Do you look forward to your workouts? For a lot of people, the answer is a shouted, "No!" followed by nervous laughter at the very idea of such a thing. They don't call it 'working out' for nothing, but there are ways to make your workouts more effective and, yes, even more fun. The right tools can give you guidance, help you set goals, make it more fun and give you the confidence to know you're getting the most out of your workouts. Below are my top picks for the best tools, websites and gear to make the most out of your workout time.
1. Heart Rate Monitor
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If you want to get anywhere with your workouts, intensity is key. There are plenty of gadget-free ways to monitor your intensity and make sure you're in your target heart rate zone, such as using a Perceived Exertion chart or the talk test. A heart rate monitor is more expensive, but can give you more precise information and help you work at a variety of intensities, which is the best way to burn fat and calories.
2. MP3 Player and Accessories
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I've worked out in all kinds of situations - In the middle of the night, during a light snowstorm in Nebraska and even in the dark when my power went out. The one thing that stops me from working out - A dead or forgotten MP3 player. Music is a great motivator and the right fast-paced, heart-pounding song at just the right moment can give you the second wind you need to keep going. Investing in a quality MP3 player, headphones and your favorite music can make the difference between an energetic workout or a big snore.
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- Top 20 Rock Workout Songs
3. Fitness Apps
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If you have a smartphone, fitness apps can do almost everything - Guide you through interval workouts, map your runs, stream exercise videos, monitor your heart rate and even handing you your weights. Okay, I made that last one up, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's in the works. Having the right fitness app is like having your own personal trainer, except less expensive and much less annoying.
4. Weight Loss and Fitness Tracking Websites
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For the detail-oriented, goal-focused exerciser, there's nothing better than seeing your workout progress in black and white. Fitness tracking websites help you do just that with a wide variety of tools: Food diaries that allow you to calculate how many calories you're eating, exercise logs to see how many calories you're burning and reports so you can monitor how you're doing on your goals. Recording what you do each day not only keeps you in line, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to keep going.
Free Fitness Tracking Websites
5. Personal Training
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If you look at all the elements of exercise - Cardio, weights, stretching, balance and core strength - along with the logistics - Where, when, what, how often and how hard to do it, it's easy to get confused about where to start. A personal trainer can take the guesswork out of it, creating a specific program that fits you - what you like, what you have time for and what fits with your fitness level and goals.
