Over the last couple of weeks, Alina and I have been trying to get in better shape. We realized that after getting overly exhausted just by walking up some stairs, that it was time to do something.

I also came across an workout schedule app for the iPhone at around the same time, which was just what we were looking for.

So here’s my recommended list of apps if you wish to get in better shape:

(All icons link directly to the iTunes app site. Titles link to the apps web page)

#1 C25K (Couch to 5K)

This is the app I came over that made us start working out.

Description by the developer:

“C25K, is a fantastic program that’s been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometres or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.”

So we bought some jogging shoes, put on our training trousers and head out, with a goal. We were going to finish this routine, no matter what.

So far we have managed to get through Week 3, day 2, and we will be doing the final day of week 3 on Sunday. We have worked out every second day since we started, and we have not skipped a single day yet.

Results: We feel we are doing better and better. In the beginning we did a run which consisted of 60 seconds of running, and 90 seconds of walking, for a total of 20 minutes. After the first run we were totally beat, now, we can do a 3 minute interval run without much problems (Alina is having some problems with her feet acting up, but it’s getting better).

#2 Runkeeper Pro

Before we started the C25K app, I started “working out” with this app. By working out, I mean I used it for tracking my walks from town and home (which can be a bit of a workout with those steep slopes to our apartment). Basically it’s just made for tracking your run on google maps, but the latest update also added support for setting up your own interval runs.

Conclusion: One of the best tracking applications out there! It gives you audible notifications, average pace,  current speed, distance you’ve ran and so on. Here’s a sample of a run Alina and I did 04.08.2009:

As you can see, it shows speed, distance and elevation on the bottom, and marks of every kilometre on the map. You also get quite a list of neat stats on the top, which are also shown on the app itself when you’re out running.

#3 Two Hundred Situps

Seeing as we wanted to get in shape, not only by jogging, but also by building some muscles, we found this app. There’s a series for these, but we decided to only go for two of them.

The app itself is very simple. You start it up, and it asks how many situps you are able to do. It then sets up a routine for you based upon what you put in. We started at one, seeing as we’re both in horrible shape. After each day, the number of sit-ups you are supposed to do increases.

Current progress: We are in a routine now which involves an interval training with between 10 and 14 sit-ups per interval. It’s hard, but we get through it.

#4 Two Hundred Squats

This is another one we just wanted to go with, as squats are fairly easy to do. It’s got the same interface as the Two Hundred Sit ups app, but with a graph as well, showing your progress.

Current progress: No problem. Squats are fairly easy, and this early in the program we’re just going through it at a steady pace. We are currently at week 2, day 1, which consists of intervals of between 6 and 10 squats. Reason for it being so easy, is because we started this one a bit later, and we’re still on the “easy” levels of the game ;)

That’s my little list of apps. Now install them, and start working out! The first, third and fourth app also works perfectly on the iPod touch, so there’s no excuse to not start if you don’t have an iPhone.