I AM - 4 Motivational Android Apps For Walkers, Runners and Cyclists

There is always room for improvement in the world of health and exercise. How do you know if your gaining or losing strength or agility? How do you recognize when you're going toward or away from your goals? It's best to not guess, you tend to over or under estimate your true results.

Can Your Smartphone Be Your Best Friend?

Most people carry around their smartphones. The capabilities are astounding with every passing month. From watching videos to listening to radio stations to tracking locations. Let your smartphone be your best friend. Utilize apps like there's no tomorrow. If you carry it by your side like second skin, carry apps that build great habits.

Apps

There's at least 4 apps I use personally use and recommend with great success that has helped me with my goals so far:

1. Runkeeper:

This app has been useful because not only does it track various types of exercise, other apps utilize it's tracking for journaling exercise along with dietary records. I've also seen regular websites will integrate itself with your RunKeeper app records.

2. Map My Run:

I haven't used this app much, but I really like the fact that you can pre-map a trail you plan to take. It calculate distance, elevation and other nice things. You publicize it for others to follow that may live or exercise nearby.

3. Striiv:

This app is actually based on an actual device created first. It is a pedometer that you could wear with pretty good accuracy, now available in app form for most smartphones. You could challenge friends and family to see who did the most steps. You could also motivate yourself by taking on mini game-like challenges provided by Striiv like "Walk 100 steps in the next 5 minutes". There's also an in a virtual world game where real world tracking of your steps provide "health" or "energy" that could buy virtual stuff for your virtual land. Fun for both kids and adults.

4. Charity Miles:

I personally think Charity Miles is a rewarding and motivational app. Sometimes doing something outside of ourselves will get us to do things we would otherwise do. You can pick among several charities to walk, run or bike for. If you do at least a quarter of a mile, you can use this app to donate money while exercising for your own health. It's a win-win situation.

How Can I Make All This Work For Me?

All apps except Striiv need GPS from your smartphone in order to work. You can run several apps at the same time. I start up one app at a time in this order, I don't use Striiv when doing long activities:

1. RunKeeper
2. Charity Miles
3. Map My Run - I'm still experimenting with this app though.

I'll finally start up my music or Pandora depending on mood.

What Do I Do When I'm Done?

Once I'm done with my activity, I will stop apps in the opposite direction:

1. Stop Pandora or my music
2. Stop and close out Map My Run
3. Charity Miles
4. RunKeeper

If you have other apps connected to these apps, you can catch up with them when you get home. I'll recommend websites in another post.

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I AM - My Gym Membership - What You Need To Know About Having One

I have been paying for a gym membership well over a year, coming to a year and a half. It's been a battle as to what I should do with it, keep it or let it go? I finally decided to keep it, it's my gift to me.

I've had previous memberships to all sorts of gyms ranging from 24 Fitness to Curves. Right now I have LA Fitness. This is the longest standing membership I've owned to this date. All gyms have there perks.

Why Have A Gym Membership?

There are positive things about having a gym membership:

• Indoors - You can workout regardless of weather changes.
• People - There are other people who have similar goals as you. Why not surround yourself with like minded people. Leaves you less lonely.
• Equipment - You can't beat having readily available equipment for your enjoyment.
• Classes - There's classes that can keep you from becoming bored from routine.
• Extracurricular sports - Some gyms have extra stuff you can do like basketball or swimming.
• Other extras - Who can forget the awesome spas and saunas you can hit up before or after a good workout. 
• Training - If you need someone to yell at you or teach you how to workout, their right there waiting at your local gym.
• Child care - Yes there are gyms with child care. Granted, you have to pay for it, but it leaves out the excuses. If your child is a certain age, they can join you under family membership. Just ask a rep.

So What's Stopping You?

It all comes down to YOU. You can make excuses or lose the desire to go. Other times, it's the money you must surrender to keep your gym membership. Some people aren't meant to be gym rats. That's okay too. I think some of us give up too soon. 

Are You Working Out At The Wrong Gym?

If you have lost the desire or just don't feel like you belong, maybe it's time to change up the location of the gym you're going to. Maybe it's the actual gym you have membership with...try a different one. You might find out that CrossFit is the real deal for you. Or that all you needed was Curves membership. No gym is a one size fits all. It's your responsibility to give yourself a chance to find a fit for you. 

Make A List

Make a list of all the things you would like to do or expect out of a gym membership. Seek that potential gym out. Most if not all gyms will give you a trial membership. Check out a couple places and decide.

Did You Get Membership Already?

Please share your thoughts about having a gym membership below. Who is your membership provider and what made you decide to use them? If you decided against it, why?