Finding The Running For Weight Loss App For You
When it comes to managing your weight, especially after noticing the pounds creeping in since giving birth or from stress eating, you are determined to do whatever it takes to get down to a reasonable weight. From dieting to exercising to everything in between, you are set on pushing your body into the perfect shape possible.
That said, you might be strong-willed, but admittedly, there will be times when you do not feel the most motivated to go out and work out. Especially when it comes to running, it can be difficult scheduling your life around lacing up and going out for a run before or after work, particularly if you are exhausted otherwise. Hence, sheer willpower might not be enough for you, so that is why getting a running for weight loss app can help you with that.
In fact, we are here to help you select an app that you use to get you on track to run and shed those pounds. Read on to learn more in this article on how to select a decent one, as well as get suggestions from us on the hottest and most effective ones out there. Soon enough, you will be well on your way to a successful weight-loss journey!
Without further ado, let us get right down to it!
More...
Finding The Running For Weight Loss App For You
Things to look for when selecting the ideal running for weight loss app
Before you go ahead and get the right running for weight loss app, you will need to consider just a few aspects for getting the ideal fit for you. After all, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different running apps out there, so choosing the ideal one will not only be beneficial in the end, but also save time in having to constantly download and delete other ones from your phone, which can take up a lot of space.
Before we get to the reviews of different running for weight loss apps, we will give you some tips on how to find the ideal one for you. Here they are down below:
1. Is easily accessible/easy to use.
First things first, you will want to look at the compatibility of the app with your phone. In other words, is it easy to access and is it easy to use? These are two questions that you will need to ask yourself before you go any further, so that you can ensure that you will get the most suitable one for you.
Aside from all of the grand features that you want on it, convenience is key at the end of the day, so that it will save you the headache of having to figure out how to navigate it. From there, you can go ahead and enjoy using it while tracking your progress!
2. Has notable features.
You might be wondering just what do these “notable features” refer to? Essentially, they are aspects of the app which you can use to help you get better at running, whether on the treadmill or out on the open road. Doing so will get you into the best shape possible, all the while to lose weight.
For instance, you might want to have a running for weight loss app which calculates the number of calories you burn, along with measuring heart rate to keep it consistent as you run. Aside from that, having a timer setting is essential, particularly if you tend to time your mile splits (and overall mileage, otherwise).
Moreover, you can get even more technical and track the number of steps you take in an average day, so as to meet your minimum daily requirements for exercise. Finally, being able to log in your statistics into your account and saving them for future comparison can keep you on track, literally and figuratively, for solid improvement over time, all the while in good fun- after all, it is a way to compete…with yourself!
3. Is free.
Aside from having features to track your running status, another aspect that is important to note is whether the app is free or not. Generally speaking, there are both free and paid applications out there at your disposal, and it is a matter of determining whether you would like chalk up money for it, or go with a free one.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both free and paid applications, especially ones for running. Whereas you do not have to pay for free applications, you might not get as many features as you might want, at least compared with a paid one.
However, in the end, though, we believe that the differences between the two options are small, and it would be a better idea to go with a free application over a paid one. True, you might not get as many special features as you might like, but as long as it has the essential ones (e.g. calorie count, mileage, timer), you should be set.
4. Does not take up too much space on the phone.
The last thing you would want to do is delete other applications from your phone, just because you do not have enough space to download the running for weight loss app. It is annoying, so it is also a matter of finding an app which does not take up too much space, let alone drain your battery quickly.
Another thing to note is whether the app is compatible for Android and/or for iPhone, depending on which phone you have. You would not want to find an app that is perfect for you, only to realize that it will not work on your current phone, let alone work smoothly. That would defeat the purpose, thereby leaving you disappointed. It is just quickly checking to make sure that the app will, indeed, work on your phone, and you should be good to go!
5. Is customizable.
Similar to point #3, having a running for weight loss app that is customizable for the user is ideal, as means of working your way up to the top shape that you could possibly be (and then some). Having options to start out, such as age, height, weight, if it is for men or for women, for beginners or for professionals, and so forth will better target just what you need to do in order to lose weight. Some apps might even suggest workouts to do based on your body background, so that you are neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed with the exercises you perform otherwise.
6. Offers progress count.
This final point touches on point #2, in which you can actually save your data and use it to keep track of your progress over time. Having this tracker can help you see just how much you improve, which can encourage you to push yourself more and become even better than you were before.
There are many ways that different apps track progress: some are just charts of inputted numbers (e.g. time, mileage, calorie count, etc.) whereas others are longitudinal graphs. Depending on your personal preferences, you can see which style fits you the best, to make sure that you are on the road to fitness success.
For more information on how to select a solid running for weight loss app, check out this video here:
Top 7 Best Running for Weight Loss Apps
Now that you have some idea on how to go about finding the right running for weight loss app for you, we present to you just a few suggestions that you might like to get started. Coming from all sorts of brands and companies, these are our top picks to get you on track to a successful weight loss journey:
1. Nike+Running.
For those who swear by the Nike brand, then this app is perfect for you. Some of its special features include training plans geared towards your lifestyle and abilities, as well as a distinctive one which automatically pauses your workout when you stop at a red light, should you be running in the urban environment. You can also link it up with treadmill workouts, and while its numerous features can be overwhelming (as well as not as function with musical devices like Spotify), it is a solid candidate for running.
You might also like: How To Choose The Best Nike Running Shoes
2. Couch to 5K.
If you are just starting out as a runner to lose weight, then this app will be a good fit for you. Couch to 5K offers workouts which start off easy before gradually getting more challenging as you progress in your fitness regime. It is incredibly simple to navigate, as well as also providing audio cues to take you around the block; it can even help you register for a local 5K nearby! Granted, it is not as useful for treadmill runs, but it is ideal for outdoor runs on a nice day.
3. Runcracker.
Especially if you tend to be a distance runner, then Runcracker is ideal for that! Whether you are aiming to train for a half marathon or a full marathon, this distinctive running app has got your back. It is easy to use and offers plenty of training options, all of which you are not obliged to do. In fact, you can switch between one or the other, even in the middle of a workout, with little problem! While the downside to it is that it does not provide a built-in music system (thus having to plan out your playlist beforehand), it is still a solid piece of application to use.
4. TempoRun.
Touted as your so-called “training partner,” TempoRun is a running app which creates workouts, along with your music playlist, based on tempos. For instance, it will organize your music aimed for slow-paced or high-intensity runs, which will be perfectly timed to how you feel like running that day. Of course, you can also keep track of your stats (calories burned, mileage, etc.). Granted, you might sometimes end up with a song you do not like, but it is not a huge problem for running success.
5. Runtastic Pro.
Should you get tired of just running and would like to try other sports to help you with your weight loss, then Runtastic Pro is a good one to have. Besides working for running, it also assists you in tracking your fitness in biking, walking, hiking, even skiing. Not once will you be bored when exercising, if you have this app! However, while it is free to download for all mobile devices, its Pro features (which entitle you to extra features such as coaching and training plans) is only available for iOS and Android phones, which can be a pain for some who want those special features.
6. Google Fit.
Created by the ubiquitous company, Google Fit is applicable for Android users and it helps you out by tracking and compiling all sorts of information about your activities and lifestyle to assist you in keeping track of everything that you do. It not only keeps tabs on your running activity, but also on other ones you participate in, such as biking, walking, or hiking. You can also choose to share your results with friends and families, hooking up the information on your social media platforms. While it does not really help you with creating personalized workouts, nevertheless it is a convenient way to track your progress.
7. My Fitness Pal.
Geared more towards weight loss, My Fitness Pal is good at helping you track your calorie count with a pre-entered goal you set in the beginning. It also tracks your food count to keep you consistent with your weight-loss progress. Granted, it focuses less on exercise and more on your non-physical lifestyle, but it is a good one to have on the side.
Conclusion
Overall, running for weight loss apps are nothing to be scared of, especially when they are so helpful and affordable. Take the leap and get one today!
Please comment if you have any thoughts, and do not forget to share this article with friends and family!
References
http://www.cultofmac.com/400511/how-to-choose-best-running-apps/
http://vitals.lifehacker.com/what-s-the-difference-between-all-these-running-apps-1779631255
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-running-apps-for-every-type-runner.html
