Search Weight Loss Topics: |
5 Free Fitness Apps to Build an Exercise Habit of Regular Workouts – MakeUseOf


Fitness is about building a habit of exercising regularly. These free apps motivate you with different workout styles and build a sustainable fitness habit.
Most of the best workout apps assume that the user has an interest in getting fitter. But sustainability is the key factor that is often overlooked. You need to find a way to motivate yourself to exercise regularly, like beating a personal record, enjoying time with a gym buddy, or finding a community you can belong to.
Exercising is more fun when you do it as a group or with friends, but social distancing has forced our hands. In the new world of video chatting about everything, Virtual Gym offers a way to workout virtually with friends through a video call.
The app has a set of free routines to choose from: body training, yoga, warm-up, and push-up challenges. Log in to the app, then pick any routine that you want to create a video chatroom for. Share the link with friends, and start the workout once everyone has joined.
The video call happens on the left, while the right shows the current exercise with a short GIF, voice instructions, and a timer or rep count. You can encourage buddies or engage in banter, just like you would in a regular gym. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish your workout. It's completely free.
Can you do 100 push-ups in one workout? Or maybe 300 squats, or 50 pullups, or 300 ab crunches? ShvagerFM by Sergey Shvager is a series of apps built on this simple style of training. It's all about multiple repetitions of the same exercise but built in a way to take anyone from zero to that high number.
Each exercise has its own app, and it doesn't matter how many or how few you can already do. The first time you start, you'll need to do the exercise at a stretch and say how many you can manage (even zero is an acceptable answer). According to that, the app will recommend a level for you and train you to do more.
For every session, you'll first do a series of warm-ups, shown through animated GIFs in the app. This is crucial, don't skip it or you'll injure yourself. Next, the app gives you a series of repetitions for that exercise, with breaks in between. Once you're done, it's time to rest till the app reminds you to start your next set after 24 or 48 hours.
All the apps are free with ads, and you can choose which exercise you want to get better at. It's a nice way to build your ability in a certain exercise, and do it at your own pace.
Download: ShvagerFM Apps on Android|iOS (Free)
You don't need a gym membership or fancy equipment to get fit. The calisthenics movement has long espoused the virtues of bodyweight training, and it's more and more popular now. Reddit communities have gotten behind it, and if you're working out at home or outdoors, Fitloop is an excellent free app to learn these routines.
Fitloop leverages the free workout routines and guides shared on Reddit and puts them into a beautiful, functional app. It encourages users to make their own routines and share them publicly. So you'll find a variety of workout routines for different skill levels, including things like Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Terminator at Home' workout.
The routines are the base, while Fitloop adds several features on top of that. For example, it includes timers and counts, with customizable additions. You'll find YouTube videos for every type of exercise. You can build a habit streak and track your workouts to see progressive statistics. It's simple, easy, and completely free.
Download: Fitloop for Android | iOS (Free)
19 Fit takes an unobtrusive approach to online fitness. No reminders, no data logging, this is just a way to find a routine when you want to do it. For a self-disciplined person, you need an app that gets out of the way and simply shows you the exercise.
The app curates the best YouTube fitness videos and puts them into the right workout set according to the exercise routine you need. This is a web app that works on both desktop and mobile.
Start by picking what fits you best (women, men, senior, kids) and which difficulty level you'd like to begin with (easy, medium, hard). Accordingly, 19 Fit will display a range of exercise routines that work out different areas. You'll also be able to see the number of sessions in each.
Each session includes multiple workouts and tells you how many minutes it will take for the whole thing. Finally, when you're ready to start a session, you'll see the YouTube videos. Play it to begin your workout, it's completely free.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, running as an exercise form has seen more interest. One of the most popular programs to start running is the Couch to 5K regimen, which gets someone who has never run before to eventually be able to run a 5K in 9-12 weeks. But before you start, you need to read Nerd Fitness's guide.
Steve Kamb explains why the Couch to 5K program is so popular and enticing, and the mistakes you need to watch out for. The simplicity of a "just run" program makes it seem accessible, but Kamb is quick to point out that sustainable exercise is about finding an activity you enjoy. He points out the tell-tale signs of what it means to not enjoy running, and whether you should abandon it or not.
He also talks about tips and tricks on how to stick to the Couch to 5K program and shares PDFs and pictures of the original program. Most websites tend to push you towards apps like C25K, which are also pretty good, but go through Nerd Fitness's guide before you decide what you want to use.
A great alternative is to try out the NHS's Couch to 5K podcast. Broken down over nine weeks, you can download all the MP3 episodes and play them when you start. The narrator tells you when to run, when to walk, with music interspersed between.
Apps and websites are excellent tools to aid in your journey to get healthier. But sustainable fitness comes through inner motivation. You need to feel that drive from within and find ways to challenge yourself to do better.
That's why routines like the Couch to 5K or 300 Squats become popular. It's about reaching a goal that's not related to your weight, but to the exercise itself. The internet is full of such fitness challenges and other programs that will push you towards working out regularly. It's all about finding an exercise that you enjoy.
A large portion of new year's resolutions revolves around health and fitness. Participating in a 30-day challenge is an excellent way to get started on your goals while getting the guidance you need.
Mihir Patkar has been writing on technology and productivity for over 14 years at some of the top media publications across the world. He has an academic background in journalism.
Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals!
Please confirm your email address in the email we just sent you.
More:
5 Free Fitness Apps to Build an Exercise Habit of Regular Workouts - MakeUseOf
- Loyola Medicine Offers Men's Health Tips for the New Year - Newswise - January 15th, 2021
- JOE BLACK: The purpose to fitness is living well - Maryville Daily Times - January 9th, 2021
- Fit Bodies, Inc. Brings Online Resort Location Workout Options to Silver&Fit's Free Facebook Live and YouTube Senior Exercise Classes - Benzinga - January 9th, 2021
- North Hampton Library offering virtual fitness classes for kids and teens - Seacoastonline.com - January 9th, 2021
- PET TALK: Exercise with your pet this new year - New Castle News - January 9th, 2021
- What's Next for Senior Tech? 5 Insights from the Thrive Center - HealthTech Magazine - January 9th, 2021
- Fitness Apps for Crushing New Years Resolutions at Home - The Wall Street Journal - January 3rd, 2021
- From Cellular Fitness To Self-Pleasure, 6 Wellness Trends That Will Be Big In 2021 - British Vogue - January 3rd, 2021
- NYE full body workout resolution: Try one of these at home fitness programs - Film Daily - January 3rd, 2021
- The Silver&Fit Free Senior Exercise Classes Expand to 54 a Week in 2021, Streaming on Facebook Live and YouTube - PRNewswire - January 3rd, 2021
- Trends to watch in 2021 in entertainment, homelife, worklife and fitness - Minneapolis Star Tribune - January 3rd, 2021
- Theres a balance to finding the perfect golf fitness program to get you ready for 2021 - Golf.com - January 3rd, 2021
- Trying to workout after COVID? Not so fast. - North Carolina Health News - January 3rd, 2021
- Riz Ahmed 'Sound Of Metal' Workout: How the Actor Got Ripped - Men's Journal - January 3rd, 2021
- Words of Faith: Creating a spiritual toolbox | Religion - Frederick News Post - December 26th, 2020
- Infertility? Take the Weight off your Chest - Times of India - December 26th, 2020
- Poor circulation in the hands: Causes, treatments, and how to improve it - Medical News Today - December 26th, 2020
- 4 ways to stay fit and stress less during the holidays - KTVZ - December 26th, 2020
- The 15 Best Meditation Apps, According to People Who Actually Meditate - Self - December 26th, 2020
- Skyhawk and Vertex Team Up on RNA Splicing-Based Therapies - BioSpace - December 26th, 2020
- Is Self-Care The Future Of Workplace Wellness? A Q&A With Goodpath Co-Founder, Bill Gianoukos - AllWork.Space - December 26th, 2020
- San Antonio engineering technician who helped pioneer the space program dies at 85 - San Antonio Express-News - December 26th, 2020
- These Northeastern students made sure that COVID-19 victims' stories were told in the Boston Globe - News@Northeastern - December 26th, 2020
- 4 ways to stay fit and stress less during the holidays - kuna noticias y kuna radio - December 20th, 2020
- Physical Activity May Be Important in the Prevention of Osteoporosis - Rheumatology Advisor - December 20th, 2020
- AirPods Max, Fitness+, Facebook vs. Apple on the AppleInsider podcast - AppleInsider - December 20th, 2020
- Trump shouldnt give pardon to Snowden - Boston Herald - December 20th, 2020
- 5 Ways to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries at Home - GlobeNewswire - December 20th, 2020
- I gave up this year and so can you - Insider - INSIDER - December 20th, 2020
- Covid-19 stimulus: The Feds role in stimulus talks in Congress, explained - Vox.com - December 20th, 2020
- How to win a Peloton Bike+, Mirror, Theragun, and more workout gear - Mashable - December 18th, 2020
- See What Happens When NYC Streets Are Full of People Instead of Cars - The New York Times - December 18th, 2020
- Exercise Science And Physical Education - Montclair State ... - December 17th, 2020
- The Complete 4-Week Beginner's Workout Program | Muscle ... - December 17th, 2020
- Education-Only, Exercise Intervention-Based Programs Helped Reduce Lymphedema Incidence and Increase Range of Motion in Affected Limbs of Patients... - December 17th, 2020
- Scary, but not hopeless: Working through memory loss - KING5.com - December 17th, 2020
- SELLAS Strengthens Year-End Balance Sheet with Addition of Approximately $30.5 Million - BioSpace - December 17th, 2020
- Avoiding the Holiday Blues in an Already Rough Year - tntribune.com - December 17th, 2020
- LES MILLS On Demand named 2020 'Best At-home Workout' by USA Today - Club Industry - December 17th, 2020
- Professor or Associate Professor Position in Exercise and Oncology job with University of Michigan | 306005 - The Chronicle of Higher Education - December 17th, 2020
- Mercer Botanic Gardens January 2021 Calendar | The Paper Magazine -Covering The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe & North Houston Areas - The Paper... - December 17th, 2020
- Natures Classroom: Saving what we love part II: The power of play - Pueblo Chieftain - December 17th, 2020
- Murray State receives grant from Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization - Murray Ledger and Times - December 17th, 2020
- Doctor Urges Healthy Choices, Positive Mindset - The SandPaper - December 17th, 2020
- DeWitt youth programs affected by pandemic - Clinton Herald - December 17th, 2020
- Wilton Police Honor Top Officers Of The Year - Patch.com - December 17th, 2020
- Student-teacher experience also bends to pandemic's will - The Daily Gazette - December 17th, 2020
- Dor Eckstein on the Role of Exercise and Nutrition in Fitness - BBN Times - December 12th, 2020
- Loop Insights Launches Multilingual Platform In Support Of National Programs, Announces Receipt Of $4,600,000 From Exercise Of Warrants, Commences... - December 12th, 2020
- American Specialty Health Named Among the Top Workplaces in San Diego County - BioSpace - December 12th, 2020
- USA TODAY NETWORK and The Gannett Foundation Announce 2020 National Grant Recipients for A Community Thrives - USA TODAY - December 12th, 2020
- COVID-19 took the personal out of personal training. Here's how trainers adapted - WAPT Jackson - December 12th, 2020
- With the Support of His Village, fall 2020 graduate Dr. Ray Jones Achieves Goal, is Ready to Help Others - Southern Miss Now - December 12th, 2020
- Keep Your ACTS Together with Wellness Week Creating Community UWMadison - University of Wisconsin-Madison - December 10th, 2020
- Real Experience. Real Success. at Lindenwood University - KSDK.com - December 10th, 2020
- Athletico Physical Therapy Opens in Chandler (Gilbert/Chandler Heights) - PRNewswire - December 10th, 2020
- Healthcare: What Lies Ahead? - Lexology - December 10th, 2020
- Ludlow Keeps Building and Improving - Business West - December 10th, 2020
- The Last Article On Workout Motivation You Will Hopefully Ever Have to Read, Amen - VICE - December 10th, 2020
- Five Reasons Why FITFOREVER is the Best Online Home Workout Program of 2020 - Clout News - December 10th, 2020
- Avoiding the holiday blues - Amsterdam News - December 10th, 2020
- Dor Eckstein: The Body Shaping Expert from Israel - LA Progressive - December 6th, 2020
- Online directory aims to help Black businesses thrive in nation's whitest state - PenBayPilot.com - December 6th, 2020
- Life after Rehab and Home Health - The Laker/Lutz News - December 6th, 2020
- Study Finds 3 Key Components That Could Make Pulmonary Rehabilitation More Effective for AECOPD - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network - December 6th, 2020
- Resiliency is the name of the game for UC Santa Cruz Athletics and Recreation - UC Santa Cruz - December 6th, 2020
- Ability to lose weight is not affected by age - Medical News Today - December 6th, 2020
- Avoiding the holiday blues | Afro - Afro American - December 6th, 2020
- Balloon rats: exercise of first amendment rights or aggressive union tactics? : Planet Money - NPR - December 6th, 2020
- Athletico Physical Therapy Opens in Okemos - PRNewswire - December 6th, 2020
- ECU Campus Recreation and Wellness - Campus Rec Magazine - December 6th, 2020
- Occupational Health & Wellbeing research round-up: December 2020 - Personnel Today - December 6th, 2020
- ROTC Bear Battalion finishes fall semester with culminating field exercise - Standard Online - December 6th, 2020
- Prevent type 2 diabetes with 5 tips from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama - Bham Now - December 6th, 2020
- This Yale-Educated Trucker Is Trying to Make the Olympics at 50and He Just Might - Sports Illustrated - December 6th, 2020
- OPINION: The anxiety pandemic - Wicked Local - December 6th, 2020
- The Health and Human Performance Institute offers health and wellness programs to the community - The Signal - November 27th, 2020
- Seniors Lauded for their Exercise and Nutrition Regimen Free Press of Jacksonville - Jacksonville Free Press - November 27th, 2020
- Build Your Program: How to Design the Perfect Training Plan - FitnessVolt.com - November 27th, 2020
- Eat 6 times a day to lose weight under this program - WWLTV.com - November 27th, 2020