Real Talk 19th May 2016 by Genevieve Wilson
#SummerGoals: 5 Fitness Apps That Will Whip You Into Shape In Time For Bikini Season
Motivation, tracking and workout ideas... all on your smartphone.
With Summer fast approaching, sun holidays are looming and it’s getting close to crunch time. Although for a lot of us, we’re not even sure that we know how to crunch properly. This can be a daunting time of the year for people who don’t have gym memberships, or who have never really exercised before. If you fall into this category, why not download a fitness app and start your journey from home? It can be your first step, and will help you muster up some confidence before you join a fitness centre, try out a drop-in class, or get yourself a gym buddy.
Couch To 5K or Run 5K
There are a number of variations of this app, but each does essentially the same thing, gets you off your couch and out running. You generally have eight or nine weeks to reach your goal, and you can begin at a snail’s pace if you so wish. What’s needed from you is 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week, and by the end of it, you’ll be running 3.1 miles or 5km. It really is as easy as it sounds.
Pocket Yoga
With this app, you can choose between different practices, different durations and different difficulty levels. Whatever your skill level and time availability, there’s something for you and you can do the classes anywhere you like. There’s also a pose dictionary so even if you’ve never done yoga before, you’ll quickly become acquainted with the moves and the lingo.
Swork It
Sworkit allows you to customise and play personalised video workouts ranging from 5 minutes to 60 minutes. It’s a bit like a music app as you can store your favourite videos and even create different playlists, and it’s incredibly easy to use. The app even has customised workouts like Beach confident: Arms & Abs, and a Six Pack Challenge. This is definitely one of our favourites.
Fitnet
Fitnet is the workout app for people who don’t have the time to go to the gym. The app features an abundance of five- and seven-minute targeted workouts, so you don’t have to sacrifice your valuable time, but you can still get in a full-body sweat sesh.
Nike+ Training Club
This is a top-of-the-range fitness app designed by professional trainers and athletes, so you know it’s serious business. If you’re brand new to the game, it might be better to start off with one of the other apps, as this one can seem a bit intimidating. If you’re just a bit rusty on your workouts and need something to motivate you quickly, then this is the app for you.