Why Pay for a Personal Trainer? You Already Have One
Today’s smartphones can do practically anything. They wake us up in the morning, tell us the day’s weather, keep track of our work meetings, remind us to call mom back and they even act as our personal assistants. With the touch of a screen and the swipe of a finger we have instant access to information and insight. Not only can a smartphone help in this way, it can also help us get in better shape, help us set goals and at times even hold us accountable to our fitness goals. So why pay for a personal trainer, especially when you’re always on the go? Even if you’re traveling across the world, you already have a trainer in your pocket. Here’s how your smartphone can be your best ally when it comes to getting fit.
Nutrition Tracking
Nutrition labels are confusing; add gimmicky marketing messages to the mix and they’re even more confusing. However, you can rest assured that you’re making healthful, informed decisions about food with the help of an app like MyFitnessPal. This app has one of the largest food databases in the world and also features a helpful diet tracker to ensure that you are staying on target. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating out or just cooking at home, the app can help you log and track what you’re eating. The free MyFitnessPal app syncs up with other devices, like Fitbit and the Withings Smart Scale, and also gives users insight about healthy recipes and fitness in addition to nutrition tips.
iOS Health
The built-in Health app from Apple consolidates health data directly from the user’s iPhone, Apple Watch and other health apps that are used to view fitness progress all in one place. From fitness activity to sleep, the Health app offers a handful of helpful features that can help you be your best self. Like a personal trainer, the Activity tracking can keep you motivated—without all of the yelling, of course. And the app also tracks other important health related data, too, including body measurements, vitals and more. And there’s no need to disclose personal details to a total stranger.
Samsung Galaxy S7
Not all smartphones are created equal—and not all phones today can stand up to the elements or wear and tear of hitting the gym or exercising outdoors. But if there’s one smartphone that can, it’s the durable and waterproof Samsung Galaxy S7 edge; with it, you don’t have to worry about sweat ruining your device. Additionally, like Apple devices, the S7 edge has a built-in S Health app that allows users to monitor and keep track of fitness goals including metrics like calories burned, minutes logged and time spent asleep at night. The S Health app even gives users access to comprehensive fitness programs.
FitStar
Don’t know where to start or what exercises to do at the gym when you’re at the weight bench? No problem, there’s an app for that. The FitStar app creates specialized workouts just for its users based on data input by the user and their fitness level. Users start by doing a few workouts with the app and offer feedback, then the app calibrates itself based on what activities were too easy or too hard. Based on this information, the app provides a routine that is challenging and appropriate for the user’s fitness level.
