Want a great home workout you can do anytime, anywhere? We’ve found some of the best new breed of apps to make getting fit easier and home workouts more rewarding.
ALSO SEE: 5 more home exercises to keep you fit through winter
Try these fitness apps to ramp up your next home workout:
Boxx
Did you know that boxing workouts burn up to 2 500kJ in one go? Try this home workout which includes a great video-workout app. It shows shadow-boxing using light weights (which you must buy) for an effective cardio or strength workout.
No need for boxing gloves or other fancy equipment. If you’re tired of bingo wings and want to firm up your arms fast, this home workout app is for you. New content monthly. Free download with 14-day trial; then $10,99/month to subscribe (for iOS/Apple; about R145), or from R139,99 for in-app purchases (Android).
J&J Official 7 Minute Workout
This app is packed with 22 workouts tailored to those with busy schedules. So no matter if you have seven minutes or half an hour, or want to target a specific area, the fab workout library takes your fitness and motivation level into account with regular reminders and great video tutorials. Free for iOS/Apple; Android
ALSO SEE: The 12-minute exercise plan that will change your life
Lark 24/7 Health Coach Lark
This app feels less like a health app that simply tracks exercise, sleep and diet, and more like a friend who wants to motivate you to get fit. Its built-in personal coach sends bite-sized advice based on your data, and you can reply by talking or texting back. Free download; then in-app purchases from R159,99 (iOS/Apple), or from R134,99 (Android).
Fit Radio Workout Music
Put smart soundtracks to your workouts to promote top effort every time. The app detects your running pace to match up your stride with the beat in a song. What’s more, you can also select to hear a motivational coach. Free download with 30-day trial; then from R32,40/ month to subscribe (Android), or from R59,99/month to subscribe (iOS/Apple).
C25K
Aimed at the first-time runner, this app features an eight-week plan (30 minutes a day, three times a week) to gradually transform anyone from a couch potato to a 5km-marathon finisher. Choose to run indoors or outdoors with this app. Subscribe to the app’s DJ-curated playlists to increase your get-up-and-go! Free download; then in-app purchases from R29,99 (iOS/Apple), or from R38,99 (Android).
ALSO SEE: 8 reasons to start walking today
Happify
Rooted in behavioural science, Happify offers tools and techniques (mini-games, really) to spur on positive change. In a few minutes a day, it helps you manage stress, think less negatively, and be more present. Result? A positive mindset for tackling body fitness! Use this alongside one of our other fitness apps for maximum benefit. Free download; then in-app purchases from R219,99 (iOS/Apple), or from R141,53 (Android).
Niix
This features 10- to 30-minute video tutorials on Pilates combined with cardio (12 programmes, each with 100+ exercises). Ideal if you’re too busy for gym, as you can tone at home without equipment! Free download with seven-day trial; then £9,17/month to subscribe (iOS/ Apple; about R121), or from R114,99 for in-app purchases (Android).
Pocket Yoga
Detailed voice and video instructions take you through hundreds of poses created by expert yogis, to help you perfect your stance (and see your calorie burn). Download Pocket Yoga to stretch through 27 different sessions of varying difficulty – all under 75 minutes long. R49,99 for iOS/Apple; R46,29 for Android.
ALSO SEE: The amazing health benefits of yoga
A great tool for your smart phone
Not exactly a fitness app, but we love Twilight – Blue Light Filter , which automatically covers your screen with a warm red filter once dusk falls so that you can take your phone to bed with no nasty blue light to interfere with your sleep.› A good choice for teens who won’t down tools. Free for Android
