Exercising is something that many people have forgotten about during social isolation, especially with gyms and parks closed. While things are slowly getting back to normal, check out our list of apps (available for Android and iOS) that can help you with your daily walking and running exercises.
If you want to take your first steps (literally), don't worry, there are options for beginners. Check out the list below:
1. Walking for Weight Loss
Walking for Weight Loss (Image: Disclosure/Leap Fitness Group)
The first app I would like to introduce is Walking for Weight Loss. With audio guides, this app offers you different exercise plans according to your level (beginner, intermediate and professional). It suggests a walking/running time that increases gradually.
The app also monitors calories, distance, time and pace according to your weight and height, showing your progress as you practice. During your runs and walks, you can play your playlist directly from the app, through music streaming platforms such as Spotify.
In addition to showing the path taken by GPS, the app is also useful for those who have treadmills at home. The Walking for Weight Loss app is available for Android devices through Play Store and iOS by App Store.
2. Run Keeper
RunKeeper walking and running app (Image: Disclosure/FitnessKeeper)
Designed for people who want to lose weight or even those who are training for a professional race, RunKeeper lets you set your weekly exercise goals. With your goals set, you get information on distance covered, average pace, calories burned, time spent and daily elevation gains.
In addition to weekly information, you can also see the monthly and annual averages of your workouts. The app also has a series of activities that can be monitored in addition to running and walking, such as swimming, rowing and cycling.
If you live in or are visiting a snowy country, you can use the app for activities like snowboarding and skiing, for example. It's worth noting that, just like the first place on this list, with RunKeeper you can sync your playlists from music apps while you train. Finally, this app also has a night mode.
RunKeeper is available for iOS at App Store and for Android via Play Store.
3. MapMyWalk
MapMyWalk (Image: Disclosure/Under Armour)
With MapMyWalk, you can set up your own training routine with personalized plans. In addition to the duration and distance covered, you can also track your average pace and calories burned during each run or walk. There, you can gradually increase your plans, customizing the goals you want to achieve.
Within the platform, you can make friends, invite someone to join you in your workouts, and even compete in challenges. You can also share your training on social media. Like all the running and walking apps on this list, MapMyWalk is available in Portuguese.
To download MapMyWalk on your Android, go to Play Store. If you are an iOS user, install it on App Store.
4. Relive
Relive App (Image: Disclosure/Relive)
In a format similar to a social network, this app lets you follow athletes who can inspire your training routine. Relive is another option that offers good methods for recording physical activities, such as running, hiking, and cycling. Just like the other apps we've listed here, with Relive you can take photos of the places you go, without having to pause your workout.
On Relive, you can track statistics such as total time, distance traveled, number of activities completed and hill runs on an annual or monthly basis. There are also challenges to unlock (like in a game) that you can share with your followers. These challenges range from recording a 45 km walk in a month to going on weekend runs.
To download Relive on your Android click here. Or install the app for your iOS device by clicking here.
5. Start Running
Running app Start running (Image: Disclosure/Axiom Mobile)
As the name suggests, Start Running is a good option for beginners. In the free version of the app, you can choose up to 4 running levels (which last 1 month), which must be completed 3 days a week. Once you complete the daily exercises, you can start the other levels. The exercises for all levels alternate between running and walking.
Despite having few features and customization options in the free plan, Start Running has a very simple interface and basic features necessary for those who want to practice running and short-distance walking. Therefore, if you are a beginner, I suggest you start your new exercises with this app, and then move on to the others on the list.
Install Start Running on Play Store ou na App Store.
Did you enjoy our list of walking and running apps? It’s always good to remember that the apps above offer optional in-app purchases for extra features.
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Image: eternalcreative/iStock