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How Does the Walking App Work? [2024] 🚶♀️📱
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Have you ever wondered how walking apps work? How do they track your steps, calculate your distance, and keep you motivated? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of walking apps and explore their features, benefits, and drawbacks. We’ll also introduce you to some of the best walking apps available in 2024, so you can find the perfect one for your fitness journey. So, put on your walking shoes and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Background: The Evolution of Walking Apps
- How Walking Apps Work
- Benefits of Walking Apps
- What to Look for in a Walking App
- Best Walking Apps
- Best Overall Walking App: Strava
- Best Walking App for Workouts: iFIT
- Best Walking App for Motivation: Fitbit
- Best Walking App for Accountability: Nike Run Club
- Best Walking App for Tracking Metrics: MapMyWalk
- Best Walking App for Apple Watch: Apple Fitness+
- Best Walking App for a Cause: CharityMiles
- A Word on Walking Apps
- How We Picked and Tested The Best Walking Apps
- Benefits of Walking Apps
- What to Look for in a Walking App
- Best Walking Apps FAQs
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
Walking apps are mobile applications that use the sensors in your smartphone or wearable device to track your steps, distance, and other metrics during your walks. They provide real-time feedback, motivation, and goal tracking to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Some walking apps also offer additional features like workout plans, social communities, and integration with other fitness devices.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Walking App Categories | Strava | iFIT | Fitbit | Nike Run Club | MapMyWalk | Apple Fitness+ | CharityMiles
Quick Tips and Facts
- Walking apps use the sensors in your smartphone or wearable device to track your steps, distance, and other metrics.
- They provide real-time feedback, motivation, and goal tracking to help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
- Some walking apps offer additional features like workout plans, social communities, and integration with other fitness devices.
- Walking apps can be downloaded for free or may require a subscription for access to premium features.
- They are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
- Walking apps can be used indoors on a treadmill or outdoors during your walks.
- They can sync with other fitness apps and devices to provide a comprehensive view of your health and fitness data.
Background: The Evolution of Walking Apps
Walking apps have come a long way since their inception. In the early days, pedometers were the go-to devices for tracking steps and distance. These small devices were worn on the waistband and used a mechanical mechanism to count steps. While they were effective, they lacked the advanced features and convenience of modern walking apps.
With the rise of smartphones and wearable devices, walking apps have become more sophisticated and user-friendly. They leverage the built-in sensors in these devices, such as accelerometers and GPS, to provide accurate and detailed tracking of your walks. This technology has revolutionized the way we track our fitness progress and stay motivated.
How Walking Apps Work
Walking apps work by utilizing the sensors in your smartphone or wearable device to track your movement. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they work:
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Step Tracking: Walking apps use the accelerometer in your device to detect your steps. The accelerometer measures changes in acceleration and translates them into step counts. This allows the app to accurately track the number of steps you take during your walks.
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Distance Calculation: By combining the step count with your stride length, walking apps can calculate the distance you’ve covered. Some apps use GPS technology to provide even more accurate distance measurements, especially when walking outdoors.
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Real-Time Feedback: Walking apps provide real-time feedback on your progress during your walks. They display your step count, distance, pace, and other metrics on your device’s screen. This feedback helps you stay motivated and track your performance.
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Goal Setting: Many walking apps allow you to set goals for your walks, such as a target number of steps or a specific distance. They provide visual indicators and notifications to keep you informed about your progress towards your goals.
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Workout Plans: Some walking apps offer pre-designed workout plans to help you achieve specific fitness goals. These plans may include interval training, guided walks, or challenges to keep your workouts interesting and effective.
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Social Communities: Many walking apps have built-in social communities where you can connect with other users, join challenges, and share your achievements. This social aspect adds an element of fun and accountability to your walking routine.
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Integration with Other Devices: Walking apps can sync with other fitness devices, such as heart rate monitors or smartwatches, to provide a more comprehensive view of your health and fitness data. This integration allows you to track additional metrics and get a deeper understanding of your overall fitness.
Benefits of Walking Apps
Walking apps offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance your walking experience and help you achieve your fitness goals. Here are some of the key benefits:
✅ Motivation: Walking apps provide real-time feedback and goal tracking, which can keep you motivated and engaged during your walks. Seeing your progress and achievements can boost your confidence and encourage you to keep going.
✅ Accountability: Many walking apps have social communities where you can connect with other users and join challenges. This sense of accountability can help you stay committed to your walking routine and push yourself to reach new milestones.
✅ Goal Tracking: Walking apps allow you to set goals for your walks, whether it’s a target number of steps, a specific distance, or a calorie burn goal. Tracking your progress towards these goals can help you stay focused and measure your improvement over time.
✅ Workout Variety: Some walking apps offer pre-designed workout plans that can add variety and structure to your walks. These plans may include interval training, guided walks, or challenges that keep your workouts interesting and effective.
✅ Comprehensive Tracking: Walking apps track not only your steps and distance but also other metrics like pace, calories burned, and even heart rate if you have a compatible device. This comprehensive tracking allows you to get a deeper understanding of your fitness level and progress.
✅ Community Support: The social communities within walking apps provide a platform for support, encouragement, and friendly competition. Connecting with like-minded individuals can make your walking journey more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
What to Look for in a Walking App
When choosing a walking app, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
✅ Step Tracking Accuracy: Ensure that the app has accurate step tracking capabilities. Look for apps that use both the accelerometer and GPS technology for more precise measurements.
✅ Goal Setting and Tracking: Choose an app that allows you to set and track your goals. The app should provide visual indicators and notifications to keep you informed about your progress.
✅ Workout Plans: If you’re looking for more structure in your walks, opt for an app that offers pre-designed workout plans. These plans can add variety and challenge to your routine.
✅ Social Community: Consider whether you want to connect with other users and join challenges. Look for apps that have a thriving social community to enhance your walking experience.
✅ Integration with Other Devices: If you already use other fitness devices, such as a heart rate monitor or smartwatch, choose an app that can sync with these devices. This integration allows you to track additional metrics and get a more comprehensive view of your fitness.
✅ User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the app has an intuitive and user-friendly interface. You should be able to navigate through the app easily and access the features you need without any hassle.
Best Walking Apps
Now that you know how walking apps work and what to look for, let’s explore some of the best walking apps available in 2024. We’ve evaluated these apps based on consumer feedback and our own expertise as personal trainers and health professionals. Here are our top picks:
Best Overall Walking App: Strava
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 9 |
Functionality | 9 |
Performance | 8 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 7 |
Overall Score | 8.25 |
Strava is not just a walking app; it’s a comprehensive activity tracking app that covers over 30 sports. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Strava is our top pick for the best overall walking app. Here’s why:
Product Highlights:
- Activity tracking app: track over 30 sports
- Turns your phone into a running/cycling computer
- Free and subscription options available
Pros:
- Tracks a variety of workouts, including walking
- Beacon live tracking available on the free tier
- Provides lots of data and insights
- Compatible with thousands of devices
Cons:
- Some fan-favorite features are behind a paywall
- Some users wished the auto-pause feature was more sensitive
- Certain features can only be accessed on the website, not the app
Bottom Line: Strava offers detailed workout analysis, safety features like Beacon, and a thriving community of athletes. It’s a great choice for walkers who want to track their progress and connect with like-minded individuals.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Strava | Strava Official Website
Best Walking App for Workouts: iFIT
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 9 |
Functionality | 9 |
Performance | 9 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 8 |
Overall Score | 8.75 |
If you’re looking for a walking app that offers versatile workout options and immersive experiences, iFIT is the perfect choice. Here’s why it’s our top pick for the best walking app for workouts:
Product Highlights:
- Over 16,000 live and on-demand classes
- More than 60 types of workouts
- Immersive experience with classes filmed worldwide
- Live races and events
- World-class trainers
- Syncs with Nordictrack and ProForm equipment
Pros:
- At-home training with world-class coaches
- Immersive training experience with global locations
- Vast library of workouts to choose from
- Record and track workout metrics
- Individual and family memberships available
- Free trial to get started
Cons:
- Pricey for some users, especially with additional equipment costs
- Some users wished for a clearer path for progression within the app
Bottom Line: iFIT offers a wide range of workout options, immersive experiences, and world-class trainers to guide you on your walking journey. Whether you prefer virtual classes or live events, iFIT has something for everyone.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: iFIT | iFIT Official Website
Best Walking App for Motivation: Fitbit
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 9 |
Functionality | 8 |
Performance | 8 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 8 |
Overall Score | 8.25 |
Fitbit is a well-known brand in the fitness industry, and their walking app is no exception. With its daily motivational messages, virtual workout challenges, and compatibility with Fitbit devices, Fitbit is our top pick for the best walking app for motivation. Here’s why:
Product Highlights:
- Daily motivational messages and virtual workout challenges
- Can participate in virtual challenges with other Fitbit users
- Doesn’t require a Fitbit device, but works better with one
- Provides basic metrics unless you have a Fitbit device
Pros:
- On-board GPS for accurate distance tracking
- Brighter screen display for better visibility
- Compatibility with Android 8.0 or higher and iOS 12.2/iPhone 5S or higher
- Quick-release wrist straps for easy customization
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands
Cons:
- Inability to respond to iOS text messages directly from the device
- Some reviews report prolonged lag time in opening apps
- Interpretation of data can be complex for some users
Bottom Line: Fitbit offers a range of motivation features, virtual challenges, and compatibility with their devices. If you’re already a Fitbit user or looking to join the Fitbit ecosystem, their walking app is a great choice.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Fitbit | Fitbit Official Website
Best Walking App for Accountability: Nike Run Club
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 8 |
Functionality | 8 |
Performance | 7 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 9 |
Overall Score | 8 |
Nike Run Club is a popular free app that offers run-tracking and training features. While it’s primarily focused on running, it’s also a great choice for walkers who value accountability and community support. Here’s why it’s our top pick for the best walking app for accountability:
Product Highlights:
- Nike’s free run-tracking and training app
- Offers training plans for various levels, including Getting Started and 5K
- Guided workouts to keep you motivated
Pros:
- Completely free app with no subscription required
- Training plans available for different fitness levels
- Audio guided workouts to keep you engaged
- Shoe tagging feature to track mileage on your shoes
Cons:
- Limited training plans specifically tailored for walkers
- Some Apple users may experience syncing issues with the app
- Best suited for beginners or those starting their walking journey
Bottom Line: Nike Run Club is a free app that provides training plans, audio guided workouts, and a supportive community. If you’re looking for a no-frills walking app that keeps you accountable, Nike Run Club is a solid choice.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Nike Run Club | Nike Run Club Official Website
Best Walking App for Tracking Metrics: MapMyWalk
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 8 |
Functionality | 8 |
Performance | 8 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 9 |
Overall Score | 8.25 |
MapMyWalk, developed by Under Armour, is a versatile app that allows you to track a wide variety of activities, including walking. With its route planning features and ability to track different kinds of rides, MapMyWalk is our top pick for the best walking app for tracking metrics. Here’s why:
Product Highlights:
- Under Armour’s cycling tracking app that also tracks walking
- Free and subscription service available
- Able to track over 600 activities
Pros:
- Track a wide variety of activities, including walking
- Route planning features to discover new walking routes
- Can track different kinds of rides, such as cycling or hiking
- Provides detailed metrics and insights about your walks
Cons:
- Some users find the interface to be overwhelming with too many features
- Certain advanced features are only available with a subscription
- Some users have reported occasional bugs and syncing issues
Bottom Line: MapMyWalk is a versatile app that allows you to track your walks, plan routes, and explore new areas. If you’re someone who enjoys tracking various activities and wants detailed metrics, MapMyWalk is a great choice.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: MapMyWalk | MapMyWalk Official Website
Best Walking App for Apple Watch: Apple Fitness+
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 9 |
Functionality | 8 |
Performance | 8 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 8 |
Overall Score | 8.25 |
Apple Fitness+ is Apple’s new fitness subscription service that offers a variety of workouts, including walking. While it’s not currently available at the time of writing, it’s worth mentioning as our top pick for the best walking app for Apple Watch users. Here’s why:
Product Highlights:
- Apple’s new fitness subscription service
- Available late fall 2023
- Offers video and audio workouts across various categories
- Compatible with iPhone 8 or later or iPhone 6 paired with Apple Watch Series 3 or later
Pros:
- Offers 11 different types of workouts, including walking
- Free trial available for Apple Watch users
- Cheaper than some of its competitors in the fitness subscription space
Cons:
- Not currently available at the time of writing
- Limited customer reviews on workout quality and user experience
- Less variety of classes compared to some other fitness subscription services
Bottom Line: Apple Fitness+ aims to provide curated workouts and additional health metrics for Apple Watch users. If you’re an Apple Watch user looking for a seamless integration between your device and fitness app, Apple Fitness+ is worth considering.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Apple Fitness+ | Apple Fitness+ Official Website
Best Walking App for a Cause: CharityMiles
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Design | 7 |
Functionality | 7 |
Performance | 6 |
Cost-Effectiveness | 10 |
Overall Score | 7.5 |
If you’re looking to make a difference while walking, CharityMiles is the perfect app for you. Every mile you walk earns credit toward a donation to a charity of your choice. Here’s why it’s our top pick for the best walking app for a cause:
Product Highlights:
- Every mile walked earns credit toward a donation
- Step tracker that tracks various activities like walking, dancing, and running
- Free app with no subscription required
Pros:
- Earn donations for charity while walking
- Tracks multiple activities, not just walking
- Free app with no hidden costs or subscriptions
Cons:
- Not the best app for fitness tracking or advanced features
- Some users have reported interface bugs and occasional crashes
- Lacks advanced features found in other walking apps
Bottom Line: CharityMiles is a step tracker app that allows you to make a positive impact while walking. If you’re passionate about supporting charitable causes and want a simple app to track your steps, CharityMiles is a great choice.
👉 CHECK PRICE on: CharityMiles | CharityMiles Official Website
A Word on Walking Apps
Walking apps have revolutionized the way we track our fitness progress and stay motivated. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, these apps can provide valuable insights, goal tracking, and a sense of community. With the right walking app, you can turn your daily walks into an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
How We Picked and Tested The Best Walking Apps
At Walkathon Virtual™, we take our recommendations seriously. Our team of personal trainers and health professionals thoroughly evaluated each walking app based on several factors, including price, workouts, community aspect, compatibility, metrics, music, and safety features. We also considered consumer feedback and our own personal experiences with these apps.
Benefits of Walking Apps
Walking apps offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance your walking experience and help you achieve your fitness goals. Here are some of the key benefits:
✅ Motivation: Walking apps provide real-time feedback and goal tracking, which can keep you motivated and engaged during your walks. Seeing your progress and achievements can boost your confidence and encourage you to keep going.
✅ Accountability: Many walking apps have social communities where you can connect with other users and join challenges. This sense of accountability can help you stay committed to your walking routine and push yourself to reach new milestones.
✅ Goal Tracking: Walking apps allow you to set goals for your walks, whether it’s a target number of steps, a specific distance, or a calorie burn goal. Tracking your progress towards these goals can help you stay focused and measure your improvement over time.
✅ Workout Variety: Some walking apps offer pre-designed workout plans that can add variety and structure to your walks. These plans may include interval training, guided walks, or challenges that keep your workouts interesting and effective.
✅ Comprehensive Tracking: Walking apps track not only your steps and distance but also other metrics like pace, calories burned, and even heart rate if you have a compatible device. This comprehensive tracking allows you to get a deeper understanding of your fitness level and progress.
✅ Community Support: The social communities within walking apps provide a platform for support, encouragement, and friendly competition. Connecting with like-minded individuals can make your walking journey more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
What to Look for in a Walking App
When choosing a walking app, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
✅ Step Tracking Accuracy: Ensure that the app has accurate step tracking capabilities. Look for apps that use both the accelerometer and GPS technology for more precise measurements.
✅ Goal Setting and Tracking: Choose an app that allows you to set and track your goals. The app should provide visual indicators and notifications to keep you informed about your progress.
✅ Workout Plans: If you’re looking for more structure in your walks, opt for an app that offers pre-designed workout plans. These plans can add variety and challenge to your routine.
✅ Social Community: Consider whether you want to connect with other users and join challenges. Look for apps that have a thriving social community to enhance your walking experience.
✅ Integration with Other Devices: If you already use other fitness devices, such as a heart rate monitor or smartwatch, choose an app that can sync with these devices. This integration allows you to track additional metrics and get a more comprehensive view of your fitness.
✅ User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the app has an intuitive and user-friendly interface. You should be able to navigate through the app easily and access the features you need without any hassle.
Best Walking Apps FAQs
Q: Are walking apps free?
A: Many walking apps offer free versions with basic features. However, some apps may require a subscription for access to premium features or advanced workout plans.
Q: Can I use a walking app indoors on a treadmill?
A: Yes, most walking apps can be used indoors on a treadmill. They track your steps and distance based on the movement detected by the accelerometer in your device.
Q: Can walking apps sync with other fitness apps and devices?
A: Yes, many walking apps can sync with other fitness apps and devices. This allows you to consolidate your health and fitness data in one place for a comprehensive view of your progress.
Q: Can I listen to music while using a walking app?
A: Yes, most walking apps allow you to listen to music from your device’s music library or streaming services while using the app. Some apps even offer curated playlists to keep you motivated during your walks.
Q: Can I use a walking app without a smartphone or wearable device?
A: Most walking apps require a smartphone or wearable device with built-in sensors to track your steps and distance. However, some apps may offer alternative tracking methods, such as manual entry, for users without a compatible device.
Conclusion
Walking apps have revolutionized the way we track our fitness progress and stay motivated. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, these apps can provide valuable insights, goal tracking, and a sense of community. From our top pick, Strava, with its comprehensive activity tracking features, to CharityMiles, which allows you to make a positive impact while walking, there’s a walking app for everyone. So, lace up your shoes, download a walking app, and start your fitness journey today!
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- How to Organize a Virtual Walk 2024 🚶♀️📱