We usually think of shaping up and getting fit as exercising and dieting. But go beyond that, and you’ll see that for change to be sustainable, you need to build new habits – habits that are healthier and support your change in lifestyle.
Let’s explore the unconventional; less often thought of apps that you could use while trying to achieve weight loss, and if you’re already using an app to track your progress, are you using the right type of app?
They say it takes 3 week to form a new habit. These 3 weeks will be the hardest, especially if you aren’t sufficiently motivated. Having an app like this helps remind you to stay focused.
1. Set goals and track your activities
Look for an app that ideally allows you to define your goals, then track the corresponding activities.
There are a lot more activities trackers in the app stores compared to goal setting apps, which work just fine too.
Such an app will allow you to see that you are indeed on track with your workout programme, and if you miss session, seeing the break in routine on your calendar will hopefully give you the pressure you need to get back on track.
2. Nutrition tracking
What you would want to know if not just what you are eating, but how it’s affecting you in a positive, or negative way. To know this, track the exact dishes you had on a calorie counting app. Some of these apps even give you healthier recipes that you can use as inspiration for a home cooked meal.
3. Yours exercises
By this, we mean types of exercises. There are tons of apps out there that can help you with this. However, you should be using the apps that help you achieve your defined goals. Therefore, when choosing an app, think of what kind of exercise you are doing and which should be tracked.
There are apps that exist for
• Fitness and Strength
• Intervals and Circuit Training
• Cycling
• Weight Management
4. Motivational
They say it takes 3 week to form a new habit. These 3 weeks will be the hardest, especially if you aren’t sufficiently motivated. Having an app like this helps remind you to stay focused.
5. Entertainment
This should be an app that streams videos or music/sound. If you have a device with a larger screen, like a tablet, this could come in really handy when you need to get your mind distracted during an exercise.
For instance, when running on the treadmill, instead of dreading all 20mins of that run, pull your tablet out, set it in front of you (if your gym doesn’t have the kind of treadmill with a screen), and viola, your own personalized and pirate entertainment that will make that run not just bearable, but enjoyable.
Now go forth and find yourself those apps!