We review five of the best fitness apps on the market.
Your iPhone isn't just for making calls, it can also be an effective personal trainer.
Twenty chinups
Who it suits: Those wanting to increase their strength.Verdict: The creators of this application have two similar applications, Hundredpushups and Two Hundred Sit-ups. This is a six-week program that gives you a challengeevery day. For example, on day one you do two chin-ups, rest for 60 seconds, do another two chin-ups, rest for another 60 seconds and then do three sets of one chin-up each with a break in between. Over the six weeks, the reps and challenges increase. The interfaceis simple but effective and runs you through the program with a countdown clock to monitor your rest. If you like a targeted challenge, this application is ideal.
Produced by: SoftwareX.
Price: $2.49.
3/5
Run keeper pro
Who it suits: Serious runners.Verdict: This application uses your iPhone's GPS capability to track your running progress. You can track your current speed, total distance, elapsed time and kilometre splits just like you can with an expensive GPS watch. Once you've finished your run, you can also see where you've travelled on a map. Even better, you can listen to music on your phone as you're running whenever the program is activated. It can also act as youraudio coach and deliver time and distance updates through your headphones. You can also set up interval training sessions and audio cues will coach you through the program. Set a target pace and RunKeeper will advise whether you are meeting it. The coolest featureof all is that you can snap pictures along your run, upload them to the website (www.runkeeper.com) and they will appear on the map on the spots where you took them.
Produced by: FitnessKeeper.
Price: $12.99.
4/5
Couch to 5k
Who it suits: Aspiring runners.Verdict: This is a running training coach that promises to have you off the couch and running five kilometres, without stopping, in nine weeks. Each workout is 20 to 30 minutes long, not including warming up and cooling down time. It works on graded walking and jogging intervals. Early on in the program you'll be doing more walking than running, but this will change as you progress so that eventually you'll be mostly running, with only short jogging intervals. As with RunKeeper Pro, you can listen to music as you run and the application gives audio commands when the walking and running intervals start and stop. The screen is user friendly and informative. Once you've finished the five-kilometre program and are looking for your next challenge, there is also a Couch To 10k version produced by the same company.
Produced by: Felt Tip.
Price: $3.99.
3.5/5
ifitness
Who it suits: General fitness enthusiasts.Verdict: This is a comprehensive exercise database. There are similar programs, but at this stage this is the most thorough. It has over 300 exercises and 20 routines. You can record the weight you used, the number of reps and sets you completed and any other notes. You can also make your own programs from the exercise list, track your weight and waist circumference and calculate your BMI.
Produced by: Medical Productions.
Price: $2.49.
4/5
The personal trainer
Who it suits: Those who prefer visual aids with their exercise programs.Verdict: This is another application that offers lists of exercises and programs, but what I like about it are the user-friendly videos. They're well shot and will leave you in little doubt as to what is required for each exercise. The preset programs are also very good and are sorted into fitness levels. This is a very cheap personal trainer.
Produced by: Scouting Solutions.
Price: $2.49.
4/5
Best of the rest
- Virtual Trainer (free) For intermediate to advanced users, this is a thorough app with some great exercises you won't see anywhere else.
- Gymboss Interval Timer (free) For those who love high-intensity interval training, this allows you to vary your workouts.
- The Feel Good Body Reminder ($4.99) From top Australian physio Anna-Louise Bouvier, this program is based on cutting-edge research.
- Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock ($1.19) This claims to analyse your sleep patterns and wake you at your lightest sleep phase. Those who struggle to get up make find this makes it easier.
- Water Your Body ($1.19) How many of us drink enough water? This app helps you keep track of your water consumption.
- Zen Timer ($2.49) Listen to the Tibetan singing bowl as you meditate or do yoga.
- 101 Yoga Poses (free versions or $1.19) Want to do yoga at home? Here are 101 poses at your fingertips, for all levels.
- iPump Abs & Core ($2.49) For those who want beach-ready abs, this gives you plenty of programs and new exercises.
- Build Muscle ($2.49) One for the boys! Plenty of eating and training plans for building muscle.
- Weightbot ($2.49) A simple app for those wanting to track weight loss. Put in your goal weight and track your progress over time. There are great graphs to keep you on track.
How to download a fitness application
On your iPhone, click on the Apple Store icon. Along the bottom of the screen you'll see five choices; click on "Categories". Scroll down and click on the "Healthcare and Fitness" section. This will then have three sub-sections: "Top Paid", "Top Free" and "Release Date". You can sometimes find some good free applications, but for most of the good ones you'll need to pay, and it's usually worth the money. Most applications start out at $1.19 and generally stay below $10.If you like the look of a particular application, don't just buy it; do some research first. Click on the app and scroll down the page to the "Ratings" section for reviews from other users and a star rating out of five.
