Need Help Training? There's an App for That!

If you’re looking to pump up your gym routine your gym buddy may not be a person at all. With the rapidly swelling market of a variety of exercise applications for iPads, smartphones, and other high-tech devises, your best friend at the gym may be zipped up in your backpack.

Whether you’re ready to pump up the intensity of training regimen or you just need help getting started there is an app out there to help you out. Here are some popular options:

• Get in the Game
  This app features one-on-one coaching tips in sports like football, baseball, tennis, and soccer. Sports trainers include Andy Roddick, Barry Sanders, Bill Parcells, Michael Vick, and more. It’s not all about traditional sports either! You can learn yoga from Ricky Williams and advice on keeping a poker face from Doyle Brunson.
• Couch to 5k
  Download Couch to 5k and lace up your running shoes. This app provides structured training sessions to help get you off your butt and onto your feet – even if you’ve never run more than a mile in your life.
• Nike Training Club
  According to the app store: “With Nike Training Club, your own personal trainer is never more than a tap away. Get lean, fit, and strong with over 60 custom-built workouts featuring audio guidance and on-demand instruction from a Nike Pro Trainer.”
• Cardio Trainer
  While it mainly serves as a pedometer that uses your phone’s built-in GPS to track your distance, route and calories burned, Cardio Trainer also comes with a suite of separately available (but free) add-ons like “Weight Loss” and “Resolutions” to keep you motivated.

Of course, apps aren’t for everyone. If you need more guidance than these apps offer or if you have a health concern or injury that demands special attention, a real-life personal trainer can develop an individualized work-out plan to get you in motion.

Do you have a favorite training app that we overlooked? Tell us about it in the comments!