The 5 Best Apps to help you get fit for the summer

With summer always closing in, a vast majority of us are in “I have to get fit now” mode to show off that beach body and get some needed time under the sun. But if you still feel the need to cover up that spare tire that’s wrapped around your mid-section, it’s high time you took your workouts to a new level by trying out these fitness apps that promise results, so long as you follow the program and have your diet dialed in.

1.     StrongLifts 5 x 5 (iOS, Android)

I came across this routine when I was doing research on effective strength programs, and lucky for me, they had a free app for Android. I downloaded it, watched all the videos and took the lessons to heart. I followed the instructions to a T, and lo and behold, I’m out-lifting some of the bigger, more seasoned guys in the gym. Being on the program for about two months now, I can deadlift, bench press and squat more than my bodyweight. I’m able to track my progress because the app records every session. It also adjusts the weight so everytime you go to the gym, you progress. It takes out all the guesswork on how many pounds you should add per workout. This program is a must have if you want to see tangible strength gains and results fast.

2.     JetFit (Android, iOS)

Another cool fitness app is Jetfit, which has a free and a paid version. This app has loads of exercises and routines, from beginner to intermediate. It also has workouts for just about any body part you want to train or sport you want to prepare for. It has Ab workouts, Baseball Training workouts, intermediate full body routines, bodyweight only routines and whole lot more. You can track your progress instantly with the built in logging system.

3.     Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout App (Android, iOS)

I love workouts that last under 45 minutes. I also love free apps with no extra permissions needed and no added fluff. This app is all that. Anything longer than 45 minutes is a waste of time, and some of the “free” apps aren’t really free because of all the in-app purchasing and ads that ruin the experience. I love this app because all it takes is seven minutes to get a full body workout. Plus, if you have time to spare and are a little advanced, you can choose the other options available, like the Intermediate 16 minute workout or the Strength Workout.

4.     FitBit (iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8.1)

One of the more robust fitness apps out there, FitBit tracks everything, from how many steps you took to walk to the office to the food you ate during lunch, this app has it all. You can also invite your friends so you can track each other’s progress and keep each other motivated, set goals, track your sleeping patterns and more. What’s best about this app is it runs on most smartphones and you don’t even need to have a separate tracker to access the apps basic (but important) features.

5.     Adidas Mi Coach (Windows Phone, iOS, Android)

If you want to be coached by Derrick Rose, get this app. You can download a popular athlete’s voice (Adidas sponsored, of course) that will be your personal trainer, pushing you to run more and do more reps. This app can track your progress via GPS and it also logs your exercises in real-time. You can get in-game performance tracking so you can focus your training on where it matters most.

Conclusion

All of us need a kick of motivation from time to time and Fitness apps may be the answer to that. With the high cost of a hiring personal trainer and exorbitant gym memberships these days (not to mention driving to the gym), a lot of people would rather just stay home and continue using a body shaper to mask some of the bulge. Fitness apps are effective because all you need to do is install it on your smartphone and enjoy a quick workout in the comfort of your own home or at the park, with minimal to no equipment necessary.