Smartwatches are increasingly becoming all about fitness, but a lot of the time the apps on board that deliver those features are not all that great. That’s why we’ve been testing the best fitness apps out there to help power-up your smartwatch into a great workout companion.
Whether you’ve got the
Apple Watch Series 2 strapped to your wrist, or are sporting an Android Wear timepiece or a general fitness tracker like a Fitbit or a Misfit, mountains of apps are out there to help you build on the device’s core skills and up your activity tracking, fitness-boosting game.
Essential reading: Apple Watch Series 2 v Samsung Gear S3
But which should see you hit the download icon and which are better left alone? Well, whether you’re looking to lose weight, get toned or simply cut the carb count, these are the best fitness apps for your wearable.
Strava
Whether you’re pounding the pavement or jumping on your bike, Strava is one of the most comprehensive fitness apps in the game, and it’s stepped away from your smartphone to play nice with wearable gadgets, too. Using GPS for accurate tracking, it brings all the usual heart rate, distance and calorie metrics to the fore.
Read this: Essential Strava tips and tricks
The unique addition here though is Route, a clever feature that allows you to save your current route for a later date or download a new one that another app user has already posted.
Adding a competitive element to your fitness sessions, Strava also lets you set records on your regular routes. If you cycle the same way to and from work every day, it will break down your route into a range of blocks. Now that half-mile section between two sets of traffic lights is your race track for a new PB.
There are now standalone Strava apps for both Apple Watch and Android Wear 2.0, taking advantage of the GPS on both, and while we’ve found some accuracy issues, it’s certainly an experience that offers way more than the stock apps.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear, Fitbit
Runkeeper
Like Strava, Runkeeper has brought its wearable app into the Wear 2.0/watchOS3 era, adding support for untethered GPS on both platforms.
As well as now having the option to download the app straight to your Android Wear watch with Wear 2.0, you can sign up to the service direct from your wrist too. It’s built to be a fully untethered experience.
For Apple users, you’ll still need to do the initial download via your phone, but you’ll then be able to take it out for a run and make use of the smartwatch’s built-in GPS. So long as you’re using a Series 2 or
Apple Watch Nike+ edition, of course.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
Google Fit
Google Fit has been getting better over time, but Android Wear 2.0 makes it all the more stronger by letting it work away from the phone, while also adding a few extra features to boot. We dive into a little more of the nitty gritty in ourAndroid Wear v Apple Health comparison, but as a quick overview, you can now start a much wider range of activities from your smartwatch, and, depending on the hardware inside your device, track GPS and heart rate.
If you have your data spread across a lot of different places, Fit can pull in your data from apps like Strava, Lifesum, Withings and Runkeeper, too.
Free, Android Wear
Endomondo
Endomondo was quick out of the blocks when it came to wearable app support, initially just providing you with simple metrics like run duration, pace and average heart rate.
As things have progressed, though, voice command support has been included, plus a customisable screen that’ll show you whatever stats are most important to your current activity – be that running, cycling or a casual stroll with the dog.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear, Samsung Gear
Runtastic
Runtastic has really impressed with its ability to support a multitude of wearables, with the app now supporting everything from the Apple Watch to Android Wear and Samsung’s Gear series.
Read this: How to use Runtastic Pro to become a better runner
Not content to just offer the usual fitness metric suspects and customisable activity screens, Apple Watch and Android Wear users can quickly start a run though Siri and ‘OK Google’ voice commands. You can also keep track of your stats during an activity and pause direct from the watch screen, saving you from getting your phone out on a run.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear, Samsung Gear
Zombies, Run!
Getting fit doesn’t have to be a chore. If you struggle staying motivated, the right wearable app can help you gamify your exercise sessions. The king of the fun fitness apps is Zombies, Run! Like training for a 10K fun run in the setting of
The Walking Dead, it transforms the tedium of running and switches it out for compulsive, and sometimes terrifying storytelling.
Throwing you into the middle of a zombie apocalypse, the app transports you through a story that essentially forces you to run and collect supplies that help your base. You can choose your own custom playlists as the story unfolds in between your tracks through a series of dynamic radio messages and voice recordings.
And if the sound of zombies hunting you down doesn’t make you run like the wind, you obviously need to watch a few more cliched horror movies.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
Nike+ Run Club
The Nike+ FuelBand may have been one of the original fitness-focused wearables, but Nike’s primary effort nowadays is to get you off the couch using its software instead.
Although coming pre-installed on the Apple Watch Nike+ model, all Apple Watch users can make use of its fitness tracking stills with the free app. You can map your run with customisable screens to show data which is relevant to you, with this built around Nike’s coaching platform.
With leaderboards, personal awards, and reminders of when your next session is due, there’s enough to keep you motivated, too. You can even send fellow runners a virtual cheer, if you’re into the whole community thing.
Free, watchOS
Seven – 7 Minute Workout Training Challenge
Sure, you could head down to the local gym and risk being completely beasted by a personal trainer, but your self-esteem will thank you for ditching that idea and strapping a training regime to your wrist instead.
Following the popular seven-minute workout plan, this app offers wrist-based access to your training plan. Offering visual reminders of what exercise is next, Seven will also count down your remaining reps to ensure you’re not tempted to cheat your way through.
Once your quick-hit workout is complete, the app will relay your training results, with your average heart rate map helping show how your fitness levels are improving week to week. It’s as easy as that.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
Lifesum
Fitness isn’t just about running, cycling or the occasional gym session – that’s only half the equation. What you put in your body is as important to your overall fitness as what you do to burn off that fuel. That’s where Lifesum comes in. As well as providing you with your day’s calorie burn and active time, it’ll let you keep tabs on your food and drink intake, too.
As well as counting how many glasses of water you’ve drunk to ensure you’re staying hydrated, the app lets you manually add your food intake. By knowing what’s going in and what you’re working off, Lifesum can then relay your current energy status direct to your wrist, letting you know when you need to get off your arse or get on the snacks. Food tracking itself is a complicated and time-consuming beast, but the rewards are worth it if you can pull it off.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
Apple Watch Activity
The more basic of the two fitness apps preloaded on all Apple Watches, Activity is still definitely worth your time. It makes exercise and activity levels understandable and easy to follow with its simple, three-ring user interface. Combined with the straightforward ‘Move’, ‘Exercise’ and ‘Stand’ labels, plus three easy distinct, bold colours, it gives you a glanceable overview of your daily actions.
With all the data being synced back to the Activity app on your iPhone, Activity’s fitness skills run deeper, too. Tap any of the rings and you get a more in-depth view of that day’s efforts, with run times, steps counts and when through the day you burnt the most calories. A perfect entry for anyone looking for basic insight into how their days are stacking up against each other.
Free, watchOS
Apple Watch Workout
Apple’s other Watch staple, the Workout app, is designed for those who want to get more detailed stats, rather than just a casual summary. There are specific modes for running, walking, cycling and swimming, while it’ll also show you real time information as you work out, ranging from elapsed time to calories and pace.
One handy feature is the auto-pause, which avoids your data being sabotaged because of interruptions like busy roads, traffic lights and tripping over those pesky shoelaces. It’s set to get a whole lot better when watchOS 4 arrives, which brings improved swim tracking features, a dedicated HIIT mode and it’ll even become more triathlete-friendly.
Free, watchOS
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FitStar Yoga
Workouts don’t have to be measured by a wild heart rate and sweat, sometimes they can be relaxing, too. FitStar Yoga guides you through a more mindful, body-contorting exercise session. Your watch screen will count down times to hold each position and even give you a visual guide on what you need to do.
At the end of your calm workout you’ll be given details on your calorie burn and can let the app know whether you found the workout too easy, too hard or just right. Your answers will help better tailor the next session to your needs.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear, Fitbit
CARROT Fit
This is another seven-minute workout based app, with a bit of a difference. Instead of providing a comforting voice to guide you through an exercise regime, CARROT Fit’s integrated AI is a bit of sadistic joker, transforming traditional exercises into more exciting sounding alternatives.
Each seven-minute session will take you through 12 hilarious exercises, with 30 seconds spent on each and 10 seconds of rest between. Importantly, though, despite making you gurn and grimace, it will have you exercising with a smile on your face.
£3.99, watchOS
Runtastic Six Pack Abs Workout
When you don’t fancy heading out in the cold for a run, there are plenty of wearable fitness apps that’ll help you keep fit in the great indoors. And for those looking to tighten up their stomach muscles, Runtastic’s Six Pack Abs Workout is one of our favourite options.
Keeping your phone out of the inevitably sweaty splash zone, all exercises, graphics and rep counts are moved to your smartwatch, guiding you through everything from crunches to twists. Custom training plans let you decide how regularly you want to work out and let you graph your progress from flabby to fit.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
Run 5K
Fitness apps aren’t just for fanatics who are already well versed in the ways of exercise. They can be great at getting beginners off the sofa and working towards a set goal, too. For those looking to improve their fitness sessions, Run 5K will help you maintain enthusiasm as you work towards your new fitness target.
Instead of simply telling you to run, the app will relay helpful and encouraging training tips to your arm. Guiding you through sessions that mix up jogging and walking to get you started, over a timeframe of your choosing, the app will build up your levels and slowly increase the amount of effort you need to exert.
Free, watchOS, Android Wear
SOURCE:https://www.wareable.com/sport/the-best-fitness-apps-2017
