What about now?
What are we doing differently with regards to fitness? Well pretty much everything.
We've changed the way we warm up to the lifts we do. We have some new tools to use and a different way to cool down and recover.
But one of the biggest changes with respect to fitness has to do with technology. In particular fitness apps. Not quite a year ago almost half of Americans owned a smartphone and thus had access to the various apps available to them.
Below are five apps I like when it comes to tracking my workouts and fitness.
1. Interval Timer
Before this app came along everyone was going with a GymBoss timer. Not that there's anything wrong with this device except the extra cost and it's one more to bring with you to your workout.
Interval Timer is a free app and allows you to set up your workout to have a count down timer displayed during your sets. You can contol the number of sets, the length of the intervals, your rest breaks and even what type of bell sounds.
I know there was an update for this update which others say isnt' as good as the initial version. So I haven't bothered to update mine and find it works great for me.
2. Azumio Heart Rate
A college buddy in Washington put me on to this app which measures your heart rate. Why do I like it? It's easy to use. There's no need for a timing device or to try and count a racing pulse after a strenous session. One trick is make sure you don't push too hard against your phone with your finger othewise you won't get a reading. Thanks for that tip Marcey.
Another bonus is that this app is free as well. Well it was when I downloaded. It may be 99 cents now. FYI my pulse while writing this is 44 beats per minute. Just saying.
3
. Run Keeper
I've downloaded this app but haven't used it much. One of our members at the gym told me about it.
I like how you can track your runs and figure out the distance you covered and how long it took you. This is easily converted to your pace during the run. Plus you get a representation of your run on a map which is cool to see where you went.
Again this a free app. Are you seeing a trend here?
4. Ski Tracks
Thanks to Sean for letting me know about this app. If you're a skier or snowboarder you'll want to download it for this season. You can track the runs you do, the distance and vertical your cover. And the coolest part? It tracks your max speed!
Ski Tracks costs 99 cents.
5. Bioforce HRV
This app is the creation of Joel Jamieson. Joel was one of the inaugural speakers at our Okanagan Strength & Conditioning Conference. Bioforce HRV works with the chest strap of your heart rate monitor and provides a measure of your level of recovery. Every morning you perform a simple test that takes about 2.5 minutes. Then you'll know if any adjustments need to be made to that day's training plan.
One more thing to mention is that the app is $10 but factored into the cost of the Bioforce HRV unit. I'll let you know how this benefits my own training and results as I get set up with the unit.
What about you? What fitness related apps are you using? In the comments section below let me know.
Chris