четверг, 21 мая 2009 г.

13 Free Apps That Are Better Than A Gym Membership

13 Free Apps That Are Better Than A Gym Membership
Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

What's amazing about this timer is that you can customize the exercises in your circuit, and the app will speak the interval names aloud. Don't worry: You can still listen to your own music and hear the alerts on top of it!The countdown is giant. It's visible in both landscape and portrait mode, so you'll never lose track of the time. Upgrade to pro ($5) to save timers for different types of workouts (7 minute, Tabata, HIIT, etc.). Only the pro version of this app ($5) is available for Android.

What's amazing about this timer is that you can customize the exercises in your circuit, and the app will speak the interval names aloud. Don't worry: You can still listen to your own music and hear the alerts on top of it!

The countdown is giant. It's visible in both landscape and portrait mode, so you'll never lose track of the time. Upgrade to pro ($5) to save timers for different types of workouts (7 minute, Tabata, HIIT, etc.).

Only the pro version of this app ($5) is available for Android.



This is the ultimate app for people who want a lot of direction — or don't want to spend hours at the gym. Nike Training Club creates a comprehensive four-week plan based on your fitness level and goals. Workouts are targeted toward getting leaner, stronger, or more toned and range from 15 to 45 minutes. If you hate running (or are injured), you can even choose to eliminate running from your program.


A voiceover guides you through the workout, and you can double check your form by playing the video that comes with each exercise. I love using AirPlay on my iPhone to beam the exercises to my TV. If you have an Android phone and a Chromecast, you can stream videos to your TV as well.


If you love dancing, you'll love Spring Moves. Like SoulCycle, the app encourages you to match your steps to a beat. You choose the intensity and the type of music you like, then press

If you love dancing, you'll love Spring Moves. Like SoulCycle, the app encourages you to match your steps to a beat. You choose the intensity and the type of music you like, then press "start." Spring will then start tracking your mileage via GPS. If you don't like the song that's being played, swipe the song title to the left and press the forward button.

The app is not limited to runs (there's also walking, interval, cycling, rowing, and swimming), but it's definitely the most effective for running. It's important to note that this app streams music, so if you like to run outdoors where there is no Wi-Fi and have a limited data plan, this is not the app for you. The first five hours are free and subscriptions start at $4 per month or $20 per year.



Avoid ramping up your training plan too quickly by following this app's easy-to-start program. It's an eight-week training course that requires a mix of running and walking three days per week, thirty minutes per day. An example workout will include a brisk warm-up walk, followed by 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking. You'll alternate between walking and jogging until you hit 30 minutes. See? Not bad!


If the ads bug you, consider upgrading to the pro version for iPhone.


Those with BlackBerries and Windows Phones — do not fret. This web app developed by the New York Times is based on the scientific seven-minute workout and will work in any mobile web browser. Try it on your tablet or computer too! Just open this link on your phone, choose between the beginner or advanced workout, select the gender of your voiceover (or none), and start the workout. Helpful illustrations show you how to do each exercise and a giant timer helps you keep track of your interval. One thing to note is that you'll need more than just seven minutes to complete this workout. Complete several rounds of the exercises as your mobility and fitness allows, so that it's truly effective.

Those with BlackBerries and Windows Phones — do not fret. This web app developed by the New York Times is based on the scientific seven-minute workout and will work in any mobile web browser. Try it on your tablet or computer too!

Just open this link on your phone, choose between the beginner or advanced workout, select the gender of your voiceover (or none), and start the workout. Helpful illustrations show you how to do each exercise and a giant timer helps you keep track of your interval. One thing to note is that you'll need more than just seven minutes to complete this workout. Complete several rounds of the exercises as your mobility and fitness allows, so that it's truly effective.



Open the app, tap "Fit in 5 minutes," and you're already working out. Sworkit puts the exercises you want right up front. Three categories are included: strength, cardio, and yoga. Videos play automatically and guide you through each exercise. There are no complicated programs to follow and, unlike other workout apps, no signup information to input. Sworkit is ideal for people who travel frequently or want to workout in their own homes.


There's also a stretching sequence for your cool down. If you're looking for something specific, you can search from a comprehensive list of exercises.


With this app, you can start as a beginner yogi and work your way up to an advanced practice. With the free, basic version, you'll receive one full-length session per week, as well as access to a few freestyle sessions. High-definition videos play one after the other and guide you through the practice, in the comfort of your home or hotel room. The

With this app, you can start as a beginner yogi and work your way up to an advanced practice. With the free, basic version, you'll receive one full-length session per week, as well as access to a few freestyle sessions. High-definition videos play one after the other and guide you through the practice, in the comfort of your home or hotel room. The "freestyle sessions" are themed and a lot of fun. Some are designed for recovery, while others are programmed for strength.

To access unlimited videos, you need to sign up for a monthly subscription ($8) or an annual subscription ($40).





You'll get a new workout every day with this app. Each workout can be done at home and requires no equipment. Handy GIFs walk you through each exercise and a large timer keeps track of intervals. These exercises aren't for the faint of heart. You'll definitely feel sore the next day.



Mountain Athletics is a six-week training program designed specifically for running, alpine climbing, climbing, back country skiing, all-mountain skiing, or general fitness. The app schedules six weeks worth of workouts, starting on the day you sign up for the program. Each "session" targets a different part of the body (core strength, upper body, etc.) and most exercises require equipment like barbells, a curl bar, or weighted plates.



The app's concept is pretty simple: three 45-minute exercises, three times a week to get stronger. If you don't mind repetition, StrongLifts can show you how to build muscle effectively. The app makes weights a lot less intimidating for beginners! It will tell you what exercise to do, and how much weight to add (or not). The app will automatically alternate between two workouts and increase weight (but you choose the increments in the settings). When you finish five reps, tap the next circle to mark it as done and a timer will appear to track your rest time.




Original article and pictures take www.buzzfeed.com site

Комментариев нет:

Отправить комментарий