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5 best fitness apps for iPhone

From a personal trainer in your pocket to zombie running games, we test iPhone apps to help you keep those resolutions this January

Harriet Bignell
Tuesday 06 January 2015 17:22 GMT

Looking for a way to stick to the New Year’s resolutions and get in shape? Here's our edit of the most effective fitness and diet apps for the iPhone.

1. MyFitnessPal: Free, itunes.apple.com

If you’re looking to keep an eye on what you’re eating, this easy-to-use app is our favourite. It encourages you to record each meal, opening your eyes to your daily calorie intake, as well as any exercise. I found this made my meal planning more sensible but also kept me relaxed about eating as I knew the calories could be balanced across the day. The simple layout makes it a doddle to use, too.
Buy now

2. Zombies, run!: £2.49, itunes.apple.com

This quirky app turns a running regime into a game. Starring in your own dramatic thriller, you put your head phones in, begin to run and let the audio transport you into a post-apocalyptic world where ravenous zombies rule the town and you are on the menu. There are 21 game scenarios and not only do they facilitate half-hour-long interval training sessions, finishing each makes you feel like a hero. Disclaimer: not suitable for those with kinemortophobia (fear of zombies).
Buy now

3. FitStar with Tony Gonzalez: free, itunes.apple.com (there is a charge for unlimited access)

This app is like having your own personal trainer who works around your at-home-routine. Try a range of exercises like squats and leg lifts, then rate them - brutal, just right or too easy - to help it plan you a personalised work out from seven to 40 minutes, depending on your scehdule. The clean interface makes it easy-to-use - all you need to do is be willing to give the routines a go.
Buy now

4. Tempo Run: free, itunes.apple.com

This app's like any other music player but with a nifty twist; it organises your songs based on their tempo so that you can match your music to your pace and literally run to the beat of your own tunes. It allows access to SoundCloud in cases where there no songs of appropriate tempo - this one keeps you motivated and opens your ears to new music at the same time.
Buy now

5. Carrot! Fitness, free, itunes.apple.com

This app is not for the thinned-skinned. However, for those who need more than a gentle nudge to get exercising, Carrot! could be the affordable but ruthless personal trainer you’ve always needed. Abusing you for deleting or avoiding work out tasks and rewarding you on completion of them by…not abusing you. This sharp tongued app has been designed with an easy-to-navigate menu and a range of creative insults designed to keep you on your toes.
Buy now

Verdict

For an app that makes you more aware of your eating and exercise, we like My Fitness Pal. If it's motivation you need, Zombies, run is an innovative - and refreshing - approach.

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