By Kiel Hume

Spring is just around the corner and if you look a little further, summer is just beyond it! Since we’ve probably all fallen off the New Year’s resolution bandwagon, spring is the next best time to start getting fit.

The world of apps features something for everyone. Our smart phone and tablet devices are thoroughly integrated into every aspect of life, so it just makes sense that your device will offer a variety of apps for fitness.

Regardless of the OS or device you’re using, there’s a ton of different fitness apps out there. Here are some of the best free fitness apps available on Android. This list was compiled to give you all the apps you need to create a smart fitness program, covering weigh training, cardio and nutrition. Stick with these apps, and you’ll be beach ready in no time.

Kettlebell Trainer (atc): Kettlebells are currently taking the fitness world by storm. These Russian training tools are great for strength training, endurance or cardio, and only use basic movements for dynamic workouts that hit multiple muscles at once. This simple app features a range of kettlebell exercises with helpful how-to videos for each. Once you’ve mastered the exercise techniques, track the weight, reps and time for each new workout. Easy to use and great for people who are new to kettlebells, this app will have you training like Rocky’s Russian nemesis Ivan Drago.

Workout Trainer (Skimble):  Workout Trainer will quickly become your most used fitness app. Users choose from a variety of workout programs based on their sport or fitness goal. Each workout features schedules and visual explanations for every individual exercise. While there’s a fee for some routines, the variety and number of free exercises will mean most users won’t need to pay. From fitness tests to two-minute ab routines to hour-long workouts designed for rock climbers, there’s something for everyone here. Even newer fitness trends such as Crossfit-style routines are represented on Workout Trainer. While the robotic trainer voices aren’t particularly motivating, the fact that there’s a ton of visuals and so many different exercises will be a big winner for most people.Skimble’s Workout Trainer is also available on iOS devices. 

Cardio Trainer  (Noom Inc.): Cardio Trainer is one of the best apps for planning and tracking your cardio workouts. With GPS integration you can map out where you want to go or easily see and compare your distance and improvement for each workout. The free version allows you to set a time or distance goal for your workout. With an easy to use interface, it’s simple to get the app up and running in no time. Easily switch between map view, stats or see your progress in a helpful graph. The calorie tracker is an essential feature and another great way to evaluate progress. Upgrade to Cardio Trainer Pro for interval training features and upgraded UI.

HIIT Interval Training Timer AD (halmi.sk): Whether you’re interested in endurance, distance, strength-training or just mixing up your routine, High Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT) is all the rage amongst fitness enthusiasts. Research has shownthat you can get the same results working out for a shorter period using HIIT. The HIIT Interval Training Timer AD app is beautifully simplistic. Simply pick the length and number of intervals you’ll be performing, as well as the rest periods between each interval, and you’re ready to start burning fat. Create pre-set intervals and save your best training programs for future use and review. Importantly, the Dynamic Timer feature lets you change the rest periods throughout your workout, so you can start with shorter rest periods and slowly work towards longer rest times near the end of your workout. This app is ideal for any kind of cardio training or keeping track of timed rest and exertion periods in weight training.

Calorie Counter (MyFitnessPal): Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, attention to how you eat is necessary for any fitness goal. Calorie Counter is likely the most useful, thorough and easiest calorie counter available. It creates an individual profile based on your age, weight, height, lifestyle and goals, recommending the precise number of calories you’ll need each day to satisfy various nutritional requirements. Calorie Counter lets you track everything you put in your body with a vast database of foods and dishes. The app is so precise it even lets you identify most foods down to the actual brand, so the calories in half a cup of oatmeal will vary by maker.  MyFitnessPal’s Calorie Counter app can also be used on BlackBerry, Windows and iOS devices.

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