Compiled by Shelby Clark
Nike FuelBand
Gone are the days of food diaries in notebooks and point-assigned food. With increasing technology comes more convenience for those looking to lose weight, improve fitness, or both. Here are some current apps and tools that can make improving one's health not only easier, but more fun as well.
Heart Rate Monitors
Heart Rate Monitors (HRMs) aren't heard of too often outside of gyms but are a crucial source for counting calories burned in aerobic exercises such as running, hiking, biking, dancing and more. The best kind of HRM to use is one with a "sensor" that can be worn on the wrist or feet paired with a chest strap. The chest strap and attached "sensor" use the body's heart rate to help estimate calories burned. HRMs shouldn't be used to estimate calories during anaerobic exercise like weight lifting or activities that have the heart rate in the 100s or lower, such as daily activities.
Good models are made by Polar or Garmin, and prices range from $50-200.
These can be purchased at most gyms, fitness stores, or online.
Nike FuelBand
Unlike HRMs, the Nike+FuelBand is a "band" worn around the wrist designed to track all movement. Whether sitting, walking to the store or playing a game of tennis, the band tracks calories expended and synchs all movement and information to a corresponding app for smart phones. The app gives feedback and offers reminders to get workouts in, move more, etc.
Available at Nike stores and both Nike and Apple web stores, prices for the Nike FuelBand range from $130-149.
Apps: Zombies, Run!, MyFitnessPal, Fitness Buddy
FitBit
Similar to the Nike FuelBand, the FitBit is a device that tracks all daily activity, including sleep. Able to transfer information to a variety of apps and websites, such as MyFitnessPal.com, the Fitbit gives users insight into exactly how many calories he or she burns during a day. The "sleep" element of the Fitbit tracks how long and well a user sleeps, letting people know their patterns and how they can improve their rest for better fitness.
The FitBIt comes in different forms, including a wristband and a small, pocket-sized tracking device. Available online at http://www.fitbit.com, prices for the gadgets range from $60-130.
MyFitnessPal
Both a website and a free app for smart phones, MFP has existed for more than five years, but keeps improving its functions. MFP allows a user to input his or her data and set a goal weight. In turn, MFP tells the user how many calories they should eat and/or burn to reach that weight, with given estimations for when they can expect to reach their goal. The app works as a mobile diary, letting users enter the calories they burn from various exercises and record the food and beverages they ingest. Tracking calories takes only a few minutes by selecting from thousands of food entries in MFP's database.To use the website or learn more about the app, visit http://www.myfitnesspal.com.
Zombies, Run!
A bit more specific to just running or jogging, the app for iPhones and Androids links fitness with the "zombie" craze sweeping the country. Available in different modes, the central use of the app involves making one's daily jog a "mission." With over 60-plus different challenges, a user is able to run with his or her own music… but with the possibility of zombies around every corner. The app detects a user's surroundings and places "zombies" at different spots, with instructions and warnings issues through one's headphones. As a result, the same old jog around the neighborhood grade school turns into varied run full of unseen obstacles. The app is available for purchase from smart phone app stores and ranges from $1.99-3.99.
Fitness Buddy
This smart phone app supplies an incredible amount of information… for free! The digital database includes full workout schedules, instructions and techniques. Not sure what's the best move to do for your back? The app lets users look up specific body parts and subsequently shows the best strength training moves (with visuals) for that area.
An upgrade is available for $1.99, which removes ads, increases customization, and more. The app can be found in smart phone app stores.
