Exercise Apps To Keep Seniors Motivated, Healthy And Spry
Exercise apps are an excellent way for seniors to stay healthy, spry and motivated.
Technology has advanced to a level where you can measure many aspects of your exercise regimen. For example, exercise apps help you count your steps and calories, as well as chart your weekly goals. You get instant feedback and thereby can make the necessary changes. There is better motivation than that.
As we age, it’s important to stay active. Exercise protects your heart, circulatory system, and bones. In addition, it helps your brain stay sharp. Most important, people who use exercise apps have a lot more self-confidence and belief in their exercise regimen.
If you’re searching for a fitness app, you should know that many are free. To upgrade to an ad-free app, you usually have to pay a fee.
Here is a list of apps that are available for both iOS (iPhone) and Android:
MapMyFitness
This all-in-one app tracks whatever workout you’re doing: walking, biking, running or swimming. It can also track and measure as well gym workouts, stair climbing and strength training. You will see the time exercised and number of calories burned.
You can set goals for time, mileage, pace, and/or how many calories you want to burn.
It also provides training plans and audio coaching to help motivate you and reach your goals. And because both are owned by Under Armour, your workouts can automatically link to MyFitnessPal, the popular fitness and diet tracker.
It will help you maintain your diet and you’ll where you’re at with your nutrition.
MapMyFitness, free; ad-free MVP membership, $5.99 per month; MyFitnessPal, free; ad-free MyFitnessPal Premium, $49.99 per year.
Runkeeper
While most newer phones allow for free step counting, this app — also free — offers more options, including better accuracy and advanced graphics.
It also offers optional audio updates during your workout, and the ability to set your own personal goals. You can record your progress and follow a tailor-made plan to help you improve your performance over time.
Runkeeper, which is owned by sneaker company Asics, sets reminders to get out and run or walk.
Options are Free; $9.99 per month or $39.99 per year for Runkeeper Go premium upgrade.
Daily Workouts
Tell this app how much time you have to exercise, and select the body part you want to work. You will get simple detailed exercises with videos for you to follow for your height, weight, age and fitness level.
Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer, free; ad-free Daily Workouts Pro, $19.99
SilverSneakers GO
The SilverSneakers health and fitness programs for adults 65 and up — is covered by Medicare and offered at over 16,000 gyms nationwide.
The great news is that it’s now available in app form. Set workout schedules, and find free SilverSneakers workout classes at gyms near you.
You can organize four- to 12-week workout programs — all geared to your fitness level (beginner, intermediate and advanced).
This program provides you with strength, flexibility, cardio and walking options, as well as “specialized” workouts for the lower back and hips. You can also use the guided audio and video lesson which allows you to measure your progress.
Finally, the app will remind you when it’s time to exercise. This app is free of charge.
