Over the past year connected fitness devices -- activity trackers and sensor-laden wearables -- have consistently made headlines. By far the largest company working in wearable fitness devices, Nike, which offers the wrist-worn FuelBand, recently announced the first class of startups accepted into its Nike+ accelerator. The company aims to build an ecosystem of apps around its Nike Fuel platform and, in the process, to increase loyalty among users of its FuelBand device. Jawbone, which is the next largest company working on fitness wearables like its UP device, made a big move last week by acquiring longtime health sensor company BodyMedia for an undisclosed sum. Fitbit just commercially launched its latest activity tracking device, Fitbit Flex, this week. Misfit Wearable's first generation Shine device is set to ship next month and Basis has the next batch of Basis Bands in-stock and for sale again, too.
While all of these devices connect back to companion smartphone apps and online dashboards (some more easily than others, of course), the smartphone itself is still a very capable piece of sensor-equipped hardware in its own right. Fitness apps abound for iPhone and Android users.
Apple sells many self-tracking devices both online and at its brick-and-mortar stores, but judging by the 42 apps that Apple hand-picked to feature in its "Let's Get Moving" section of the iTunes AppStore, the company is clearly rooting for the fitness apps that don't require any additional hardware, too. In fact, not a single companion app for a dedicated health tracker device is featured among the activity tracking apps that Apple highlights in this AppStore section.
Apple divides its "Let's Get Moving" section into a few key subcategories: Top iPhone Workout apps -- mostly for lifting weights and other in-place type exercise routines; Top iPhone Running apps; Top iPhone Cycling apps; Top iPhone Swimming apps; Top iPhone Walking apps; and Top iPhone Yoga apps. Notably, many of the "walking" apps have tracking capabilities for running and cycling, too, as do some apps in the "running" category. Many of the more popular activity tracking apps aim to track more than just one type of activity.
While there's plenty of excitement around dedicated health and fitness tracking devices, Apple's software-only list of standalone fitness apps is a good reminder that the smartphone can track most activities without the help of peripheral fitness devices.
In the pages to follow is MobiHealthNews' guide to Apple's list of top iPhone fitness apps along with a few screenshots, a short description, links, and pricing information. Skip ahead to app categories using these links: Workout Apps; Running Apps; Cycling Apps; Swimming Apps; Walking Apps; Yoga Apps.
Apple's Top iPhone Fitness Workout Apps
FitnessBuilder -- Free (for one month) -- $6.99 - $299.99
Fitness Builder describes itself as a portable personal trainer that guides you through complete fitness plans and lets you drag and drop different exercises to create your own workout session. The app includes a library of more than 6,000 exercise images and videos produced by the company's exercise physiologist, physical therapy and orthopedist team. The app also includes: "challenging workouts across all disciplines (over 800), access to a live personal trainer and the most complete set of workout building & performing tools, fitness calculators, tracking, scheduling and progress graphing features –on this app and syncing to the web." Basic subscription runs $6.99 and scales up to a $299.99 fee for physical therapy-focused subscriptions. MORE
P90X - $2.99
From the app description: "The breakthrough workout program that revolutionized home fitness now has a companion app that lets you Bring It! on your iPhone, so you can get even more amazing results—and work out with P90X anywhere. Keep track of your sets, reps, and weights, view your progress, log your nutrition, and share your results. With interactive features like these, you'll stay motivated and accountable to get more out of P90X and P90X2 than ever." Also includes a discount for those looking to buy the workout DVDs, too. MORE
Nike Training Club -- Free
From the app description: "Get lean, toned and strong with more than 100 custom-built workouts. Take your goal further with all-new NikeFuel and calorie data. Unlock exclusive extra workouts from Rihanna’s personal trainer Ary Nuñez and professional athletes like Hope Solo, Serena Williams and Paula Radcliffe. Detailed instructions and audio support are on hand to help you perfect each of Nike Training Club’s dynamic drills. Choose a workout that fits your goal. Set it to your music, share your progress, earn your rewards. And just see the results." MORE
DailyBurn - Video Workouts -- Free (one month) -- $9.99/month or $64.99/year
From the app description: "No matter what type of workouts you need or want, DailyBurn has you covered. We have cardio, strength, yoga, kickboxing, abs, mobility, core, metabolic conditioning, stretching, and more. We have workouts for beginners that are just getting started, and advanced workouts for those that really need a challenge. Each member of the DB6, DailyBurn's elite trainers, was specifically selected to give you access to a complete trainer team with different strengths and capabilities. You can get a bodyweight cardio workout from Cody, a strength workout from JR, or a kickboxing workout from Keiara." MORE
Gipis Running -- 5K, 10K, Half-marathon -- Free
From the app description: "Want to start running? Or run a marathon under 3:00:00? Gipis creates a personal training plan that is designed specifically for you! 1. Set your running goal. 2. Get your personal training plan. 3. Start tracking your runs. Training plan adjusts to your progress & automatically updates every time you track a run." MORE
Pumping Weight -- $1.99
From the app description: "Variation is key for long term fitness improvement. Continuously surprising your body and increasing the workload makes your body react -- not getting stuck in old routines. And for that purpose a workout log is invaluable. With this app you know when you’re on the right track, no matter what workout regime you’re on. The rest, we leave up to you." Includes illustrations and instructions for 200+ exercises, with variations. MORE
Boot Camp Challenge -- $3.99
From the app description: "Veteran U.S. Army Trainer and Certified Personal Trainer Lori Patterson guides you through a progressive 18-day program that will get you results quickly, safely, and effectively. Each day combines cardio, stretching and muscular endurance training into one challenging workout. Every one of the 200+ exercises include video DURING YOUR WORKOUT, so that you can always double-check your form." MORE
Teemo: the fitness adventure game! -- Free (used to be $2.00)
From the app description: "Climb Everest! Hike the Inca Trail! Sail the Caribbean! Teemo’s adventures transport you and your friends to exotic virtual locales where you’ll help each other get fit in real life! Teemo is designed to make getting in shape more fun, social and efficient. By combining short-and-sweet exercises, exciting adventures and socializing with friends, Teemo turns fitness into the kind of playful, encouraging activity it should be." MORE
Gorilla Workout: Fitness Aerobic -- $0.99 -- "signature workouts" are an additional $0.99/each
From the app description: "Gorilla Workout is a fast-paced, no-equipment grouping of over 40+ exercises. Our daily body-weight only workout routines combine cardio and strength training interchangeably, to achieve maximum results in a short amount of time. Each exercise targets specific muscle groups to help you strengthen and tone your core, abs, chest, back, arms, and legs, and melt away excess fat. With no need for gyms or fancy equipment, every workout can be done in the smallest of spaces and in practically any location. This is the perfect fitness app for people who want to get in to seriously great shape, lose weight, and gain strength without breaking the bank." MORE
Map My Fitness+ Workout Trainer -- Free (premium upgrade $5.99/mo or $29.99/year)
From the app description: "The ultimate fitness tracking app – track over 600 types of activities. Easily track calories, distance, time, route, pace with audio alerts and much more!" MORE
Fitocracy - Free daily workout tracker -- Free
From the app's description: "Fitocracy motivates and empowers you to succeed at fitness and level up in real life. We make exercise fun! Track your workouts, earn points, unlock achievements, beat quests, and slay the laziness dragon. Join the best fitness community on the planet and become the person you were meant to be." MORE
Apple's Top iPhone Running Apps
Nike+ Running -- Free
From the app's description: "The most popular running app on iTunes just got even more motivating. Now you can add friends and see how you stack up. Keep tabs on who's logging the most runs and miles, then get out there and beat them. From the trail to the treadmill, your iPhone's GPS and accelerometer accurately record your distance, pace, and time. In-run audio feedback lets you know these metrics at every mile, so you can stay focused on your run. Get in-ear cheers from your friends on Facebook and Path when you broadcast that you’ve started a run. Tag the Facebook friends who you ran with and share a map of your route with friends and family." MORE
Zombies, Run! -- $3.99 (additional "seasons" cost more)
From the app's description: "You tie your shoes, put on your headphones, take your first steps outside. You’ve barely covered 100 yards when you hear them. They must be close. You can hear every guttural breath, every rattling groan - they’re everywhere. Zombies. There’s only one thing you can do: Run! Zombies, Run! is an ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure, co-created with award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman. We deliver the story straight to your headphones through orders and voice recordings - and when you get back home, you use the supplies you’ve collected while running to build and grow your base." MORE
RunKeeper - GPS Track Running -- Free (premium membership $4.99/mo or $19.99/year)
From the app's description: "Join the more than 17 million people who are using RunKeeper to turn their phone into a personal trainer in their pocket! Track your runs, walks, bike rides, hikes, and more using the GPS in your iPhone. Track your fitness activities and have fun doing it. See detailed stats around your pace, distance, and time. Get stats, progress, and coaching through your headphones with built-in audio cues. Listen and control your music while you work out. Measure your heart rate with many available sensors. Take pictures along the way to share and save while you go." MORE
Ultimate Running Races -- $2.99
From the app's description: "Discover the 500 biggest, strangest, most loved, and most extreme running races from around the world with one of the best running apps on the iTunes store. Apps for running are plentiful, but none gives such comprehensive details for each race. The Ultimate Running Races app allows you to plan your running year – from ultra running events, to sociable city runs – keep track of your times, and share your successes with your friends. Compiled by world champion mountain runner Angela Mudge, along with contributions from some of the world’s leading runners including Kilian Jornet, Mara Yamauchi, Ryan Sandes and Jonathan Wyatt, the Ultimate Running Races app is destined to become one of the best running apps around." MORE
Tempo Magic Pro -- $4.99
From the app's description: "Tempo Magic lets you speed up or slow down the BPM (Beats Per Minute) of any song on your iPod without messing with the pitch. We won't ruin your favorite songs with high-pitched chipmunk lyrics or slowed down zombie vocals. Tempo Magic adjusts the music straight from your iPod app - no lengthy uploads or importing required. Just pick your playlist and go. Conceived and co-created by international fitness industry leader Petra Kolber and Yes! Fitness Music, the fastest growing fitness music company in the world." MORE
Endomondo Sports Tracker -- Free (premium $2.99/mo or $19.99/year + additional add-ons)
From the app's description: "Make fitness fun with this personal trainer and social fitness partner. Endomondo is ideal for running, cycling, walking and any other distance-based activity. Join more than 13 million users and start freeing your endorphins!" The premium version offers "interval training, graphs, the ability to race against yourself and time and calorie goal functionality." MORE
Run Tracker Pro -- Training Peaks -- $2.99
From the app's description: "Whether running for leisure or training for a race, Run Tracker Pro will track your route, speed and distance and help boost your performance and enjoyment of running. Share your workouts with friends on email, Facebook and Twitter. Athletes, runners and triathletes: use Run Tracker Pro for your entire training and fitness program and data analysis needs- link to TrainingPeaks.com and upload workouts for more analysis. Get Run Tracker Pro and view workout time, pace, speed, calories burned, training intervals, splits, map location in real time, take photos, share workouts, listen to music and receive audio feedback." MORE
Couch-to-5K -- $1.99
From the app's description: "Get off the couch with the OFFICIAL Couch-to-5K® training app from Active.com! This oft-imitated program has helped thousands of new runners move from the couch to the finish line. Spend just 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, for nine weeks, and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K (3.1-mile) race!" MORE
Runtastic PRO GPS Running -- $4.99 (additional training programs for $8.99 t0 $24.99)
From the app's description: "Track your runs and activities, improve your performance and receive live cheering during your workouts to stay motivated! runtastic PRO GPS Coach is your personal tracking app and all-in-one exercise app for running, biking and other outdoor and indoor sports activities. Don’t train alone! Sexy voices will give you feedback about different statistics (distance, speed, pace …) and our cheering feature will help motivate you." MORE
Get Running (Couch to 5K) -- $2.99
From the app's description: "With three enjoyable workouts a week, in nine weeks you will be running continuously for half an hour, even if getting off the couch is a struggle today! Get Running breaks through the “beginning barrier” with its enormously popular Couch to 5k running plan. In week one’s workouts you'll alternate one minute of running with 90 seconds of walking. With each new week, Get Running’s human voice coach gradually builds up your pace, until you’re running for a whole half-hour!" MORE
Apple's Top iPhone Cycling Apps
Strava Cycling -- Free (premium $5.99/mo or $59.99/year)
From the app's description: Strava Cycling enables users to track distance, speed, elevation gained and calories burned; View the map of your ride as you record; Collect heart rate, power and cadence data from sensors (supports ANT+ and Bluetooth LE); and includes unlimited ride uploads. MORE
Xtrail - $4.99
From the app's description: "Xtrail turns your iPhone into a flexible GPS-enabled fitness computer for runners and cyclists. This sleek app tracks your distance, climb, pace and burned calories." MORE
Runtastic Mountain Bike PRO -- $4.99
From the app's descriptions: "Track your rides, races, and training workouts with your iPhone turned cycling computer! Track your progress & compete with friends. Join the incredible Runtastic fitness community of over 10 million!" MORE
Bike Maps -- by Maplets -- $0.99
From the app's description: "Offline access to high resolution bike maps for urban and rural areas, city streets, rail trails or even mountain bike trails across the US and UK! Whether you bike for recreation or commute, these maps will help plan your next bike ride through the city. If you also need maps for metros, subways, national parks, state parks, within the same app, check out our app Maplets! (If you own Maplets, you already have access to all the maps available here.)" MORE
Ride the City -- $1.99
From the app's description: "Ride the City is a bicycle route planner to help you map a safe bike route from point A to point B in 39 cities (listed below). Bike map made easy. Like other bicycle maps and routing tools, Ride the City finds the shortest distance between two points, with a difference: First, Ride the City avoids roads that aren't meant for bicycling, like highways and busy streets. Second, Ride the City steers bicycles to routes that maximize bike lanes, bike paths, greenways, and other bicycle friendly streets while avoiding steep hills." MORE
Apple's Top iPhone Swimming Apps
Speedo Pace Club -- Free
From the app's description: "The Speedo Pace Club is a swim training application, featuring training modules for all level of swimmers. Swim coaches Terri Mckeever, Dave Salo, Jeff Pease and Cyndi Gallagher played a role in developing the programs and also feature in training videos that are available to help improve your technique. Also within Pace Club is a specialized social network for swimmers called Swim Team, where you can build your team, high five friends comments achievements and leave words of support for other swimmers. If you don’t know where your closest swimming pool is or are travelling, Pace Club also features a pool finder. And for Masters Swimmers, a Team finder." MORE
Freestyle Swimming -- $2.99
From the app's description: "Welcome to the world's premier freestyle swimming app by Ben Titley. Ben is the Great Britain Head Olympic Swimming Coach and Head Coach to multiple World, Commonwealth and European record holders and champions. With help from athletes such as Joanne Jackson, Fran Halsall, Ross Davenport, Caitlin McClatchey, Grant Turner, Liam Tancock, Jack Marriott and Elizabeth Simmonds, he will help you understand the swimming stroke of freestyle." MORE
Beach Weather -- $2.99
Certainly the oddest choice Apple made for a "let's get moving" app. From the app's description: "The best iPhone app for your summer holidays! Check the weather at your favorite beaches. BeachWeather for iPhone contains several thousands coastal cities throughout Europe, Mexico, Brazil and the United States." MORE
Waterkeeper Swim Guide -- Free
From the app's description: "The Waterkeeper Swim Guide makes it easy to explore and enjoy the best beaches in these areas -- Alabama, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Charleston SC, Connecticut, Florida, the Great Lakes, Greater Boston MA, Maryland/Chesapeake Bay, New York, the Ottawa River region, parts of Oregon & Washington states, Saskatchewan, and the Shenandoah River Valley (VA, and West VA). We add new beaches every week. You can list the beaches closest to you, browse the map, or search for a beach by name. Every beach is marked with a Green, Yellow, or Red icon so you know when a beach is open for swimming and when the water quality is poor." MORE
Swim Coach Plus -- $2.99
From the app's description: "Technique is the key to swimming success and enjoyment. Swim Coach Plus is an easy to use, new generation performance development tool - a powerful video coaching app enabling swim coaches to provide beginner to elite swimmers and triathletes with immediate visual feedback during training sessions and competition. Create new super slow motion videos of single, dual or overlay clips with voice over and drawing annotations included." MORE
Apple's Top iPhone Walking Apps
Walk Tracker Pro -- $2.99
From the app's description: "Whether you are walking for leisure or trying to burn calories, Walk Tracker will track your route and make sure you get to the goals you set. Seeing your progress over time can be a powerful motivator. That’s why Walk Tracker has combined a fully customizable activity planner with training history, calorie graphs, audio feedback and in depth workout plans with targets. As you exercise you can see your time, pace, speed, calories burned, training intervals, splits, view map in real time, take photos, listen to iPod music and receive audio feedback on your progress." MORE
Kinetic GPS -- $3.99
From the app's description: "Kinetic is the Swiss Army knife of GPS tracking and timing: configurable, expandable and beautifully designed. The perfect iPhone app for running, cycling, hiking, walking or simply tracking where you go." MORE
Trails -- $3.99
From the app's description: "Trails is the first GPS app that allows you to record, export AND IMPORT tracks directly on your iPhone! Prepare and review your outdoor adventures on the iPad (easy exchange between iPad and iPhone). Record your hikes, bike trips or jogs directly on your iPhone. Easily import tracks by simply searching on popular GPS websites such as everyTrail.com and bikely.com to find hikes and jogs of other users and follow their tracks on your iPhone." MORE
WalkJogRun GPS Running Routes -- $4.99
From the app's description: "WalkJogRun helps you find the safest routes to run, exercise without injury and stay motivated, whether you need a change of scenery or are on vacation and unfamiliar with your surroundings. WalkJogRun has the most accurate iPhone GPS and more than 1.6 million running routes available worldwide, or you can create your own. It’s the perfect companion to use when working out!" MORE
Walk Watch - GPS Walking -- $1.99
From the app's description: "Aimed at users who require top-class GPS navigation directions and easy route management for fitness, Walk Watch, the best walking app for walkers will help you walk faster, be healthier and live longer. It can be used for walking, cycling, running and more. Walk Watch continually records your time, location, pace, elevation and these data will be presented intuitively to help you manage your fitness better. All of your walks will be organized by routes and date. Statistics will be summarized by month." MORE
All-in Pedometer -- $0.99
From the app's description: "The Pedometer is the perfect feature-rich tool for monitoring your workouts. To help you reach the best possible results, a figure tracker was built into the app: The tool accurately tracks every change of your body’s shape and provides you with visually compelling pictures of your progress." MORE
Apple's Top iPhone Yoga App
Pocket Yoga -- $2.99
From the app's description: "The practice of yoga becomes beneficial when done on a regular basis. With Pocket Yoga you can keep up with your practice at your own pace and schedule in the comforts of your own home. Simply set your iPhone, iPod or iPad in front of your mat, start a practice, and Pocket Yoga will guide you through your entire session. Choose between 3 different practices, 3 different difficulty levels and 3 different durations. A total of 27 different sessions!" MORE
All-in YOGA: 300 Poses & Yoga -- $0.99 (premium subscriptions range $1.99 to $47.99)
From the app's description: More than 3,000,000 people use All-in's yoga apps. This one includes more than "300 poses with photo, video, and audio guides in HD-quality, plus 3D muscle models for EVERY pose!" It also includes "40 ready-made yoga programs and the option to create your own" MORE
Yoga with Janet Stone -- $4.99
From the app's description: "Let premiere instructor Janet Stone guide you through a vigorous-yet-sumptuous approach to Vinyasa yoga. This dynamic form of yoga flows from one posture to the next in rhythm with your breath. Janet will be with you every step of the way through over 100 flows. You'll never feel lost with over 5 hours of Janet's expert audio instructions supporting your movements and over 3 and a half hours of video demonstrating perfect form. These beautiful flows are arranged into 6 practices that change each day and 4 practices that progress in difficulty. Routines for beginners to advanced yoga practitioners. The included Practice Builder also allows you to make your own sequences." MORE
Authentic Yoga with Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles -- $1.99
From the app's description: "Practice wherever you are, with the most comprehensive, practical & fun mobile yoga app, brought to you by Deepak Chopra & yoga master Tara Stiles. Suitable for all levels, and includes poses and routines for developing strength, balance, and flexibility. Choose between instructional lessons, individual poses, or special routines assembled by Deepak and Tara. Or, if you’d like – create your own custom routine from the variety of poses that are available." MORE
Pocket Yoga - Practice Builder -- $9.99
From the app's description: "Creating your custom yoga routine has never been easier! Pocket Yoga - Practice Builder allows you to build, edit and share complete yoga practices. Make a practice in minutes by selecting your desired poses and adjusting their order and duration. Then add music, set the tempo and you’re done! Try your practice by following along with the guided instruction, or share it with your friends and see what they think. Perfect for yoga teachers or intermediate to advanced level yogis." MORE
Learn Pilates -- $1.99 (in-app purchases for other exercises)
This one appears to be miscategorized as pilates and yoga are very different, but this is how Apple categorized the Learn Pilates app. From the app's description: "No matter your fitness level, you can benefit from Mahalo's Learn Pilates app. In one month, you'll move through a series of beginner, intermediate and advanced poses, which average out to one a day." MORE
Which fitness apps did Apple miss that it should have included?
