Every year, millions of people make health and fitness-focused New Year's resolutions. Whether those goals include losing weight, hitting the gym consistently, training for an upcoming event, or just eating healthier, so many people start off the year strong only to have their resolutions disband into nothing by the time April has arrived.
But fear not, because with these six apps you can still lose weight, train for your upcoming event, and eat healthier without having to sign yet another gym contract. With these apps, you'll be able to track your fitness, nutrition, and everything else without having to break the bank. Say goodbye to the hassle of having to find a gym, nutritionist, and personal trainer. And say hello to the fitter and healthier you. This year, with the help of some of the best fitness apps in the game, your New Year's resolutions to be fit and healthy will be as easy as hitting a button.
Best Fitness Apps 2019
Best Fitness Apps For Tracking Fitness:
Home Workout - No Equipment Needed (Fitness Level: Beginners and Up)
Overall Free for Users: Android, IOS
The Home Workout app provides daily workout routines for all your main muscle groups. With just a few minutes a day, you can build muscles and keep fit without ever having to step into the gym.
The app has workouts for your abs, chest, legs, arms, and butt, as well as full body workouts. Even though it just takes a few minutes a day, it can effectively tone your muscles and help you get six pack abs at home.
All the workouts are designed by experts. With animations and video guidance for each exercise, you can make sure you use the right form during your sets. In addition, the warm-up and stretching routines are designed to make sure you exercise in a scientific way.
Subscription Benefits: Ads are removed for $5.98. The rest of the app is free for all beginner, intermediate, and advanced users.
PEAR: Personal Fitness Coach (Fitness Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
Overall Free for Users: Android, IOS
The PEAR Personal Fitness Coach app provides users with an array of guided workouts for all fitness levels and intensities that adapt based on your performance. The app plays well with a variety of fitness trackers and devices, allowing you to keep track of your performance and share metrics with other fitness apps. And the best part? The PEAR mobile training intelligence system puts personal coaches right in your ear that are available inside the app.
Subscription Benefits: The premium subscription, $5.99/month, gives you unlimited access to the workout library and extra features.
Best Fitness Apps For Tracking Nutrition:
Lose It! (Nutrition Knowledge Level: Beginner and Up)
Overall Free for Users: Android, IOS
The Lose It! app is a great tool to have on your journey because of its simplicity. Best known for its meal tracking, Lost It! uses its huge food database to break down meals by breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. In this app, users are capable of logging food, scanning barcodes, and photographing their meals.
Subscription Benefits: With a premium subscription, $29.99/year, users can get access to more nutritional stats and dietary trends.
Lifesum (Nutrition Knowledge Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
Overall Free for Users: Android, IOS
Lifesum makes gauging your overall nutrition and health easy peasy, giving you comprehensible lifestyle tips and adjustments based on your eating habits. After downloading the app, you'll be required to take an assessment — this includes questions about your cravings, weight loss goals, diet roadblocks, general preferences — to find out which diet plan best suits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle. Then, the app will start providing recommendations to help you start making healthy changes and dietary decisions. The app can also act as a lifestyle coach by reminding you to eat and drink water regularly throughout your busy day.
Subscription Benefits: A premium subscription, $44.99/year, will get you even more detailed nutritional analysis and let you sync with other fitness apps.
Best Fitness Apps For All-Around Tracking:
8fit (Fitness Level: Beginner and Up)
Overall Free for Users of: Android, IOS
For an all-around comprehensive fitness planning and tracking, 8fit has it all. 8fit creates custom exercises and meal plans based on your goals, your current stats, and, more importantly, your preferences. The app goes more into detail with preferences, asking your goals, the number of workouts you'd like to do each week, how many meals you'd like to eat each day, how much variety you need in a nutrition program, and how you prefer to prep your food.
During the meal plan, you can even select the days you'd like to grocery shop for ahead of time and the app automatically generates a shopping list based on the recipes that you'll prepare on those days. And when it comes to logging workouts, there's a variety of endless options so that you can track accurately. In addition, there is an array of preset workouts, which is fantastic for the beginner users.
Subscription Benefits: The Pro edition, which is $59.99/year, includes even more custom workouts and more personalized plans.
Trifecta (Fitness Level: Intermediate-Advanced)
Overall Free for Users of: Android, IOS
Trifecta is an ultra-comprehensive app that specializes in functional fitness training, meaning it provides beneficial workouts whether you're at home or on the go. It's unique among fitness apps because it caters to the workouts and diet of CrossFitters. The free version provides you with daily WODs, a nutrition tracker, and useful tools like a kilos-to-pounds converter and CrossFit box finder. However, make sure you're careful while using this app. Although beginner-friendly, it is recommended that you start regular workouts before jumping into this app.
Subscription Benefits: With the premium version, $49.99/year, you get a comprehensive workout log, movement log, and in-depth diet tracking.
The Best Fitness App Honorable Mention:
If you want to get more bang for your buck, for $8.33-14.99/month, consider the following app:
Aaptiv provides trainer-led audio workouts for a variety of workout styles and goals, complete with accompanying music playlists.
Users can select from more than 2500 workouts in hundreds of fitness classes, whether for running, cycling, high intensity interval training, 5k, or marathon training, this app makes it easy to stream training routines or download to your phone for offline use.
Workouts can be configured for distance, duration, intensity, and calories burned. In other words, if you're willing to spend the money, this app is worth every penny.
Featured image by Getty Images.
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Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
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Feature image by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images