Many college students make working out a part of their routine for lots of reasons; people who live active lifestyles reap the benefits of not only the obvious weight loss or maintenance, but for mental health reasons as well. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve self- confidence.
However, sometimes the routine of working out becomes just that—a routine. Other people have never worked out before and need that extra push to get out the door. With fitness entering the digital age, these things are easier to combat. Here are six of the best fitness apps that will take your workout to the next level, no matter what that level is.
Best for overall health: MyFitnessPal
Cost: Free
Available For: iPhone
Heard of a Fitbit? Fitbits are great because they track every facet of your overall fitness, down to the number of steps you take but they are a tad out of the price range for a lot of people. MyFitnessPal does all of this, and you don’t have to wear a wristband or pay $100. Just download the app, answer a few questions about yourself and the app will give you a calorie goal for each day. You can then access the dashboard where you can log and track food, exercise and your overall progress. If calorie counting is your goal, there is a way to find out your calorie intake and burn every day. You can also track your intake of different nutrients, keep a recipe book, set reminders and connect with friends.
Best for first time runners: C25K
Cost: Free
Available For: iPhone
C25K, which stands for Couch to 5K is an eight-week-long program where you work out three times per week for 30 to 40 minutes, with a five-minute warm-up and cool down. The app takes you through a workout that alternates between walking and running and increases the level as you build strength.
Best for CrossFitters: WOD Deck of Cards
Cost: Free
Available For: iPhone, Android
For those days when you can’t make it to CrossFit, or for those of us who are a little intimidated to try CrossFit in public, this app brings the CrossFit workout home. The app builds a workout for you by asking you to choose four exercises that you want to focus on, one for each suit in a deck of cards. Your workout is determined by which cards are drawn.
Best for making a workout fun: Zombies, Run!
Cost: Free
Available For: iPhone, Android
With this app, you are in a Zombie Apocalypse game where you hear your mission and music through your headphones. As soon as you start the app, you hear your mission which takes you through different intervals of running, from a light jog to being chased by zombies in a sprint. You win prizes and move through the levels as you progress. For people who get bored on runs and need a game to spice things up a bit, this is just the app for you.
Best app for a cause: Charity Miles
Cost: Free
Available For: iPhone, Android
Earn money for the charity of your choice with each mile you walk, bike or run. The app keeps track of your miles and money raised and donates to charities like the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Wounded Warrior Project and Habitat for Humanity.
