Want to get fit? There’s an app for that!

By Susan Stilwell –

Some of the top resolutions each year include health and fitness. After a month of holiday parties, sweet treats and big meals, our attention turns to healthier habits, specifically eating and exercise.

While membership at a gym or weight loss organization can help with your goals, some of the best resources are available on your smart phone!

A click through your phone’s application store reveals a virtual smorgasbord of options:

• Ambient music for relaxation,
• Calorie counters,
• Recipes,
• Target-area workouts (abs, arms, legs, etc.), and
• Running/walking trainers.

With so many options available, it can be tricky to find the right application for your needs.

For instance, there are multiple pedometer apps written by different software companies. It’s worthwhile to do some homework before you download:

Which company sells the app?

How popular is it (# of stars)?

Did the app get favorable reviews?

Once you decide on the application, see if there’s a free version. The free app has the same basic function as the paid version; it’s just missing some of the bells and whistles. It’s a great chance to take the app for a test drive to see if it’s is easy to use and meets your needs. If it doesn’t, delete it and look for another one.

If you like the free app, you can use that version indefinitely. One of the downsides of using the free version is that you might not receive updates.

If you want to use the most reliable and up-to-date version of software, consider investing the money for the paid application. Most are modestly priced, averaging $1-$5.

Software updates are just one benefit to purchasing the application. Many also offer online access, allowing you to create a profile, upload your workouts and access your information from your laptop or tablet. You may find forums or communities where you can meet new friends with similar goals and interests.

Whatever your health goals for 2013, help is just a click away.

When Susan left her job as a computer analyst to stay home with her two toddlers, she figured she’d used her technical knowledge for the last time. Twenty years later, she’s pairing that knowledge with wit and humor as she explains technical concepts in easy-to-understand terms. She also has experience with a variety of social media platforms, which makes her a welcome contributor to the LivingBetterat50+ team. A seasoned Bible teacher, speaker, and devotional writer, Susan shares her insights on her inspirational site, www.susanstilwell.com.