Whether you are an Apple or an Android lover it is hard to ignore the recent release of the iPhone 6 and all the good and bad reviews that have come with it. The release has got us thinking about how new gadgets can help us lead a healthier lifestyle.
The latest innovation in the ever-growing world of wearable technology comes in the shape of the newly announced Apple Watch (available in 2015). With promises of a wide range of health and fitness tracking abilities, workout apps and a sport design option; it certainly sounds like an impressive piece of kit, but the predicted £220 price tag is likely to be a turn-off for many.
So how can you use technology to assist with your fitness goals, without having to spend a fortune? We’ve taken a look at the top 10 fitness apps and gadgets to help you on your way.
- MyFitnessPal (Free)
This app is the ultimate tool in day-to-day health monitoring. Track your calorie and macronutrient intakes easily by scanning product barcodes, input your exercise achievements and link up to compare with friends. - Nike+ Fuelband (from £89)
If you’re in need of a little extra motivation, the Nike+ Fuelband will monitor your activity twenty-four hours a day and feed all the data into your smartphone, so there’s nowhere to hide! - RunKeeper (Free)
RunKeeper is a GPS tool which monitors your workouts to help you keep an eye on those PBs. You can also link straight into MyFitnessPal so that every calorie you burn really counts. - Adidas miCoach Armband (£11.85)
Okay, so the technology of this “gadget” is a little way behind the others on this list, but keeping your phone secure whilst you’re out on the road is essential. This band comes with built-in ports for your headphones and a key holder for maximum convenience. - GymJam (Free)
Perfect for Everybody customers the GymJam app lets you view your local Everybody Leisure Centre opening times and class timetables whilst staying motivated by sharing your progress with friends and training partners. - Pioneer SE-E721-K (from around £35)
Training without your favourite tunes to drive you through those last few minutes of a workout just isn’t the same. These earphones come with earclips and interchangeable ear pieces for maximum stability and comfort. They’re also moisture-resistant and more affordable than many of the others on the market. - Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock (£0.69)
Ensuring that you get some quality rest is just as important to your health as exercise or nutrition. This app uses motion sensors to monitor your sleeping patterns and wake you in your lightest phase of sleep, so that you’re always feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. - FitBit Aria Wi-Fi Scales (from £79)
A far cry from bathroom scales of old, these will measure your body weight, body fat percentage and calculate your BMI, whilst syncing with your smartphone or computer for ultimate ease when tracking your progress. Alternatively, save yourself a few pounds and pop into your local Everybody centre to ask one of our fitness instructors to do this for you. - Carbs & Cals (£3.99)
For those with specialist nutritional goals, Carbs & Cals makes dieting easy. Compare your portions to a huge database of photos to quickly find out exactly what’s in your meals. - Runtastic Six Pack Abs (Free)
Six Pack Abs is ideal to help you squeeze in a quick core workout on those days when you just don’t have time to spare. No excuses though, we’ll see you back on the gym floor tomorrow!
With so much technology to choose from, be sure to speak to a member of Everybody Leisure staff and they’ll be happy to advise you on any area of your health and fitness regime to help you towards your goals.
Do you already use health and fitness apps to help you along with your training? We would love to hear from you just tweet us at @EBLeisure and your suggestions may appear on our Everybody blog!
This article was written by Craig Muff, Duty Manager at Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre