The telephone is no longer just a device for making calls for everyone. With the advent of smartphones, the need for computers has sharply decreased, because it is not without reason that this miracle of technology is often called a “pocket computer.” If you have a desire to take up running, for example, to lose weight, or simply to stay in physical shape, then your smartphone will play an important role here too - we have selected the best running apps for Android .
Fun fact: Lately, more and more fitness apps have been popping up.
Runtastic
Opens the top applications on Android - Runtastic. As the developers assure, this is the best GPS tracker for sports. You can verify this by downloading and evaluating the functionality of the application.
The user is provided with monitoring and detailed data about his workouts: jogging, cycling, skating and skiing. During your workout, a map is automatically generated that shows the distance traveled. For ease of use, colored markers highlight uneven terrain, such as bumps or slopes.
The built-in Runtastic compass will help you not get lost in the area. You can also choose ready-made routes compiled by the application itself.
pros
- Detailed statistics of your workouts and its subsequent transformation into an easy-to-read chart.
- Built-in compass and color markers.
Minuses
- According to reviews, the GPS navigator does not always work stably.
RunKeeper
Another top running app for Android. One of the distinctive features of the application is that RunKeeper tracks the athlete’s progress over several training sessions and then compiles statistics. In addition to monitoring running and walking, you can start strength training.
The user is asked to choose a workout plan or create their own based on their preferences. A voice coach will provide encouragement as you run. After several workouts, all progress is shown in graphs.
pros
- Possibility of making your own plans.
- Voice trainer.
Minuses
- According to reviews, it does not always synchronize data with the account correctly.
Nike+ Run Club is a decent running app for Android
“Nike + Run Club is the perfect running partner,” says the app's tagline. The program is suitable for beginners: there are recommendations, as well as the opportunity to start with an easy level, gradually moving on to more complex workouts.
Nike+ Run Club, like many of its kind, uses GPS navigation to track distance traveled. The pace over time is also calculated, and the results are announced by voice assistant after each kilometer.
One of the main features of the application is that you can share your successes with friends and other community members: the program has a separate feed. There is an opportunity to tag running partners, as well as share your own routes with other athletes.
One of the features of Nike+ Run Club is the “challenge”, which allows you to compete for rewards with your friends. This feature will be appreciated by those runners who enjoy the competitive element of sports.
pros
- Competitive basis.
- Competitions with friends.
- Voice assistant.
Minuses
- More aimed at beginners than experienced athletes.
Strava
Application for planning and maintaining statistics of jogging and cycling rides. Using the program, you can easily build your own route or select one from those already available in the database, track the speed of the distance, terrain, etc., compete with friends and professional athletes in leaderboards, etc. The app is free to download for iPhone and Apple Watch, with additional features available after purchasing a premium subscription.
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Endomondo
Endomondo is one of the best running apps for Android. With over 10 million downloads, it remains firmly at the top of the Health & Fitness category.
Unlike other applications, the interface here is much simpler, but, nevertheless, all the functions necessary for an athlete are present. Endomondo collects statistics on workouts, which can later be assessed in “History”.
pros
- Ease of use.
- Ability to open music directly from the application.
Minuses
- In-app advertising (which can be disabled by purchasing the paid version).
Why run with an app on your smartphone?
Firstly , this is your personal assistant and coach who keeps track of indicators : the applications have training diaries, the ability to maintain personal statistics and track pace, speed, distance.
Secondly , the application will provide additional motivation when it allows you to follow the successes of your friends and even compete virtually with them.
Thirdly , it will save your time when keeping a training diary, analyzing and processing indicators .
And if you also connect a heart rate sensor with Bluetooth smart technology , you will get a full-fledged running device with heart rate measurement.
Now let's look at the best running apps for iPhone and Android, their features and functions.
RunKeeper
One of the most popular sports applications (more than 28 million users as of 2020). Created in collaboration with Asics. The paid version has many training plans for different purposes, developed by specialists from Asics. In the free version, you can create training plans manually.
Wide range of sports (running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, wheelchair riding, etc.). It is possible to connect pulse sensors with Bluetooth smart technology and fitness bracelets.
Functions:
- Mileage of sports shoes (it’s convenient to keep track of how long your sneakers have lasted and whether it’s time to change them)
- Audio statistics (for example, you can turn on the alert “XX km left to the target)
- Setting goals (overcome the maximum distance, lose weight, etc.)
- Completing challenges (complete tasks and get prizes)
- Training planning (manual planning and receiving ready-made plans)
- Integration with other programs (Garmin, Google Fit, etc.)
- Search for friends (share achievements, follow news and encourage)
The program is available for iOS and Android . There are various unofficial modifications for android available for free download on 4pda.
Runtastic
A more universal application for those who, in addition to running, are interested in fitness, gym classes, and hiking. It is noteworthy that the application calculates how much water you need to drink. The main difference is working with Android wear, i.e. The application can be controlled directly from smart watches that support Android wear.
The functions are generally similar to Runkeeper, but the interface is different. The main drawback of the program is the lack of Russian voice commands, but on Android the problem can be solved.
It is possible to connect pulse sensors with Bluetooth smart technology and fitness bracelets.
Options available for iOS and Android . On the well-known website 4pda you can find modified versions of the application with a Russian voice .
Nike+ Run Club
A more convenient analogue of RunKeeper. NIKE+ has a clear interface without unnecessary buttons. The running app will also allow you to save your route and results (distance, training time, average speed during training). In general, the set of functions is standard. But just like Nike sneakers, the application is made beautifully, simply, and minimalistly.
Nike+ Run Club is the best running app according to a large number of users.
It is possible to connect pulse sensors with Bluetooth smart technology and fitness bracelets.
Options available for iOS and Android . Full support for the Russian language.
Endomondo
More than 10 million users worldwide. Users of this program note a convenient and intuitive interface. Endomondo probably has the largest number of features available in the free version. The ability to listen to messages from friends who write to you through endomondo attracts attention. In addition, there is a standard set of functions for such applications:
- automatic recording of indicators
- synchronization with social networks and third-party applications
- autopause
- goals, training plans, achievements
It is possible to connect pulse sensors with Bluetooth smart technology and fitness bracelets.
Options available for iOS and Android . Android owners have access to unofficial modifications from the 4pda website .
Strava
Another simple and pleasant application for athletes. The capabilities that the user receives with the free version are sufficient for both a beginner and a professional athlete:
- Tracks distance, pace, speed, elevation gain and calories
- comparison of results in individual training areas
- connection with friends (you can follow the successes of other people, comment and even rate their results, share photos)
- running clubs to join
- Synchronizes with almost any GPS watch
It is possible to connect pulse sensors with Bluetooth smart technology and fitness bracelets.
Options available for iOS and Android . Android owners have access to unofficial modifications from the 4pda website .
Charity Miles
One of the key features of the Charity Miles app is that for the kilometers traveled, the user is awarded money, which subsequently goes to charity.
The tariffs are as follows:
- 10 cents (6.27 rubles) for each kilometer traveled on a bicycle.
- 25 cents (15.69 rubles) for each kilometer walked or jogged.
So, with Charity Miles you can do two things at once: help those in need through charity and keep fit.
pros
- No initial fees.
- Charging money for training.
- Participation in public life through charity.
Minuses
- It is not possible to withdraw money: everything goes to a good cause.
Nike+ Run Club
A fitness tool with a self-explanatory name, a stylish and fully customizable Android interface design, and an impressive social section where it’s easy to share your successes or take a few tips from professional athletes.
Functionality includes a record of recent activity, a personalized training program depending on progress, physical indicators and required load, a special multifunctional leaderboard where information is recorded about real crazy people for whom sports are the main part of life.
The disadvantage is that the recording of kilometers traveled does not always work correctly. In some cases, it is the smartphone that is guilty of this, but sometimes the fault lies entirely with Nike.
MapMy Fitness
Like other running apps on Android, MapMy Fitness focuses on tracking your distance, time, workout pace, as well as your running speed and calorie burn, making it one of the best running apps on Android.
pros
- Everything happens in real time.
- Tracks your entire workout route.
Minuses
- Often does not count steps in the background.
- The route is not saved correctly.
The Best Running Apps for iPhone
A selection of six running apps for iPhone.
Runkeeper
The Runkeeper app has all the necessary features that you might need while running, and these are not just empty words. Runkeeper lets you view or listen to your workout progress, quickly control the music you're playing, quickly access photography menus, and even track the mileage on your running shoes.
Even greater freedom opens up after training. Runkeeper shows detailed information about the distance traveled, the number of calories burned, the training route, and if you use one of the supported fitness trackers with the application (and this list is quite impressive), then also graphs of heart rate changes. Thanks to all these statistics, analyzing your run is very easy and, most importantly, useful.
Grade
Runkeeper is one of the best overall apps ever made, and certainly the best running app. If you're a keen runner and haven't tried Runkeeper yet, head over to the App Store and catch up.
Price : free
Strava
Strava is one of the most popular apps for runners. It has everything from a conveniently laid out training interface to a virtual assistant that guides the user during the race.
Strava has a lot of competitive aspects to it, which runners absolutely love. You can challenge your friends, complete special quests and even compete with professional athletes (only with an active premium account). While actively using Strava, you will also have to compete with yourself - the statistics system will every now and then encourage you to break the record of your last race and become faster.
Grade
Strava is the choice of millions of users around the world for a reason. This application is more suitable for you than others if you are used to setting yourself difficult tasks and achieving your goals no matter what.
Price : free
Map My Run
Map My Run is an application that is not as popular as other tools collected in this review, however, it is definitely worth paying attention to. If only because with it you can turn your iPhone into a real fitness tracker that will constantly monitor your activity.
Along with your mileage, which Map My Run tracks with incredible precision, you'll also have access to information about calories burned, workout pace, distance covered, and more. Another plus of Map My Run is that it supports all popular fitness accessories, including the Apple Watch.
Grade
Map My Run could be the running app for you if you're looking for a long-term companion. Over time, Map My Run will begin to “understand” you and will even be able to predict your preferences for the upcoming workout.
Price : free
Runtastic
Another “star” of our review is the Runtastic application, which, most likely, everyone who has ever thought about running has heard of. Like Runkeeper and Strava, it has everything you need to create a useful, enjoyable and informative workout.
With Runtastic, you can track your workout progress by comparing it to your previous run, save different routes, and view detailed information about calories burned, distance traveled, and pace. Runtastic can be called a real health center, since the application has functions that take care of the user’s condition outside of training.
Grade
Runtastic is the perfect running app that may make other running apps feel inadequate. However, over time, the features of the free version may not be enough and you will have to purchase Runtastic Pro.
Price : free
Zombies, Run!
Better than Zombies, Run app! No other application from the Six to Start studio can gamify the running process. Zombies, Run! It will force anyone to go for a run, but in the end it will be extremely difficult to stop.
The idea behind the Zombies, Run! is that you are a runner fleeing zombies that are hot on your heels. In order to survive, you MUST run, and for successfully covering the distance you will receive items and achievements useful for survival. They motivate you to go out for training and special missions - each with its own unique and exciting story.
Grade
Zombies, Run! - far from ideal and the development of the Six to Start studio cannot be called the best running application. However, only with its help can you turn your workout into a fun and exciting game, as you progress through it your physical condition will only improve.
Price : free
5K running coach
There are a lot of people who want to start running, but not everyone makes their dream come true, stopping, most often, due to the wrong approach to training. The “5 km running coach” application removes all questions from unprepared users about when, how and at what speed to run.
The developers of the 5K Run Coach app promise that you will be able to run five kilometers in just seven weeks. And they are not lying - thousands of people have managed to achieve the desired result by following the tips and instructions offered in the application.
Grade
5K Run Coach is your first step into the world of running. Afterwards, you will most likely want to part with the application, changing it to a more functional one, but the assistance provided will be remembered for a long time.
Price : free
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Zombies, Run!
Another top Android running app. Zombies, Run! attracts attention with its interesting concept: driven by the sounds of zombies, the user seems to “run away” from them.
pros
- Unlike other similar programs.
Minuses
- Lack of localization into Russian.
- Advertising.
Interesting fact: these types of apps make you more willing to continue your workout next time rather than quitting all at once.
6. "Zombies, Run!" for gamers and English experts
Application "Zombies, Run!" will add thrill to your workouts. Each race will be a mission to save yourself from a crowd of bloodthirsty zombies and complete tasks from the game: defending the base, building a fortress, earning bonuses.
All the developers' attention was focused on audio content. Therefore, throughout the entire training session, the runner’s headphones will be filled with moans, screams, growls and other sounds that motivate them to “get away” from the crowd of monsters, sounds, and the squad leader will give tasks during the route.
According to user reviews, full integration into the game occurs in the dark. The darkness and the feeling of a crowd of the living dead stepping on the heels is not a test for the faint of heart! There are currently 40 missions available in the application. At the end of the workout “Zombies, Run!” will show the speed, time and distance you managed to cover.
But, if English is a problem for you, then this program is not for you. For now, the application is only compatible with Apple gadgets. And it costs $7.99.
