10 Best Free Fitness Apps
1. MyFitnessPal (Android, iOS)
MyFitnessPal has been the #1 Health and Fitness app for four years straight and featured by numerous media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Today Show, and NBC. With the largest food database of any app, it’s easy to count calories and set weight loss goals by using the app daily. You can import recipes and scan food barcodes to instantly add the information to your food diary. Plus, MyFitnessPal is compatible with over 50 other fitness devices and apps.
2. Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout (Android, iOS)
Featured on Good Morning America and in The New York Times, the Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout app boasts 36 different exercises with 1,000+ workout combinations. You can customize your workout with 2o different intensity levels and the only equipment you need is a chair, wall, and some floor space. Great for all fitness levels, the app’s clean interface makes it easy to navigate. Plus, you can listen and control your entire iTunes library directly from the app to make sure you’ve got the right song playing to get you pumped!
3. C25K (Android, iOS)
C25K by Zen Labs will take you from the couch to running a 5K in only 8 weeks. Complete three, 30-minute workouts a week and you’ll be ready to participate in your local 5K race. Each week your workouts increase in intensity to build your stamina. You don’t have to be a runner to use this app and reach your fitness goals. Bonus, this is the only 5K app to partner with MyFitnessPal for completely seamless integration.
4. Challenges by Nexercise (Android, iOS)
Do you have trouble finding the motivation to exercise? The Challenges by Nexercise app makes exercise more of an interactive game than a dreaded chore. Use the app to log your physical activity while competing with your family and friends to earn points and redeem them for real prizes like gift cards. The app has a full list of calorie-burning activities you can track, including things like playing with your kids, doing a yoga routine, and hiking. CBS talk show “The Doctors” named Challenges the best fitness tracker for weight loss.
5. Moves (Android, iOS)
Moves is a great option for people who aren’t ready to pay out $100 or more for an expensive activity tracker but are looking to keep a diary of their daily activity. Carry your phone in your pocket or bag and it will detect if you’re walking, running, riding in a car or even taking public transit. At the end of the day, see how many calories you’ve burned and steps you’ve taken. Since this app uses GPS to detect and record your motion, it can quickly drain your battery so it’s best for iPhone 5s users.
6. GAIN Fitness Cross Trainer (iOS)
With more than 1 million downloads, the GAIN Fitness Cross Trainer app is like having a personal trainer in your pocket. Video and audio coach you as you complete your reps and perfect your form. Plan your weekly workout sessions with a built in calendar. The app itself allows you to build personalized workout programs from over 1,300+ exercises; however, you can also purchase specialized workout packs ranging from corewheels to prenatal Pilates for only $2.99 each. Right now the app is only available for iPhone users but an Android version should be released soon.
7. Fitocracy (Android, iOS)
If you’re social and looking for a fitness-minded community to keep you motivated, Fitocracy is the app for you. Join fitness teams led by expert trainers for workout guidance and coaching. Find inspiration by following fellow Fitocrats and access workout routines you can complete at home or in the gym. Earn points as you track your exercise routine and experience a gaming-like environment by unlocking achievements and tackling quests.
8. FitBit (Android, iOS)
You don’t need an actual FitBit to benefit from using the FitBit app. Use the app to do things like log your calories, map your walk or run, and keep track of your weight loss as you work towards a healthier lifestyle. View your progress with easy-to-read charts and graphs and connect with fellow users for a healthy dose of encouragement and competition.
9. Lose It! (Android, iOS)
Similar to My Fitness Pal, the Lose It! app helps you count calories and log exercise to help you reach your weight loss goals. Compatible with a number of motion tracking devices and apps, including Fitbit and Nike+ Fuel Band, you can even download the app on your Nook or Kindle. This tried and true app has been around for several years and has an extensive community of motivated users.
10. Jefit Workout Tracker (Android, iOS)
Do you enjoy lifting weights but have trouble keeping a record of your workouts? Toss our your paper notebook or planner and download the Jefit Workout Tracker app. This app help you keep track of your sets and reps. Use the app’s calendar to schedule your workouts in advance and plan for needed rest days. Although this app lacks a lot bells and whistles, its simple interface is easy to use and definitely beats using a paper notebook.
Clarissa Fidler is a 20-something trying to find her place in this world. She grew up in Seattle, attended college in Utah, and recently moved back to the Pacific Northwest after spending the last few years in Chicago obtaining her master’s degree in journalism. Clarissa spends her days working as a higher education professional helping graduate students pursue their passions. In her free time you’ll find her reading the New York Times, cuddling with her cat Harper, catching up on her favorite blogs, enjoying the outdoors, or checking out a new restaurant. If you’d like to read more by Clarissa, check out her blog West Hawthorne Place.
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