A couch potato is someone who does little to no exercise and would rather binge-watch Netflix while lounging around. But the good news is that there are surefire ways to get fit without it feeling like the worst thing in the world! Here are the workout apps that can help you stay fit even when you’re feeling super lazy.
1. Zombies, Run! 5k Training
What more motivation do you need to get moving than a pack of ravenous zombies chasing after you? The Zombies, Run! 5k Training app adds a game-like element to walking and running, with you being the hero of the story.
The app features an eight-week training program where the aim is to eventually get you off the couch and successfully run a five-kilometer run. While the story is being told, you can listen to your own music and track your distance using GPS, step counting, or constant pace.
Download: Zombies, Run! 5k Training for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
2. Sweatcoin
Sometimes the best way to coax a couch potato off the sofa is to offer a reward. Sweatcoin is a step counter app that pays you in the form of sweatcoins. The more you walk, the more sweatcoins you collect—which you can then use to buy yourself something nice.
Sweatcoin’s marketplace is where you can shop for digital offers, physical products, and premium exclusives like vouchers and gift cards. You can even use your sweatcoins to do good and donate them to a cause instead of using them on yourself.
Download: Sweatcoin for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
3. 5 Minute Home Workouts
If you’re a couch potato, you probably spend most of your time sedentary. So, doing a lengthy workout isn’t going to work for you. However, a quick five-minute workout session that you can do from home is perfect!
5 Minute Home Workouts is an app that consists of a variety of targeted workout programs, including abs, chest and arms, yoga, and Pilates. Alternatively, you can even create your own custom multi-workout session. So even though the workouts are brief and no longer than five minutes, moving for a few minutes is better than doing nothing.
Download: 5 Minute Home Workouts for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
4. Tabata Timer and HIIT Timer
Tabata is a type of HIIT workout that can pump up your heart rate and blast away calories. All you have to do is get off the couch for a couple of minutes. The Tabata Timer and HIIT Timer app is as simple as it gets.
Just decide on what Tabata exercises you want to do, like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, or burpees, and the app does the rest. You can use the settings tab to personalize your Tabata session by changing the interval times, and the number of sets and cycles.
Download: Tabata Timer and HIIT Timer for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
5. Fitness RPG
When you’d prefer to laze around on the couch, it’s tough to get up and use your legs. But what if you could use walking to play a fitness fantasy game? Fitness RPG is an app that can gamify your fitness routine. It is the combination of a pedometer and a role-playing game where you can convert your steps into energy to make your heroes stronger.
The premise of the game is to travel through the levels, challenging and battling enemies. As you progress, you’ll collect more heroes of different classes. Overall, the more you walk and play, the more upgrades and customizations you can do to your heroes.
Download: Fitness RPG for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
6. BodBot
BodBot is like having a personal trainer by your side without having to leave your home and go very far from the couch. To begin using the BodBot app, simply select your primary goal, set how much exercise experience you have, and decide how hard you’d like to train.
From there, the app does a few fitness tests so that it can create the perfect workout program for you. The daily workout sessions include a warm-up, the main workout, and a cool-down. Plus, each exercise displays a breakdown of the muscles, joints, and movement planes impacted.
Download: BodBot for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
7. Seven
If you are a couch potato who is just starting your fitness journey, your endurance probably isn’t in the best condition. When you can exercise for no longer than seven minutes, Seven is the app for you! Not only does the app build a personalized workout plan for you, but it gives you a massive library of incredibly fun workouts.
The workouts are categorized by focus area, challenges, and instructors. Moreover, you can take part in live group workouts and challenges, join leagues, and connect with friends around the world.
Download: Seven for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
8. Home Workout
When you can’t bear the thought of going to the gym or attending a workout class, don’t sweat it. You can use the Home Workout app to do quick sessions from the comfort of your own home. The app features a daily workout routine as well as a selection of bodyweight-only exercises.
Alternatively, you can do workouts using basic equipment, like exercises using a stability ball or dumbbells. What makes this app great is that you can create your own custom training routine and add whatever exercises you feel comfortable doing. Furthermore, you can even organize a workout playlist from your music library to keep yourself pumped.
Download: Home Workout for Android (Free, subscription available)
9. StepBet
Going for a walk or a run can be difficult, particularly when you’re a couch potato. An excellent method to push yourself to get active is to bet money on yourself! The StepBet app works by syncing to your health data, like Google Fit, and then giving you access to a variety of games. In order to join a game and potentially win money and other prizes, you need to place a bet into the game’s pot.
Once you’ve paid your bets, all you have to do is reach the goals required to win and share the pot with other members. There are tons of games to choose from, all varying in length, with some even offering bonus prizes and drawings.
Download: StepBet for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Get Your Daily Exercise
Sure, there’s no harm in being lazy every once in a while. However, problems may arise if you do little to no daily exercise.
These workout apps are easy, fun, and won’t take up too much of your time. What’s more, they can entice you to get off the couch and get moving!
