Happy Monday!

I start off a new work week with a post inspired by a question from Rachel, a fellow 1991 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York. She wanted to hear my thoughts on some of the best fitness apps and websites. I must admit, until Rachel asked, I really didn’t know too much about what’s out there. (I guess I was too busy earlier this year studying from my NASM textbook!) However, with a little research and some feedback from a few other fellow fitness lovers, I have started my fitness app education.  Here’s my top pick so far:

Thanks to a tweet from Marcia Edwards, I found out about myfitnesspal. (Marcia – thank you so much for introducing me to this terrific resource!) There’s a website, Apple and Android apps and you can follow a whole support community on Facebook and Twitter. Here’s the best part: it’s FREE! When you sign up on-line or download the app, you’re asked basic questions including your current weight, how much weight you’d like to lose and your activity level. In the end, you’re setting goals and the program helps you reach them on a realistic timetable. For example, if you choose to lose 1-2 pounds each week (which by the way, is the recommended amount to lose each week for healthy weight loss) the program calculates how many calories you should eat each day to reach that goal and even breaks down how many grams of carbs, fat and protein should be factored into your meal plan. It also tells you gives you an exercise plan to meet the goal and offers a ton of information including a food database, a recipe nutrition facts calculator and places to keep a daily food and exercise journal. Last but not least, there’s a message board and other community resources where you can find support and ideas to stay on track. I’ve signed up for my free account. If anyone else signs up, let me know what you think!

Myfitnesspal is only one of hundreds of health and fitness apps on the market today, but it did make at least one best-of list earlier this year. At the top of that list is something called FitnessPro. I’ll be downloading that app to my iPhone within the next 24 hours, as well. Click here to check out more free and fantastic health and fitness apps for the iPhone and iPad.

And check out this link to learn about some of the best Android apps for health and fitness.

Like anything else, there will always be mixed reviews on any app or website in the health and fitness arena. I’ve read and heard both positives and negatives about iWalk, a pedometer app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. As an iPhone owner for only a few months, I have many more test runs to take in the app world. So, I’d love to hear about the ones that work for you and help you stay on the right track to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!