Have you put on a few extra pounds and would like to get back in shape? Help could come from weight loss apps. Here’s what they are
In the aftermath of the Easter binge, many people found themselves with a few extra pounds. And the more summer approaches, the greater the worry of failing the classic costume test. Isn’t it? Don’t worry, an aid to lose weight and get back in shape could come from the apps.
There are normally two factors that you need to take into account to feel good: diet and proper physical activity. Sometimes, however, it is not easy. In these cases, what’s missing above all is motivation. And apps are perfect for this. Thanks to their ability to record virtually every movement we make, apps help us reach our goals more easily. We can, for example, set a number of daily miles to be covered, or keep track of the amount of calories consumed daily. Some are even able to store the type of food eaten. And much more. So all that’s left to do is try downloading a few weight-loss apps.
Google Fit
Let’s start with the first one: Google Fit, Big G’s app. Free, Google Fit offers a number of very interesting fitness features. First of all, the app doesn’t need to be connected to any external device: you’ll just need to bring your smartphone along. Google Fit allows you to track all physical activity: walking, running, cycling. The Californian company’s app stores your pace, kilometers covered, speed and calories burned. Like most fitness apps, Google Fit allows you to set goals to achieve and see all your physical activity statistics in real time. It also works on Android Wear.
Pact
Pact is an app that allows you to lose weight and earn money, paid by those who failed to do so. Basically, the application asks users to establish a pact with community members: days of training and amount to be paid out in case the agreement is not fulfilled. The app allows you to monitor your physical activity via GPS: you’ll just need to check in at the gym. The app also lets you import data from RunKeeper. With GymPact it is also possible to share photos and results in the community. The app is available for both Android and Apple users.
Lose it!
Another useful app for staying fit and losing weight is Lose it! Weight loss that fits. The app, available for Android and iOS, allows you to make a personalized weight loss plan. Lose it! allows users to track, by integrating with other apps, their physical activity and the number of calories burned. Again, users will be able to set goals to achieve. Moreover, with the app, it is also possible to determine the amount of calories by simply taking a picture of the food we would like to eat. In addition to the mobile app, the service can also be accessed from the site via computer.
MyFitnessPal
Available for Android and iOS, MyFitnessPal, with its huge database, is a calorie counter that allows you to keep track of the daily amount of calories you take in. Like the others, the app allows you to set and achieve goals, which can also be shared with friends. With MyFitness Pal you can add new foods and their nutritional value and enter exercises to do. The app syncs with many apps and devices, including your computer.
Diet Hero
Diet Hero is a different app than the previous ones. You set goals and the app, currently available only on iOS, will tell you what and how much to eat. The peculiarity of Diet Hero is that it creates for each user a personalized loss plan based on the food you have available in the kitchen. And if something is not liked by the user, Diet Hero will replace it with a food with the same nutritional characteristics. The programs will be determined based on age, gender, height and, of course, starting weight. Diet Hero, however, is not free: you need €1.99 to download it.
Nike+Training Club
One of the most popular weight-loss apps, available for both Android and devices running on iOS, is Nike+Training Club. The app allows users to establish a personalized workout program. Users will be able to choose from 100,000 exercises, created by Nike trainers and athletes and divided according to the user’s level: beginner or advanced. The sportswear company’s app also allows users to track all their physical activities. Workouts can also be played on computers, tablets or TVs, via HDMI cable or Chromecast.
Health
Like Google, Apple also has its own app that helps you keep track of your weight and stay in shape. We’re talking about Health. The apple company’s app allows you to track, integrating with other applications and sensors, your physical activity and the amount of calories burned. With Health you can count the number of steps, kilometers walked or cycled and more. The statistics can be viewed at any time. The application also collects data recorded by the Apple Watch.
Xbox Fitness
We close with an application that has nothing to do with smartphones, but is still useful for losing weight: Xbox Fitness. Virtual trainers will guide users through the exercises and check that the movements are performed correctly. The program, in fact, requires the Kinect One to work. Some exercises are free, while others you’ll need to purchase. Progress and statistics can be checked in the Microsoft application.