Palm-Sized Workouts

1. AAPTIV First launched in 2016, Aaptiv was one of the first to offer audio-guided classes, while most other apps offered visual cues. Finally available in Singapore, audio fitness has its plus and minuses. It is great when you just want to plug in and exercise and not be looking at your phone for the next move every once in a while. The downside is that you need to be somewhat familiar with the exercise to follow the instructions, as you may not know what the trainer is saying. Aaptiv currently offers over 2,500 audio fitness classes covering a wide variety of activities including running, strengthtraining, yoga, indoor cycling, meditation, and more. Workouts are grouped according to the level of intensity and types, and users can select the music they want to exercise to, such as hip-hop, electric or pop. At the start of each workout, a screen shows the types of exercises to expect, the duration and the estimated number of calories burnt.

2. FREELETICS The great thing about the exercises in the Freeletics app is that you don't need any equipment to work out. So no more "I don't have dumbbells" excuses for not working out. The exercises use your own body weight. The app offers 29 workouts, that are about 20 minutes long. It sounds quick but the workouts are not easy. They are effective, maximising the afterburn effect and utilise the efficiency of interval training. It means you work hard for about 30 seconds and let your heart rest for 10 seconds each time. The makers of Freeletics say that one of their workouts can easily replace a lengthy session at the gym. They have also made sure that all workouts require just four square meters of space and can be done almost anywhere. The app offers visual cues, so you don't get lost. There is also the option to sign up for personalised training and get nutrition tips from a coach for a fee, or opt for its free single exercises to do. The app also shows training spots closest to you, so who knows, you may bump into a fellow user.

3. SEVEN - 7 MINUTE WORKOUT Don't have time to work out? You'll need a new excuse with the Seven app, which says you only need to spend seven minutes on a workout. Of course, you reap more benefits if those seven minutes are intense ones. During this time, you perform 12 exercises for 30 seconds each with a 10 second rest in between. They include jumping jacks, wall sits, push-ups, tricep dips and squats. The app uses visual cues to show you how to do the exercises. Unlike other apps which have toned men and women glistening in sweat showing the moves, Seven uses an animated illustration to demonstrate the exercises. But hey, the 'model' gets the job done. Those who want a little more intensity in their workouts, can opt to repeat the cycle up to five times. There is also the option to sign up for premier membership that offers access to over 200 exercises, weekly workout plans, and access to a personal trainer online.