Inexpensive, on-the-go exercise tools for anyone

Yonkers, NY – Creative and innovative fitness classes are popping up everywhere, but some days, there just isn’t time to get to the gym.  The March 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, features exercise apps that allow users to get in all types of workouts anytime, anywhere.

“Sticking to fitness goals can be a challenge,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “Having access to workout guides on a smartphone can help you stay on track no matter where you are.”

Here are five apps that can help amp-up a workout

1. CrossFit Travel is designed to help users stay on course while on the road.  All workouts, aside from running) are designed for small spaces, such as a hotel room or bedroom.  The app includes more than 120 Workouts of the Day that can be tailored to users’ preferences. Works on Android, $2.00.
2. Daily Arm Workout can help users tone up. Like the Daily Butt, Cardio, and Leg Workout apps, Daily Arm Workout is loaded with video instructions for easy-to-follow moves to tone a particular body part that needs attention. Users can get fit anywhere as each app has short routines that require little or no equipment. Works on Apple and Android, free (pay $1.00 for more exercises and no ads).
3. C25K stands for couch to 5 kilometers, and its aim is to help novices get ready for a race in eight weeks.  The easy-to-follow training plan has voice alerts that tell users when to warm up, walk, run, and cool down, and tells when to give it the final push.  Works on Apple and Android, free (pay $2.00 for more exercises and no ads).
4.  Kettlebell Training: The Basics is an inexpensive alternative to a certified personal trainer who specializes in kettlebells.  This app will show users how to work those heavy little balls instead of lifting traditional barbell-type weights.  First-times can start out with the Kettlebell Safety video.  Works on Apple, $2.00.
5. Pocket Yoga offers 27 yoga sessions for busy people who want to stretch and de-stress.  Voice and video instructions guide users through every pose as if in a class.  This app also contains 145 illustrated poses so users can check form and track progress. Works on Apple and Android, $3.00.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About ShopSmart Magazine

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication’s celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. It’s ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org ^[1].