I’ll Have The Running App Please!

Happy New Year sisters! 2013 has so much to offer. Yes, we will try that resolution one more time. Yes, for most of us it will likely involve your diet or weight loss. I’m going to help you out a smidge and let you in on the fitness trends for the upcoming year. You fitness fanatics probably already utilize some of these ideas, and for the newcomers to a fitness routine, they may be intimidating. Take the tips for what they are and how they fit your routine. Just like style, take a trend and make it your own.

1. Group-a-thons. (I made up that word) These are fitness events that you can do with your friends that are good for you and so much fun at the same time. Heard of “Color Me Rad”? This is an event held in a city near you where you are doused in colored cornstarch while you walk or run with your friends. You only need to train yourself to have fun while working out.  http://www.colormerad.com

• Other events include: Tough Mudder-http://www.toughmudder.comand supporting our own philanhropy by walking to end Alzheimer’s  http://act.alz.org/site/TR?company_id=1261&pg=national_company&pw_id=3321

2. Diet and Fitness Apps. I had a major loss in my life this year when my beloved Blackberry died, and sadly, but inevitably, I became an iPhone user. Regardless of your operating system, there is an app for everyone. Diet and exercise apps have exploded over the past year. There are too many options out there, and some of you may already have your favorites. Here are some of mine:

• Need a simple food tracker? Calorific is perfect. It gives you a really good general idea of what you are consuming so that you can visualize your choices throughout the day. http://www.worksmartlabs.com/calorific/

• Hit the target! Instant Heart Rate uses your camera to track your heart rate whenever you need to. This is a really good one for those of you who are training. It also helps to make sure you hit that target rate for weight loss and cardiovascular health.  http://www.azumio.com/apps/heart-rate/

• RunKeeper hits the sweet tooth of every runner tracking distances, times and routes. If you run, give it a try: http://runkeeper.com/

3. ”A la carte” fitness will take over. We are already seeing this with the surge of Zumba, yoga/pilates, CrossFit…>insert local fitness craze here<. Many gyms are beginning to offer special classes or special memberships for purchase that allow you to obsess over the latest craze. Take advantage of this. Changing your routine will only help your body and mind stay interested and effective.

What trends are you looking forward to? Which apps do you love or hate?

Live on purpose, and Live Sigma Kappa

Courtney