smartphone

We have some great technology at our fingertips these days. If you have a smartphone, here are some recommended apps and/or websites to help you get ready for the upcoming season (or to just get/stay in shape in general). If you don't have a smartphone, look into getting a pedometer (the old-school ones are just a few dollars). Or keep a journal of your activities. Many of these apps have companion websites that you can log directly on without using the fancy smartphone/GPS features. There are also a lot of podcasts to help you train. We are not affiliated with any of these companies. They're just apps or websites we've used or heard good things about.

Cardio

Running is one of the best excercises out there. Be sure to take care of yourself as you can get injured. Make sure you stretch and listen to your body (if it hurts, stop!). If you're new to running, a so-called "Couch to 5K" plan is highly recommended. They build you up slowly to running 30 minutes straight, usually over the course of 9 weeks. They have even been known to make people who formerly HATED running love it... or at least kinda like it! And wouldn't it be fun to do one of those color run things? Or the Kappa Kappa Psi Beat Beethoven fundraising 5K in the spring?

Couch to 5K

If you don't want to pay for an app and can't find a free one, try a podcast. It won't track your time or distance, but it will tell you when to walk and when to run. Or, if nothing else, check out one of the training schedules and time yourself!

Other Running and Cardio

If you do one of the plans above, keep track of things with one of the apps below.

  • RunKeeper * - logging and tracking tools. Adjustable for many cardio activities. Free but has a premium plan for additional features.
  • Zombies, Run! * - Need a little extra motivation on your run? This is a fun story-based running app and, well, it sounds like zombies are chasing you.
  • MapMyFitness - more logging and tracking tools. Has activity-specific apps, but most can be adjusted to other activities (MapMyRide, MapMyRun, etc.). A great way to find suggested routes for your activity. Also has a food journal.
  • Nike+ (links to Nike+ Run Club) - some phones came with this built in
  • FitBit
  • Wahoo

Strength and Flexibility

Building up those muscles is just as important as cardio. Core strength is most important to what we do. Force yourself to use proper technique at all times while doing these exercises. "Cheating' won't develop the proper muscles and won't make it any easier to do it the right way. Do fewer reps with proper technique and work your way up if you need to. Have someone watch you to let you know if you're doing it incorrectly if you want.

  • 7 Minute Workout Challenge * - Costs a few bucks but has an awesome customizable training program. Has videos, photos, and descriptions for all the activities. Takes 7 minutes (more if you do multiple cycles) but gives you a great workout. All you need is a chair or box for the step-ups and tricep dips. No other equipment needed.
  • Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute Workout - Same idea as above but free. Wish we'd known (but haven't tried it).
  • NHS Strength and Flex - podcast, articles, and training plan (with their C25K podcast)
  • NHS Fitness Studio - Free excercise videos. Nice!

General

Fitness

  • Campus Recreation * - Go-to resource for on-campus offerings, including fitness center and pool hours, group fitnees classes, personal training, running routes, outings, and more.
  • MyFitnessPal - App and website to help with weight loss or just to keep track of your calories in and out. Full-featured food diary plus a fitness tracker (links with many of the sites/apps above).
  • LoseIt * - Same idea as MyFitnessPal

Other

  • EPA UV Index
  • Waterlogged - track your water intake (iOS only)
  • Water Your Body - like above for Android
  • Sleep Cycle * - analyzes your sleep and wakes you up during a lighter phase (within a set amount of time before your alarm). Makes it easier to wake up for those 8 AM classes. Works very well.
  • Power Nap * - made by the Sleep Cycle people. Helps you to nap without waking up feeling groggy.

* Our favorites.