Tuesday Training ... What Apps do you use?

Training Apps ... whilst they don't actually DO the training for you, some of them can come in pretty handy as training tools to help you get the best from your training.

I use some .. not religiously, some more than others, you get the idea. 

Here are the ones that I use ...

My Fitness Pal  

What is it?  My Fitness Pal is food and exercise journal where you can record what you eat and your training.  Super handy because you can record on your iPhone, iPad or online.  You can see exactly ( well, if you're honest! ) how many calories you are taking in and how many calories you are using for exercise. 
I love that you can scan the barcode on most foods and it is automatically recorded ( sometimes confronting too! ).  There is also the ability to create "meals" that you eat regularly along with "recipes" so you know the calorie count in each serve.

Why?  A great tool to learn the amount of calories in each food or serving of food.  Keeps you honest ( if you record honestly! ) and can show you where you are going wrong!  Remember weight loss is 80% what you put in your mouth!


RunKeeper

What is it?  RunKeeper is an app that you can use to record your activities.  I use it for running because it is linked up with the GPS, which means I know how far I have run, what times I did and what my pace was like.  I have mine set so that it lets me know each kilometre how far I have run and what pace I'm running at ( sometimes stressful if I've slowed down! ).
It will save each activity for you to view later either on your phone or online if you "send" it to RunKeeper.  The app also includes training plans that you can follow.

Why?  It's motivating and encouraging to see your distances increase and your times decrease!  And when you tally up how far you have run / walked over the course of say a month it's a great feeling of achievement.

Nike Training Centre

What is it?  Nike Training Centre app has a selection of workouts that you can do with little to no equipment.  Great for when you are travelling away from home.  The workouts are broken down into beginner, intermediate and advance.  You can also choose from "focus" workouts such as abs, arms etc.  I have used these when I'm on holidays as you can choose a quick workout that is a bit different and besides I don't have to think!

Why?  Great for a change of pace!  A good option for a mini workout when travelling.

Yoga App for Runners

What is it?  Just what it says, a yoga app for runners.  It includes some pre and post run stretches and poses.  There are also a couple of basic sequences such as Sun Salutations.  Again, I have used then when I've been travelling, usually after a run so that I get a decent stretch out.  Again, for me .. no thinking!

Why?  A handy guide with pics of stretches and postures for a quick yoga workout when there is no class or DVD handy.

Well, that's it!  These are the apps I use as part of my regular training program.

Do you have any that you could add to the list?  I'm always looking for something different to try!








2 comments:

Ellie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I also use 'My fitness pal' and 'Run-keeper'! They are both great! I've also recently downloaded Lorna Jane's app which does much the same thing as Run Keeper!

Vicki said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

@Ellie I have downloaded the LJ app too but keep forgetting to use it! I may be addicted to RunKeeper ;)