At any time of the year we are always looking for the best shape of your body, to try to disfigure as little as possible both in summer and in winter. To check the effectiveness, quantity and quality of physical exercise, whatever it is, (running, cycling, gym, free body or even a simple walk), we can get help from some applications for Android and iPhone smartphones or buy some special devices such as wearable bracelets or smartwatch watches, to be used to monitor exercise and get back in shape. In this way, even the most tedious and tiring physical effort can become fun and be measured to know in real time if you are losing weight, if we are burning calories and how many and if we are doing better than the day before, pushing our limit.
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1) Google Fit (Android)
Among the best apps to monitor physical activity we certainly find Google Fit, downloadable for free for Android from here -> Google Fit .
With this app we will get innovative tools that can record, through the sensors integrated in the phone, all movements, the number of steps walking or running and, if the phone supports it, even the heart rhythm.
The Google Fit walking, running and biking counter works similarly and is also capable of calculating the calories consumed. Using the data collected by the internal accelerometer, the GPS sensor and the data mapping, Google's Fit will provide us with a clear picture of physical activity, with the possibility of saving data online and rereading it from a PC or other devices.
To make the most of it, we recommend pairing it with a modern smartwatch, such as the Garmin Vivoactive 3, available here -> Garmin Vivoactive 3 (€ 200).
2) Apple Health (iOS)
Apple Health (or Health in the Italian version) is a remarkable application rich in health information; as an app it is integrated into all recent Apple portable devices, so there is no need to install anything.
Although it may seem daunting at first, it is much simpler than it appears and can really give strong support to any physical activity.
The step counter is already active on all newer iPhone models and is increasingly powerful, given that it can also detect the going up and down the stairs.
To make the most of it, we recommend pairing the Apple Watch, so as to have heart rate monitors and even more precise measurements -> Apple Watch (starting from € 439).
READ ALSO: Android Apps - iPhone for training, sports, running and fitness .
3) Runtastic
Runtastic is one of the best applications for Android and iPhone that integrate into Google Fit and Apple Health, capable of monitoring progress in training and keeping a record of calories burned and routes made.
We can download it for free from here -> Runtastic (Android) and Runtastic (iOS).
Runtastic differs from the others for its motivational stories that put the user in fantasy situations to create an incentive for training and also to have fun. Monitoring is really excellent, with real-time advice on what to improve for each type of exercise and detailed information on calories burned and fat mass removed. Runtastic also integrates with the most famous smartwatches and smartbands, just add them as a monitoring tool.
4) HIIT & Cardio Workout
This is an app based on a tried and tested scientific model tried and tested to keep fit every day with a complete, fast and effective workout of a few minutes.
We can download it from here -> HIIT & Cardio Workout (Android) and HIIT & Cardio Workout (iOS).
The application is designed for those who have little time to devote to the body and go to the gym, ideal for burning fat and calories and for training at home or anywhere else. There are various exercises grouped in series for several minutes (even just 5 are good) different depending on the goal you want to achieve, for example there are programs to lose weight or those to improve muscle tone.
4) MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a complete online service including an application for iPhone and Android that allows you to control the weight and calories consumed through nutrition.
We can download the app to our device from here -> MyFitnessPal (Android) and MyFitnessPal (iOS).
This app can be very useful to all people who, to stay fit, have to check their meals knowing exactly what they are eating and how many calories they have. The application also features a barcode scanner to instantly check the calories of packaged foods and know exactly the level of carbohydrates, proteins and sodium. Like Runtastic, MyFitnessPal also syncs with the most popular fitness bracelets.
5) Smartband and fitness bracelets
In addition to the recommended devices within the app, we can try one of the following smartbands or smartwatches to monitor our physical or sports activity:
- Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (29 €) Since this is my favorite, you can read the review of the Mi Band 4 that I bought.
- Xiaomi Huami Amazfit (€ 89)
- Fitbit Charge 3 (€ 117)
- Fitbit Versa (182 €)
- Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Stratos (€ 189)
- Garmin Forerunner 235 (199 €)
- Garmin Fenix 3 HR (450 €)
- Garmin Fenix 5 (€ 369)
By choosing one of the models recommended above, we will have full support for all fitness and exercise apps, with GPS position monitoring, pedometer, heart rate and, on some models, also phone notification control and voice controls (via Google assistant or Siri, depending on the connected phone).
We have a device for all budgets (starting from € 30 to over € 300), but personally I recommend trying the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, the Fitbit Versa or the Garmin Fenix immediately to get a good compromise between quality and price.
