How Apps Are Getting Me Fit(Bit)

We’ve all had that “I swear, this year I’m really going to stop eating like a fat slob” resolution at one time or another. This year, I am really going to stop eating like a fat slob…. Ok, no, I’m probably not going to (seriously, carbs…why must you be so delicious?!). BUT I am going to get in daily exercise, and these are my favorite Apps that will help me accomplish my goal:

Fitbit 

unnamed-3A Fitbit was given to me as a Christmas gift this year, and I cannot even explain how much I love it (I am addicted, obsessed — I want to marry it and have it’s babies). If you are competitive (Check!), have a touch of OCD (Check!), and you enjoy being accountable for goals (Check!) get the Fitbit.

The Fitbit App is insane with detail. It records how many steps I take each day, how many calories I have burned, and how many flights of stairs I have climbed. It is by far the most fun I have ever had while “exercising.”

And, since the exercising element has been gamified, I spend my days beating my friends in daily steps. I really don’t like to lose (and that’s quite the motivator).

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MapMyRun

This is the year I am going to get an under 12-minute mile. I swear. This year it’ll happen. I’ve used the MapMyRun app for years. It has great verbal cues at the end of each mile, and it provides that perfect challenge to keep you going when you just want to stop. “You’ve done 1 mile in 14 minutes 55 seconds” (<– Sadly, I am currently that slow, haha). “Boom! I can beat that for sure in the next mile!”

MyFitnessPal

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If you’re looking to actually lose weight, MyFitnessPal.com is the best FREE calorie-counting website I have seen. Did I mention that it’s free? Because it’s free!

I have used MyFitnessPal for years and their iPad/iPhone App is legit! The food database in the app/site is extensive and it saves everything you eat so that adding in your calories for the next day is easy-peasy.

My New Year’s Resolution is to make sure that I get in at least 10,000 steps every single day, and with January coming to a close, I can report: so far so good. “I don’t want to” is not even a choice.  Bring on the challenge, 2015!

Michelle Ramage
Project Manager and Current Carbaholic

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Talk Back

Debbie Johnson
Posted on January 29, 2015

I LOVE my fitbit!!! Actually Ezra got a WiiU for christmas so I ialso wear a pedometer from that as well.

Posted on January 29, 2015
Katie C.
Posted on January 29, 2015

Awesome apps! And if you’re not sure what to do or have specific needs for exercise (low impact, stretching, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, etc.) I HIGHLY recommend http://www.fitnessblender.com/. While they don’t have an app yet, they have HUNDREDS of free exercise videos that range from all fitness levels and all types of exercises. They even have a calendar feature that allows you to plan which exercises you want to do! LOVE their site!

sharon-kathleen corner
Posted on January 29, 2015

I just joined a “biggest loser” group in our community after my fitbit died 🙁 i hope to get a new one soon. In the meantime, i go to the gym several times a week, i have a goal…my daughter is getting married a year from Saturday, and i need to look fantastic.

Geneva Hopwood
Posted on January 29, 2015

MyFitnessPal is wonderful! I’ve tried a few similar apps, and it’s by far my favorite. Can’t wait to try out the other ones listed here!

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