As 2013 draws to a close and the New Year steadily approaches, everyone is busy planning their annual resolutions, from career changes to getting into shape. While it is hard to get up off that couch (especially in the cold weather), these unique apps that were designed for a variety of purposes, from exercising to diet to everything-in-between, will help get you on the right track for all of your fitness and health goals in 2014. From zombie runs to a to a pocket Zen master to a run-for-charity app, you’ll not only get into shape and improve your mental well-being but you’ll have a great time doing good unto yourself and others as well.
Zombies, Run!
If there’s one thing that I will definitely run from, it’s zombies. This action-filled app turns your workout into a live video game where you are running from hordes of zombies while rocking out to your custom playlist. Choose from 33 different missions to keep it interesting and share your run activity and story events on Facebook and other social media sites.
Charity Miles
Always wanted to take part in one of those charity runs but never could find the time or courage? Now you can participate in your own individual runs for charity by using the Charity Miles app, which tracks every mile that you run, bike or walk and donates the results of your run to charity. And don’t worry, you don’t have to use your own money either. The app has partnered with various big-name companies who have signed on as sponsors for the event – all you have to do is start running.
Fooducate
The problem that I experience when I go into grocery stories is the feeling of suddenly being overwhelmed by all of the choices and brands that line the shelves. I tend to care more about packaging than calorie count or health facts, but with this unique app, all you have to do is scan the items on your phone and Fooducate will immediately highlight all of the positive and negative attributes for the item you selected. In addition to grading the item on a “healthiness” scale, it will also offer up a healthier alternative product.
Harvest
Another great food shopping app that you can use at the grocery store or the local Farmer’s Market. I wouldn’t be able to tell you which bananas are too ripe and which ones are under ripe, but with Harvest you’ll be exposed to endless tips for picking various fruits and vegetables, as well as how to clean them and how to minimize your exposure to pesticides. Bonus? This is alphabetically organized, which will make finding items on the list a lot easier.
Sleep Cycle
Ever wake up feeling poorly rested but not understanding why? With Sleep Cycle you can analyze your sleep patterns and review data that will show how well you slept during the night. All you have to do is place your smartphone in your bed and the app is able to sense what phase of sleep you’re in based on how much movement occurs under the sheets.
Calm
Being healthy isn’t just about exercising and eating right – it’s also about decreasing stress and learning how to manage your time and relaxation. Calm is designed to help reduce stress by bring calm into your daily life. It offers a seven-step program that will give you the tools necessary to be become calmer, along with several guided relaxation sessions and a series of beautiful nature scenes to choose from. The perfect pocket companion for finding your inner Zen.
