Ask Annabel… What are the latest phone applications that you should be using?

There are millions of fitness applications out there on the market vying for the attention of fitness enthusiasts. Picking a suitable app for your individual needs and goals can be a workout in itself.

Today, Annabel and the Longevity Exercise Physiology teams at Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain and Neutral Bay discuss the different phone device applications that are on the market and how best they are going to assist you with your training.

To help with all the heavy lifting and save you time sifting through the applications, Annabel has compiled a list of the workout applications topping the Apple health and fitness charts. Despite many health benefits of physical activity, nearly a third of the world’s adult population is insufficiently active. Technological interventions, such as mobile apps, wearable trackers, and Web-based social networks, offer great promise in promoting physical activity. We are here to unplug these applications and find the best ones you should use for your training (Seeto, 2021).

  

Strava is the first application we will delve into. If you enjoy walking, running, cycling, swimming, or yoga this is the application for you. It can track your workouts and connect you with a network of individuals who enjoy the same activities as yourself. The app allows users to track a range of activities, share them to their network and receive praise or ‘kudos’ from friends and followers in return. To help you stay inspired and challenged, the app also allows users to share their favourite routes with accompanying photos.

 

Other benefits for Strava include tracking and analysing statistics such as distance, speed and calories burned, connection with friends and sharing your exercises and results.

 

You can also participate in monthly challenges to put your fitness skills to the test as well as record your workouts live with GPS tracking (Tong, Coiera & Laranjo, 2018).

 

We need to be aware that some studies have showed that some fitness tracking services may intensify problematic behaviours in vulnerable users, warning that fitness trackers can be problematic in some situations. There could be a negative effect on the mental health of the user, and these exercise trackers should be used with care when first setting up. Another consideration to make when using these applications is will the app be able to deliver a workout or nutritional plan that is suited to your specific fitness, health, and lifestyle needs. These are not as individualised as you are going to receive from a health professional such as an Exercise Physiologist or a Dietitian.

Secondly the Fitbit application was designed to accompany the Fitbit wearable device but can also be used without for those who do not have the device. For those who already have enough to stay on top of in a typical day, the

Fitbit app could ‘step’ in. But it’s not all about step counting – the app also offers video and audio workouts that you can do at home, including:

• HIIT
• Cardio
• Strength and,
• Yoga

Some other features of the application include tracking your exercise, heart rate and sleep (if you have the wearable device), and workout videos you can do from the comfort of your home. Again, you don’t need a Fitbit to use the app, but if you have one already, connecting your device means receiving a more in-depth analysis of your activity. This application, like Strava also lets you connect with friends and start activity challenges (Tong, Coiera & Laranjo, 2018).

 

Nike+ Run Club is a very well-rounded application. This app takes care of not just your physical health but your mental health as well. The application monitors your fitness levels and adjusts your goals to help you reach greater fitness levels. This is one benefit that the application provides for the users.

Just when participants may begin to feel comfortable with their level of achievement, when plateauing is imminent, the difficulty adjusts so that users aim for the next goal.

Nike’s app keeps users on their toes with strategically placed challenges meaning the longevity of user attention goes further (Tong, Coiera & Laranjo, 2018).

Considering everyone is so different, it’s hard to have a one-size-fits-all application. It’s hard to create a generic protocol equally suited to a 50-year-old, an 18-year-old, or someone who has a thyroid disorder or a person who has osteoporosis and therefore needs extra help when it comes to their bones. It is recommended that a fitness program which comes in the form of a generic app should only be supplementary to seeing a healthcare or fitness professional (Denton, 2022).

 

If you want to find the best phone apps to supplement your exercise routine give Longevity Exercise Physiology Edgecliff, Pymble, Marrickville, Randwick, Drummoyne, Balmain, Bella Vista, and Neutral Bay a call on 1300 964 002 to book in a session today!

 

Written by Annabel Bergman

 

References:

Tong, H., Coiera, E., & Laranjo, L. (2018). Using a Mobile Social Networking App to Promote Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study of Users’ Perspectives. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 20(12), e11439. doi: 10.2196/11439

Denton, M. (2022). Best 7 Fitness Apps in 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2022, from https://www.gamify.com/gamification-blog/best-fitness-apps-in-2021

Seeto, T. (2021). The top 10 fitness apps for 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2022, from https://www.canstar.com.au/health-insurance/workout-apps/