(WSPA) – Whether you’re looking to get swimsuit ready, lower your blood pressure or become more mindful, there’s an app for everything.
Here at 7NEWS Consumer Reports, we got expert advice on which health apps are worth checking out.
On any given day, you can find Adam Phillips lifting weights, running, or cycling.
“I’m actually doing my first full Ironman race in November, so I’m eating about 6,000 calories a day,” Phillips said.
Even if you’re not a workout guru, you can still learn a thing or two from Phillips, owner of Burn Boot Camp in Five Forks. In addition to the Burn app, which has a monthly fee, Phillips also recommends a few free health apps that he says have had a big impact on his own fitness.
Workout Tracker
Weight/Number of Times
First, for tracking strength training, Phillips said he recommends Fitnotes because of its “simplicity.”
The app allows you to load weights and repetitions after each workout to track your progress over time.
“It wasn’t that complicated. It didn’t have a ton of other bells and whistles,” Phillips explained.
Physical activity
To encourage physical activity today, nutritionist Lauren Hill of Bon Secours Health System recommends Apple Fitness, which “closes rings” when you reach your goal.
“Having a visual representation of your goals is a great way to strive for success every day,” Hill says.
Jogging/Cycling
For runners and cyclists, Phillips recommends Strava, which maps out your route, shows your distance, speed and progress over time, and lets you connect with other users.
“There are a few people here that use Strava, so we compare and compete,” Phillips said with a laugh.
Meditation and relaxation
Of course, mental health is just as important.
Lindsay Smith, a certified psychiatric mental health nurse with Bon Secours Health System, said there’s one app that stands out above the rest: Calm.
“The reason I like it the most is the ease of use. Some days are busy. There’s only so much time in the day, so I can take this out at work, at home, even in my car when I’m not driving,” Smith said.
The app has guided breathing and meditation features if you only have a minute of free time, as well as sound options to help you sleep.
General health
Smith also said the Apple Health app, which comes on every iPhone, is a great tool to help determine the need for care, with features such as the Anxiety Risk Questionnaire.
Health apps that can save you money
Some health apps can even save you money.
Healthy Benefits Plus brings you discounts on healthcare products and services, from vision to dental care.
Good RX helps you identify where you can get your prescription medications at the cheapest price and even sends you coupons.
diet
When it comes to weight loss, Hill said three apps stand out, all of which are free.
The app tracks your calorie intake and features a scanner that makes uploading your meals easy and efficient.
“These are great accountability tools and a great place to start,” Hill said.
Even a pro like Phillips can benefit from a diet app.
“Lose it! is really helpful in making sure you’re getting the right amount of protein and the right amount of carbohydrates,” Phillips said.
How to narrow your search
You wouldn’t be hard pressed to find dozens of other health apps, from hydration to heart rate to habits.
There are so many options it can be overwhelming, but read reviews to help narrow down your search, and don’t be afraid to try something different if the first one you like doesn’t suit your taste.
All of the apps we listed are free, but some have premium services that require payment.
There are also health apps that talk to each other: Lose it! and My Fitness Pal can connect to Strava so you can pair your diet and exercise routines.
These digital resources can help you save time and money and get you on the path to better health.
