-led classes and whiteboard workouts to boost metabolism, build muscle and develop mental strength.
Apple Store: 4.8 with 255,000 ratings and reviews and more than 21 million downloads
Google Play Store: 4.4 with 371,000 reviews and more than 10 million downloads
Caliber
Caliber incorporates workouts, seamless training, video instructions, strength metrics, weekly lessons and nutrition syncing.
Apple Store: 4.9 with 4,000 ratings and reviews
Google Play Store: 4.5 with 285,000 reviews and more than 100,000 downloads
FitOn
FitOn is a digital wellness platform that requires no equipment. It offers home exercise workout videos, personalized fitness plans and guided meditators. This is a good workout app for beginners.
Apple Store: 4.9 with 282,600 ratings
Google Play Store: 4.5 with 96,400 reviews and more than 5 million downloads
Strava: Run, Bike, Hike
Strava: Run, Bike, Hike records, as the name indicates, runs, bike rides and hikes in addition to many other activities. Through these tracks, exercise can become social or even competitive by sharing information with friends.
Apple Store: 4.8 with 300,000 ratings
Google Play Store: 4.4 with 892,000 reviews with nearly 1 million downloads
Map My Walk
Map My Walk, again as the name implies, tracks each walk and provides information after each mile. It also records past walks and routes and allows users to connect with others, like a form of social media. There is a similar app, Map My Run, developed by the same company. Its ratings are similar to those below.
Apple Store: 4.8 with 418,000 ratings and reviews
Google Play Store: 4.8 with 348,000 reviews and more than 10 million downloads
These are just a handful of apps that come up on web searches, but all have solid ratings. Those looking to work on health and fitness during any time of year should research the apps on the Apple Store or Google Play Store and make their own choices.
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