• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
October 2, 2012

Use Your Phone to Track Fitness: My New Favorite Fitness Apps

28 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Matt and I took our bikes out to play over the weekend! With such a busy (and hot) summer, it had been WAY too long since they’d seen the light of day.

IMG_20120929_152322

20120929_152430

It was a gorgeous day for biking — cool but nice and sunny.

20120929_152445

We had a fabulous ride. I always forget how much I love biking until I do it again! Now that the weather is nicer, we’ll definitely be taking these bad boys out and about more often again before the weather takes a turn for the cold. I have a feeling that being back in DC we’re going to REALLY miss those nice warm NC winters!

20120929_152441

When Matt and I were getting ready to leave the house for the ride we discovered that both of our GPS watches were dead and needed charging. Oh no! We like tracking how far we go; what to do? And then, I remembered — duh! My phone can do that! Samsung Galaxy S3 to the rescue. 🙂

Screenshot_2012-09-29-17-07-32

Stats include a 20 minute break in a park that I forgot to stop the timer for. 🙂

I downloaded the Endomondo app on the phone earlier this week because I thought it would be fun to see how far I walk during my lunch breaks at work, and we used that to track our ride! Endomondo is really cool (and free) — not only does it track your pace/distance/time/etc., it also spits out a map of where you went! Here are my stats from a quick hilly afternoon walk I took with some coworkers on Thursday afternoon. The Samsung has a really cool feature where you can swipe your hand across the screen in a copier motion, and it will take a screenshot for you. 🙂

Screenshot_2012-09-28-13-38-51

(I forgot to put ”walking” as the sport instead of the default, running! Oops.)

The GPS capability on this phone is INSANE, btw — I’ve been using the GPS maps navigation on it to get around the city because it literally picks up the satellites the second you open the application. It’s so awesome. On my old phone, you had to wait a few minutes before it could figure out where you were, and even then it was often kind of confused.

I tested out the app again yesterday on a nice lunch time walk I took from work out on the C&O Canal. So great that this trail is near the office!

Screenshot_2012-10-01-16-21-41

As you can see, I had a great walk. I ate lunch at my desk while working and spent the whole lunch break walking. It was so beautiful out I didn’t want to stop!

IMG_20121001_120802

20121001_123646

Another new favorite fitness app is the “Tabata Timer” or “HIIT workout timer” — Heather and I used one of these in the strength training lunch and learn session we taught two weeks ago to lead a 4 minute mini-workout session, and at the corporate wellness place I’m interning right now we do these in the afternoons sometimes, too! It’s fun. 🙂 Basically, it’s an app that will lead you in mini-workouts — usually they are set up to do 4 minutes total, with 20 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest, repeating until the time is up. At work, we’ve alternated between pushups and squats as our workouts.

Screenshot_2012-09-30-21-23-37

There are a ton of different variations of the app if you search “Tabata Timer” on your smart phone. Many of them are free, too! Try doing one of the workouts and let me know how it goes. 🙂 You can do anything for 4 minutes, right? And don’t doubt that 4 minutes is a workout — we’re always out of breath and energized after them at work!

What are your favorite fitness apps? I’d love to try some new ones!

Do you walk during your lunch breaks? If not, I challenge you to start! 🙂

—

*Disclosure: As part of the Verizon Wireless Ambassador program I have been provided with a wireless device (the Samsung Galaxy S3) and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Tilapia en Papillote

Almond Soy Sauce Baked Tofu

Stir Fry FTW + Stroga’s Strength Training

Holiday Weekend Fun

leave a comment

Cancel reply

28 comments
  • Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution
    October 2, 2012 · 8:58AM:
    I think you just sold me on the Samsung Galaxy S3 with that screenshot feature. That's the ONLY thing I am jealous of iPhone users for!
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
    October 2, 2012 · 9:13AM:
    I don't know if it's only an iPhone app, but I love Bit Timer for timing interval workouts. You can set the time for your work and the time for your rest, and how many reps you want to complete. It will count you down and then let you know when to rest, all while being able to continue to listen to your music.
    Reply
  • Renie October 2, 2012 · 9:31AM:
    That is an awesome app, Anne. Ha, I'm using a Walmart disposable tracfone. Teehee.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:40AM:
      Lol!
      Reply
  • Mary
    October 2, 2012 · 9:46AM:
    I haven't downloaded any fitness apps for my phone but after reading this post, I think I need to! We just started having yoga at work on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch. It's a lot of breathing and stretching which is so nice after sitting at a computer all day!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:39AM:
      That's so awesome! I would love to work somewhere that had yoga at lunch.
      Reply
  • Erin October 2, 2012 · 9:50AM:
    Just curious which interval timer you're using (there are so many out there!) since it looks like it has a good interface and all of the functions I'd need - I'm not sold on the one I'm using right now.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:38AM:
      The one pictured is called the HIIT Interval Trainer app!
      Reply
  • Life's a Bowl
    October 2, 2012 · 9:56AM:
    I've downloaded a bunch of different apps after reading great things about them but have yet to use them :P Lately I've been having working lunches so I can use my lunch break to go on walks- the weather has been too beautiful to stay inside! A little window shopping or a stroll down by the water is the perfect way to "check-out" for a bit!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:33AM:
      Absolutely agree!
      Reply
  • Maggie
    October 2, 2012 · 10:02AM:
    Just wanted to mention that I'm hosting the Fitblog chat tonight and it's all about if we/how we track our workouts, I thought your post was pretty timely :) I hope you'll join in if you're around tonight!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:33AM:
      That is VERY timely! What time are the chats again? I think I have plans but if they fall through I'll try to make it!
      Reply
      • Maggie
        October 2, 2012 · 12:22PM:
        9pm ET. Hope to see you there!
        Reply
  • Brittany @ Protein And Pumps
    October 2, 2012 · 10:08AM:
    My boyfriend and I have been looking into getting bikes recently. The only fitness app I use is mapmyrun. I'm not a serious runner but I jog a couple times a week, only a mile or two at a time, but its a good app to mat routes and measure distance - even if its small : )
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:32AM:
      Every bit counts - good for you!
      Reply
  • Kim@hungryhealthygirl
    October 2, 2012 · 10:16AM:
    Thanks for the info. I'll have to see if I can get endomondo on my iphone and compare it to my Garmin. I need to try walking on my lunch break, now that the weather is cooler. I wear heels a lot, so I'll have to be sure and pack some sneakers, though.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 2, 2012 · 10:29AM:
      Just keep some sneakers and socks in a drawer at your desk! That's what I used to do back when I was working in PR downtown. :)
      Reply
  • Breck October 2, 2012 · 11:47AM:
    Like Brittany @ Protein and Pumps, my boyfriend and I are also planning on investing in some quality road bikes in the next few months. Anne, did you write a post about how you decided on yours? If not, would it be possible for you to do a mini review of whatever you have and how you came to pick that model? Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 3, 2012 · 4:32PM:
      Matt and I basically just went to a bike shop and asked them what they recommended for what we had in mind, then tried a bunch to see what felt best. I'd recommend trying some out at the store to make sure they fit you well! And then research the ones you like online to see how the reviews are. Good luck!
      Reply
  • Sana
    October 2, 2012 · 2:13PM:
    I love the RunKeeper app!
    Reply
  • Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily
    October 2, 2012 · 3:28PM:
    How cool!!! Not sure if you or Matt do P90X, but there is a new App for that :)
    Reply
  • Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
    October 3, 2012 · 12:14AM:
    Looks like a great app! I will have to check it out.
    Reply
  • Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes
    October 3, 2012 · 10:19AM:
    Even though I just started cycling this summer, I'm already falling in love with the sport, especially fall riding--it's cool and so picturesque. Trek Lexa represent! ;)
    Reply
  • Sarah Anne
    October 4, 2012 · 3:19PM:
    I used to use my iPod touch for gym workouts and running. I used a program called "LoloBurn" It matches your music to the speed/pace and really pushes you. They have it for running, elliptical and I think they've come out with a few more. Unfortunately...they don't have it for Android. It's a SERIOUS bummer, because I've not found anything to replace it. I LOVE my Android phone, and I do use Endomondo and like it, but it's not the same. Music is so integral to my workouts, my m otivation, my ability to keep pushing. I just can't seem to find anything to compare to Lolo. Boo.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 4, 2012 · 3:31PM:
      Aw man I want that app now! Bummer!
      Reply
      • Sarah Anne
        October 4, 2012 · 4:51PM:
        I've asked the company, they don't have any plans for Android in the near future. How annoying is that! I'll let you know if I find a replacement!
        Reply
  • Adventurer October 5, 2012 · 5:26PM:
    Very impressive app! Great ride!
    Reply
  • Linda Williams June 16, 2016 · 7:34AM:
    I've been using ActivityTracker for quite some time now to track my daily activity. https://itunes.apple.com/app/id993667592 It's free and, the best part, it doesn't drain your iPhone battery.
    Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine