Top apps for keeping your body & mind healthy
In this period of change we explore the apps that can help keep us mentally and physically healthy in the comfort of our own homes
Elevate
Digital brain training has come a long way since it was launched 15 years ago and Elevate is one of the best apps in the market to help you keep your mind active. Split into four categories: Writing, Speaking, Reading and Maths, each day’s training only takes a few minutes, tracks your progress and allows you to compare your stats with other users.
Free for basic version, £6.49 per month or £38.99 per year for premium
One You Couch to 5k
Produced by Public Health England, the app continues to host the most popular programme to get people running, and for good reason. Using really manageable increases each week, thousands of people have been turned into regular runners with this easy to use app that gets even the most devoted couch potatoes running for half an hour in just nine weeks.
Free
Calm
This app is a one stop shop for mindfulness and relaxation. An array of meditation programmes are included to allow you to decompress or manage your anxiety, and bedtime stories read by some famous voices like Matthew McConaughey, Stephen Fry and Frankie Bridge will help you drift off to sleep. There’s even support for children so the whole family can benefit from a little peace.
Free 7 day trial, £28.99 per year
Fiit
Split into Cardio, Strength and Rebalance studios, this app lets you take your fitness classes with you. For those with a competitive edge, you can gain Fiit points by connecting up your smart watch, but the app works just as well if you’d rather just compete against yourself. It’s easy to find a class you’ll like with the ability to search by level, equipment and whether you need a quiet workout so you don’t upset your neighbours.
Free for 14 days, £19.99 a month
Les Mills On Demand
If you’ve got some equipment at home, this app could be your perfect workout partner. From one of the international leaders of group classes, you can now benefit from over 800 sessions from their programme, including BodyPump, BodyJam and Grit, as well as classes specifically for children of different age groups.
£11.95 per month
Streaks
Do you want to create a new habit but need a bit of accountability? Streaks helps you track activities that you want to make part of your daily life and it doesn’t just have to be fitness related, you could include things like practicing the piano, reading for ten minutes, taking your vitamins or quitting smoking. The app lets you chart your progress and create reminders to help you build the habit.
£4.99 per month
MyFitnessPal
This food tracking app has a huge library of nutritional information for foods from shops and restaurants around the world so that you can easily track what you’re eating. You set yourself a daily calorie target and can also track macronutrients so you’re much more aware of what you’re consuming each day. This isn’t just for weight loss, you can also use it if you want to bulk up and focus on specific food groups.
Free
Noom
If you’re looking to lose weight while also changing the way you think about food, Noom gives several layers of support to keep you on track. Using quick quizzes and short daily lessons, the app is created by psychologists to encourage you to create a better relationship with food and to navigate the frustrations of weight loss. You’ll be allocated a coach and a support group who will give you encouragement in your weaker moments and a platform to share ideas.