App your way to fitness
We at LincFit take a look at some of the most popular fitness apps available.
7 Minute workout challenge
Rating: 6/10
Cost: £2.29 with in app purchases
Available on: ios, android
Website: http://7minworkoutapp.net/#about
It is exactly what is says in the name, a 7 minute workout challenge. The workouts can be done anywhere, with full video instructions for all the workouts, so there’s no complicated instructions where you find yourself with your leg around your neck.
As if that wasn’t reason enough to try this app, it can be used with the Apple Watch, so you can track your progress and workout, literally anywhere. The app isn’t just about slogging it out for 7 minutes a day either, and gives the user goals to work towards, and achievements to unlock, meaning you get a real sense of achievement every time you use it.
The app does cost £2.29 and has in app purchases, which if you’re willing to pay is fine, but there are alternative apps out there that do the same thing for free, if not to the same quality.
Overall, a great app for someone who wants to get fit but doesn’t have a lot of time for the gym, however it could improve on the cost front for what the app is actually offering.
My fitness Pal
Rating: 6/10
Cost: Free with in app purchases
Available on: ios, android, windows
Website: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/
One of the few apps that allows the user to set goals for weight loss or increased health, My Fitness pal helps users integrate healthy eating into their everyday life, as easy as sending a text. Not only does the app allow a record for easy calorie counting, but also counts the calories lost with a variety of exercises that can be searched for - including sports activities such as badminton, football and even golf.
Another great thing about the app is that users can interact and motivate each other, meaning a whole community of fitness that can share experiences, struggles and even recipes that are full of the good stuff.
The downsides of the app is that it’s focused on diet based fitness, which means users who are eating less calories in a day won’t see the benefit, and there was one point the app suggested I eat 800 calories a day in order to achieve my goal, which isn’t realistic or healthy. Overall, the app is great but needs a few tweaks to make it more of a support for the user who wants to lose weight, rather than a glorified calorie calculator.
Zombies, Run!
Rating: 8/10
Cost: Free with in app purchases
Available on: ios, Google play
Website: https://zombiesrungame.com/
The app opens up with some cartoon drawings, of how you’re humanities last surviving outpost in a post-apocalyptic world over run by zombies. Zombies, Run! Doesn’t just appeal to avid runners, but to people walking their dogs or nipping to the shop for a pint of milk.
There are four seasons of story missions, and each mission you can turn off and on zombie chases, in which packs of zombies will chase you randomly during the journey, and to escape you must outrun the pack. The app lets users listen to their selected playlist for a pleasant, if not adrenaline filled experience.
Users even have a virtual basecamp which they can expand, upgrade and demolish - making the app all about keeping fit and having fun at the same time.
Some features of the app do require the user to upgrade to a pro membership, such as the airdrop feature, but training plans to improve your fitness are free. Overall Zombies, Run! Is a real gem in the app world of fitness, and definitely one for everybody to try, zombie or human. It takes an alternative route to getting people off of the couch and virtually running for their lives.
Photo by Pixel Fantasy