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Top iOS, Android, Windows Phone apps to get in shape

If you've started the new year with the resolution to go to the gym, while this might not stick, a number of apps on the market can help you make small, healthier changes to your lifestyle.
By Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
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Toughest App

Name: Toughest App

Developer: Venum Tech

PlatformiOS 

Price: $1.99

The worldwide 'Tough Mudder' challenge is known for causing shoulder dislocation, fractures and intense pain -- but is also an incredible obstacle course to test your strength. However, if you plan to compete in competitions like this, most of us need to stick to a strict training regime to get in shape. To help you do so, consider an app like "Toughest App," which contains a stringent workout including timed runs, pushup challenges and a progress tracker. 

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RunKeeper - GPS Track Running Walking Cycling

Name: RunKeeper - GPS Track Running Walking Cycling

Developer: FitnessKeeper

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone alternative: Sports Tracker

Price: $Free

You don't have to visit the gym to stay in shape, and sometimes the smallest changes over time make the biggest difference -- so why not have a morning run a few times a week? To keep track of such cardio exercise, use an app such as FitnessKeeper to monitor your runs, walks, bike rides and hikes. This particular app will keep a record of your progress, offers detailed stats and ways to improve, and notifies you when you break your personal best. 

 

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Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker

Name: Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker

Developer: MyFitnessPal.com

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone |

Price: $Free

Exercise may be in place, but a healthy diet is also necessary to keep you trim. Using this calorie counter, you can find out the calorie content of particular foods, log what you consume -- as well as any exercise you've taken -- and create weight loss goals. 

 

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Men's Health Workouts

Name: Men's Health Workouts

Developer: Rodale Inc. Digital

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone |

Price: £1.49 

Men's Health Workouts comes preloaded with example exercises, step-by-step instructions and advice from fitness experts. Workouts can be searched for based on its name, body parts or goals. 

 

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Get Heart Rate

Name: Get Heart Rate

Developer: Honggang li

Platform: Android alternative: Instant Heart rate | iOS | Windows Phone alternative: Heart rate monitor |

Price: £0.69

Short, sweet and simple -- an application that measures your heart rate if you put your smartphone close to your chest.  

 

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Nike Training Club

Name: Nike Training Club

Developer: Nike

Platform: Android | iOS

Price: $Free

We have Men's fitness, but what about the ladies? Nike Training Club, a female fitness community, has released an app containing individual workouts, four-week sessions or 30-day programs for weight goals, toning and general fitness. Over 100 workouts are preloaded, and include step-by-step instructions. 

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Map My Fitness+

Name: Map My Fitness+

Developer: MapMyFitness

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone |

Price: $2.99 

MapMyFitness is one of my personal favorites and although very simple to use, can be used to log and track hundreds of activities -- including what you eat and how you exercise. If you happen to be a runner you may find this app particularly useful -- as it can track walking, cycling, routes, distance and elevation. 

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POPSUGAR Active

Name: POPSUGAR Active

Developer: Popsugar

Platform: Android | iOS

Price: $Free

Exercising without some kind of distraction -- such as music or video -- can make you lose concentration, and this is where Popsugar comes in. This free application can be used to create video playlists of your favorite workouts or exercises, which can then be scheduled in order to send you reminders to not miss your next session. Free videos include yoga, treadmill challenges and toning exercises. 

 

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Learn to Run

Name: Learn to Run

Developer: Reid Holmes

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone alternative: Learn to run 5k |

Price: $2.99

Is your New Year's resolution to get in shape, but not sure where to start? Running is a membership-free, easy way to start -- but we could all use a helping hand in knowing how often, how long, and where to begin to eventually reach our strength or weight goals. 

Learn to Run is just that. Whether you want to manage one, five or 20 miles, this app can be setup to walk you through weekly training programs while reducing the risk of injury. 

 

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Pandora Radio

Name: Pandora Radio

Developer: Pandora Media

Platform: Android | iOS | Windows Phone |

Price: $Free

Exercise without music can be extremely dull -- so use Pandora to find upbeat music, gym favorites or create your own playlists to pass the time less painfully in the gym. 

 

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