Leslie Foster, a lifelong YMCA member, reads a book on her iPad while exercising. Foster says the ease of reading on the device motivates her to work out.Personal trainers are expensive and workout buddies can flake, but for people serious about getting into shape, smart phones can provide a lifeline.
Barry Allen, a member of the Chattanooga YMCA for nearly a year, uses the free RunKeeper application to track his cardio exercises while listening to the free Pandora Radio application on his Android smart phone.
“It’s nice to have everything on one device,” he said. “It’s a good way to keep track of how I’m doing reaching my goals.”
App-assisted workouts like Allen’s are increasingly becoming the norm. Lindsay Manning, fitness coordinator for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Recreation Department, said exercisers are turning to free applications and websites to show them how to exercise, set and track goals and motivate themselves to get in shape.
“Preparation is the first step to fitness,” she said. “It causes you to have a goal by planning ahead.”