The Best Health Apps for the Busy MBG
Your phone is your lifeline. It’s a personal assistant for all your meetings, your banking tool and the easiest way to pretend like you’re busy when you don’t want to make conversation. Are you using your phone to help you meet those fitness and health goals? New health apps are coming out everyday and now’s the best time to revamp your screen time and adopt some healthier habits, even when you’re busy.
I’m all for working smarter, not harder. Finding the motivation to workout or eat healthy when you don’t have a plan can be difficult. It’s easy to say “screw it” and turn on the TV and grab some takeout. These apps will not only help you plan your workouts but track your progress too.
Workout
Aaptiv
Dubbed an in-ear personal trainer, this app has thousands of audio classes with 200 new classes added every month. These workouts can be done anywhere which makes them great for life on the go. Classes include outdoor running, treadmill, elliptical and indoor cycling workouts. The cost is also much less than you’d pay for an online coach or a gym at just $99.99 per year or $14.99 a month. Your first month is also free.
Asana Rebel
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in a yoga class, this is the app for you. What’s better than yoga in the comfort of your own home with a personal trainer on your screen motivating you and teaching you the proper way to tree pose? Asana Rebel takes it one step further and offers yoga-inspired workouts that will help you get fit. The app is free to download but the premium subscription can run $58.99 for the entire year.
Seven - 7 Minute Workout
This app is for people who are really on the go. When you can’t squeeze another thing into your busy schedule, this app brings you 7-minute workouts. Who doesn’t have seven minutes? The best part is that workouts don’t require equipment. The app is free but has expanded access for their 7 Club members at $9.99 a month and $79.99 for the year.
Diet
My Fitness Pal
This app is a tried-and-true winner when it comes to food and diet planning. The app has been around since 2005 and people have been adding in foods and recipes ever since. Meaning, when you want to add that late-night snack of a cheesy gordita, you don’t have to worry about looking up the exact calories because it’s already in there. The content is also accessible via website so you never have an excuse to not enter your meals.
Noom
This newcomer to the weight loss game is taking a stand against Weight Watchers and catering to Millennials. The program doesn’t just focus on diet but looks at your motivation levels and exercise too. You’ll be assigned a personal coach to actively check in and help keep you accountable. There’s a 7-day free trial and the monthly fee is $44.99 for their Healthy Weight Program. The program cost doubles if you enroll in their Diabetes Prevention Program at $89.99.
Lifestyle
Happiness Planner
When a regular calendar isn’t meeting your needs, this planning app goes above and beyond. There’s room for reflection, long-term and short-term goals, and what and who you’re thankful for - even offering you the option to let them know via text! You can also track meals and exercise in the app. The daily inspirational quotes will leave you checking back in every day. The app is free for 30-days and then requires a subscription for the more premium features.
Headspace
This meditation and relaxation app will help you practice mindfulness no matter where you are. There are several features that aim to help you achieve greater balance in your everyday life. With mindful moments, 2-3 minute mini-meditations and SOS sessions, this app has everything you need. The app requires a subscription with two auto-renewing options at $12.99 per month and $94.99 per year. If you spring for their forever membership, you can have lifetime unlimited access for $399.99.