Sometimes a bit of extra motivation is needed to start moving. Fortunately, technology can help you achieve your fitness ambitions. Those who used fitness apps are more active and have a lower body mass index when compared to non-users and past users.
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If that is not enough reason to download an app from the store, here is another: all year long there are 5Ks and other marathons all over the world so why not get any help you can get to get the best time possible? To assist you in your workouts, we have picked some of the top free running apps which should help you cross that finish line quicker than ever before.
Stay on track with these 7 top-ranked, free-running apps.
1. Nike+ Run Club
The Nike+ Run Club app for iOS and Android offers personalized coaching plans, a community feed where you can customize photos of your runs, leaderboards to compete with friends, and the ability to track your run without syncing it to your phone. Plus, you get accurate data such as pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and mile splits. Download it here on iTunes or here on Google Play.
2. Runkeeper
Those seeking the ultimate running apps should focus on Runkeeper. It is designed for maintaining the particulars of your runs close at hand. The application records your speed, length, total workout duration, calorie expenditure, and other applicable measurements. Furthermore, Runkeeper enables you to snap and label snapshots as you go to make use of route motivation and sharing on future dates. Moreover, the app links with other applications to construct in-depth reviews of your activity that can be shared with your social connections. Download here on iTunes or here on Google Play.
3. Adidas Train and Run
Adidas Train and Run shoes are ideal for jogging and training exercises
The Adidas Train and Run application don’t just monitor your activity, but it also promotes advancement. Consisting of a user-friendly app plus a GPS tracker, it features pointers from world-class trainers, tailored training plans to assist you in achieving certain objectives, and real-time vocal counsel from authorities. Use the Fit Smartwatch to trace your location and check your heartbeat on your wrist. Get it now on iTunes or here on Google Play.
4. Strava
Strava is the app of choice for athletes looking to track their runs, rides, and other activities. It’s a great way to measure your progress and compete against friends with its “Challenges” and “King/Queen of the Mountain” features — you can even stake your claim as the fastest known time on a route or ascent. Download now from iTunes or Google Play.
5. Map My Run
After Under Armour procured the stage a year ago, Map My Run, the precursor path tracker, got a major UI update. Free of cost and perfect for globetrotting sprinters, the application gives various courses in urban communities around the world—frequently logged and evaluated by nearby runners. Moreover, the app can store as long as 600 of your preferred individual routes, in this way permitting you to rapidly set one up when inspiration is low. Download here on iTunes or here on Google Play.
6. Runtastic
Runtastic makes it easy to view your runs on a Google Earth map, plus track your speed, distance and metrics in real time. Share your progress with friends too by posting to Facebook or Twitter. Download the app on iTunes or Google Play today.
7. Charity Miles
The best way to prepare yourself for a good cause run is to use this tracking app while preparing. This app furnishes a range of charities like Wounded Warrior Project, Autism Speaks, and ASPCA that you can select from prior to organizing your run. Charity Miles will register your total mileage and will exchange those miles for donations provided by the sponsors. Keep up the great work! Download here on iTunes or here on Google Play.
What metrics should you track while running?
As a running enthusiast, it’s important to have a plan and metrics to track while running. Here are some metrics to consider tracking while running:
- Route: Follow the most efficient route for your running routes, as this will help you get the most mileage out of your run.
- Heart rate: Measure your heart rate to track your intensity and improve your overall fitness. A watch or app can help you track heart rate, as can training with heart rate zones.
- Calories burned: Track the number of calories you burn during each run using a watch or app. This is a great way to keep track of your running stats and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.
- Cadence: Check how many steps per minute you take while running using a watch or app. This is another great metric to track as it helps gauge your fitness and improve over time.
- Elevation gain/loss: Monitor changes in elevation while running on different terrains using a watch or app. This is another way to track how fit you are, as well as how much elevation training has benefited you.
- Distance: Track how far you have run. This could be via GPS or with a watch.
- Speed: Monitor your running pace by tracking your speed as accurately as possible. A watch or app can help you track your running pace, as can training with heart rate zones.
How to choose the right running app?
If you’re looking for a running app to help you track your training, there are a number of considerations you can make. You can consider your fitness goals as well as the features you need in a running app.
In addition to tracking training stats, tracking routes, and calories, some running apps offer personalized coaching and tailored training plans. This can help individuals stay on track with their training goals and improve their overall fitness.
When choosing an app, ensure that it is compatible with your device and fits within your budget. It would also be beneficial to look for an app that offers GPS tracking, audio feedback, and social media integration.
These features can help individuals stay motivated and reach their training goals faster. By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the best running app for your needs.
Benefits of using running apps
Running apps can be a great tool for tracking your running progress and setting goals to stay motivated.
They can also help you monitor your heart rate and other health metrics, receive tips from running experts on running form and technique, access audio coaching for real-time feedback during runs, get personalized insights into nutrition and training habits, and connect with friends and family for accountability and support.
With the built-in GPS features in some running apps, you can explore new routes with ease, allowing you to run farther and faster without having to manually input mile markers or coordinates.
Overall, a running app is a great tool to help you reach your fitness goals.
Conclusion
Running is an activity that involves a lot of factors, like weather conditions, running surface, and running safety. There are a variety of running apps that you can use as training tools to help improve your running performance. These apps will help you plan your running routes, monitor your fitness goals, and track your workout stats.
They’ll also help you find running buddies who share the same fitness goals as you, as well as give you access to training plans and audio coaching. Using running apps will not only help you plan your running schedule but also motivate you to run more often. You can download these apps on smartphones and use them while running or training.
