Fitness Apps: Technical Pocket Assistants

Today one can hardly get by without the help of fitness apps. In times where almost everyone has a smart phone, these apps make sense. Due to the countless number of apps available, it is easy to quickly lose track of the apps available. We've sorted out a few apps to help you stay up to date.

Fitness apps can be very useful. Regardless of whether you want to get fitter or you'd like to lose weight, the apps help you track your progress and results. They can also make exercise more fun and help keep you motivated.

Nevertheless, you should always be careful. Treat diet and calorie counting apps with caution. If Training Apps display certain exercises with pictures, it is easy to mistakenly learn the wrong posture.

Rather than blindly trusting an app, make sure to get additional information and professional advice before trying new exercises.

Some apps are also very data hungry. For people who value privacy, these apps are a nightmare. Some apps are simply designed as complex advertisements, which can also be very annoying.

Here are several apps that we recommend, in three different categories:

Dietary or Nutrition Consultant Apps:

MyFitnessPal

Here we have a classic calorie counter which helps with weight loss. With the help of a database containing more than five million foods, you can record your meal history and exercise. There is even a built-in barcode scanner for ready-to-eat foods. The app detects not only calories, but proteins, fats, sugars, etc. At the end of the day, you'll have a good overview of everything that you have eaten. The comprehensive analysis with graphs help with extra motivation. The app also gives you the ability to design your own goals.

The app is available for free.

Weight Watchers Mobile

The famous weight loss program is now also available as an app. The app offers many recipes that are updated weekly, and tips and tricks for proper nutrition. For motivation, you can read the success stories of other users. There is also a diary function to help you keep the weight off.

The app is primarily aimed at people who are already members of the online Weight Watchers program and you do need to join to get access to all the features.

Otherwise, the app is free.

Apps for endurance sports enthusiasts:

runtastic

This app has been designed specifically for running enthusiasts. With the aid of GPS, you can find out all kinds of statistics about your run, from your speed to the number of calories you used. There are lots of statistics and even a PowerSong option available for the appropriate sports soundtrack. You can share your results directly over various social media platforms.

Runtastic can also be used for other sports, like cycling, horse riding or skiing among others, although not all the variations are available for free. The app is available for free, but there is also a paid professional version.

Runkeeper

Runkeeper also works with GPS tracking and provides in-depth analysis. The data can be stored long term on the website, where you can follow your progress over long periods of time. In addition, you can set goals to stay motivated.

The basic version of the app is available for free, the paid version offers some thoughtful extra functions.

Adidas miCoach

This app is a Personal Running Trainer. With GPS and the help of audio coaching the app leads you through different phases of training while you're running. You can choose which phase you are in by selecting different training plans. This helps you effectively train for endurance and speed. The app also offers advice on when to buy new running shoes. Very practical.

In addition, the app offers approximately 400 exercises for strength and stabilization training.

The app is available for free.

Finally, we come to personal training apps.

Fitness Builder Plus

This app includes over 750 workouts that range from yoga to boot camp exercises. It's almost impossible not to find one that suits your interests. If the workouts don't perfectly meet your needs, you can put together your own (with pictures and videos). You can even print them as a PDF.

This app can be used for free, but if you want to use all of its features you'll have to buy the full version.

Freeletics

The new fitness trend Freeletics is becoming increasingly popular and has been seen as a revolution in personal fitness. The exercises follow the principles of functional training to train your entire body.

The exercises all come with video tutorials for both beginners and well trained people alike. There are more than 700 videos with different exercise variations, etc. so you'll never get bored and you'll always find something that suits you. Freeletics launched as an app, and now there is also a dedicated website and a great community.

The app is available for free, but you can also unlocked more features using in-app purchases.

Nike + Training Club

This app features more than 100 workouts, all of which were developed by trainers. They are perfect for both people who want to be fitter, as well as from people who want to lose weight. You can also compete against friends to stay motivated or receive cheers after workouts from the app. You'll also be able to take a picture after training to share with your friends. The app thus represents a kind of social sports network.