Fall is just around the corner, and for those of us who go to “cold weather” schools (a.k.a. it’s cold for six months out of the nine month school year), getting outside for a run can seem like the biggest feat in the world. There are plenty of ways to stay in shape throughout the school year though! Freshmen, if you’re worried about gaining the dreaded “Freshman 15”, fear not. We’ve got you covered with the best apps to keep you in tip-top shape all year long!
My Fitness Pal If you haven’t heard of MFP yet, it’s about to become your new best friend. Aside from using it religiously myself, I know of plenty of other people who swear by it to keep their diets in check. While it counts your calories, it also breaks down what you’ve eaten that day into percentages between carbs, protein, and fats. (Very helpful for those of us who tend to indulge in carbs a little too often… #guilty) The app also allows you to add in exercise, and it tracks those calories you’ve earned back. It’s up to you to eat them or not!
Runkeeper This app is fantastic, a lifesaver of sorts really. Not only does it have running plans in place for everyone from the beginner trying to run their first 5k to the experienced runner training for their first half marathon, but it also allows you to keep track of other activities as well. Walking? Hiking? Skiing? Rowing? It’s got it all. While it tracks your pace, it also keeps track of calories burned.
Tone It Up I don’t know if you’ve heard of the Tone It Up girls yet, but Karena and Katrina kept my butt in shape all summer! These girls kill it in their workouts and are all about maintaining a healthy balance between mental and physical health. The pair is consistently featured on Lauren Conrad’s website and for good reason. Their workouts have proven successful for many girls, and the Making Waves workout will have you sweating buckets in the first two minutes.
Pump Up It can’t be all cardio ladies! Staying in shape is about staying strong too. For all my girls who love a good lifting session, this app is for you. It creates a workout based on the machines available to you, the muscles you want to work on any given day, and how much time you have for your workout. It makes every workout a breeze!
Mindfulness In the past year or so, I’ve become a big proponent of taking care of all of you. Not just your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. I’ve learned so much about myself and what makes me tick by just taking a few minutes each day to really process what I’m feeling and stressing about. Mindfulness is the perfect app for gaining mental clarity; it sets up a guided or silent meditation (up to you!) for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.
What apps do you swear by?