For those who are fitness fanatics, technology in today’s society makes it easier than ever to lose weight and stay in shape. With that being said, it can all seem a little overwhelming. According to theguardian.com, there are 6,800 health and fitness apps available to download! The phrase “there’s an app for that” really took on a whole new meaning this year as 2014 has seen the most growth and usage. The same website claims that utilization has boomed by 62%! With so many options available to us consumers, how do we know which apps are the real deal? Here is a list of the best of the best from information received from the research company, AppData, via online from the Business Insider.
**Disclaimer: Please keep in mind this data was collected in July.**
- Map My Run: Track your workouts and count calories with this app. It gives real-time updates via audio alerts and can also sync with other popular trackers. This holds the number three spot among Apple’s “Top Free Apps” in the health and fitness genre.
- Calorie Counter: MyFitnessPal helps you track your diet in a simple way. This app claims to have the largest food database of any iOS calorie counter. It is number one on the same list mentioned above.
- Fitbit: This can be used on its own or via smart wristbands to track activity and training. It provides step counts, calories burned, logs workouts, and monitors your diet. This comes in at taking second place.
- Weight Watchers Mobile: Utilize the company’s weight loss program to help keep track of calorie intake throughout your day. Although this app is free to download, you may need to pay additional fees to benefit from most of the program’s incentives.
- RunKeeper: Track your workouts and weight loss. This app even provides planned routes and set workouts. If you’d rather create your own, you can via audio coaching. It can also sync with other tracking apps like the Calorie Counter and Fitbit.
- CarrotFit: A unique approach that motivates you, this app will ridicule and bribe you so that you work out harder. This is not a free download and costs $2.99 to purchase.
- Fooducate: Although this is another calorie counter, this particular one goes beyond calories. Use this to scan barcodes of food to see it’s nutritional contents. It can also suggest healthier alternatives.
- Fitocracy: Want to spice up your workout? This app lets your earn points, beat quests, and unlock different achievements.
- Up by Jawbone: Used with a Jawbone smart wristband, it tracks your movement and sleep in addition to logging your diet. A wristband is needed so it won’t be particularly helpful without one.
- Nike Training Club: This is a training app that specifically targets women. You may select individual workouts or long-term programs to get toned and fit.
- Weilos: Have a community of users support you so you don’t feel as if you are doing it alone. Users can post photos and quotes to encourage one another while trying to get and stay on the right path.
- Zombies, Run!: Turn a boring run into an exciting chase with zombies. The app puts together a narrative while you’re running while at the same time tracking your stats.
- Noom Weight: If a coach is helpful, this app utilizes one while trying to lose weight when you log your diet. If you’d like, you can join a group of users for motivation.
Katey Wennekamp started working as a Recruiter in the Advanced Practice Division of Aureus Medical Group in May 2012. She was responsible for finding qualified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Katey has since become an Account Manager and in addition to finding qualified NPs and PAs, she manages a specific territory in the United States, working with hospitals and private practices to fill their job openings. In her free time, Katey enjoys volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society, participating in sport related activities, and spending time with friends and family.