www.makeuseof.com 5 Apps That Make Fitness More Fun

There’s no doubt that fitness can be a chore, especially if you’re struggling to find the motivation to keep going. Between the monotonous workouts and typical gym environment, it can be tempting to skip your planned workout for another day.

Luckily, there are apps out there that make exercising more fun. From those that motivate you to stay dedicated, to apps that reward you for being active, there are tons of options for those looking to keep fit. Here are five great examples.

1. Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is a location-based augmented reality game created for smartphones. The aim of the game is to collect Pokémon in the real world. To do this, you have to walk around outside.

The game also requires you to walk around in order to hatch eggs containing different types of Pokémon. For example, if you’re trying to hatch a 10-kilometer egg, you’ll need to walk 10 kilometers.

Pokémon GO allows you to capture, train, battle, and trade Pokémon that appear on your screen. You can catch Pokémon by throwing a Pokéball at them. To stock up on Pokéballs, you’ll need to visit PokéStops.

PokéStops are real-world locations, such as statues and buildings, that offer items such as potions and Pokéballs to help you catch more Pokémon.

When the game detects that you’re near real-world locations, it uses your smartphone’s GPS and camera to place Pokémon on a map. Different kinds of Pokémon will appear in different environments; for example, water-type will appear near lakes and oceans.

Download: Pokémon GO for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Zombies, Run!

If catching virtual creatures isn’t your thing, but getting chased by zombies is, try Zombies, Run! This gamified productivity app doesn’t just make running more fun. It combines exercise with storytelling, making the story more interesting.

As you run around outside, the app plays a story about a post-apocalyptic world where zombies are chasing after you. To survive, you must outrun the zombies, gather supplies, rescue survivors, and rebuild your outpost.

Zombies, Run! offers different missions and an option to team up with friends for group runs or compete against them in real-time. You will hear voice instructions and music from your playlist as you execute the missions.

The game also features “zombie chases,” during which you'll need to increase your running speed. What’s more, the app can track distance, time, speed, and calories burned on each mission using your phone’s GPS or accelerometer.

Download: Zombies, Run! for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. Walkr

Walkr is a spaceship game that promotes walking as a way to get fit. The app also turns your steps into coins that you can redeem for gifts.

The app challenges you to meet your daily fitness goals by rewarding you with achievements like badges and trophies. It also tracks your progress and offers tips to help ensure you quickly reach your goals.

The more you walk or run, the more energy you get. You can use the energy to power your ship and explore new galaxies.

Walkr allows you to explore more than 50 different planets. The more you walk, the faster you’ll reach new worlds. You’ll also meet lost space creatures that will need your help along the way.

The game uses your phone’s accelerometer to identify and record your movements, allowing you to track your steps and calorie output. All you have to do is keep your smartphone in your pocket, and the app will automatically recharge your spaceship.

If you’re more ambitious, you can add friends who are already using the app to motivate each other, compete, and see who takes the most steps.

Download: Walkr for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Charity Miles

Do you commute to work on foot or by bike? Want to do some good for your community while also getting some exercise? Charity Miles lets you earn money for your favorite non-profit organization and benefits your health too.

The more you work out, the more money the app donates on your behalf. It works like this: for every mile completed, the app donates an amount to one of over 50 charities. For every mile you bike, they donate up to 10 cents and up to 25 cents for each mile you walk or run. You can also see how much money your workouts have raised.

The donations go to charities that positively impact the environment, children, health, and more. You can donate to World Vision, Charity: Water, and World Wildlife Fund, to mention a few.

Related: The Best Android and iPhone Apps for Donating to Charity

Charity Miles also lets you connect to other fitness apps, like Strava. If you do, your devices that send their activities, like Fitbit and Garmin, will send them to Charity Miles.

Download: Charity Miles for Android | iOS (Free)

5. Wokamon

Wokamon is an app that gamifies fitness by turning it into a rewarding game. The step counter app works by feeding virtual pets, and the only thing they eat is your activity.

Related: How Does My Phone Track My Steps?

The more you walk, jog, or run, the more Wokamons you get and the further you can explore. You can explore different magical Woka-worlds, like mystical forest and candy desert.

Every calorie you burn feeds the critters and unlocks more of them. Also, as you continue walking, you earn in-game cash, which you can spend on clothing and upgrades.

Wokamon syncs with fitness trackers and is compatible with Fitbit and Mi Band. You can also check your daily stats and invite friends on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Download: Wokamon for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

Get Fit With Apps That Make Exercising Fun

It can be hard to find the motivation to start or stick with a fitness routine, but the listed apps make it easier. They provide fun ways to get active and stay healthy.

If you’re looking for a different type of motivation than these apps provide, try exploring YouTube channels and fitness websites. You’ll see personal stories, from weight-loss journeys to exercise routines, that will help motivate you to reach your fitness goals.

Denis is a tech writer at MakeUseOf. He especially enjoys writing about Android and has an obvious passion for Windows. His mission is to make your mobile devices and software easier to use. Denis is a former loan officer who loves dancing!

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