New fitness app is all about the legs
Runtastic has a new app out that focuses on getting your legs in shape.
Runners, like all athletes, need to cross-train to enhance their performance. Simply running more is not enough. Research published in the journals of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and Strength & Conditioning Research suggests that strength training improves running time and helps prevent injury.
If you don't know how to strength-train, don't worry, there is an app for that. Recently, Runtastic, a digital health and science company responsible for apps like Six Pack and Butt Trainer, has launched Leg Trainer, an app available on IOS, Android and Apple Watch that focuses on runners and their legs.
Leg Trainer offers runners a simple way to strength train without a personal trainer or even a gym membership. A 3D avatar named Angie guides the user through more than 50 HD instructional exercise videos. By filling in your height and weight, and choosing from pre-defined leg workouts like the 7-Minute Workout or creating a customized workout from a catalogue of classic moves, it is easy to create a routine to meet your personal goals.
"Just give your workout a name, drag and drop exercises into it and determine how many sets and reps you want to do and the level of difficulty," explained Florian Gschwandtner, CEO and co-founder of Runtastic. "It is real easy to use even when you are traveling and it doesn't require any equipment."
But are fitness apps the best way to go?
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's Integrated Innovation Institute surveyed 2,000 men and women ages 18-34 and found that those who already watch what they eat and exercise regularly believe fitness apps are helpful. On the other hand, the survey found that they weren't as effective for those new to exercise or dieting. Another study found that the important skill of being able to track your own progress is lost when you rely too much on an app.
In other words, apps are helpful, but they're not magic. Start with a true desire to eat right and work out, but be mindful of your progress and the need to seek out expert help with understanding proper form of the exercises.
Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.