Let’s just say I haven’t been this good on my own
The integration of mobile apps into the fitness world has ushered in an era in which everyone has access to almost all the training and nutrition information that has ever existed – both correct and incorrect. Likewise, this information is distributed by an endless parade of nutritionists and trainers eager to lend their expertise to you for a fee or for free provided they can sell your data and attention to advertisers.
This model of monetizing both training expertise and ignorance has resulted in the availability of over 37,000 health and fitness apps of all kinds. There are so many, in fact, that it would take you over 100 years to taste them all if you tried a new one every day.
Of course, how many of them are actually beneficial to you is a whole different question.
I asked myself the question. Do I need a workout app?
Self-awareness is key here because first and foremost you need to be aware of your own personal shortcomings, fully understand how they may be hindering your fitness progress, and how the functionality of a specific workout app could correct them.
I am here, am I not? So I’m certainly under no illusions. What, however, are some of the things I should be looking for more generally?
Honestly, I’d start with an app that has nutrition features because they can help you make sure you’re getting the food you need in the right ratios to capitalize on the work you’re doing in the gym and make the most improvements. more physical. .
Even if you’re fully in control of all your macros and micros, you may suffer from a lack of self-awareness when it comes to considering all of your food and drink decisions throughout life. daytime. So, again, an app with software that lets you count every morsel that walks through your mouth can help you figure out why you failed to lose weight on an 1,800 calorie diet per day…because it was actually 2,800 calories a day because your midday snack was overlooked during all that macro and micro counting.
That’s helpful, but what about actual workouts?
Right off the bat, you may know the physical improvement you want to make, but have no idea what exercises will get you there. Many workout apps will have a catalog of exercises with visual demonstrations of each. If you don’t know how to lift weights properly, or you’re bored doing the same workout routine and nauseated, these apps will provide a constant replenishment of workout suggestions that are curated and ready to go.
They’re also generally excellent at tracking your progress on each exercise, including weight totals lifted, reps completed, number of sets completed, and the amount of rest you take between sets. Overall, it allows you to closely assess your progress, analyze how your performance has improved over time, and decide if there is anything in your training that needs adjusting.
Plus, if community is your thing, most fitness apps typically allow you to monitor other people’s workouts and socialize with them, essentially creating a private social network of like-minded people. Maybe you like the competitive aspect it brings – whether you enjoy the boost of camaraderie or friendly competition – or maybe you just find power in numbers. Either way, it’s one of the few times in life when peer pressure is positive and not negative.
Obviously, fitness apps aren’t for everyone. Maybe you can log it all in your own brain — counting calories, ensuring nutrient adherence, putting together a whole collection of body-strengthening exercises — all while staying perfectly motivated. If so, by all means continue your relative dominance over the rest of us mere mortals.
But if not, you know what they like to say these days: there’s an app for that.
