Gone are the days when the phone was used only for its intended purpose. Today he has become an integral assistant in many cases. Player, alarm clock, organizer, game console - these and many other functions made it possible to firmly establish themselves in everyday life. Manufacturers annually update the technical stuffing, presenting more advanced and faster models to the public. The screens get bigger, the clarity of the image, the speed and the smoothness of the work increase. Thanks to this, gadgets are strengthening their position.
A smart assistant covers almost all areas of human activity. Complex mathematical calculations, a reminder of important matters, search for the necessary information. Fitness was no exception.
In the fast paced pace of a modern metropolis, it can be difficult to find time for healthy sleep, and there can be no question of going to the gym. Wake up early in the morning and go straight to work until evening. This is how workdays go by. With such a rhythm, you can forget about healthy eating, sleep and many other things. Time to go to the gym becomes a luxury. But what to do if, despite the workload, you want to have a figure that rivets your eyes to yourself. Special sports apps will help.
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Why fitness apps are useful
A smartphone comes to the rescue. The success prompted developers to create not only entertainment applications, but also useful ones. This product has become programs for sports at home. Developed in conjunction with leading representatives of the fitness industry, they provide recommendations on how to develop muscles, eliminate extra centimeters from the abdomen and increase endurance without the necessary equipment at home. Intense personal training is easier to fit into your busy schedule. Smartphones easily track the parameters of the student, keep track of completed tasks, and in some cases even control the correctness of the execution. The user is provided with all the functionality. Many newbies face problems tracking the progress of an activity. At first, it is problematic to keep in mind the required number of workouts, types of exercises and other factors. It is possible to avoid this by keeping a fitness diary. All the necessary data will be entered into it. The utility fixes everything online.
The software created for this purpose can be divided into several types:
- For watches, or fitness bracelets. Unusually popular devices. They collect a large amount of information about the health of the owner. For its complete analysis and viewing, additional tools are required - fitness applications. They can be bundled with the gadget by default and require mandatory installation on a smartphone for the bracelet to work correctly. If it did not meet expectations or is not Russified, it is allowed to install additional programs compatible with the clock.They are presented in large quantities and it will not be difficult to find the necessary one.
- Supporting physical activity. By their intended purpose, there are only cardio activity tracking (running, cycling and walking). Suitable only for those who practice in such a sport.
- Activity control (constant, or training). In the background, activity is monitored throughout the day. Some programs are only active during exercise.
- Depending on the main goal. For those who decide to conquer sports peaks, fixing achievements and motivation is relevant. For those who are losing weight: calculating calories burned taking into account age, gender, height and weight, and the dynamics of weight change. It is important for those recovering from injuries to be monitored throughout the day.
- Do they use additional features of the gadget? An example is the push-up program, which uses the screen off sensor during a call to record the correct exercise. The utility will count the attempt if the sensor is covered by the chest. This will require proper exercise.
- Depending on the set of exercises: if you want bricks on the press or an ideal stretching, for each goal there is its own software with appropriate training programs.
Fight for the audience
The market is overflowing with offers from various companies. Their number only grows every day. Developers resort to various tricks. With their help, they hope to retain and attract a new audience to their products. It's not just about improving the quality of the software being developed. This is not enough for taking a leading position in the top for a long time.
Of the innovative developments that have taken root and are now actively used by third-party teams, they note:
- Application as a social network. Nutritionists note that people who exercise and eat better are highly active on social networks. The opportunity to show off your results with friends and acquaintances motivates you to new achievements. Based on this, we have developed applications that allow you to compete, comment on the achievements of strangers and find new acquaintances by geolocation. Cross-country ones give the opportunity to compete at the speed of overcoming 5 kilometers, or the nearest hill in your area.
- Challenges. An effective way to attract a new audience. Taking a leading position and getting a prize gives users the motivation for new achievements. At the same time, developers receive additional advertising and user-generated content, which is the best indicator of performance. The pioneers were the creators of Endomondo. They offered to compete in the one who lost more weight after a month, covered the greatest distance and much more.
- Styling for games. An additional motivator is the gamification of everyday and seemingly familiar things. It can be a space odyssey that requires a certain distance to open new worlds or a runner, where bloodthirsty zombies are on the heels. In this direction, Pact distinguished itself, similar to a bookmaker's office, where the user places bets on whether he can walk a certain distance;
- Chatbot. Sophisticated consumers are used to getting information quickly and without much effort. The virtual assistant asks the necessary questions, helping to identify possible causes of the ailment and, based on the data obtained, make a diagnosis. They even connect the user to a medical practitioner.
The best free home sports apps for Android
Sworkit Lite
With a personal pocket trainer, getting an eye-catching figure has never been easier. It provides yoga and workout routines. The latter include an extensive exercise base. It is enough to choose what you need, specify the time and a video instruction with a professional athlete will appear on the screen, demonstrating how to do it correctly.
Random daily generation of a set of tasks will not let you get bored.With Sworkit Lite, boredom and overwork are simply not possible.
Advantages:
- saving results and daily reminder of training;
- detailed instructions for the exercises;
- flexible load regulation;
- creation and editing of a set of individual lessons, the ability to share them with other people;
- lots of exercise;
- pro version with advanced functionality is available for free for a week;
- will run even on a budget device.
Disadvantages:
- many complain about problems associated with registering an account;
- freezes during the show are possible;
- accidental regeneration is not the best solution for getting a beautiful toned body;
- there is paid content.
Lose weight in 30 days-home workout
After 30 days of active training, the user will get a toned figure. Success lies in flexible workouts that adapt to individual abilities. On the first day, the selected exercise will be performed while it is possible. Depending on the data received, further classes are built, gradually increasing the load. Strict adherence to the recommendations will lead to an increase in endurance and physical fitness.
Advantages:
- daily reminder of classes;
- results are saved automatically;
- detailed video tutorial;
- the load is built depending on the possibilities;
- user-friendly interface;
- 3 levels of difficulty;
- the opportunity to share your successes on social networks.
Disadvantages:
- a lot of advertising;
- I get an error syncing with the paired Google Fit app.
MyFitnessPal
The calorie counter gives you the ability to track the calories you eat. This will be helped by a huge database of over 6,000 thousand products. One of the best solutions for those who decide to lose weight or start leading a healthy lifestyle. When registering an account, the application will collect all the necessary information (lifestyle, height, weight). It's worth noting that MyFitnessPal asks about the purpose of the registration and the desired weight.
The program also tracks workouts and calculates the amount of calories spent.
Advantages:
- daily updated list of products;
- the ability to find out information by barcode;
- multiplatform;
- quick access to frequently used dishes and products;
- work with Pedometer, Endomondo, Fitbit and many others;
- saving and reintroducing whole meals;
- unlimited own meals.
Disadvantages:
- does not contain ready-made complexes for classes, only control and analysis.
The best paid home sports apps for Android
Home Workouts
A set of exercises to tone the main muscle groups. Now it is not necessary to visit the gym, it is enough to devote a few minutes a day to the new utility and the result will not be long in coming. All exercises are performed with their own weight and do not require additional equipment. Warming up and stretching first will take your workout quality to the next level. There will be no questions with detailed training material.
Advantages:
- strengthening the muscles of the press, chest, arms, legs and the whole body;
- training data is recorded automatically;
- setting up reminders;
- convenient graph of body weight change;
- free version available;
- weight control;
- suitable for beginners and professionals.
Disadvantages:
- the free version has a lot of ads;
- it is impossible to set a reminder at 7 am and earlier;
- high price;
- not always adequate calculation of calories burned.
Adidas training
Sets a new benchmark for training quality and comfort. To implement them, you do not need to visit the gym, or buy expensive equipment. Adidas Training implements the scenario according to the user's requirements (lose weight, keep the body in good shape).
At the first start, you need to enter height, weight and start a test workout. This will reveal the degree of preparation and help to formulate the optimal training program.
Several training modes are available:
- relief press in 6 weeks;
- health and strength in 3 weeks;
- a toned body in 6 weeks;
- body transformation in 12 weeks;
- squeeze the maximum;
- constructor.
The training base has over 180 videos in HD quality.
Advantages:
- almost complete classes;
- intuitive interface;
- advice for a nutritious healthy diet;
- viewing photos of users before / after. If desired, create similar personal pictures;
- the announcer announces the beginning of the lesson and encourages;
- weekly photo report to identify progress;
- recommendations for making a healthy diet;
- simple and effective bodyweight exercises.
Disadvantages:
- high subscription cost per month;
- the need to upload a video lesson every time before class;
- TV output does not work correctly on Android.
Nike Training Club
In a struggle to attract new audiences to its products, Nike is releasing an app of the same name. The sole purpose of which is to help those who train at home. An extensive range of programs can easily replace a personal trainer. Here you can find yoga classes, complexes for increasing endurance and even programs from such famous athletes as Cristiano Ronaldo, Isaiah Thomas, Sidney Leroux. Nike Training Club gives you the opportunity to feel like a star and experience their daily workload.
Workouts last from 30 to 60 minutes. The necessary information is presented in short videos, in which the trainer is shown performing the exercises and commenting on what is happening, highlighting important points requiring attention and announcing the timing.
Subscription includes additional content. These include advice from professional trainers, nutrition and wellness guidelines, and the location of your nearest branded store for Nike sneakers, duffel bags, socks and more.
Advantages:
- Russian language;
- simple and straightforward explanations;
- automatic recording of achievements;
- over 185 activities;
- free version.
Disadvantages:
- there is no verification via Google account;
- does not show the running speed correctly;
- users report minor freezes.
Best Free Home Sports Apps for iOS
Fitbit Coach
It is primarily aimed at owners of smart watches of the same name. Despite this, it is also of interest to those who need to track activity and be in shape. Audio and video material adapted for home, outdoor and gym training. In 2018, the app debuted on Windows 10 and Xbox One. They offer 3 workout packages: daily, fitness, weight loss and active movement forward. Free is only the last option. It is a beginner's course with guidance from experienced instructors.
Advantages:
- intuitive interface;
- individual activity tracker;
- a lot of teaching material;
- fitness coaching;
- an initial 8-minute test to identify opportunities and exercise selection.
Disadvantages:
- really reveals itself only in a set with a watch of the same name;
- free materials are relevant only for beginners.
Digifit iCardio
The program is relevant for those who are losing weight. It is compatible with Apple Watch, Polar, Scosche, Mio and other similar pacemakers. It is enough to pair the device with the phone using Bluetooth. Heart rate tracking will allow you to select the optimal load and indicate problem areas.
Advantages:
- tracking activity throughout the day (distance traveled, number of steps, calories burned, etc.);
- GPS routes for outdoor activities;
- health monitoring (weight, blood pressure, heart rate at rest, sleep);
- integration with Google Fit, Fitbit, Misfit, MyFitnessPal, Withings;
- the ability to share achievements on social networks.
Disadvantages:
- there are problems connecting to Apple Watch;
- drains the battery quickly.
Runtastic
A classic that needs no introduction. It changed according to user recommendations.
The multi-platform utility will be useful to all running people.Its main task is to completely replace the fitness bracelet. Realization is possible due to numerous sensors built into the smartphone. Tracks the pace of the practitioner's movement based on the distance traveled. With a significant decrease in headphones, the application turns on motivating music. The music library is formed separately.
Olympic champion Dieter Bauman participated in the creation of the service. He has developed a special training package aimed at those who decide to achieve tangible sports results. It requires a certain level of physical fitness from the user.
Advantages:
- Apple Watch compatibility;
- data recording (route, distance, elapsed time, calorie consumption and speed);
- scheduling of movement along the laid route;
- mode for the lazy (scripts turn routine running into an interesting quest);
- ease of learning;
- connection of a heart rate monitor is allowed;
- run with a ghost for extra motivation;
- flexible settings.
Disadvantages:
- no food control;
- no voice prompts in Russian;
- controversial latest update.
The best paid home sports apps for iOS
RockMyRun
Provides music for running and other workouts. The tempo of the sound depends on the speed. It presents an impressive media library. Everyone can choose the right background for their workouts. Despite the fact that it is aimed at a Western audience, the developers have not ruled out the possibility of adding new tracks offline.
Advantages:
- simple interface;
- the connected heart rate monitor monitors the heartbeat;
- large media library;
- downloading and listening to collections online;
- the playback rate adjusts to the speed of running, or steps.
Disadvantages:
- playlists up to 30 minutes are available in the free version, large ones require a subscription;
- it is impossible to fully view the audio sheet;
- no ready-made complexes, only background support;
- the trial version is overflowing with ads.
Freeletics
Market leader in Europe. Develops agility, endurance, relieves excess weight, strengthens the body.
The result is achieved through the correct selection of individual exercises, which alternate according to the stated complex. Most of them work with the user's weight and do not need additional expensive equipment, with the exception of a horizontal bar with its home substitute and running.
The main difference from competitors is simple mechanical exercises, they are familiar to everyone doing morning exercises. Success lies in motivation and control.
Advantages:
- control over implementation based on its characteristics and average time spent;
- extensive base with video material;
- individual programs;
- duration of workouts - from 5 to 45 minutes;
- well translated into Russian;
- promotion of achievement;
- a special program for beginners;
- audio coaching to increase motivation and mood.
Disadvantages:
- the audio material is not translated;
- there is no version for review;
- no training statistics;
- does not track food;
- not user-friendly interface;
- lots of pop-ups and confirmation to continue training.
Seven
The unique methodology requires no more than 7 minutes a day for classes. According to the assurances of the developers, this is enough to get the maximum benefit. The belief is based on scientific research. Exercise will require a chair, a wall, and a desire to get better. The application has over 200 exercises and videos to them.
You are given 30 seconds to complete the task and after 10 - to rest. Workout (circle) includes 10 exercises. An increase in their number is available in the settings.
Advantages:
- no need to purchase additional equipment;
- intuitive interface;
- no subscription is imposed;
- motivation system, skipping a day will take 1 of 3 lives as soon as they run out, you will have to start all over again;
- no internet required for work;
- enabling reminders;
- simple and straightforward explanations;
- the ability to engage with other users around the world;
- sync with iCloud.
Disadvantages:
- high subscription cost;
- there are no programs for training individual muscle groups;
- many complain about network problems;
- showing the performance of an exercise from one angle is not always clear;
- there may be inconsistencies between the name of the exercise and the proposed animation.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for a modern person to find time to keep fit. Living life in a frantic rhythm of home-work-home, it is almost impossible to carve out a couple of hours for fruitful exercises in the gym. The annual improvement of gadgets has solved this problem. The presented top includes the best fitness apps on the leading platforms of modern gadgets. All of them have proved themselves only on the positive side, as evidenced by numerous laudatory reviews.