Technology is growing at a faster rate and programs and applications that used to cost thousands of dollars in the healthcare field are now easily accessible, accurate, and inexpensive (sometimes even free). Now you have free access to formerly fancy expensive exercise and nutrition software & programs that were only accessible by Nutritionist and Exercise Scientist. Simple programs now replace high priced GPS watches would calculate your pace, and fancy timers and stop watches would assist your workouts. Below are my favorite applications (mostly iphone/ipod users….I’m an apple guy, but some can be found online and for android apps too).
So be smart with your smart phone, be more healthy!
My FitnessPal Calorie Counter
-Awesome application that allows you to count and track calories. Studies showed that people that kept a food journal lost more weight and kept it off. This tool is great, and its free. My favorite features is the bar-code scanner, saving meals, and tracking exercises. You can also connect with friends to help hold each other accountable.
Nike+Running Application
Turn your phone into a gps watch. Track your pace, distance, and workouts on this great app. Very cool interactive website that goes with it. Also plays music to help with pace.
Fooducate App
This application track calories, but offers a more education tool to help you make smart healthy decisions shopping and ordering.
Map My Run GPS
-This is a great application to not only track your runs or hikes, but to discover others. If you are traveling and wanted to find a 4 miler run near your location, search for routes that other users have submitted and published and learn their routes, terrain, distance, etc. Fun to track, log, and share.
Tabata Timer
-High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to get in shape, get more bang for your buck with cardiovascular training. Make a 12 minute cardio session feel and act like a 60 minute. The Tabata method has clinical studies showing the benefit of this specific interval training of cycles of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. Turn boring eliptical or recumbent bicycle sessions into intense heart pounding intervals. Can be used with burpees, pushups, running in place, stairs, jogging, and all of the cardio equipment. I prefer spin bikes.
