There are apps for almost everything these days. We use them to stay organized, to make life a little simpler or just to be entertained. Do you want to keep moving? Fine tune skills? Organize workouts with friends? Or start a new activity? There's an app for that. Here's our pick of five apps that promote a healthy body and mind. All apps are available for iOS and Android devices.

Swimming

Swimmit - the mobile app for open water swimmers

Swimmit helps you to arrange a swim with a partner or a group. You can map out the best swimming routes in your area and read reviews about the area as posted by other swimmers. You can personalize your workout using the design swim tracks function. Marine weather predictions are available with the app so you will be aware of the conditions before you head out for your workout. Learn more about Swimmit. 

MySwimPro - learn how to swim smarter

MySwimPro has swim workouts available at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere. You can choose from one of four levels – Novice to Advanced – with a library of hundreds of workouts. You can personalize your training based on your results. Video technique instruction is available to help you swim smarter. Monitor your progress as the app collects and anlayzes data from your workouts. Set goals, track results, and find the motivation to continue to progress and improve your results. Learn more about MySwimPro.

Hiking

Parks Canada Explora - take guided tours of Canada's national parks

Explora is Parks Canada’s official guided tour app. These apps take you on a guided tour of our national historic sites and national parks so that you and your family can experience the history, sights and sounds at your own pace. Each app includes a map, photos, information and quizzes that will ensure you have a memorable, informative and fun visit. Find Parks Canada apps.

Fitness

ClassPass - book classes for over 8,000+ fitness studios worldwide.

Are you a gym hopper because you don’t want to be tied down to one particular club? Then maybe you should check out ClassPass to help you find the program you want in your community. With just one membership, you can explore classes from a number of studios that offer yoga, rowing, boxing, or dance. This way you can challenge yourself with different workouts – search the options available, book classes and manage your schedule with ClassPass. Classes will be recommended for you based on your usage patterns. If you travel, you can also use your membership in 39 cities worldwide. Fees are based on the number of times you workout in a week. With no annual contract, you can change, hold or cancel your membership at any time. Learn more about ClassPass.

Johnson and Johnson 7 Minute Workout - complete a science-based workout in a time and space that works for you 

All you need is 7 minutes. Customize your workouts to suit your needs from a bank of 72 exercises and 22 additional workouts. The Smart Workout feature gauges your fitness and motivation levels – offering program recommendations that make sense for you. It’s like having a personal trainer at your fingertips. You can track your workouts, see your progress and share with your friends to stay motivated. All you need is a wall, a chair and a little determination to make the most of your workout. Learn more about Johnson and Johnson 7 Minute Workout. 

Cycling and Running

Strava GPS Cycling and Running App - track your runs and rides 

Strava lets you track your runs or rides with GPS, helps you join challenges, post pictures to highlight your workout accomplishments, and train with friends or fellow athletes. All you have to do is record your activity on your GPS device, upload to the app and analyze. Compare your results against your own times or those of your friends and fellow athletes. An interesting feature allows you to segment your workout so you can review specific portions of your route. Run and ride challenges help to push you to reach those new goals. You can follow friends and other athletes. Post comments to encourage or challenge each other. If you’re not in your usual neck of the woods, use the app to find a route and see how you stack up against the locals. Learn more about Strava GPS Cycling and Running App.

Nike+ Run Club - your perfect running partner

Whether you are a first time runner or a seasoned pro, this app helps you become a better runner. You can choose from training plans for getting started, 5K runs, marathons or anything in between. Track your progress with information on your pace, your distance, your routes and your personal bests. You get personalized coaching that is suited to your goals and your current fitness levels. It makes adjustments to your workouts as you progress through your training. The app syncs with Spotify so you can run your favourite playlists. Receive encouragement from friends while running or post messages to friends as they run. You can customize who you share your results with – your entire social network or just your Nike + friends. Learn more about Nike+Run Club.

Couch-to-5K - a running app for runing newbies

This app is geared towards those new to running or thinking about taking it up to go from the couch to a 5K. The plan takes a beginner through a 9-week program – 30-minute runs, 3 times a week – to be ready to run a 5K race. The app’s tools allow you to log in and share your workouts, sync with playlists and track distance and pace with GPS. You can select an interactive coach to get you started and keep you running. Learn more about Couch-to-5k.

Dance

Acrobatic Arts - an AcroDance training app for dance teachers and programs for dancers

The training and certification program is designed to teach educators how to safely and effectively instruct AcroDance in the studio. Their mission is to set the standard of excellence in education and to promote technique and progression in Acrobatic Dance. The certification program starts at the very beginning to teach everything about proper placement and technique so students receive the necessary building blocks to progress safely and quickly from one level to the next. Studios that provide students with Acrobatic Arts Exams will have continuous support with adjudicator meetings that offer feedback and suggestions for improving the studio’s acro program annually. Learn more about Acrobatic Arts.

Just Dance Now! - use your smartphone to instantly dance with an unlimited number of dancers

Use your smartphone to act as a controller and access Just Dance! Instantly, you’re playing with an unlimited number of players – friends in the same room, backyard or stadium. Players with the app on their smartphone simply enter the room number to join in the dance session. Review your own personal stats or connect to Facebook to see how your friends are doing. The catalogue of songs is continuously growing, making each experience unique. Learn more about Just Dance Now!

Yoga and Meditation

Pocket Yoga - do yoga classes in a virtual yoga studio 

Pocket Yoga creates a virtual yoga studio so you can do classes suited to your needs. You can choose between different practices, different durations and you can customize your level of difficulty. A soothing voice takes you through the poses while music plays in the background. There is a comprehensive pose directory with illustrations to ensure you are using correct posture and alignment. You don’t need Wifi to use the app so your studio is with you wherever you go. You can also stream wirelessly through your TV by using Apple TV.  Learn more about Pocket Yoga.

The Mindfulness App: Meditation for Everyone - helping you achieve more balance and a healthier state of mind

The Mindfulness App will help you on your journey – whether you are a meditation guru or just a beginner. You can find meditations from 3 to 30 minutes to practice anytime, anywhere. Time and location reminders pop up to reach you throughout your day. The app has a feature that will track your progress. The library – available with the premium subscription – will help expand your knowledge through courses and challenges. Learn more about The Mindfulness App. 

Headspace - get a personal trainer for your mind with this meditation app

With the Headspace app FREE Take 10 programme, you can begin your meditation journey in just 10 minutes a day. You can use it anywhere by downloading your sessions. With a subscription, you will have unlimited access to hundreds of hours of content. You can pick and choose sessions that complement your mood and your lifestyle. Features allow you to track your progress and find friends that use the app so you can motivate each other. Learn more about Headspace. 

Music

Music for your Workout - listening to music when you workout can lead to better results

It’s no secret that listening to music can enhance your workout experience. Research has shown that music is an excellent distraction from the exertion of the activity. Music motivates you and enhances your mood leading to better workouts and improved results. Read the research.  

There are many free music streaming services and websites that can help you get the playlists you need to stay motivated and keep working. Some include: Spotify, Google Play Music, Pandora, or Slacker. Music apps are also available to suit your workout needs. A few of these include Spring, RockMyRun, FIT Radio, GYM Radio, and PaceDJ. Learn more about these workout music apps. 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Visit our Athlete Advisor – your online business directory for all things active. Rate and review your favourite apps, local programs, athletic clubs or private businesses and try something new.

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Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to be an endorsement for the apps mentioned above. Have you tried any of these apps? Rate and review them in our Athlete Advisor and share your experience.