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fitness apps

We'd love to say we lead a phone-free life outside of our working hours, but that is just so far from the truth we're not even going to try and lie about it.

If, like us, your phone or tablet is glued to your hand every minute of the day, then why not make your time work for you by downloading some apps that are specifically designed to improve your mental and physical health?

From running trackers to a photo-sharing app with a difference, there are some great apps out there that will make living a mindful, healthy life easier and more convenient.

Here are a few we're loving at the moment…

Headspace
​FREE
iOS and Android

This meditation app starts you off with its Take 10 series, a simple introduction which involves doing ten minutes of guided meditation a day for ten days. Straight away we noticed we were sleeping better and feeling more relaxed before bed. Each session is led by Headspace founder Andy, whose calm and cheerful voice will make you feel instantly at ease.

 

You-app with Jamie Oliver
FREE
iOS and Android

If you're looking for a change from Instagram, this is a great start. Each day users are given daily "micro-actions" for Food, Mind, Move and Love, such as "snack smart", "explore the neighbourhood" or "eat a balanced brekkie." You can complete each task by uploading a picture to the app, which other users can view. 

 

Nike + Running
FREE
iOS and Android

After trying out a gazillion run tracker apps, we've finally found one we're happy with. Nike + records the length (miles or KM), route and calories burned for each workout, and logs them in a clean, concise interface that's really easy to navigate. You can also hook the app up to your phone's music and set a Power Song for that final mile or awful hill. 

 

Sleep Cycle
€1.99 for iOS, €3.32 or Android

If you find you're waking up groggy even after eight hours of shut-eye, your sleep cycle could be to blame. Sleep Cycle analyses your movements to track your sleeping cycles and wakes you up during the lightest sleep cycle, ensuring you feel as refreshed as possible. You can set a time frame during which you wish to be woken up, so there's no danger of sleeping in.

 

5 Minute Yoga
FREE for iOS
Not available for Android

If you keep skipping that yoga class in favour of the couch, start small with a short session each day, led by your smartphone. A timer ensures all poses are performed for the correct amount of time, and the mix of flexibility and strength exercises make it ideal for beginners.

 

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Most of us can't afford a personal trainer or a nutritionist to make sure we're as healthy and fit as we can be. What we do have at our disposal though – usually for free – are millions of amazing apps to help log our workouts, get motivated and count calories.

Here's our pick of the best, covering everything from that morning run to your cheeky "how many calories is in a Big Mac?" dinner.

1. Daily Ab Workout – FREE
This app is full of hundreds of short exercise videos – choose a new one every day or repeat them to try beat your best record. With a personal instructor in each clip, who needs a real-life trainer? Other versions of the app offer tailored exercises for your arms, legs and booty!

2. Map My Run – FREE
An oldie but a goodie. This is the highest rated runner's app for a reason. Simply press "Start" as soon as you head off and your route, calories and pace will all be logged. If you're living or staying somewhere new, choose from a range of routes logged by other runners. You can share your running stats on social media or keep them for yourself to smugly look back at every week!

3. Zombies, Run – €3.20
If you're sick of the same playlist on your iPod, liven things up by racing from zombies as you run. The music on your phone or iPod is integrated into the game, along with sound effects and warnings as the zombies get closer to out-running/eating you. Choose from over 100 different runs so that you're not facing the same battle every time!

4. My Fitness Pal – FREE
This calorie-counting app has over 4 million varieties of food listed, including every brand name you can think of. Quickly log your food, and include any daily exercise too to get an accurate idea of how many calories you're burning and taking in each day.

5. Gympact – FREE
The idea behind Gympact mightn't be for everyone, but it's certainly a different approach to fitness. Every time you set a food or fitness related goal, you also set a cash "fine" that you'll be charged if you don't kep up your side of the bargain. The deal? If you reach your goal, you'll get a portion of the fines paid by other members. 

6. Yoga Studio – €3.20
With ready-made video classes ranging from basic beginners to super-stretchy advanced, this app is a great option for winter when leaving the house in the evenings becomes less and less appealing. Whatever kind of yoga you prefer – strengthening, relaxing or high-intensity – there's a class for you.

 

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Fitness apps are a great way to keep track of your progress, measure your speed, distance and elevation all on your phone.

Download these apps and get moving:

MapMyFitness

MapMyFitness allows you to map your route, check your distance, record your activity and share the info with your friends.

Available for free on Android and iPhone

Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club has over 100 full body workouts by top athletes. It helps you to track you progress and stay motivated.  It allows you customize your workouts as you get toned, lean and strong.

Available for free on Android and iPhone

Couch to 5K

This app is perfect if you are a beginner runner.  It will help you get off the couch and complete a 5k in under 30 minutes after nine weeks. If offers training tools, support and much needed motivation.

Available on Android and iPhone for €1.51

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