Fitness is defined as ‘the ability to carry out daily tasks with strength and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies.
Components of Fitness –
Cardiorespiratory endurance – typically measured by how long or fast a person can perform an activity and how this impacts measurements such as heart rate and oxygen consumption.
CARDIORESPIRATORY ENDURANCE
Muscular endurance – typically measured by how many repetitions of an exercise a person can perform. Common tests involve push-ups and sit ups.
MUSCULAR ENDURANCE
Muscular strength – typically measured by how much weight can be moved in relation to repetitions. Exercises involving multiple joints and muscle groups such as squats or bench press are often used.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH
Muscular power – typically measured by how much force can be generated during a given activity.
MUSCULAR POWER
Flexibility – typically measured by how far a muscle group can be stretched or joint can be moved. The most common tests involve the hamstrings and shoulders.
FLEXIBILITY
Balance – typically measured by how long a particular position can be held with or without some type of activity being performed. Simple tests such as standing on one leg can be used to assess balance. More advanced tests may involve standing on an unsteady object while trying to catch a ball.
BALANCE
Effective workouts are well-planned, targeted, and efficient. However, except if you happen to be an affirmed fitness coach, making schedules and keeping tabs on your development is no simple accomplishment. Luckily, with a little help from technology, you can train like a pro (minus the hefty price tag). Here are five of the best free workout apps –
1. RUNTASTIC
Running, jogging, biking – it doesn’t matter how you train, keeping track of your workouts is essential. Runtastic allows you to set goals, uses a built-in GPS to record routes in real-time, and even lets you share your successes with your friends.
RUNTASTIC
PERKS OF RUNTASTIC
By tracking your mileage, Runtastic guages what wear and tear your trainers are enduring.
The app syncs with Apple Music to offer high tempo playlists for true musical motivation
2. ASANA REBEL: YOGA AND FITNESS
You don’t have to be a full-blown ‘yogi’ to use Asana Rebel. This handy little fitness app offers the perfect introduction to the regime. Rather than bombarding you with annoying notifications, you get a green dot on the built-in calendar when you train. You also get two new workouts every day so you’ll never get stuck doing the same old routine.
ASANA REBEL
PERKS OF ASANA REBEL
When you first login to the app – using Facebook or an email – you’ll see a screen that asks you to ‘unlock’ the premium version. Don’t be fooled. You can still use the free option by simply clicking the exit button at the top of the screen.
3. MYTRAINING WORKOUT TRACKER LOG
MyTraining packs a selection of helpful training videos, a routine log, and a handy calendar feature, but that’s not all. Technology may have come a long way, but you just can’t beat support from world class coaches. That’s exactly what this tracking app offers.
MY TRAINING WORKOUT TRACKER LOG
PERKS OF MYTRAINING
Got a burning question about your workout? Simply open the chat feature and speak to a certified coach in minutes.
4. MY VIRTUAL MISSION
Are you in need of some workout motivation? If your current exercise is less-than-inspiring, My Virtual Mission may be the app for you. Use it to create the virtual fitness route of your dreams – literally. If you can imagine a route, the app can create it.
MY VIRTUAL MISSION
PERKS OF MY VIRTUAL MISSION
-If you have a desired route in mind, the app will tell you how many miles that is and set a goal for you.
-When you’ve completed the route, you can even send a virtual postcard to your contacts to show off.
5. COUCH TO 5K RUNNER
The hardest part of any run is taking that first step. Couch to 5K offers running novices all the advice, support, and help they could possibly need. The NHS program claims to get people off the couch and running in just nine weeks.
COUCH TO 5K
PERKS OF COUCH TO 5K RUNNER
-Great for easing you into your new regime, so you can realistically work your way from a 15-minute route to a 5K run.
-Each workout is guided by a voice over from the likes of Olympian Michael Johnson to BBC presenter Jo Whiley.
Fitness apps could help you get more out of your day-to-day sessions. Now that you’re armed with some of the best, it’s time to get started.