If you’re one of the millions of people who can't bear to go to a gym for one reason or another, but you still want to exercise, there are many at-home fitness apps on the market today.
Many of you know me as a nutrition specialist and weight-loss
coach, but I am also a personal trainer. In my sessions, my clients often ask
which at-home, fitness app I would recommend. I’ve done my homework
and have narrowed my choices down to 3. But first, let me tell you my prerequisites.
The apps must:
a. Be
available at no cost, or less than $20/month
b. Be
accessible on YouTube, or through the i-phone app store
c. Vary
in length from 5 minutes to 60 minutes
d. The
exercises must be fun to do
e. The
coaches must be well-trained and passionate
Here are my choices:
Fit On
Fit On is a free app that I downloaded from the app store. I
tried a 10-minute strength-training workout that was terrific. The app includes Pilates, core,
strength training, yoga, barre, circuits, stretching, low impact cardio, HIIT
(High Intensity Interval training) and more! I liked this app because you can
tailor the workout by time, intensity, target area, category, equipment (none
is an option), type, and trainer. You can also bookmark your favorite workouts.
In addition, there are courses that you can enroll in for a fee, such as,
“Ultimate 30-Day HIIT” for $50.00. I highly recommend this app especially for
the beginner to intermediate-level exerciser.
Nike Training Club is also a free download from the app
store. I tried a 5-minute core routine that was like the Fit On app. Here, you
can tailor your workout by muscle group, focus, or equipment. Workouts include
cardio, HIIT, strength training, and yoga. Unlike Fit On, if you decide to participate
in a program, such as their 6-weeks of HIIT, there is no charge. I found the
workout on this app a little harder than those on Fit On. Therefore, I would
recommend this app for the intermediate to advanced-level exerciser.
Fitness Blender is available on YouTube and includes low
impact, cardio, strength, Pilates, and HIIT. They have a large selection of
free videos as well as Fitness Blender Plus, which can be purchased for
$8.99/month. The videos are rated according to the level of difficulty, the amount
of time you want to work out, the body area, and whether you need equipment. You
can also create your own personalized, reusable routine. Level of difficulty is
beginner to advanced. I really like this site and if you have access to
YouTube, Fitness Blender is a terrific choice!
