IF YOU WANT to get fit these days, a smartphone is almost as useful as a trip to the gym.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the fitness and nutrition apps used by members of TheScore.ie team this month and picked five of our favourites.
C25k
What: By now you’ve probably heard of C25k or any of its ilk. C25k is an acronym for ‘couch to 5k’ and does exactly what it says on the tin over nine weeks.
Why: Even if you’ve never run for the bus, this could be the app that turns you into the next Sonia O’Sullivan. Okay, maybe not but its incremental structure means you don’t even realise that you’re running further and for longer every week until you hit the 5km mark.
How much: Depending on the version you get, it can be free.
Zombies, Run!
What: Another running app, Zombies, Run! gets you moving by making you feel like you’re being chased by the undead.
Why: Running, especially on your own, can get very boring. This spices it up by making you feel like you’re in your very own zombie apocalypse.
How much: Up to €3.59
Fitness Builder
What: For a much more complete work-out, over 750 of them to be precise, Fitness Builder is a gym and personal trainer all wrapped into one.
Why: It’s full of videos and images to help you along if you’re not sure and with so many variations you’ll rarely get bored.
How much: It’s free for the first month but gets pricey after that (up to €250.00 for physical therapy professionals). However, for most users it should still be cheaper than the gym.
Nutrition Tips
What: Nearly all of us consume food on a daily basis, but what are the best cuts of meat or which fruits are best when you’re training for a marathon? Nutrition Tips gives you the answers.
Why: We are probably all guilty of concentrating on exercise while paying scant regard to the fuel for our endeavours. Having this app on your phone could change that.
How much: It’s free.
SleepBot
What: The only thing we ignore more than food when it comes to fitness is sleep, SleepBot aims to change that.
Why: It tracks your sleep, helping you understand when you sleep and what type you’re experiencing giving you a better chance to plan your day/exercise.
How much: Like a good night’s sleep, this is also free.
