There’s an App for…Getting in Shape

By Sarah Klein

As the latest iPhone commercials attest, there’s an application for just about everything. For those that aren’t familiar, Apple has created thousands of applications available for purchase and download to enhance the iPhone experience, with everything from games, books, and streaming radio, to restaurant finders, grocery list templates, and even IQ tests.

While many of these apps are just for fun, hundreds are helping users lose weight, get fit, or stay in shape. Almost 800 applications are available through the iTunes store in the Healthcare and Fitness category. Since that’s a lot to sift through, check out these 5 popular get-moving apps:

• iFitness – One of the top 10 paid applications at the iTunes Store in any category, and on the top of the list for the Healthcare and Fitness category, this app boasts over 150 exercises organized by region of the body. Each is illustrated with pictures and explained with step-by-step instructions. Add exercises to a custom workout or try one of the 9 pre-programmed routines. You can even track your progress and email results to yourself!
• LoseIt! – The most popular free Healthcare and Fitness app from the iTunes store is more centered on diet and weight-loss than providing you with an exercise plan. This app allows you to set a daily calorie budget, and keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise to help you reach your weight-loss goals.
• RunKeeper – This app, with both a free and paid version, uses the built in GPS in the iPhone to keep track of your speed and distance as you walk, run, bike, or even ski.
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• YogaStretch – For a workout with less emphasis on cardio fitness and more focus on improving strength, balance, posture, and flexibility, there’s this customizable yoga program, winner of a 2008 iPhoneFootprint for Excellence Award. An audio track can lead you through over 60 poses, or you can view individual poses with detailed instructions on how to perform each move.
• iSitups – Eliminate some of the misery of sit-ups with this motivational app. The 8-week program is designed to get you fit in only 10 minutes a day, three times a week!
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