Let’s get physical, digital!

MANILA, Philippines - Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announced last November that the App Store already has over a million apps, which means smartphone users have absolutely no excuse to screw up in many everyday situations. Got lost on the way to an important meeting? You have no idea how your Christmas bonus disappeared? You forgot to buy movie tickets? You can’t get a hookup? Your wedding reception selfies look like sh*t? You forgot how to pray the rosary? You don’t know the difference between vertigo or migraine? The answer to all of those questions is: “There is an app for that” and that same phrase is quickly becoming this generation’s “Why didn’t you ask?” or “I told you so.”

When it comes to looking for an app that will fit your health and wellness needs, the options can be as overwhelming as the cosmetics section of your favorite department store. FitSugar.com reports that there are over 11,000 apps just for fitness alone. From workout apps that play zombie moans to scare you into running or yoga routines in an office setting to nutrition apps that help you track your caffeine intake or measure your food portions. We narrowed down the popular fitness and wellness apps that are compatible with most phones and are, best of all, free. So what’s your excuse? Whatever that is, finally purchase that power bank and get moving.

Nike Training Club

If you would rather buy a bikini or the latest makeup palette instead of a bang-for-your-buck 10-day circuit training pass then the Nike Training Club is the app for you. Nike Training Club or “NTC” in pretentious fitness speak, is an app packed with workouts that help you stay motivated by tracking your progress. It’s like the app version of a less pushy physical trainer or a neat compilation of that pile of home workouts we used to rip and collect from glossies. The best part is we get to customize the workout to the level we want. If you also have fitspirations who happen to be part of Nike’s team, then you could get their workout but don’t expect to morph into the same bone structure as tennis star Maria Sharapova. With the Nike Training App, there is no excuse to skip a workout since workouts can be less than 30 minutes and all you need is your body weight and some space around the house or the village park. Some workouts even give you a chance to finally use the home gym equipment lying around like dumbbells and exercise balls. The interface is one of the best with videos that can help demo the move. Try it with your tablet and you have an exercise buddy when you travel.

Runner up: PopSugar Active

Available for free in iTunes and Google Play

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is the go-to app when it comes to weight loss or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aside from being free and compatible with most smartphones, the data you input is important in knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are. It’s like that diary you kept in high school and after reading some entries you realize the stupid mistakes you kept making. The app is actually a dream come true for most nutritionists and physical trainers who a decade ago would give health journals to their clients because calorie counting is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Now, MyFitnessPal can give you an estimate of that plate of chicken adobo you inhaled with the millions of entries in their database. You can scan barcodes to see if your snacks (like that Green Tea Kit-Kat) are as harmless as you think. When you forget to take note of your treadmill stats, MyFitnessPal can give a calorie burn estimate for your workout. With this data, users can finally see why they still have pudge even if they run five kms nightly (‘cause they probably run to a bar afterwards). I have to admit it does take time to get used to tracking your sleep, water intake, workouts and calories but it’s all worth it in the end, especially when MyFitnessPal shows you the estimated time you need to reach your goal weight.

Runner up: FatSecret

Available for free from iTunes, Google Play, BlackBerry World and Windows Phone Apps

RunKeeper

Aside from doughnuts or fast fashion, one of the trends that still gets Filipinos excited is running. So don’t get pissed off when nine out of 10 friends recommend that you run if you have a wedding or Boracay deadline. Just look around the metro and you have people running after work or yet another marathon ruining your Sundays with traffic reroutes. With the doctor’s blessing, running is a great way to lose weight because all you need is good running shoes and a smart phone packed with tunes or apps like RunKeeper to get that needed cardio fix. One of the apps that helped a lot of people across the globe get into running is RunKeeper. RunKeeper uses the GPS function of your phone to help you track or pace. With the RunKeeper, you can actually start with walking then progress to running. It saves you hiring a running coach with audio cues and analyzing your running stats. Like MyFitnessPal, you can share your stats amongst friends (or in social networks if you’re the bragging type).

Runner up:  Adidas MiCoach

Available for free in iTunes, Google Play and Windows Phone Apps

TribeSports Training

For fitness geeks and meatheads who want to go beyond the usual workout or post workout selfie, community-based sports apps like TribeSports Training are the most appealing. Like most fitness apps, TribeSports Training helps you track your progress but what’s different is the challenges that have got millions of followers hooked. Challenges such as the “Sexy legs workout” “Touch your toes with legs straight” or “25 squats a day for seven days” bring out the competitive fitness monster in everyone. And now instead of being the biggest fish in the pond (read: the fittest in your barkada of five), you connect with other gym rats across the globe. This is also perfect for somebody who gets bored easily or constantly needs a challenge without having to pay registration fees for marathons. 

Runner up: Endomondo

Available for free in iTunes, Google Play and Windows Phone Apps with the option for PRO membership

Workout or nutrition specific apps to check out: BMI Calculator, Pocket Yoga, Couch to 5K, Super 7 minute workout routine, GymKit (for strength training), Jillian Michaels, UP Coffee

Prices or availability of apps are subject to change without notice. Please check respective app stores or official websites for more information.