Aerobic vs. Anaerobic: Top 10 Workout Apps For Your Fitness

Before we get into the specifics let's briefly look at the difference in aerobic exercise and anaerobic.

Aerobic literally means "relating to, involving, or requiring free oxygen" . It refers to the energy oxygen levels you need to meet the energy demands of your exercise. Aerobic exercises include everything that you probably know as “cardio” such as running, swimming or cycling.

Before any aerobic exercise it’s important to warm up as your body is about to face some physical stress.

Jump rope: it’s an easy exercise that you can do anywhere, not to mention that it’s an awesome way to shake up your cardio. The many benefits of jumping rope include better coordination, improved heart health and agility. And yet another big perk: it’s so much fun!

Running: Running is one of the most popular aerobic exercises. The benefits of running include improved heart health, burning fat and calories, and elevated mood, just to mention a few.

If you’re a beginner, start with running 20 minutes in a slower pace 2-3 times a week and gradually increase the duration and the intensity.

Aerobic Strength Circuits: Aerobic strength circuits are wonderful for building muscle strength and maintaining cardiovascular health. Alternate between performing exercises like lunges, pushups, dips or squats. Perform each exercise for 1 minute and then jog for 1 minute as an active rest. One exercise combined with 1 minute of jogging is considered a circuit. Take no more than 5 minutes of rest in between circuits. Cool down afterwards with some stretching.

Walking: Use an application to determine how many steps you take each day, once done, try to make sure you reach 10 000 steps/ day. 30 minutes of walking each day can reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

Anaerobic means “without oxygen”. That is because during anaerobic exercise your body requires immediate energy and relies on stored energy to fuel itself ( instead of oxygen as in aerobic exercise).

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training): In HIIT you alternate between short periods of high intensity workout and less intense recovery periods until it gets too hard to continue.

Sprinting: Running full speed for a short period of time

Calisthenics: A form of strength training, often performed rhythmically and with minimal equipment. Mostly entails body-weight exercises.

From the above 2 definitions the question may well be, do you enjoy doing the same thing, repeatedly for a long duration or are you the type of person who gets bored quickly and performs better with variety?

The next thing to consider is:

If motivation is something you need to keep on top of your routine, then perhaps you are more suited to a team sport.

Knowing someone or people are relying on you to show up and perform can be a great motivation, especially on the days you feel tired and left to your own devices would take a rest day.

Team Sports

• Volleyball: Usually played by two teams of six players. Volleyball is an awesome social activity that teaches teamwork and communication. It strengthens the upper body, arms, shoulders, thighs, abdominals, and lower legs.
• Football: Playing football is a great exercise that improves aerobic capacity, cardiovascular health, and lowers body fat. All while making friends and having fun.
• Basketball: In an hour of playing basketball you can burn up to 700 calories! If you are competitive and enjoy being part of a team, basketball is for you. It’s a great sport for improving motor coordination, flexibility, and endurance.

If however, the thought of both a team sport and relying on other people for the outcome isn’t something that you are drawn to, perhaps an individual event or an exercise that requires nothing more than 1 or more pieces of equipment is what you are looking for.

• Running: Running regularly helps to maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and improve cardiovascular fitness. Running can give you a longer life, improved sleep and better mood.
• Cycling: If you enjoy nature and biking around all while improving your cardiovascular health, cycling is for you. If you’re an outdoorsy person, cycling in nature could be a great option to incorporate in your workout plan.
• Swimming: Swimming is an excellent way to work out your whole body. An hour of swimming burns almost as many calories as running, with much less impact on your bones.

It's no good finding the best exercise and realising you cannot fit it around your schedule.

Before signing yourself up for disappointment, take a moment to consider your schedule…..

• Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for showing up. Plan the date and time for your workouts and show up. When you’re there, make sure you give your workout your best effort ( no cheating! ).
• Prefer a fixed or non fixed schedule: For most people it’s easier to be on a fixed schedule when it comes to sports. Figure out when your workouts would fit best in your schedule.

For some people it’s easier to have a set time and follow the same routine every day. If you’re the type of person who thrives more on a flexible schedule, just decide on your weekly workout goals and then you can go with the flow as long as you hit your weekly targets.

Use goal setting to focus your attention on your targets and keep yourself motivated. Knowing your goals gives you direction both short and long term, and the push you need when you hit your smaller targets. Setting and hitting goals will give you confidence and motivation to work hard.

Alright. Let’s get into it.

First off let's take a look at the calories burnt in 20 minutes for a given exercise:

• Running / jogging 150 calories
• Skipping 290 calories
• CrossFit 300 calories
• Weight training 100 calories
• Football 180 calories
• Basketball 114 calories
• Skating 235 calories
• Surfing 100 calories
• HiiT 260 calories
• Rock Climbing 117 calories
• Cycling 140 calories
• Yoga / Pilates 80 calories
• Calisthenics 90 calories

Naturally the above is a VERY small list of the exercises available, and the intensity each is performed will naturally affect the calories you burn.

Ultimately you could expand the list above and find the most aggressive calorie burning exercise and just do that.

However! If it does not:

1. Excite you
2. Fit around your schedule
3. Make you want to push yourself
4. Feel fun

Then no matter what you do, ultimately you will not continue.

And therefore the best exercise to get into the best shape of your life is...

• One that you enjoy.
• One you'll Want to go back to
• Fits into your lifestyle
• Ultimately will become a natural part of your everyday life.

8fit

Designed for individuals on the go, 8fit simplifies the journey to personal wellness. It combines nutrition and fitness, providing users with actionable plans tailored to their needs. The app is perfect for those aiming for a holistic approach to health.

• Personalized workout routines.

• Customized meal plans.

• Promotes sustainable health habits.

• Addresses both fitness and nutrition.

Download 8fit

Body by Blogilates

A health and wellness app that helps you train and eat like YouTube fitness influencer Cassey Ho

Blogilates is a vibrant fitness platform offering Pilates-inspired workouts by passionate instructor Cassey Ho. With video classes, nutrition guidance, and printable calendars, Blogilates is the perfect blend of engaging fitness and holistic well-being.

• Pilates Fusion Workouts: Engaging routines that combine traditional Pilates with modern cardio and strength training.

• Nutritional Guidance: Accessible meal plans and healthy recipes to complement your fitness journey.

• Monthly Workout Calendars: Stay on track with printable and interactive calendars tailored to your fitness level.

• Inclusive Community: Connect, share, and grow with a supportive community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts.

Download Blogilates

MyFitnessPal

A meal, exercise, and physique tracking system that helps you stay on top of your health and fitness goals one day at a time.

MyFitnessPal is a comprehensive fitness and nutrition tracking tool. It is designed to help fitness enthusiasts to achieve their health and weight goals through informed dietary and exercise choices.

• Personalized Diet Plans: Customized nutrition guidance based on individual needs and goals.

• Extensive Food Database: Over 11 million foods with nutritional information for accurate tracking.

• Exercise Log: Record physical activities to balance caloric intake and burn.

• Community Support: Connect with millions of users, sharing tips, motivation, and success stories.

Download MyFitnessPal

Streaks Workout

An app that lets you visually track your workout streaks.

Streaks Workout is a streamlined fitness application designed to help users maintain consistent workout routines. Customizable exercises motivate individuals to keep track of their exercise, adapting to all fitness levels.

• Customizable Workouts: Tailor your routine by choosing from various exercises to suit your needs.

• Adaptive Fitness Levels: Whether a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the app adjusts to your pace and intensity.

• Motivational Streaks: Encourages consistency by tracking your daily exercise streak, pushing you to stay committed.

• Intuitive Design: A user-friendly interface ensures a smooth workout experience, allowing you to focus solely on your fitness journey.

Download Streaks

Charity Miles

An app that helps you earn money for the charity of your choice for every mile you walk, run, or bike

With CharityMiles, every step you take becomes a stride towards making a difference. Whether you're jogging at dawn, cycling in the afternoon, or taking a simple evening walk, this app ensures your efforts translate into tangible support for the charity close to your heart. Why just move when you can move for a cause?

• Move with Meaning: For every mile you walk, run, or bike, earn money for your chosen charity.

• Fuel Your Passion: Choose from a diverse list of charities that resonate with your personal values.

• Track Your Impact: Monitor your contributions in real time and see the direct impact of your activities.

• Join a Community: Connect with thousands of like-minded individuals making a difference, one step at a time.

Download Charity Miles

Thurst

Mike Thurston Fitness App

Have you ever considered having a personal fitness buddy at your fingertips? That's the Mike Thurston Fitness App for you! Crafted with love and sweat by Mike Thurston, this friendly guide is here to cheer you on, whether you're just lacing up your sneakers for the first time or used to breaking a daily sweat. Let's get fit together!

• Workouts Just For You: Dive into a treasure trove of exercises, each like a new dance move waiting to be mastered.

• Eat, Laugh, Repeat: Who said eating healthy is boring? Discover meal plans and foodie tips that'll tickle your taste buds.

• Celebrate Every Step: Watch your journey unfold, chart your ups (and occasional downs), and give yourself a high-five.

• Learn with Mike: Like having a chit-chat over coffee, but about squats and protein shakes. Mike's exclusive tips are the cherry on top!

https://thrstofficial.com/

Morsia

MattDoesFitness workout App

Let's get real about fitness! With the MattDoesFitness app, it's like having Matt and his crew cheering you on at every step. This isn't just another app—it's your go-to buddy for everything fitness. Find your perfect workout groove, tantalize your taste buds with yummy, health-first recipes, and see how much you achieve. Ready to make every workout sizzle and every healthy bite count?

• Your Fitness, Your Way: Personal workout plans from Matt and the Morsia family that feel like they've been wrapped up just for you.

• Fresh & Fun Every Month: New workout vibes and exciting fitness tips keep you pumped every month.

• Eat Yummy, Stay Healthy: Savor delicious recipes that align with your goals, and enjoy prepped weekly shopping lists to make life easy.

• Celebrate the Small Wins: With our tracker, see every lift, stretch, and step and enjoy those "heck yeah!" moments as you see your progress.

https://www.morsialtd.com/

Fiton

Free fitness App

A world of fitness is right at your fingertips with FitOn, the ultimate free fitness app. Various workout routines are set to meet your unique goals. These are all led by celebrity trainers in the industry. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned athlete, FitOn promises an unparalleled experience, making every sweat session count.

• Variety of Workouts: Ranging from HIIT, yoga, dance, and more, curated for all fitness levels.

• Celebrity Trainers: Learn from the industry's best, ensuring you get the most out of every workout.

• Customizable Plans: Design your workout routine to fit your schedule, pace, and objectives.

• Join For Free: Experience top-tier fitness training without the hefty price tag.

https://fitonapp.com/

30 Day Fitness

Workout from home

Have you ever thought of turning your living room into your workout space? The 30-Day Fitness app makes that dream a reality. Wave goodbye to those crowded gyms and hello to a personal fitness journey, all from the comfort of home. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something just for you.

• Just For You Workouts: Get a plan that vibes with your pace and what you're aiming for.

• Mix It Up: Cardio day or strength day? With a library like this, every day could be a new adventure.

• Keep It Simple: Just you and your motivation. No fancy equipment is required.

• Celebrate Every Milestone: Keep tabs on your journey and see how far you've come with the in-app tracker.

https://30dayfitness.app/

Sweat

Are you looking for a workout buddy? The Sweat app has got your back. We've poured love and care into creating workouts celebrating you — a fierce woman with dreams and goals. So, whether you're dancing around in your living room, squeezing in some lunges at a hotel, or just soaking up the sun at the park, Sweat dances along, ensuring you have a fab workout session.

• All About You: Our Workouts? Think of them as love letters to every strong, wonderful woman.

• Anywhere, Anytime Vibes: No gym? No worries! We're all about making fitness fit into your world.

• Guidance With Heart: Behind each routine is a passionate female fitness pro, sharing her best with you.

• Dip Your Toes with Our 7-Day Trial: Get a taste of the Sweat life. Who knows? It might just be the start of a beautiful fitness story!

https://www.sweat.com/

Make sure to check out the beginners guide to nutrition.

Losing weight is a slow process. It requires discipline, accountability and many people lose patience before they lose weight.

Finding the type of exercise that’s right for you can keep you motivated along the way.

Keep in mind that for successful weight loss, you need to make sustainable lifestyle changes including healthy food choices and getting plenty of exercise every week.