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The 10 Best Apps for Working Out on the Road

Wellness Technology + Gear Insider Guides
by Kate Miller Feb 26, 2019

Travel is a great time to break out of normal routines and be open to new experiences. Each city is an opportunity to explore different foods, cultures, and even ways to get fit. Your next trip doesn’t have to derail your fitness goals. If you travel with your phone, you have access to a great workout right in the palm of your hand. Here are 10 of my favorite apps for working out on the road.

1. If you want to stay hydrated: My Water Balance

Drinking enough water is important for both your workouts and general overall health while traveling. A quick way to derail a workout or, even worse, an entire day is dehydration. Track your daily water consumption with My Water Balance. It will adjust based on your activity, climate, and the other beverages you are consuming. This means if you have a few beers, it will encourage even more water. And remember, when traveling internationally, don’t just reach for any tap. Do some research on the safety of local water before filling your water bottle or opt for bottled water.

2. If you know that abs start in the kitchen: MyFitnessPal

Someone once told me, “You can’t out-work a bad diet.” Not only is eating right the quickest way to get fit, but it’s also hard to have a great workout if you’re poorly fueled. I’m all for a few indulgences, especially dessert, but tracking what you eat can go a long way toward reaching your fitness goals. MyFitnessPal is an easy-to-use app to help you keep track of calories, macros, or meals. Even if you’re going over your daily goals, it can still help you stay accountable if you track what you’re eating. It also will help you better understand why a run or workout may have felt a little, or a lot, off.

3. If running is your go-to cardio: Nike Run Club

Running is one of the best ways to explore a new city. It’s also one of the easiest ways to build a workout into your travel plans. To get the most out of your run, check out the Nike Run Club app. It’s an easy way to track the distance and pace of your runs, and it will let you know when you hit milestones like your fastest mile. It also has built-in training plans, an option to work with a run coach, and a feature where you can compete with your friends. Lace up your sneakers and see where the city takes you.

4. If you want to get into running: C25K

Even if you haven’t run in years, the C25K app guides new runners from their couch to their first 5K in just under nine weeks. The program does a good job of easing people into running by slowly building up distance and time. Hold onto the runner’s high and keep working through the program once you return home. Plus, you can plan a trip around an exciting 5K in a new destination.

5. If you want to get grounded with yoga: Down Dog

Down Dog

Photo: Down Dog

Yoga is a great way to slow down while traveling and be present. It can be done just about anywhere and without any special equipment or clothing. Do a few postures on the beach, in your hotel room, or even at the airport with the Down Dog app. It has more than 30,000 different configurations, so you can build a yoga practice that works best for you. You can also customize your yoga session by selecting the voice, experience level, and amount of time.

6. If you want to push yourself: Nike Training Club

An intense workout can be a great way to push through jet lag or burn off a few extra vacation calories. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, download the Nike Training Club app. It has more than 185 workouts from Nike trainers and athletes that will have you sweating in no time. Based on your access to equipment and time, you can choose from different strength, cardio, and yoga workouts ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. There are also great built-in social sharing options so you can keep yourself and others motivated while on the road.

7. If you don’t have access to workout equipment: Freeletics Bodyweight

freeletics

Photo: Freeletics

Working out doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep your travel workouts simple with the Freeletics Bodyweight app. The only equipment you need for these strength and cardio workouts is yourself. You can use the app for one-off workouts or if you really want to commit, you can work your way through six-, eight-, and 12-week programs. The app has options for any fitness level, a strong community to keep you motivated, and an AI coaching experience that builds your workouts based on feedback provided.

8. If you feel most inspired in group classes: MINDBODY

Group fitness classes are a great way to meet other people and try something new. With the MINDBODY app, you can book fitness classes just about anywhere in the world. Class types will vary based on where you are, but examples include strength classes, Pilates, yoga, and barre. The app has a built-in calendar, so you can see your workout schedule, and it will feature class specials. If you need a little R&R after your workout, there is an option to book massage and beauty services too.

9. If you’re short on time: 7 Minute Workout

One of the top excuses people have for not working out is time. When you’re traveling, it can be especially hard to find time to get fit. The 7 Minute Workout app is a great solution for those who have a busy schedule. There’s a reason it’s rated the #1 fitness app in 127 countries. It’s quick, easy to use, and will get your heart pumping. The workouts are full body and don’t require equipment, so you can do them anywhere your travels take you.

10. If you have a plan and you’re sticking to it: JeFit

Getting fit is a journey that for many people becomes a lifestyle. If you already have an established weight-lifting plan, use the JeFit app to stay on track both at home and when you travel. Within the app, you can create personalized workouts tailored to your fitness goals and then track your progress with easy-to-use training logs. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll have access to your workout history data so you can continue to get those gains.

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