Three Workout Apps Help in Spring Break Preparation

Ah, spring break — the time of year when I get to trade in my North Face puffer coat for my brightly-colored Target bikini collection that has been crumpled up at the bottom of my drawer since August.

Though the idea of a sunny beach was one of the only things making these frigid winter months bearable, the thought of wearing a swimsuit right now is frightening. It’s easy to grab another one of my mom’s peanut butter cookies, justifying it with the infamous, “I’ll go to the gym tomorrow.” After lounging in an XL sweatshirt for the past two months, I’ve realized a two-piece is much less forgiving.

With March 10 rapidly approaching, I’ve decided my laziness needs to end. I actively searched for three workout apps that can motivate me to leave my beloved bed and make a bikini-bod a bit more in reach.

Whether you want a confidence boost to look good in your family’s holiday card or to “wow” your Instagram followers with some Pinterest-inspired beach photos, clear a space in your basement and find some pump up music — it’s time to sweat.

Sworkit

Sworkit is my go-to app if I’m looking for an intense workout, full-body stretch or even yoga to de-stress. Scrolling through the numerous workout categories is overwhelming at first, but the titles and pictures make it simple enough for my scatterbrain to eventually pick my favorites.

There are general categories of strength, cardio, yoga and stretching, but users can opt for a custom workout. To my relief, Sworkit has workouts of varying intensities, since I admittedly get winded after climbing to the fifth floor every day.

Each move is accompanied by a video demonstration and audio instructions, which provides much needed explanation to the “wag your tail” move in the “toned body” workout.

For me music and working out go hand in hand. I often spend too long finding the perfect workout playlist, so I love that Sworkit has playlists already prepared. During the 30 second breaks, I danced to “Feeling Myself” on Sworkit’s rap playlist instead of resting.

The only downside of Sworkit is that there’s no free version of the app, but you get a one month free trial. So like the cheapskate I am, I’m planning on bailing after spring break — perfectly timed before the bills start rolling in. For those less stingy than me, I would highly recommend Sworkit for meeting fitness goals.

7 Minute Workout

This app reminds me of the Shakespeare quote, “And though she be but little, she is fierce.” In line with the name of the app, each workout is only seven minutes, but my heart was racing faster than after downing three cups of coffee by the time I was finished.

Of the three levels of intensity, I was at medium. As someone who is a firm believer that the words “push” and “up”  should never be used together, my shoulders were sore after the 30 seconds of non-stop push-ups.

Only two workouts on 7 Minute Workout are free. For $1.99 you get a workout log and other features, and it’s $0.99 for each new workout.

The workouts are similar with basic moves, so I was bored by my second time using the app. A voice recording indicates when to switch moves, but the app doesn’t do much else.

However the simplicity of the app makes it perfect for squeezing in a workout before a shower or during a rewatch of “The Office,” while simultaneously avoiding the hassle of timers. The only equipment needed is a chair or step, so this workout is doable in the comfort of your home or somewhere like Loose park — at the risk of getting weird looks.

If you’re satisfied with a simple workout or don’t mind spending $5 on an app instead of Starbucks, 7 Minute Workout is an easy way to break a sweat on a time crunch.

Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer

Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer is easy to maneuver and perfect for targeting specific body parts. The workouts are separated into arms, legs, butt, cardio, abs and full body.

Each targeted workout can be five, eight or 10 minutes long while full body workouts can be set to 10, 20 or 30 minutes.

The moves are easy to follow with videos as well as text instructions for when it’s hard to tell which leg is in front during the side plank.

There are no breaks built in, but you can pause and resume the workout as soon as you feel the first drop of sweat. Not my proudest moment, but I definitely took advantage of the pause button during the ab workout.

However, a lot of moves include weights, so if you don’t have weights at home, you may have to visit the gym to get the full effect of the featured workouts.

The app itself is free, but with strings attached. The full version costs $9.99, is ad-free and has a wider variety of workouts and customized routines. But based on the no-sudden-movements soreness of my abs and legs, I’m satisfied with the free version.