Whether you’re training for a half-marathon or just aiming to get in shape, plenty of apps can help you make the most of your workouts. Some offer extra features, like gamification or social sharing, while others focus on a basic tracking system.
Running apps offer a way to track workouts, training plans, and nutrition. They can also help you stay connected with runner friends and share goals. Some also have social features, like creating a fundraising page that allows you to compete with friends for cool prizes.
Best Running Apps for Weight Loss
Whether a beginner or a veteran runner, having the right running app can make getting your workouts done easier and more fun.
The best running apps have many features to suit runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced marathoners. They come pre-programmed with routes, virtual runs, audio coaches, support communities, and personalized running plans. They also have social and competitive features and help you stick to your training plan over the long term by offering helpful data in charts and graphs.
Joggo
Joggo is a running app that combines personalized training, meal plans, and a tracker to help users reach their weight loss goals. It also provides education and motivation to keep them engaged.
The app starts with a 1-minute questionnaire that gathers information about your health goals, perceived fitness level, and dietary preferences. It then calculates a personalized plan based on your answers.
In addition, Joggo includes injury prevention education and other helpful information about running safety. The app also supports you in your recovery if you get injured.
The app has three subscription plans available, depending on your workout and weight loss goals. You can choose a 2-month, 4-month, or 6-month running plan. The app accepts most major credit cards and PayPal as payment methods.
Runkeeper
Runkeeper is a popular fitness app that offers a variety of features for runners. Its GPS tracking technology makes it easy to track your runs and see progress over time.
It also lets you set goals and stick to them. You can choose from weight loss, fitness, or race distance, or use freestyle mode to set your own goal.
If you want to get a little more personalized with your goals, Runkeeper also has a Goal Insights feature. This helps you determine an appropriate, challenging, and achievable goal based on your experience level.
The app also allows you to sync with several fitness trackers and smartwatches. It means more data can be added to your workout stats. It can also track your calories burned and compare workouts to determine how much you’ve improved.
Charity Miles
Charity Miles is a free app that lets you earn money for a charity by running, walking, and biking. It works with 40+ charities and donates 25 cents per mile for runners and walkers and 10 cents a mile for cyclists.
It’s available for iOS and Android platforms and requires limited smartphone knowledge. Participants must choose a charity to walk, run, or bike for and then share their progress with the app’s sponsors.
Another interesting feature is that the app syncs with your phone’s Health Kit and Strava. It enables you to turn all the miles you already walk, run, or ride into money for charity. This is especially useful for people raising money for a charity and already using these apps to track their fitness.
Runtastic
The Runtastic app is perfect for anyone who enjoys tracking their fitness activities. Its GPS-based technology tracks your distance, time, speed, and calories burned to give you helpful stats that can help you determine a caloric deficit or train for a specific event.
In addition to tracking your activity, the Runtastic app has several additional features to help you stay motivated and achieve your goals. These include voice coaching, shoe tracking, and a running leaderboard.
While the Runtastic app can be downloaded for free, a premium version offers more features. The Pro version also allows you to connect with other users to see their runs, like them, and interact with them.
Map My Run
Map My Run is a GPS-based app that provides runners with a wide range of data, including running routes and stats. It’s also a great way to find running routes in new cities.
A free version of the app tracks your route and lets you share it with friends, but a premium subscription unlocks more features. It supports third-party heart rate monitors and can track calories burned and other fitness data.
The app offers various metrics, from speed and distance to cadence, stride length, elevation, and weather conditions. It also offers the option to track splits and break them down in custom intervals.
Another cool feature is the Gear Tracker. It keeps tabs on your shoes and alerts you when they need to be replaced. You can also join the Map My Run community to share your workouts and participate in challenges.
Couch to 5k
If you’re looking for a free way to get fit and healthy, the NHS Couch to 5K app is a great option. It’s free to download and provides all the information you need to start a running plan.
The program is ideal for beginners who are apprehensive about starting a running routine and need some extra motivation to stick to it. You can choose a training plan, set goals, and receive alerts when you’re about to run or walk.
It’s a nine-week plan consisting of alternating brisk walking and running sessions with at least one day of rest. The program has become a worldwide phenomenon. And thousands of people are now regular runners thanks to its simple yet effective approach.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner looking to get in shape or a seasoned runner hoping to improve your time or prepare for a new running challenge. There’s an app out there to help you do it. Some are simple GPS trackers, while others are more complex, with training plans and coaching services. Some even offer extras like music tempo integration or earning fitness coins for distance and time.
For runners with specific goals in mind–whether it’s a 5K, a marathon, or just wanting to keep fit. A good app should offer customizable workout plans that consider your current fitness level and your desired timeline (within reason).
Featured Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/
