What Doctors Say About Fitness Apps

The surge in the amount of fitness apps on the market has been nothing short of incredible. Many leading sports brands have launched their very own applications such as Nike with their uber popular Nike+ tracking app amongst others.

With no end in sight when it comes to the thousands of apps produced every week to cater to our fitness whims, it’s surprising that gym memberships are still on the rise globally as we try and counter the growing obesity rate. However, while gym memberships are all well and good, apps give users an option to self-motivate and also a cost-effective method of staying fit whilst the ability to track their progress in real-time.

The rate in which smartphones have become an integral part of our culture is unparalleled. According to Gaming Realms PLC, an industry leader in producing mobile-friendly gaming titles, 17 percent of the global population are now able to access the internet via their smartphones, hence why apps are continuing to be so popular. But apps pose a problem, as users cannot seek assistance from health professionals like they can do in the gym, or at least with some apps.

But what do doctors think of fitness apps?

In an article published on the Indian Express doctors encourage users to look for apps that help “gather details on your past injuries, health conditions and fitness goals.”

Dr. David Alexander, who owns leading sports clinic DBC Fitness in Miami, has helped the likes of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade in the past. He states, “There are a lot of cookie-cutter apps out there and people that just want to get your monthly subscriptions. They’re really not concerned about helping you reach your goals, or more importantly, if any of these movements are going to injure you.”

Alexander feels that in order to find the best personalized app for your specific needs, you must look for one where it has online programs where you can have a conversation with a health professional, whether it’s via email, phone or face-to-face so that you know what exercise you are doing is being executed correctly.

The best apps on the market offer “daily or weekly check-ins with trainers and a few offer real-time feedback. While those are more costly, you can also pop into a live class in your area to get some pointers.” This sort of vital information will lessen the chances of injury from poor form and also enhance the chances of improving performance and larger gains.

For the long-term, it’s also important to make sure you vary your training regimen as well as having fun. If you aren’t enjoying your exercise time, the likelihood is you won’t want to do it. If you can find a friend to workout with, it will help to motivate you, according to a slew of high profile studies.

In short, find an app that you can personalize for your needs. Take all the above variables into consideration, and if you’re a beginner when it comes to certain exercises, always consult a professional in case you’re unsure of form and execution.

What fitness apps have you found to be useful in your fitness journey? Let us know in our comments section below.

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