Best Of: Health and Wellness Apps
If you're like me, then being thrown off your routine means you're probably not living your best life. And being on the road, whether it is for business, pleasure, or otherwise, means your routine is probably going by the wayside. Workouts, sleep, nutrition, relaxation -- all straight down the toilet.
Sometime in the recent past, I stumbled across Kayla Itsines on Instagram (not unlike how I stumbled across Hannah Bronfman). She's always posting these before and after pics of her app's users, and these girls end up RIPPED, even if they've gained weight. I like the way the focus isn't on losing weight, but on gaining strength, and her relentless positivity somehow doesn't annoy me.
So I've been using the app for the last month or so in my building gym in addition to some of my regular workouts at my main gym. They're only 28 minutes long, and they're circuit-style focusing on strength. I was skeptical at first, because how could 28 minutes be enough? But my sore muscles the next day confirm that 28 minutes is indeed enough.
The other thing I like about the app is how the workouts involve minimal equipment -- which means they're perfect for a workout in a hotel gym, should your travel schedule necessitate it! It got me thinking about other health and wellness apps that require you only to bring your smartphone with you on the road.
WORKOUTS: SWEAT
In addition to Kayla's regular 28-minute workouts that use mostly body weight, the Sweat app has recently added workouts that incorporate more gym equipment, post-pregnancy workouts, and yoga sequences. Sweat also includes healthy (and surprisingly delicious) recipes and a way to track your progress using selfies (NOT the scale).
RUNNING: MAP MY RUN
I've used Map My Run to train for my last few races, largely because it spits out a personalized training plan based on the distance you want to run, what your goal is (endurance or speed), and your pace. It updates weekly to reflect the progress you're making AND it syncs with my Garmin watch. Additionally, there are a bunch of "challenges" you can sign up for, and if you hit the goals (e.g., three runs per week), you're eligible to win prizes. Not that I have. Yet.
ZEN: INSIGHT TIMER
I downloaded Insight Timer after I read 10% Happier, which convinced me that even *I* could meditate. I use the guided meditations to start my days, and if I'm having trouble sleeping, I like to use the ambient sounds or nature sounds. There are a ton of great meditation apps out there of course, but this one hasn't failed me yet.
NUTRITION: FOOD TRIPPING
I haven't tried this one yet myself, but after a whirlwind trip to New York last week in which I indulged in a decadent buttermilk waffle with cherry compote and creme fraîche, loads of candy at Jen's office, then a rest stop Pizza Hut personal pan pizza and a cookies & cream milkshake, I could have used this app which helps you find healthy alternatives when you're on the road.
Which ones did I miss?
-Staci
