Five Fabulous Fitness Apps

By Delaina Dixon

Own a smartphone? Then you’re ready to take your fitness regimen to the next level! Amp up your workout routines with these apps.

*Map My Walk. Whether you are a mall walker or Hollywood Hills hiker, Map My Walk from Under Armour helps you plan, map and share your journey. The free Map My Walk app allows you to find and create routes in your city – and offers training, challenges and of course, opportunities to buy gear. Ready to rev it up a notch? Visit Map My Walk’s sister site, Map My Run. https://www.mapmywalk.com/app/

*iRideInside. Dust off your stationary bike and get moving with iRideInside. For $3.99, this app provides ready-made as well as customizable cycling workouts. Spin along with video clips of experienced instructors that aim to push you harder than just riding your bike alone. There’s also expert cycling information like bike fit and hand positions, along with nutritional info. With iRideInside, track your duration, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence to improve each and every session. Available on iTunes. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irideinside-cycle-your-way-into-shape-your-own-personal/id585611494?mt=8

*Pocket Yoga. You don’t have to just get your Zen in a yoga studio. Pocket Yoga helps transform any space into your own “Namaste.” This app-for-purchase guides users through full workout programs, offering a soothing voice that explains positions and how to breathe. The app also offers a dictionary of poses along with illustrated guides. Create and maintain a log of your progress as you master “Downward Dog” to “Handstand.” The app also offers tech support! http://www.pocketyoga.com/Apps/PocketYoga

*Tai Chi for Seniors. What better way to the start the morning than with some gentle movement? Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese practice that has been called “meditation in motion,” is great for both the mind and body and is ideal for aging bodies. Studies show that Tai Chi can improve flexibility, increase muscle strength and help with balance and aerobic conditioning. The app’s 64 videos are shot from four angles and offer step-by-step detailed instruction from Tai Chi master Dejun Xue, author of numerous books on Tai Chi. There are written instructions as well. Available on iTunes for $3.99. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tai-chi-for-seniors-taiji/id577042546?mt=8

*The Official Johnson and Johnson Minute Workout. Challenged for time (or just get bored easy)? Get your workout over within seven minutes with The Official Johnson and Johnson Minute Workout. This high-intensity circuit based workout, designed by Chris Jordan, Director of Exercise Physiology at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute, is designed to get the most out of every minute. It’s simple and can be done anywhere at any time. The app offers 72 exercises and 22 workouts and is designed for varying fitness intensity. You can design a customized program that adapts as you get in your best shape yet. Free for Android and iTunes. https://7minuteworkout.jnj.com/