My iPhone goes with me everywhere- it sits on my desk at work, on my bedside table when I sleep, in my bra when I run, and in my hand for a great deal of the rest of the time. The ability to download a variation of different apps keeps me entertained, informed and connected, and can be a great source for workout inspiration and motivation. These are my top 5 fitness apps that I use on my phone, although having had a nose around other people’s favourite apps, I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list in no time (already looking at downloading Charity Miles and Headache Diary!).

Nike Training Club

With workouts for beginners, intermediates and advanced fitness levels, celebrity trainers and a variety of workout lengths, this app is awesome. I have a feeling it’s going to get a lot more use from me in the following months as I try to make interval and weight training a priority again. Workouts start with a warm up and finish with stretches, plus they include video demonstrations of exercises, tips for proper form and encouraging comments. There are so many options to choose from in the various ‘Get Lean’, ‘Get Toned’ ‘Get Strong’ and ‘Get Focused’ sections.

RunKeeper 

I downloaded this app a few years ago and use it whenever I run without my Garmin watch and for bike rides. I’m don’t think it is as accurate as my watch having recorded more than a few 7min miles, but it’s perfect to switch on to keep track of distance, especially when I’m trying not to focus too much on pace. I love that it creates a map of your route, and sends you certificates when you achieve a personal record, such as longest run, fastest mile or average pace. Great for tracking all sorts of activities, from running, cycling and walking, to skiing, rowing, barre and crossfit. It also has training plans available to download (complete with rest day tips) and countdowns to your next challenge- nothing like a daily reminder how close that next marathon is!

Swim Planner

I only downloaded this last week as I was turning up at the pool with no real idea of what to do. This app lets you change your required workout distance as well as the length of the pool. You’re able to email yourself the workout or paste it into another app. It is probably not the easiest workouts for beginners, although there’s the option to click on the set for more information. Great for inspiration, and keeping swim workouts interesting.

Spotify

Not really a fitness app (at all) but being able to download and listen to new songs for long runs, create fast paced playlists for speed workouts and generally have access to a host of different genres of music really helps when a workout gets tough or I need some inspiration to lace up my trainers. I listened to custom made Spotify playlists during the New York and Paris marathons, as well as throughout much of my training. I definitely appreciated the ad free music as well as the ability to download playlists to listen to offline- ideal for international or remote runs when you don’t have 4G!

What are your favourite fitness apps? What other apps do you use all the time? 

This post is sponsored by Virgin Media, all opinions, screenshots and wiggly running routes are my own.