It's a new year, a fresh start, and so many of us vow to improve something about ourselves. Perhaps this is the year you finally lose the spare tire or kick the smoking habit? Or maybe it's to better manage your finances, stress or work-life balance?
Regardless of what your New Year's resolution is, as the expression goes, there's an app for that.
If weight loss or a more active lifestyle is your goal, the following are a few recommended fitness-themed smartphone apps that could make your self-improvement efforts less arduous.
Run for your life!
Available by the time you read this, Zombies, Run! (price is TBD) is a clever role-playing app for iPhone and Android device that aims to give you extra motivation to getting fit. While walking, jogging or running with your smartphone, you'll hear a terrifying tale in your headphones about a zombie-infested future. You play as a "runner" in this story by keeping away from the flesh-eating undead and collecting ammo and medicine for other human survivors. After you've amassed items throughout your narrated exercise, you can choose what to do with your items, what part of this fictional city to help first and unlock additional content.
Weight a minute
The Lose It! app (free) for iPhone is a handy tool to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Use your fingertip to set a goal -- such as lose 5 pounds in one month -- and then the program will calculate what should be your caloric intake each day. Tap in what you've been eating (by food, such as "one medium apple," or even by brand, like one bowl of "Kraft Macaroni and Cheese") and it will calculate the calories for you (and even fat, sodium, sugar, and so on). Exercise is also factored into your daily routine, which allows you to consume more calories as a reward. You can track your goals and progress on the app itself, plus the info can be synched to the LoseIt.com website to access anywhere.
Map it out
On a related note, BlackBerry, Android and iPhone owners can calculate the length of their walks, runs, hikes or bike rides with the various MapMyFitness apps (free). Your workout is analyzed — including your time, pace and calories burned — so you can see you progress and stay motivated. The app can also connect you with other MapMyFitness users in your area to join a group. If you like, you can even share your fitness goals and results with your social network on Facebook and Twitter. iPhone users can pair this app with the Wahoo Fitness heart rate monitor or Withings Wi-Fi Body scale, as well.
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