5 Fitness apps to help keep your resolutions in check
Going to the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe the idea of working out and getting sweaty in a room full of strangers repulses you. Maybe you’re always on the go, or maybe you’re not comfortable paying membership fees and not getting your money’s worth. We’ve compiled a list of fitness apps that cater for different types of exercise, as well as different budgets so you can stick to those 2024 resolutions well beyond January.
Down Dog
Whether it’s your first time on the mat, or whether you’re an experienced yogi, Down Dog is an incredible fitness app for taking your yoga practice to the next level. It’s highly customisable, allowing you to select your preferred difficulty, duration (from 4-90 minutes), voice (male or female instructors with different accents), style (traditional and contemporary styles), ambient music and muscle group to focus on. Additionally, they believe that everyone should have access to yoga, so if you can’t afford it, simply pop them an email and they’ll give you free access. Furthermore, schools can receive free access as well.
Price: R189 ($9.99) p/month, R1134 ($59.99) p/year
Available on: iOS & Android
Nike Training Club
First of all, the fact that the Nike Training Club fitness app is free is already a strong selling point. The NTC App offers more than 200 free workouts and targeted routines and they constantly keep updating their workout library. Hence, you’re not likely to get bored, whichever fitness level you’re at. Variety is the name of the game, giving users the choice between yoga, strength training, cardio and HIIT, as well as flexibility. Another bonus is that at-home workouts can easily be done in a small apartment. Conversely, their Go-To-Gym option guides users through tailored gym workouts, too. Overall, setting goals and tracking progress on the app are seamless and comprehensive, compatible with most smart devices.
Price: Free
Available on: iOS & Android
Nike Run Club
Nike is all about removing the barrier for entry, with another incredible fitness app that’s as free as it is beneficial. Whether you’ve never laced up before or whether you’re training for a marathon, the Nike Running Club app is there to guide you on every step of your run. Additionally, NRC gives you the option of doing your own thing, or connecting with a community of runners through weekly and monthly challenges. If you like music soundtracking your run, NRC allows for seamless Apple Music and Spotify integration. It also gives you access to audio guidance from professional athletes and Nike coaches. You won’t believe how motivational this feature actually is!
Price: Free
Available on: iOS & Android
Centr by Chris Hemsworth
Honestly, unless you can dedicate time to daily workouts as well as daily meal prep (some meals take long to prepare), this fitness app isn’t for you. However, if you’re serious about upping your fitness, diet and mental wellness, this could be the perfect app for you. The brainchild of Australian actor, Chris Hemsworth, Centr gives users unlimited access to personalised meal plans, daily workouts, meditations, wellness and mindfulness tips, as well as articles and a dedicated online community. It’s a highly customisable programme developed by Hemsworth’s hand-picked team of world-class experts. Most other fitness apps focus solely on fitness, where Centr really is a holistic solution. It’s only pricey if you aren’t going to use every feature. At least try the 7-day free trial.
Price: R567.97 per month ($29.99, pay as you go), R1136.56) per quarter ($59.99 for 3-months), or R2272.43 per year ($119.99 annual)
Available on: iOS & Android
SWEAT App
Designed by fitness guru, Kayla Itsines, Sweat is unique in that it directly and deliberately caters for women. In fact, it’s one of the best female-focused fitness apps available. Sweat offers a wide variety of programmes (currently over 20 programmes) that include yoga, barre, pilates, at-home or gym workouts and even post-pregnancy workouts. The interface is pleasant to look at and incredibly easy to navigate and customise. Additionally, a planner helps you schedule your workouts and structure your meals. One of the special touches of the app is the Sweat community, connecting like-minded women through the app’s blog and forums. The free 14-day trial allows you to really explore the app before committing.
Price: R2276.85 ($119.94) annual membership
Available on: iOS & Android
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