Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
Hands up if your workout game hasn’t been on point recently. I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t been to the gym as much as I should have over the last couple months. Well, this week, I decided that enough was enough and sat down to come up with a plan. I needed to get my fitness life in order, like yesterday. The first step was figuring out what I needed to make every workout count and get my fitness goals back on track. The answer? There’s an app (or 8) for that.
[Tweet “5 types of fitness apps you need to have an epic workout every time #fitfluential”]
1. An app to remind you to get there
I’m a member of GoodLife Fitness and the closest gym is literally 2 blocks away, and I still manage to miss gym days. I’ve learned over the last 3 months, that if I don’t schedule my workout time, I’ll never get to the gym. And you can’t have an epic workout unless you actually workout. But, scheduling your workouts makes them a priority and once they’re a priority, you’re less likely to skip them.
Suggested Apps:
- Google Calendar: I use Google Calendar to actually schedule the workout into my day. I pick a time that works with everything else I’ve got going on and block it out as dedicated gym time.
- Wunderlist: After I schedule my workout in the calendar, I add it to the top of my to-do list for the day in Wunderlist. I also set a reminder for 30 minutes before I actually need to get to the gym. Plenty of time to finish whatever I’m doing and go get my sweat on.
2. An app for workout ideas
Sometimes my reason for not going to the gym is that I have no idea what I want to do when I get there. Showing up at the gym without a plan is a surefire way to bomb a workout so I try to avoid it at all costs. Even if it means skipping the gym altogether. To combat this not-so-logical way of thinking, I have a couple apps that I turn to for workout routines when my imagination is lacking.
Suggested Apps:
- JEFIT: I actually wrote a review for JEFIT a couple years ago. The interface has changed a bit since then, but the basic functionalities are the same. They’ve got a bazillion workout plans on there for you to choose from or you can come up with your own ahead of time and save it for later. Plus, there are even illustrations showing you how to do each exercise correctly.
- PumpUp: Where JEFIT is filled with workout routines and lets you save your own, PumpUp actually helps you build customized workouts based on you and your goals. Like JEFIT, PumpUp also illustrates how to do each exercise.
- Pinterest: Pinterest deserves a mention here as well because it’s full of fitness inspiration and workout ideas. When I need a quick workout but am out of ideas, it’s pretty easy to find something fun on one of my many workout boards.
3. An app to listen to music
I have a little iPod Shuffle and use that to listen to music while I workout and usually that works just fine. But, sometimes, I forget to load new music on my iPod, or I forget to charge my iPod or I leave it home altogether. Trying to workout to music you’re fed up of isn’t fun, and the only thing worse is working out with no music at all. Luckily, I always have my phone, so it’s not a huge issue.
Suggested apps:
- Songza: Songza lets you stream music geared to what you’re doing. There are options for cleaning, relaxing, studying and of course working out which makes it super easy to use. No need to try coming up with a suitable playlist. The app takes care of that for you and you can just focus on working out.
- Spotify: Spotify is a little more labour intensive since you have to cue up your own playlist. But once you do, you can save it for another time. And, if you upgrade to Spotify Premium, you can sync songs for offline listening, which means way less data usage.
4. An app to motivate you
Lack of motivation is probably the number 1 reason most people give up on working out. I used to have a gym buddy who worked out with me almost everyday. He was pretty good at annoying motivating me into getting my butt to the gym and our workouts were always some of the most fun and challenging. But, you won’t always have someone right there to cheer you on, which is where community centric fitness apps come in.
Suggested Apps:
- JEFIT: In addition to helping you come up with workouts, JEFIT also has an in-app community. There, you can get (and give) encouragement from other people in the JEFIT fitness community, at any time you want.
- PumpUp: Like JEFIT, PumpUp has an in-app community to help you connect with other fitness enthusiasts. But, PumpUp makes it a much more integral part of their app. It’s basically a social media platform for the #fitfam.
5. An app to track your progress
And finally, tracking. Sure you can have epic workouts without keeping track of anything, but tracking your progress takes that epicness to another level. Once you start tracking your workout stats, you’ll start crushing your fitness goals. Why? Because progress is a huge motivator. But if you don’t track it, there’ll be no way for you to celebrate just how far you’ve come.
Suggested Apps:
- JEFIT: Once you’ve logged a workout in the app, JEFIT keeps track of stats like PRs. weight lifted over time, as well as strength and endurance levels. There’s also an option for you to input other stats like weight, body fat % and muscle measurements. It’s pretty comprehensive and keeps track of things I would have never even thought of.
- PumpUp: PumpUp keeps track of a bit less, but it’s still useful for comparing your general progress overtime.
BONUS: An app for your gym
If your gym has it’s own app I’d definitely recommend that you download it ASAP. GoodLife Fitness has their own iOS app which I haven’t got my hands on since I have an Android device. But, from what I’ve read, it allows you to track your workouts, rate your day in terms of general health and wellness and build a schedule based on classes offered at your local gyms. That last one is definitely something I’d use often.
What about you?
How to you ensure an epic workout every time? What fitness related apps do you use? Where do you get your workout inspiration? What keeps you motivated to stay active?
Share in the comments below!
Get Social with me on:
Facebook – Diary of an Ex-Sloth
Twitter – @ExSloth
Pinterest – @ExSloth
Instagram – @ExSloth
Google+ – +GiselleRochford
Bloglovin – Diary of an ExSloth
More Fitness Tips
Follow GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth’s board :: Fitness Tips :: on Pinterest.
Linking up with: #FFavorites, Friday Favourites, Friday Five, Fitness Friday, FYI Friday, #didyouknowlink, #dishthefit
This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
Great app suggestions! I only use Nike+, so I definitely need some new ideas!
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Crazy Easy Paleo Italian Stuffed Peppers & Garlic Cauliflower “Rice”
I think the app to remind me to get there would be the most important part. I feel like when I “schedule” workouts I am a lot more likely to follow through!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…How to Easily Remove the Peels from Canned Chickpeas
I fail at life when it comes to apps — the only one I really use is Instagram 😆 And my motivation to work out sometimes waxes and wanes depending on what else is going on in my life, but I think what keeps me at it is the fact that it just makes me feel so good — both mentally and physically.
I only use Nike+ Running for my own fun, but I write in all my workouts when I’m DONE in my google calendar (not as alerts though!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 3/27/15
A reminder and a music app are essential for me. I love loading up a playlist and going for a really long walk. Music makes it SO much more fun… =)
Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog recently posted…Coffee Chat No. 31
I didn’t know good life had an app! I would love that schedule of local classes, downloading it right away!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…FYI Friday – What’s the deal with GMO’S?
I’ve never heard of a JeFit or PumpUp so I’ll have to check them out! I use pandora for music, pinterest for workouts and my podcast app for good info when I feel like learning while I workout! 🙂
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…7 Tips for Staying Healthy During Your Period
I don’t have any apps on my new phone. I should try some new workout ones.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Running Fuel : New Spring Flavors to Look For
Fun! I used JEFit for a while, but find that I like writing things down better. It may seem like a pain to carry a paper and a pencil around, but I hated having to unlock my phone constantly. I love the podcast app the iPhone comes with for listening to different shows during long runs!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fun Fitness Tanks
All great suggestions! I use RunKeeper, and like that it reminds me every 3 days to get moving again (if I haven’t already done so).
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – March 27th – Florida, Here We Come!
I used to listen to all my music via iTunes, until I discovered Spotify. I absolutely love the flexibility I have with my playlists. It’s quirky at times, tho, usually the worst times, like during a race. I’m still trying to figure that out.
So many apps!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Dreaming, running, and fish
JEFIT-I will have to check this app out! thanks
This is a great list! I live in my cell phone and I find myself constantly checking my fitness apps. I think I check my Fitbit app as much as I check my email… #WinAllTheChallenges #BeatAllMyFriends
Jerusha recently posted…Feeling Not So Fit Friday – A Check-In
I like how you categorized the apps for different aspects of staying motivated, setting reminders, and even music! :] I love Google calendar! 😀
Farrah recently posted…Foodie Friday: 3-Ingredient Pancakes
No APPs for me… Exercise/fitness/healthy living in ingrained in my brain… Thus I don’t need extra motivation! ha ha. The endorphin rush is good enough for me 🙂
GiGi Eats recently posted…Once Upon A Time… I Had A Large Intestine: Part 2
great apps! pinning!
Marissa recently posted…Friday Favorites #4: For the week of 3/27
My favorite fitness apps:
1. Pact… Pays you for every workout
2. Sworkit…. You get suggested workout with timer and instructions no equipment needed.
3. My fitness pal to log all my food
4. Fitbit tracker… Pedometer and much more.
5. Healthiertn… Websites helping TN residents and guest to take small steps to health
I had spotify on when I was at the gym tongiht!! I need to get JEFIT on my phone, I always forget what weight I used the week before or how many reps I did!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Ultimate Butt Workout
Awesome! I love finding out about new fitness apps. I use Gym Pact to stay motivated – you set a goal for working out X number of times each week, and when you hit that goal you get paid, and for each day you miss you put a set dollar amount into the pot. I love it!!
I’m the same with you and I always schedule my workouts into my calendar to keep me on track 🙂
Ariana recently posted…Insulin: Making froyo an acceptable post-workout meal
I log EVERY run with the Nike+ app but I haven’t tried any other fitness-related apps – thanks for the tips!!
Chicago Jogger recently posted…Speedy Treadmill Workout + Shamrock Shuffle Updates.
I have not tried Songza before but have been looking for some new music options. Thanks for the tip!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Remembering . . .
I used to use Nike and my fitness pal a lot but I kind of stopped too much to do! I just got songza and look forward to using that.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Spring Veggies To Love
i use several of these. I use alarms like apps. I need them to keep me on track lol.
Lara recently posted…Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Great list! Apps seem so helpful in theory but I had a bad habit of downloading apps and never using them so I’ve stopped downloading.
jill conyers recently posted…Workout Recap and Menu Plan
I’m always on the looksee for some new apps to try. Thanks for sharing!!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Fukumoto Friday: Week 19
Before I started teaching, Nike Training Club used to be my go-to fitness app- it’s amazingggg. You need to try it! I use Tabata Timer and Bit Timer to time my workouts and Map My Run if my Garmin is dead. I love fitness apps!
Monique @ Burpees to Bubbly recently posted…Shrimp and Veggie Curry Dish
I downloaded Spotify and for me it works much better than ITunes and I am sure II only know half of what it does!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Who, what, why inspires you to be healthy?
Obviously, I don’t know all the capabilities of Wunderlist! I have it, but I don’t know the tricks. YAY! I love this post. So useful. Hurrah for phones, and thanks for the guidance about how to maximize them! #fitfamlove
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch recently posted…Melissa’s Transformation. 100 Pounds Lost and 13 Races Completed in 1 year
Pinterest is always where I go too. I love cross fit but nowadays I just target what I want to tone. Thanks for sharing.
Nickely Challenged recently posted…Liebster Award
I would like to mention Kaa-Yaa here. This wonderful app makes a customized workout plan and makes us to take an oath for a daily workout! I think, it is necessary for the busy individuals who don’t give priority to fitness. Kaa-Yaa is an app that deserves a try…
Yes! I was looking for the exact workout app that should have a bazillion workout feature! I got it from JEFIT! Thank you a lot for publishing this informative content!
TechyJeev recently posted…iPhone Face ID Not Working after iOS Software Update? How to Fix?