Exercise is one of the most important parts of diabetes management. But knowing what we need to do and getting it done isn’t always easy. For many of us, it’s hard to find time to get to the gym. On the days that you are crunched for time, a good workout app can become the personal trainer that gets you moving. Below are fitness apps that can help you get fitter and stronger within the privacy of your home in as little as seven minutes.
Open Fit
Open Fit’s 600 seconds workout programs prove that you don’t have to be a gym rat to get results. In fact, it has been found that short bouts of physical activity can have a significantly positive effect on overall health. Try one of their 42 ten-minute sessions or choose one of their other programs that range from 30-45 minutes. The app also offers nutrition plans, wellness advice and a calendar that helps you to track your progress so that you can achieve your goals.
My Fitness by Jillian Michaels
Created by The Biggest Loser alum Jillian Michaels, this app will have you feeling like a winner. Signing up includes answering a few questions that are geared towards steering you to the best regimen for you. The workout calendar can be used to set up your exercise sessions with some being a mere seven minutes in length. Using the calendar allows you to make the most of the breaks you have in your schedule and figure physical activity into your day.
Glucose Zone
Take advantage of the 30-minute phone consultation that is offered with this app that also features coaches and diabetes experts. The workouts take into account whether you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, the medications you are taking and foods consumed before working out in order to help you avoid sugar fluctuations during and after exercise. You also have live and on-demand programs and video workouts with some as short as ten minutes.
Daily Yoga
Working on your downward facing dog is a no brainer with this app which features classes for the novice to the advanced yogi. You can access over 500 asanas, 200 guided yoga classes, Pilates and meditation. There are multi-week programs that feature classes that are 20-30 minutes in length. Each workout has step by step instructions that guide you based on your level of fitness. Yoga has been shown to help reduce sugar levels and complications of diabetes such as heart disease and hypertension.
Workout Trainer by Skimble
This app guides you through thousands of workouts and custom training programs that are led by certified coaches. Their training programs which range from two to four weeks are focused on whether you want a strong core a beach body or to go hard and improve your endurance. Try the 11-minute HIIT workout session for maximum burn in minimum time.
JEFIT
If you are into strength training and bodybuilding this app was designed with you in mind. It has a plethora of routines that are based on each body part and has detailed straightforward instructions. Use the workout planner and timers to set up and execute customized exercise routines, then log your session and use the progress tracker to see how far along you are.
