The 5 Best Free Apps to Boost Your Health & Fitness

Finding a fitness plan that works for you isn't always easy. Sometimes, having a gym membership, or attending Barre classes just doesn't mesh for your lifestyle. And while there are plenty of different approaches, we pulled together five of the best free fitness apps -- so you can decide how you want to define your fitness lifestyle.

Top 5 Fitness Apps

1. My Fitness Pal

My Fitness Pal is a great app to help you track your diet and workouts. If you have a fitness goal in mind, such as weight loss, this app will calculate the optimal amount of calories you should be consuming each day to complete that goal. Each time you enter a food you eat, the app will break down nutrition information, and even let you know when you've consumed too much sodium, fat, or sugar. Additionally, by entering your workouts (whether it's running, walking, or going up and down the subway stairs), the app also incorporates how many calories you've burned into each day. (Photo Source: MyFitnessPal)

2. 30-Day Fitness Challenge Pro

If you're looking for a short-term fitness plan, this app might work for you. The 30-Day Fitness Challenge Pro offers a range of 7-minute, daily workouts for you to choose from. The app has different difficulty levels and will show you how to complete certain exercises, so if you're a beginner, you won't be totally lost. In addition to offering complete workouts, the app also allows you to track your food and nutrition. (Photo Source: 30-Day Fitness Challenge Pro)

3. Skimble Workout Trainer

For folks who prefer direction from a trainer, this app might be a good option. Skimble Workout Trainer offers different workouts that are each accompanied by a trainer directing you what to do (these are pre-recorded, not live!). This app allows you to complete workouts wherever, customize training programs, and offer performance analysis. (Photo Source: Skimble Workout Trainer)

4. Nike Training Club

The workouts offered in this app are designed by professional athletes, and focus on strength, endurance, and/or mobility. With different levels of difficulty, this app can be used by any beginner or veteran. The app also includes daily workout recommendations, goal-focused exercises, and video guidances from trainers and athletes. (Photo Source: Nike Training Club)

5. Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout

If you're constantly on the go and short on time, this app can help you get your daily workout in. With workouts ranging from seven to thirty-two minutes, you can decide what you feel like doing. Additionally, you can customize workouts to target specific muscle groups, or accomplish certain goals you have in mind. If you need an extra push or need to be held accountable, the app also offers workout and inactivity reminders. (Photo Source: Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout)

How Apicha CHC Can Help You

For Apicha CHC’s primary care clinic patients, we provide individualized nutrition plans for people living with HIV, diabetes, pre-diabetes, hyperlipedemia, sports nutrition, dietary supplement evaluation, weight management, and people in the process of cross-gender hormone therapy.

It may be in your best interest to consult with a registered dietician that is culturally sensitive to your needs, and can help you with customized recommendations based on an assessment of your nutritional goals and needs.

Alan Lee is available and you can ask your Apicha primary care provider to schedule a one-on-one individual nutrition counseling to discuss your goals and customize a plan for you. For more information, click here.