By Sarah Martin Hood
I’m not gonna lie to you – I don’t particularly like to exercise. I know it’s good for you and I know it has all kinds of health benefits and yada yada yada. But I’ve just never been able to get into it.
Over the course of my adult life I’ve had short bursts of interest in exercise. A few years ago I had a fling with Jazzercise. Right now, my husband and I are into hiking and mountain climbing. And – from the depths of I don’t know where – I have recently found motivation to try running.
Ahh, running. My nemesis. For reasons I struggle to explain, I have always considered running one of those things that “other people” do for exercise. “I don’t run,” I would tell people. I hike, walk, climb, pedal, or swim. But I don’t run.
That was then. This is now.
I found an iPhone app that changed my whole outlook on running. It broke big, scary, intimidating RUNNING into bite-sized pieces.
If you are the least bit intimidated by running, but – like me – still have the motivation to TRY — this app is for you. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android, this app starts from square one (“couch”) and works you up gradually to completion of a 5K, or 3.1 miles.
The app is not designed for seasoned athletes and gym-rats. It is truly designed for those of us who need to start waaaaay back at the beginning. It doesn’t ask you to run a mile on your first day. It doesn’t even ask you to run for five MINUTES on the first day! It lays out a very manageable, 9-week program combining walking and jogging that ANYONE can complete!
Obviously, I’m a fan of the app — but here are a few of my FAVORITE features:
- Short, manageable workouts. Each workout is around 30 minutes, including warm up and cool down. I know you Mamas will love this, too — we can’t always find big pockets of time to exercise!
- Inspiration and Motivation. Each workout screen is complete with a motivational quote that will get you thinking and keep you moving. “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. – Vince Lombardi”
- Listen to your music! With about two clicks, the app allows you to grab music from your iTunes so you can listen to all your favorite playlists while you workout.
- Share your success. The app syncs with Twitter and Facebook so you can share your progress with friends and family. Support of loved ones can be very powerful when you’re trying to reach workout goals!
I downloaded the app, worked the program and have successfully completed my first 5K! TRUST ME when I tell you — if I can do it SO CAN YOU! This is one app that you’ll absolutely fall in love with!
Sarah would love to hear from you with questions or feedback regarding gadgets, apps, technology, or blogging. You can also stop by Sarah’s personal blog, Musings of Mother Hood to say hello or follow her on Twitter @sarahmcow. To read previous installments of Techno Mama, click here!
