Technology has made exercise a more convenient fit for our daily lives, so there's really no excuse for not getting started. Keeping fit can also be a great way of coping with these tough winter days, with countless mental and physical benefits.
Sometimes, even the more motivated among us need a boost, which is where a fitness app can really help for when those New Year's resolutions and goals have fallen by the wayside. These free fitness apps can make all the difference in keeping you active!
Fitnet
Your very own personal trainer tucked in an app! Fitnet is designed to be used in tandem with an iPad and contains over 200 free workout videos, and provides real-time feedback via Fitnet's biometric camera. There's a point system that indicates your speed and energy expenditure.
Download Fitnet for iPhone
Zombies, Run!
Lockdown may mean jogging around the park on your own, but there's no law yet to stop a few zombies chasing you! Played by more than a million people, Zombies, Run! is the biggest smartphone fitness game to date. Your mission is to race to humanity's last remaining outpost, gathering supplies and rescuing survivors along the way. You can play anywhere at your own pace - and yes, that includes walking. There are 200 different missions available to download. You'll hear your mission through your headphones and can alternate the pace, especially once those zombies are on your tail!
Download Zombies, Run! for iPhone
Download Zombies, Run! for Android
MyTraining Workout Tracker Log
MyTraining Workout Tracker Log offers predefined workouts, hundreds of exercises with videos, a training calendar and support from world-class coaches. And having access to an online community of fitness fanatics is a real bonus feature, allowing you to keep up with what your friends are doing and share training tips and advice. There's also a chat feature where you can speak to a certified coach in minutes!
Download MyTraining Workout Tracker Log app
My Virtual Mission
My Virtual Mission enables you to create the virtual fitness route of your dreams. Imagine a route and the app will create it - from rowing the English Channel to running America's Route 66. Wherever you have in mind, the app will tell you how many miles that is and set a goal for you. Then, after your usual walk, swim, cycle or run just enter the distance you clocked up into the app and the progress along your Mission Path will update instantly - getting you closer to your dream destination, which you'll get to experience with a little help from Google maps! When you've completed the route, you can even send a virtual postcard to your friends!
Download My Virtual Mission app
Couch to 5K
Couch to 5K is a running plan for beginners, and a little by little' method for getting active if you're unused to exercise. The plan involves three runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the nine weeks, building gradually in intensity.
The One You Couch to 5K app gives you a choice of coaches and helps you track your progress. As well as Laura who features on the NHS Couch to 5K podcasts, you can also be coached by celebrities Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican, Sanjeev Kohli or Michael Johnson.
Download Couch to 5K app from App Store
Download Couch to 5K app from Google Play
If you need more inspiration for keeping fit this winter, check out the #REDJanuary2021 Challenge.
Main photo of jogger by Alex McCarthy on Unsplash
