Whether your goal this year is to lose or maintain weight, build muscle, or simply be more physically active, there are multiple fitness apps that may help you get there. While many gyms and fitness centers are currently closed or have limited capacity, it is especially important to find a workout routine that fits into your new lifestyle. Fitness apps are a great option to meet your fitness goals at home. You can choose the type and length of time of your activity of choice, making it a great option for those with busy schedules who need to fit in a workout on a work break.
Fitness apps are accessible to anyone with a smartphone or computer. These apps are typically easy to use and may include beginner, intermediate and advanced level classes. They can even help to keep you accountable, which can be difficult when working out at home alone. These apps allow features to add friends, family, coworkers, or anybody to help stay consistent and challenge each other. Another added bonus of fitness apps – most are free! This means you will save money that could have been spent on fitness classes, gyms and trainers. Here are five free fitness apps you can use to start your fitness routine anywhere and anytime!
Nike Training Club
You can choose from a variety of free workouts including HIIT, yoga, strength training and cardio.
It includes workouts for athletes of all levels, whole family fitness classes, and workouts that can be completed in small spaces.
You can complete trainer led programs from Nike Master Trainers and even classes led by celebrities and athletes.
7 Minute Workout
These are high intensity circuit training workouts designed to burn calories in a short period of time. They are also bodyweight-bearing and do not require any fitness equipment.
This app can help you socially distance as you have the option to complete workouts with friends.
7 Minute Workout is great for those with busy schedules who need to fit in shorter workouts!
Daily Yoga Free
This user-friendly app is great for beginner yogis and includes the option for advanced classes.
Daily Yoga Free includes not only yoga, but Pilates classes and meditation sessions.
Classes range from 5 to 70 minutes depending on how much time you have to get your Zen on!
FitOn
With FitOn you can take classes with top celebrity trainers and celebrity guests such as Gabrielle Union and Jonathan Van Ness.
You can choose from a wide variety of classes including: cardio, strength, HIIT, dance, yoga, Pilates and barre, just to name a few!
You can choose a workout based not only on category but intensity, body part, and length of time. There is also a great option for 10-minute HIIT workouts when you are short on time!
Sworkit
This is a great app to use if you want your kids to take a break from video games and get moving! It includes a free library of kid workouts you can do together at home.
Skworkit also includes workouts for adults, but this requires a subscription. These workouts are thought to be best for beginners.
Workouts are set by the standards of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Ultimately, it is best to try out different apps and workouts to find what works best for you. Including a variety of exercises like cardio, strength training, and stretching makes for a well-rounded fitness plan. And remember, exercise should be enjoyable and not forced. Finding something you are most interested in and enjoy will lead to consistency, which is key!
Learn more about being active in the New Year and other wellness programs offered by Wellness Workdays.
Written by: Azusa Honda, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
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