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There are so many apps out that focus on diet and exercise, so are great and some are very lacking. Here’s my breakdown of the top free apps I’ve used and continue to use to stay on track, keep motivated and lose weight.
Note: There are paid versions of most of these apps, but in the numerous years I’ve been using them I’ve never seen a need to upgrade any of them!
Best Apps to Help You Lose Weight
MyFitnessPal –
Probably the best food tracking app out there. I’ve used it for years and love the community and encouragement from others as well as just seeing exactly how my calories add up each day. If I go a week without losing or even gaining I can tell you why… I didn’t track what I ate. It’s that simple. Feel free to friend me in the app, I’m all for more encouragement!
C25K –
This is a free app that helps you train to go from walking to running. It’s meant for folks that don’t do any running now, so if you already jog some you’ll hate it. Week one is doable even if you think you would never run. Just run for 60 seconds and then walk for a minute and half. It increases the run times slowly so you are ready for it.
Runkeeper –
Once you are running even just a little bit, go ahead and download Runkeeper. This will keep every run you do and show you your pace and total miles. There are a number of other apps that can connect to Runkeeper as well (like Runbet and Walgreens below).
Nike Training Club –
Think of this as your own personal trainer. You can search workouts by muscle groups, get tips to do better, it even gives encouragement to push harder! The Nike Training Club will also track all of your runs/workouts and encourage you to beat past workouts and goals. The basic app is free to use for as long as you want, there is a premium paid subscription if you want more (though it’s not necessary at all).
30 Day Ab Challenge –
iTunes or Android
Another free app to challenge yourself to do sit ups, crunches and other ab exercises most days of the week. You can pick the level you want to start at, but I will warn you to start small. The beginner level might start out feeling easy but by the end of 30 days it has you doing a lot!
J&J Official 7 Minute Workout
A lot like Sworkit, but a good general workout rather than always picking target areas. There are over 1,000 different workout variations so you’ll never get bored and get a great quick boost of energy too.
Get a Benefit from Exercising and Dieting
If you are aiming to get healthy why not get some rewards and extra motivation?! These are great apps that all offer perks for losing weight, and exercising.
HealthyWage
This is your own personal challenge similar to dietbet but more long term. If you are very serious about wanting to lose weight I would encourage you to look into it. Most that succeed earn $500+ just from hitting their weight goals! It’s an awesome way to help pay for a gym membership, extra diet food or a vacation to celebrate. See my personal review here.
Charity Miles
For every mile your walk, run, bike etc. and minutes of exercise you earn money for the charity of your choice. This is a free app that has a number of corporate sponsors that fund the donations. While it may not keep you motivated on all it’s own, it is a pretty sweet way to give back all by taking a walk!
