According to the U.S. Digital Consumer Report by Nielson, “…the average U.S. consumer spends 60 hours a week consuming content across devices.” That’s a lot of time, so why not spend some of it improving your health? Try out some of these favorite apps that will help make it possible:
Zombies, Run! 3 – Warning: This is legitimately scary. Do not use at night. Or do, if you’re into that. This is a super fun game that also happens to help you run faster by sending ACTUAL ZOMBIES AFTER YOU.* Cost: $3.99. Platform: iOS or Android.
Couch to 5K – If you’re new to running, C25K will transform you from a couch potato to a 5K runner in nine weeks. The app graphs your progress on distance and pace, so it’s really easy to keep track. It also allows you to listen to your own music over the app. There are free apps based on the C25K plan, but this one is the best. Cost: $1.99. Platform: iOS or Android.
RunKeeper – Track your pace, distance, route. Works well in tandem with the C25K program, also works for biking. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS or Android.
MyFitnessPal – Tracks your meals, calories, macro- and micronutrients, and calories burned through fitness. You can set a daily calorie goal, log it in the app or on the website, and stay on track on your weight loss (or gain, or maintenance) journey. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS or Android.
Fitocracy – Probably the ultimate fitness social media platform. Get free workouts, articles, and tips from fitness and nutrition experts. Connect with other users for motivation. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS or Android.
Check out these 10 wellness apps. There's something for everyone! Click To TweetArgus – Cue Every Breath You Take by The Police. This tracks EVERYTHING. Every step, every breath, every bite, every heartbeat, every pound. It plots trends over time and allows you to make informed (maybe too informed?) changes to your lifestyle. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS.
Sleep Time – Used in conjunction with Argus, Sleep Time not only tracks and graphs your sleep cycle (down to the exact minute you hit REM stage), it also sets an alarm to wake you up at the perfect moment of your sleep cycle. You’ll wake up to 20 minutes earlier but feel better rested. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS or Android.
Watero – Tracks your water intake and reminds you when to drink. It has customizable labels for your notifications, so you can politely suggest, “Drink water now please,” or you can yell at yourself, “DRINK WATER NOW YOU WILL LITERALLY DIE WITHOUT IT.” Your choice. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS.
AchieveMint – Connect your social media and other health and fitness apps (including some on this list!) and get PAID to be healthy! AchieveMint rewards you with points for healthy behavior, then you turn those points in merchandise or cash. Cost: Free! Platform: iOS.
Headspace – “It’s an app that teaches you how to meditate. It’s kind of genius.” – Emma Watson. Bonus: it’s beautifully designed. Cost: Basic “Take 10” for free, then subscription options. Platform: iOS or Android.
*May not contain actual zombies.
Do you use any of these apps? Did I miss your favorite one?
Let us know in the comments!