Did You Know? Exercising for just 30 minutes a day can reduce stress, improve your memory and strengthen your heart.
If you’re like most men, you know it’s important to eat right and exercise. A healthy lifestyle can boost your immune system, reduce anxiety and trim your waistline.
Staying active and sticking to a healthy meal plan is easier said than done. This is especially true when you have to balance career and family obligations.
When you’re strapped for time, it can be challenging to prioritize your health and wellness – but it’s not impossible. Fortunately, there are tools that can take your fitness up a notch. Explore our list of the 10 best health and fitness apps for busy men.
About Couch to 5K: Looking for an efficient way to train for your next (or first) 5K? This app can help you get ready in 9 weeks. Invest just 30 minutes each day, three times per week and you’ll cross the 5K finish line with ease.
Features: Audio Notifications, Training Plans, Virtual Coaches, In-App Music Player, Treadmill Support, Workout Graphs, Progress Tracker
Cost: $2.99
Compatible devices: iOS, Android
What users are saying: “Ridiculously easy to use.” – “I’ve tried quite a few of these apps, and this one is the best.” – “I enjoy almost everything about this app and workout program. It steps up the intensity at a good pace and the variety of motivating voices are fun.”
About Strava: Tracking your activities can keep you motivated and excited about your workouts. The Strava app provides a platform for you to track your bike rides, yoga sessions, runs, swims, gym sessions and more.
Features: GPS, Social Media Integration, Customizable Training Plans, Location Sharing, Routes, Maps, Key Stats (Elevation, Calories Burned, Pace, Distance, Speed)
Cost: Free to download. In-app purchases are available.
Compatible devices: iOS, Android
What users are saying: “I enjoy the leaderboard and monthly comparisons.” – “Strava has just about every conceivable feature and aspect of a great running/bike app.” – “Best app for tracking your walk, run, ride and kayak activities.”
About Nike Run Club: Looking for the perfect running (or walking) partner? The Nike Run Club app includes virtual coaching and audio-guided runs.
Features: Apple Watch Series 5 Support, Global/Custom Challenges, Personalized Coaching Plans, Leader Board Competitions, Virtual Trophies/Badges
Cost: Free to download.
Compatible devices: iOS, Android
What users are saying: “Despite occasional frustrations and tech glitches, this app is so motivating and helpful.” – “Nike Run Club is more than a killer run tracker. It offers curated playlists for your jog and a social network where you can show off your hard work.”
4.Centr
About Centr: This app provides access to the world’s best trainers, wellness experts and chefs. Create customizable goals, meal plans and workouts.
Features: 6-Week Programs, Daily Workout Videos, Healthy Meal Plans, Recipe Swaps, Team of Virtual Trainers (Pilates, Yoga, Special Ops, Bodybuilder, Nutrition Coach, Boxing/MMA Coach, Holistic Psychotherapist, Meditation Teacher)
Cost: Free to download. In-app purchases available.
Compatible devices: iOS, Android, PC, Mac
What users are saying: “I’ve never seen such innovative technology that helps balance a healthy lifestyle. This app raises the stakes for companies and developers alike.” – “I signed up just for the workouts. What I got was so much more! There are world-class trainers ready to help you reach your goals.”
5.TRX
About TRX: Losing weight and getting in shape couldn’t be easier. The TRX app provides you with enhanced personal workout programs. That way, you can train smarter in less time.
Features: Coaching, Performance Indicators, On Demand Workouts (Suspension Training, Running, Functional Training, Yoga, Cycling and More), Suitable for All Fitness Levels, Detailed Video Content
Cost: 14-Day Free Trial. In-app purchases available.
Compatible devices: iOS, Android, PC, Mac
What users are saying: “Having the TRX app has allowed me to have my own digital trainer and program for my needs and schedule.” – “I love the TRX concept, the hardware and the workouts.”
About MyFitnessPal: Tracking your calories and activities is easy with the MyFitnessPal app. Drop the pounds as you get insights about your nutrition and keep tabs on what you’re eating.
Features: Meal Scanner, Recipes, Meal Plans, Data Links, Family Sharing
Cost: Free to download. Available in-app purchases.
Compatible devices: PC, Mac, Android, iOS
What users are saying: “The database for foods is great. During the time I used it, I lost 11 pounds.” – “This app is easy to use to log the food I eat. I spend a total of 5 minutes each day logging my food intake.”
7.ACTIVEx
About ACTIVEx: Join a community of fitness enthusiasts through the ACTIVEx app. Get access to customized fitness plans that can help you crush your fitness goals.
Features: Tabata Workouts, Organized Training Events, Motivational Tips, Kid-Friendly
Cost: Free to download.
Compatible devices: iOS
What users are saying: “This app is great for finding races you wish to run in.” – “I travel frequently throughout the year, and I love using this app to find local races no matter where I am.”
About Beachbody On Demand: Beachbody brings a world of fitness to your mobile device or computer. Participate in challenging workouts from top trainers any time – day or night.
Features: 1500+ Workouts, Meal Plans, Nutrition Guidance, Challenges, Community Groups, Workout Modifiers
Cost: Low Monthly Membership Fees. Prices vary.
Compatible devices: iOS, FireTV, Roku, Apple TV
What users are saying: “I have done Beachbody programs for years and love them, so I decided to sign up for Beachbody on Demand.” – “I love Beachbody programs for fun and easy access to the best workouts.”
About BetterMe: Workouts for Men: Lose fat and build muscle with an app that is designed exclusively for men. This BetterMe app offers fitness routines 24/7/365.
Features: Meal Plans, High-Quality Videos, Targeted Workouts, Health App Integration, Recipes
Cost: Free to download. Available in-app purchases.
Compatible devices: iOS, Android
What users are saying: “I love this app. It motivates me to keep working because I can feel my muscles getting stronger after every workout.” – “I have been using this app for over a week and I really like it. It has a wide range of workouts and a clean and colorful interface.”
About Zones for Training: Maximize your Apple watch and iPhone with Zones for Training. This app gives you the opportunity to participate in more than 70 types of workouts.
Features: Real-Time Data, Workout Displays, Heart-Rate Monitoring, Detailed Workout Information, High-Intensity Workouts (Cycling, Core Training, Walking, Running, Strength Training and More)
Cost: Free to download. Includes in-app purchases.
Compatible devices: iPhone, Apple Watch
What users are saying: “Nice addition to the Apple Watch workout feature. I can customize my program to reach specific goals.” – “The app provides a lot of useful data and allows me to target my workout in ways I wasn’t able to on other apps.”
Want more resources to get back into the fitness game? Check out the following books.
- The Year One Challenge for Men: Bigger, Leaner and Stronger Than Ever in 12 Months by Michael Matthews
- Yoga Fitness for Men: Build Strength, Improve Performance and Increase Flexibility by Dean Pohlman
- 6 Optional Tips for Detoxification and Reset by PureTure, HHP
About Corporate Counsel Men of Color
Our mission at Corporate Counsel Men of Color (CCMC) is to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide a support network for men of color in all professions including (but not limited to) legal, finance, education, medicine, healthcare, law enforcement, sales and insurance. Join CCMC to participate in career events and networking opportunities. Corporate Counsel Men of Color is a subsidiary of Corporate Counsel Women of Color.