Price: $1.99

4.5/5 downloads

Whether lifting weights at Archbold Gymnasium or running the Carrier Dome steps is the preferred way to work those muscles, staying in shape just got easier with iFitness. A new application for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, people can keep track of calories, try new exercises and even make a custom workout plan, all from the palm of their hand.

The app is thorough, opening to a comprehensive list of workouts. The workouts are organized according to the part of the body the exercise targets: abs, legs, shoulders or back. Whatever needs toning, iFitnessgives step-by-step directions on how to perform the activity safely and effectively. For visual learners, a Wi-Fi connection allows the user access to a video of the exercise.

To keep users on track with their workouts, iFitnessalso tracks a day-to-day log, helping them plan out the rest of their active week. When it’s finally go-time, the user chooses the workout and enters the number of sets, repetitions and weight of the dumbbells, if dumbbells are used. Should the user repeat the same workout but change the amount of reps or weight involved, a chart will show the averages of the changes, allowing a visual representation of any progress made. If the particular exercise is not included in the preset list, the app allows the addition of custom exercises, calories burned and any other statistics needed to monitor the workout’s progress.

If the exerciser wants to follow a consistent routine, iFitnesshas an impressive list of exercise programs for all ages, skill levels and types. This is great for people who need structure for motivation. For example, the beginner program contains a list of workouts for someone new to the weight room. The exercises can be very specific, including ‘Expert Golf Regimen,’ ‘Body Toning For Women’ and ‘Glutes Definition Plan.’ There’s even a routine for the on-the-go college student unable to get to a gym. Within the list, there are additional instructions if necessary for the exercise, such as the recommended number of times per week the user should work out and how much time he or she should spend warming up.

In addition to the detailed charts, the app can show any types of progress fitness-wise, whether it is exercise or diets. When losing weight, exercise is only half the battle. Luckily, the ‘Food Tracker’ function allows users to record all of the food they’ve eaten during the day. The amount of calories, fat and sodium they consumed can also be viewed. Beyond that, users can also use the weight monitor to input their weight on a daily basis, which can project a chart with any weight changes. If there is a particular part of the body someone is looking to change or tone, the user can type in his or her measurements to the body measurements tracker. It will track abdominal, neck and arm sizes, as well chart them.

The app has numerous features and is very easy to use, but on some occasions it seems to get overwhelmed and crashes, sending the user back to the main menu. This is a manageable problem, though. As long as information is saved previously, nothing will be lost. Just be careful: If the app crashes in the middle of entering data, then it’s back to square one.

In the end, all of iFitness’ features make the $1.99 price tag well worth it. For an easy way to find a new workout, track calories and make sure all that hard work at the gym is paying off, give iFitness a try.

nerivera@syr.edu

Published on October 19, 2010 at 12:00 pm