Best Health and Fitness Apps
Over the past several years, the popularity of smartphones has grown significantly. If you were to stop someone on the street, chances are they would be carrying an iPhone or Android; the two smartphones combined control over 79% of their respective market.
A 2012 study found that the average American spends 39 minutes per day on their smartphone with an average of 41 apps per phone. Today you can use your phone to check the weather, watch videos, and even shop online.
A rapidly growing area in the world of smartphone apps relates to health and wellness. One could argue that fitness applications are completely transforming the way things “used to be done”. Take for instance the popular weight loss program Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers’ smartphone app allows participants to keep track of “points” by recording food, activity, and weight. The app even features a barcode scanner as a convenient option to track points. Or take the company Withings, for example, which offers products such as blood pressure cuffs, and scales that communicate and sync with the popular iPhone to keep track of blood pressure, weight, BMI, etc.
Caravus has compiled a list of five smartphone apps that are transforming the world of wellness as we know it.
MyFitnessPal
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep track of calories in versus calories out, MyFitnessPal is for you. The extremely user friendly app allows users to set weight loss goals and record daily meals with the world’s largest nutritional data base. The app is free to download, and has barcode scanning capabilities to make recording meals easier. Additionally, MyFitnessPal keeps users accountable and on track by sending weekly reminders and updates on progress. This app is a must have!
Nike Training App
If you’re into fitness, the Nike Training App is for you. The Nike Training App allows users to customize workouts and tailors them based upon the user’s level of fitness. Choose between Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced workout, set a goal, and press play. Audio and visual videos guide the user through the workout and, afterward, the user can view calories burned, training results, and even share results via Twitter or Facebook. If you’re looking to change up your usual workout routine, this app is for you!
RunKeeper
The most popular running /GPS tracking device is RunKeeper. RunKeeper is great for everyone, whether the user prefers long-distance running or is looking to follow a weekly walking program. RunKeeper allows users to map out their running/walking route ahead of time, and holds the user accountable with weekly progress notifications. This app has the ability to sync music playlists, and even gives time and mile notifications for long distances. RunKeeper allows users to set fitness goals and gives users the opportunity to share progress via social media.
WebMD
One of the most popular wellness websites, WebMD, now gives users access anytime, anywhere. WebMD, known as the medical encyclopedia of smartphones, allows users to view a variety of medical conditions, complete the “symptom checker” for those experiencing medical issues, and even allows users to search local providers, hospitals, and pharmacies. First aid information is readily available and, at no cost, proves to be an extremely beneficial app to have on-hand.
FitBit
“FitBit makes getting in shape as addictive as checking Facebook and Twitter,” according to Time magazine. FitBit is an app that allows users to sync their wireless tracking devices (activity bracelet and/or activity clip) and even the FitBit scale to their smartphone. The wireless tracking devices record daily activity and sleep patterns, which sync to the user’s smartphone. Additionally, FitBit allows users to log food activity and track progress over time, and rewards them with FitBit Badges, once they accomplish a goal (for instance, hitting 25,000 steps in a day). The FitBit offers users a variety of wellness and health benefits with one goal in mind – making fitness and a healthy lifestyle FUN!