MapMyRun

MapMyRun continues to be one of the most popular apps for tracking running times and routes, but is it worth a download asks Jo Peisley, Australian Institute of Fitness NSW/ACT Training Team Captain.

MapMyRun is a tracking application that enables you to use the built-in GPS of your mobile device to track the distance, route and time of your run as well as calories burnt.

It is easy to use and comes with a variety of add on features.

When ready to start your workout, simple press Record’ and the app does the rest. The GPS highlights where you are and moves along as you complete your run/jog/walk. The automated coach chimes in during your workout to let you know time passed and distanced covered, which can be a little bit of extra encouragement, or if you find it hinders you then you can also turn the function off. This all works in combination with your music, so you can still have your favourite tunes playing in the background to keep up the energy!

Once you’re done, you can proudly Save’ this workout, adding it to your personal workout log. This means you can select this exact some route next time and see how you improve.

For those who love social media and a little bit of shameless self-promotion MapMyRun easily links with Facebook so you can publish your workout, notify friends and receive updates from your training buddies. You can even create MapMyRun training groups, which are great if your personal training clients are training for an event or you want to encourage workouts between sessions definitely good motivation!

Pros Easy to use, can help log all your runs, records the paths you have run, saves distances, times, splits and types of runs.

Cons The app relies heavily on GPS and can suck your smartphone battery, or occasionally freeze depending on your location. MayMyRun also tries to be too many things, which can be confusing to the user and misleading based on name of app (in particular the nutrition section) – it’s simpler to just stick to using this app for running.

MapMyRun is available on the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.

If you love fitness, and you want to make it your career and become a Personal Trainer come to the Australian Institute of Fitness.

• Bio

AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.