Fitness Apps? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Off Topic

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Fitness Apps?

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, I'm considering getting rid of my gym membership - sadly the classes haven't rebounded since they shut down for Covid, and I'm just not getting there very often (it's so cheap that one class a week is enough to justify ... but even that isn't going well lately!)

Anyways, I was hoping to look over some fitness apps to compare. I'm surprised that many of them are actually not much cheaper than the gym! But you can't beat the convenience factor.

Looking for your recommendations ... I love yoga, pilates, don't mind light/moderate weight training (but find it super boring), aerobic-type exercise like step or zumba or old school aerobics, walking ... I hate anything boot campy (don't even get me started on burpees lol ... what sort of cruel torture are those supposed to be?!?!?).

Anyone use an app they love? Thank you!

Off Topic

23 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa W

LJP

Veteran

Burpees are NOT necessary, or even good to do. There, I said it.

I wrote a whole thing the deleted it when I realized I wasn't answering your specific question. I don't use workout apps - it was more to do with streaming stuff my husband is into.

Helena

Veteran

That is the best thing I've heard all day Lisa because I DETEST them lol ... not that I was doing them anyways, but I'm glad to hear I don't have to feel guilty about it (and sidebars always welcome on my posts, just fyi!)

Dee

Veteran

Hmm.. don’t know much about fitness apps, but I do know my Fitbit is always buzzing every 10 minutes before the hour and telling me to get moving.
So I’ll be following along to hear about any suggestions.

Helena

Veteran

I need to add that onto my Fitbit settings! Honestly, walking is the best imo anyhow I just get too bored if I don't do some different stuff!

Jules

Veteran

I don’t have suggestions for workout apps, but a fitness-as-a-realistic-lifestyle type of influencer I follow said that trainers put burpees in their workouts not because they are that useful but to exhaust people and make them feel like they really ‘did something’.

I have an online membership to a body positive exercise and dance studio local to me called The Pink Studio. Their online schedule is somewhat limited since stuff reopened, but they have a library of recordings too. I fell in love with the vibe and some of the instructors online during Covid after injuring myself doing boot camp style stuff - I had to slow down and focus on the joy of movement and listening to my body rather than forcing it, and these classes made it fun too. You might enjoy following their instagram even if it’s not the right solution for you.
https://instagram.com/thepinks.....MyMTA2M2Y=

kkards

Veteran

Ok, I will be transparent and say I do not use this app, but I know a number of people who love the peloton app (only one of them actually has the bike)

Indigoprint

Veteran

I am not sure if I know enough to offer input as I never go to a gym and do not have much knowledge of what an app has to offer but I have had good results with YouTube.
I like it cuz there is no real commitment( unless you upgrade) and you can try a lot before you commit to anything.

Paula

I've been using a couple of streaming services and an app that I began during COVID, when I stopped going to the in-person workout programs I'd gone to before the pandemic. I'm really pleased with what I'm doing and surprisingly happy with my fitness level!

Here are the programs:
Essentrics: https://www.essentricstv.com/browse (a ballet/tai chi/physical therapy combo that replaced my pilates/barre program: created by a former Canadian ballerina and now used by the Canadian hockey team, as well as large numbers of other satisfied users. I always feel stretched and strengthened after I finish doing Essentrics)

MELT method: https://meltmethod.com/pages/a.....PBdv2qJKdN(a foam-roller self-treatment technique that helps prevent pain, heal injury, and
erase the negative effects of aging and active living. This program has a built-in pilates series, however I primarily use it for mobility and alignment support. Plus, it just feels great!)

Cellercise: https://cellercise.com (a rebounder [mini-trampoline] program that comes with an app [you, of course, have to buy the rebounder]. This has replaced my aerobic program--although the rebounder was an expense, I've gotten so much use out of it and it only takes 10 minutes a day--and it's fun to do!:)

I hope this might give you some useful ideas, Helena. I was worried about my fitness level dropping with the advent of COVID and I'm so glad to know that I'm able to keep myself in reasonably good shape in less than an hour a day, all in the comfort of my home!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

If you like pilates and barre, I really like https://fitbycoachkel.com/ .

Anonymous

I was using Down Dog for yoga and pilates, and one for running- forgot which cause their "beginner" level was definitely Not.
If you were regularly taking classes you really don't need an app anymore though. Just have a mat, a few weights and bands and kettlebells, and some good music playlists

Jules

Veteran

Those all sound so interesting Paula!

Laurie

Veteran

I've talked numerous times before about my ongoing success with a personalized workout delivered by my personal trainer/yoga instructor/coach via app. The main reason the structure works so well for me is that it is done at home, in a hotel room, at an Airbnb, or in the basement of my childhood home when I'm at my parents' house, with minimal equipment so I can be very consistent.
I have not tried commercial apps, so can't comment on anything specific but the apps that give access to previous recorded sessions, as mentioned above, would be good in case you can't make a live class.

The reason my trainer can, and should charge, as much as the gym is that she works incredibly hard to create these personalized workouts, maintain contact with her clients both in regular office hours weekly, or rapid responses to any issues and questions (chat is right in the app) She is very professional, and has not sold out to making videos in skimpy outfits and becoming an "influencer", which is how many of the people who publish cheap or free apps actually make money. She's feeling frustrated that she can't earn more money at this point, to be honest. She's limited to the hours in a day and in a week, unless she expands and hires other trainers which is a whole other business situation. Support the good coaches and trainers!
Good luck finding what works for you, Helena! And, walking is a must and perfect compliment to the strength training and vice versa.

MidwestrnChic

I can't say enough good things about the Peloton app. I do not have their bike or treadmill, but I do have my own spin bike that I use with the app. However, there are so many programs available on the app: Barre, Pilates, strength programs using bodyweight or weights, outdoor walking, and boxing. There is also yoga, meditation and stretching programs. I pay $12.99/month for all of this. I use it near daily for something. Workouts range from 10 minutes to 60 minutes, and you can easily filter programs by music, time and instructors. I use my Roku player to stream on my TV. Love it and highly recommend!

Helena

Veteran

Thank you so much everyone!! Running around so sorry for the short reply but I will check all these out!!! I did sign up for a DownDog trial as I love Barre as well as yoga ... appreciate all the ideas; I've paused my gym membership for a couple months so can spend the next several weeks down this rabbit hole

Style Fan

Veteran

I have found lots of exercise and yoga videos on YouTube. Mr. SF and I have signed up with the Yoga studio in Montreal that we went to for their online classes. Their classes are live and replays. I also walk Garth several times a day.
The Yoga studio we belong to is Modo Yoga Montreal. They have Power, Flow and Recharge. I do all of them and find them all good. The instructors are great.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m a devotee to my yoga app - Down Dog. You can set and select almost anything specific for your practice. And change it any time. It is KILLER AWESOME

Haven’t gone to a public yoga class since the end of 2019.

Helena

Veteran

Angie, I love that it has the Barre workouts too! I'm enjoying it so far

Marmee

Veteran

A friend uses a virtual personal trainer through Future fitness. She was able to give me a free month with a trainer, and I thought it was great (although not a good match for me). You and the trainer have a FaceTime chat, then depending on your needs, he/she sends you workouts once a week through their app. When you go to do the workout there are videos of all the exercises and audios or videos from the trainer with specific notes for you. You might be able to try it for free.

Marmee

Veteran

Forgot to include a link.
https://www.future.co

Paula

@Jules: it's a nice variety! I don't get bored and I have saved money, too! A friend recently told me about a Pilates studio that has openen up near me, and, although I was an avid Pilates student for years, I think I may actually just stay with my current set up.:)

Mark Anderson

Member

MyFitnessPal: This app allows you to track your food intake and exercise, set goals, and connect with friends for accountability and support.
Nike Training Club. This app offers a wide variety of workout plans and videos, ranging from bodyweight exercises to yoga and strength training. The app also allows you to create custom workouts and track your progress.
7-Minute Workout. As the name suggests, this app offers quick and effective workouts that can be done in just 7 minutes. The app includes a variety of exercises that target different areas of the body and offers customizable workouts to suit your fitness level. Mattress Mick

jasmine

I use Fitness Blender (http://www.fitnessblender.com) and really love it. I started out with the free videos, and then upgraded last year to a paid membership (US$79.99 annually). There's plenty of variety and the overall vibe is friendly and positive, with an emphasis on listening to your body and gently pushing yourself, not on doing anything extreme.

Lisa W

(website)

1. Stacy Sims, Next Level - various apps: https://www.drstacysims.com/booksandmore; using as much of her coaching as I can has helped me through menopause and into post-menopause. Positive and specific!

2. Erin Carson, https://ecfitstrength.com/stre.....-programs/, "Strength" programs. Promoted for athletes but important to note athlete is defined as "everyone who exercises on purpose"

3. I have used Fitness Blender to implement the recommendations from Stacy Sims and Erin Carson.