Tech

Best Fitness Apps to Make It Easy to Stay Active and Healthy

Let's face it, staying active in today's culture is tough.

We've got work, family and plenty of tech gadgets to keep us entertained. But that same tech can also help us remember to get up and get active. We've taken a look at the best fitness apps on the market to give you the best advice. And if you're looking for the motivation you need to improve your health, you're in luck. Keep reading to find out what tools are available. By the end of our guide, we're confident you'll have the right app to suit your needs.

Download yours today and don't waste another hour sitting on the couch. Get out there and move, you know it will make you feel better. And when you're done, check your phone for an in depth review of your success.

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Download one of these fitness apps to discover your healthiest self.

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder to get your heart rate up. And the programs below offer that. Of course they all perform their tasks in a uniquely effective way.

But what can fitness apps provide for you? Some give you a clear path to reach your fitness goals. Others help you track what you're already doing. Either way, they offer accountability and progress reports. Both of these are vital when sticking to any fitness program.

Check out our list of recommendations below. After you determine what tools you need most, we're sure these fitness apps will provide them.

1. My Fitness Pal

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Credit: My Fitness Pal

We'll start with an app that really attempts to do it all. And we think it performs that lofty task quite admirably. One of our favorite features allows you to track your intake. 

Fitness isn't all about physical activity, after all. It also has a lot to do with the nutrition you put in your body. And this is one of the best fitness apps to help you track just that. My Fitness Pal gives you access to millions of common food items. Just scan the bar code and the app will give you all the nutritional information. 

You can use that data to help balance your diet and exercise. Because the same app tracks your activity, too. Experts know true fitness comes from healthy eating and activity habits. And few products on the market give you such a comprehensive look at physical fitness.

2. Sleep Cycle

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Credit: Sleep Cycle

In addition to eating right and staying active, you need a good night's sleep. And one of the most innovative fitness apps helps you get one every night. 

The way it works is by monitoring your sleep habits. It's an alarm clock that wakes you up at the best time. After you set a range of time, the app checks out a range of factors.

Count on Sleep Cycle to find the time that you are in your lightest cycle of sleep. When you wake up in this phase, you are much more ready to go than in deep sleep. There's not much better than getting started on the right foot. Download this app to help you do so every morning.

3. Charity Miles

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Credit: Charity Miles

Maybe you want to do something good for humanity with your exercise regimen. As it turns out, there are fitness apps for that, too!

Sure, there are plenty of reasons to get active just for your own health. But Charity Miles adds to the benefits by turning your workouts into payouts. It's an incredible system that gives you a unique incentive to keep moving.

First of all, you'll just select which charities you want to support. Then, let the app log your movements. Along the way, you can raise funds per mile that go toward the organizations you choose. For runners and walkers, the app will arrange for a 25 cent per mile donation. If you prefer a bike, cyclists can raise 10 cents per mile for charity.

4. Active X

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Credit: Active X

Since much of our time is spent on social media these days, Active X wanted to seize on the trend. This app stands out from the pack for its focus on a community of users.

Sure, you can track your individual progress, too. But you can customize it to include as many others as you like. One of our favorite reasons to involve others is for the encouragement it con provide. Share the successes of others and let them celebrate with you.

But beyond that, you can create groups of people to get active with. The whole pack can download specific events or races to tackle. Plus, you can get personalized coaching as you develop your own portfolio of activity.

5. Couch to 5k

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Credit: Couch to 5k

If you're like a lot of us, you need a gentle nudge in the right direction. Sometimes, you might need more of a push. But if it's motivation you lack, Couch to 5k aims to deliver. 

It stands out even among the bet fitness apps for preparing you to reach a goal. And as you might guess, that goal is a 5k race. If you can commit to half and hour a day, just three days a week, you'll get there. And like some of the other fitness apps out there, this one connects you with a community. 

Since you'll all be working toward the same goal, there's a lot of motivation. The whole program takes just nine weeks. In the scheme of things, that's not a big commitment. But it's a huge reward. And it's only the beginning. Because when you tackle your first 5k, you're probably not going to go back to the couch.

6. Fit Radio

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Credit: Fit Radio

Here's a really clever program that we think really stakes out its own spot among fitness apps. Fit Radio allows your activity to set the beat for the music you're hearing during a workout.

The best part is that you can also choose the type of music you like best. So if you're into a Zumba routine or any other type of program, set it to the right genre. And from there, the app takes over. It sets a steady beat and you just have to follow along however you want. It could be a dance class, spinning or any type of activity.

It's best suited for those with an existing routine, but we think anybody could benefit. You can get the basics for free. That includes one genre and some ability to customize your music stream. But if you shell out a few bucks per month, you can get access to a wide array of music. We think the premium version is worth it for many of the more active among us.

7. Map My Run

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Credit: Map My Run

If you're a runner, you might know the challenge of finding new places to run. This is one of the best fitness apps to tackle this issue. You can download the program and check in whenever you want a change of scenery.

Whether you're traveling in a new city or just running in your neighborhood, there are options all around. You can check out the routes other folks are taking and see why they're so popular. In all there are more than 70 million different paths for your next run. So chances are, there are some new sights just waiting for you to discover them.

Chart your own path and share it with the community. Or just rely on the advice of other runners. Either way, you're sure to expand your love for running through the experience.

8. Strava

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Credit: Strava

We'll end with one of the best fitness apps for advanced athletes. This one uses GPS inside your phone or other device to track your accomplishments. And there's a social aspect that might prompt to you push yourself even further.

Download Strava if you want to dissect your performance and see where you can improve. It's also great to celebrate where you're already doing things well. Share your achievements on the app and celebrate with others in the community. You can post photos, comments, congratulations and even challenges. When you start off, you can join a club. Either focus on your existing interests or try to build new ones. Then take a close look at your own stats to take your fitness to the next level. 

Another unique feature are the segments you'll find throughout the app. Other users map and track their own courses. Then you can follow their proven success and share your own favorites with the group. You'll probably find some new routines to fit into your workout regimen.


Browsing for fitness apps on your smartphone is an overwhelming experience.

But once you get an idea of what some of the best ones can do, making a choice becomes easier. And we think the options above each has a different way to motivate you to move.

If you agree, share our list with your friends and family. Then leave us a comment below if you have any final thoughts or questions.

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