With the new year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions.  Every year people make resolutions hoping to make a change, but usually after a few weeks you’re back to your old ways (I’m guilty of this!).  I think we can all agree that one of the most common resolutions is to get in shape.  I know mine always involves some sort of commitment to physical activity, but usually doesn’t last past January.

This year, I will be making the same New Years resolution to get back in shape, especially after falling off the workout wagon after graduation (which was 8 months ago).  Luckily, I have some amazing iPhone apps to share with you so you can stick to your resolution this year!  What makes them even better is that they’re FREE!  So now there’s no excuse to not download these fitness companions.  Do you have a favorite app you use to lose weight or get in shape?

RunKeeper: Is it possible to be in love with an app? If so, this one has stolen my heart.  RunKeeper allows you to set a goal for yourself, whether that goal is to lose weight or train for a marathon.  Once you choose your goal, the app will create a specialized workout plan for you to achieve it.  It also has a GPS system that tells you how far you’ve run, your average, pace, and calories burned! It’s a great motivator hearing that lady’s voice when your running.

Fooducate: This app will help you make healthier choices when it comes to your diet.  All you have to do is scan the barcode on the packaging, and Fooducate will tell you how healthy (or unhealthy) the food is, and also give you healthier alternatives.  When I first downloaded this app, I scanned everything in sight.  It was definitely eye opening and a bit disturbing that a lot of the “healthy” foods we think we’re eating aren’t actually that healthy!

Lose It!: Lose It allows you to set a weight loss goal, and then guides you through the process by keeping track of the calories you intake daily.  Just determine your goal weight, and you’re on your way!  They have every item of food you could imagine in their database, so you don’t need to worry about finding the nutritional information.  Also, submitting any exercise you did on a given day will allow you to eat more calories, which is nice.

Happy New Year! Cheers to 2012 and looking forward to 2013…