Favorite Health and Fitness Apps I Use Often
Last week I attended a teacher training session on using iPads in the classroom. It was a busy time of year: everyone was preparing students for end-of-year tests, assemblies, and transitions to the next grade. When we arrived at the in-service center, the group welcomed a few quiet moments. Our instructor understood teachers’ needs—he had chocolate and coffee, and he gave us space to relax and share our favorite apps. During a break I reviewed the apps on my phone and realized there are a handful I rely on regularly, and a few I should either start using more or remove. Below I describe the apps I keep on my device, why I like them, and how they can be useful for busy professionals and active people alike.
1. Waterlogged (free)
Waterlogged is a straightforward water-tracking app that helps you monitor daily hydration. I find that seeing an empty glass icon in the afternoon motivates me to drink more before I leave work. For teachers and anyone who tends to forget to hydrate while busy, a simple tracker like this is effective because it removes friction—no complex setup, just quick logging and visible progress toward your goal.
2. Runmeter (PRO version available)
Runmeter is my preferred running app because it tracks runs with useful metrics, including elevation. The app is phone-centric, which I appreciate since I don’t need to log into a separate website to access my data. A feature I didn’t expect to love is its route analysis: Runmeter ranks workouts for each individual route so your trail runs aren’t compared to road runs. That makes comparisons fair and helps you track progress by context—ideal for runners who use a mix of trails, roads, and tracks.
3. Find Me Gluten Free (free)
If you need to find gluten-free options when eating out, Find Me Gluten Free is a practical tool. It lists menu items and often links directly to restaurant websites so you can review ingredient information in advance. The app updates frequently and is useful whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to make safer choices while dining away from home.
4. CrossFit Travel ($1.99)
CrossFit Travel is a compact, creative workout app with built-in timers, including a Tabata timer. It’s designed for people who travel or who can’t make it to a box but want an effective routine without planning. The app assumes familiarity with CrossFit terminology, so it’s best for experienced users rather than beginners. If you know the common movements, this app can replace the thinking and provide quick, varied workouts that fit into tight schedules.
5. Instant Heart Rate (free)
Instant Heart Rate measures your pulse by using your phone camera and the tip of your finger. I use it first thing in the morning to monitor changes in my resting heart rate over time. It’s a fun, free tool to get a quick read on trends, though it’s not a substitute for professional medical devices or advice. For anyone tracking fitness progress or recovery, occasional checks with this app can highlight patterns worth noting.
6. Pocket Yoga (free)
As someone new to yoga, I’ve found Pocket Yoga especially helpful because it includes visual pose guides. Practicing at home can feel less intimidating when you have clear images and guided sequences. The app fits well into a busy routine: short sessions are easy to complete before bed or between errands, and the guided flows provide structure without needing an instructor present.
Practical Tips for Managing Fitness Apps
When choosing and managing fitness apps, pick a few that serve distinct purposes—hydration, movement tracking, workouts, and recovery. Avoid clutter by deleting apps you don’t use regularly. Keep one simple tracker for daily habits, one reliable tracker for workouts, and one reference or instruction app for technique or guided sessions. For teachers and professionals with limited downtime, apps that offer quick logging, offline functionality, or clear visuals tend to be the most helpful.
These are the apps I return to most often. They help me stay hydrated, track workouts accurately, find safe dining options, plan workouts on the go, and follow yoga routines at home. What health or fitness apps do you rely on? Share your favorites and tips for staying consistent—there’s always something new to try that can make healthy habits easier to keep.