The health benefits of exercise are obvious, but staying fit also has its financial perks. Research shows that regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, both of which can lead to astronomical medical bills.
In the past we’ve covered ways to exercise on a budget, but since most of us have a smartphone in our back pocket these days, it’s worth mentioning that your mobile device can be a useful tool for staying in shape. Here are a few great (and free) apps to help get you into peak physical shape without the monthly gym membership fees.
RunKeeper
Operating System: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Average iOS Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Average Google Play Rating: 4.5 out of 5
RunKeeper uses GPS to track runs, walks, bike rides, hikes and other activities. The app lets you set goals (number of pounds to lose, number of miles to run, etc.) and work toward that goal with every workout, and sends notifications whenever you achieve a personal best or milestone.
FitBit
Operating System: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Average iOS Rating: 2 out of 5
Average Google Play Rating: 3.4 out of 5
FitBit lets you track daily goals including steps, distance, calories burned, “very active minutes” and more. There is also a feature for tracking food and calories consumed each day. While the FitBit device is recommended (for an additional cost), it is not required to use this app. Last but not least, users are able to connect and compete with friends for external motivation.
MyFitnessPal
Operating System: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Average iOS Rating: 5 out of 5
Average Google Play Rating: 4.5 out of 5
MyFitnessPal’s primary focus is calorie tracking. Each day, you enter which foods you eat (MyFitnessPal boasts a database of over 3,000,000 foods) and any exercise you completed (with 350+ choices). You can then track your progress over time, looking at calories, weight and measurements. The app also features a friends component, which lets you connect with buddies to share fitness progress.
Nike+ Running
Operating System: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Average iOS Rating: 5 out of 5
Average Google Play Rating: 4.4 out of 5
The Nike+ app uses your iPhone’s GPS and accelerometer to track distance, pace and time as you run. The app is built exclusively for running, but works both indoors for use on the treadmill and outdoors for trail and track running. One feature unique to Nike+ Running is the ability to broadcast your runs to Facebook. Whenever someone “likes” that run-focused status, the app will play a cheering sound in your headphones for extra motivation.
Gym-pact
Operating System: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Average iOS Rating: 5 out of 5
Average Google Play Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Have trouble motivating yourself to get to the gym? Gym-pact will help you put your money where your mouth is. To get started, make a “pact” of how many days in a given time period you will work out and set a monetary amount of how much you’ll pay if you fall short of that goal. All of that money goes into the Gym-Pact wager pot. As you exercise throughout the week, you can track progress by checking in at the gym or logging runs with your phone’s GPS. If you meet your workout goal you’ll earn a cash prize from the Gym-Pact pot. If you skip a workout, though, that wager is lost and goes toward funding rewards for users who met their exercise goals.
Exercise is important, but so is a healthy diet. For ways to fill your basket with healthy foods without breaking the bank, check out our recent piece, “Healthy Groceries On A Budget.”
Exercise disclaimer: before beginning any exercise program or regimen, you should first consult with your physician. Some exercise regimens and fitness programs do require already good physical condition to be able to participate. You should also understand that there is a possibility of physical injury whenever you participate in any exercise regimen or program.
Related Articles
