6 Apps To Kickstart Your 2019 Health & Fitness Goals
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.
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Exclusive: Brandee Evans On Faith, Fibroids, And Chosen Family
Do you remember your first time at The Pynk?
We were first introduced to Mercedes at Uncle Clifford’s beloved strip joint, a matrix of secrets and self-discovery nestled deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brandee Evans, who plays the ambitious single mother and seasoned dancer in the STARZ original P-Valley, quickly won our hearts and has since earned widespread critical acclaim.
Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
How To Know If You're Following Your Destiny, According To Astrology
Your destiny can be defined as fate or the hidden power believed to control what happens in your future. Some say your destiny is not set in stone and can be changed or redirected over time. Others say you come into this life with events in the future predestined for you.
North Node In Astrology Meaning
Astrology considers both approaches regarding destiny and defines this phenomenon through the North Node. The North Node represents the direction toward your evolution, life lessons, your calling, and destiny in this lifetime. It is the area of astrology you want to go to when looking at the full picture of your life, your future potential, and where you should be directing your energy and intentions. “Living your best life” is living like your North Node sign.
The North and South Node In Astrology
The North Node or the “True Node” is one of two lunar nodes that form an axis, with the South Node on the other end. The North Node is where the Moon moves into the northern ecliptic hemisphere. The South Node is where the Moon enters the southern ecliptic hemisphere.
The North Node represents the aspects of your life you need to develop for spiritual growth and to fulfill your destiny in this lifetime.
We often feel challenged the more we pull away from our North Node energy, and it helps shape identity and purpose in the long haul. The South Node represents your past karma, what you already know, and the energy you are moving away from in this lifetime.
In short, you want to be more like your North Node sign and less like your South Node sign. You will know if you are following your destiny by how well you connect with the aspects of your North Node sign and when you have fully embodied and embraced the archetype of this sign.
What Does Your North Node Tell You?
Think about some of the traits, essence, and characteristics of your North Node sign that you admire, and start there. Connect with what types of purpose, careers, life paths, or directions this sign typically takes in life, and define which ones you feel called to most.
Once you can step fully into your North Node energy and have learned the lessons it comes with, you will feel personal fulfillment on a deep level and be aligned with your destiny or be able to shape it.
Read on for your North Node sign below to see how you can follow your destiny and live at your highest potential:
North Node in Aries Meaning
You are working through being more self-reliant in this lifetime. Independence, freedom, confidence, and inner resilience are the energy you need to enhance your life to live your full potential. Staying active, getting your body moving, and exercising all help you get in the right head space and think clearly, especially about your future.
You are learning how to take more action, go after the things you want, be direct, and leave toxic relationships unapologetically in this life. You are following your destiny when you are putting yourself first and aligned with independence rather than interdependence.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Libra
North Node in Taurus Meaning
A North Node in Taurus teaches you to be more self-sufficient in financial matters and to always be able to count on yourself. You want to move away from being too reliant on others by finding a deep sense of confidence and stability within.
Building a life for yourself, being financially responsible, not giving more financially than you have, having financial independence, and being willing to be vulnerable with others is important. You are following your destiny when you are being consistent, standing by your word, and keeping the promises you make.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Scorpio
North Node in Gemini Meaning
Communication is very important for you and your destiny in this lifetime. The conversations you have with others hold significance, and you learn a lot through the different types of connections you make in life. Being outgoing, getting out of your comfort zone, being involved in your local community, and being around a lot of movement serve you well.
Having good friends and mental connections around you is everything for your well-being in life and purpose. You are following your destiny when you are sharing your ideas, connecting with people, and saying what you truly mean.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Sagittarius
North Node in Cancer Meaning
With a North Node in Cancer, your purpose or destiny involves nurturing yourself and others. You have motherly energy to embody in this lifetime, and you feel more aligned with your purpose when you can live in compassion, let go of overworking, and give yourself some TLC. In past lifetimes, a lot of your life was surrounded by work, and you put all of your energy into your accomplishments.
In this lifetime, you are learning how to care for yourself more, find self-love, and build a supportive family or emotional support system for yourself. You are following your destiny when you are in a space of comfort and safety and have a strong home base.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Capricorn
North Node in Leo Meaning
A North Node in Leo signifies that your destiny involves aligning with your higher self and living life boldly and with proud confidence. You are meant to show up, shine your light, and take up space. You are working on being the leader of your life, letting go of shyness or isolation, and making yourself or your energy known in the world.
Use your creativity to your advantage and put your work and intentions out there. You are destined for the spotlight, and you are following your destiny when you are taking on these types of opportunities, have a strong sense of self, and are confident in yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aquarius
North Node in Virgo Meaning
Following your destiny involves being logical, critical thinking, being direct, and being more communicative. You are meant to evolve mentally in this life and to move away from a more spiritual perspective to a logical one. Spirituality is still important, but in past lifetimes, you got lost in this area of your life, and now you are learning how to be logical and realistic as well.
Helping others is also a part of your destiny with a North Node in Virgo, and the daily rituals and routines you have are beneficial to teach the people around you. You are following your destiny when you are healing, thinking logically, and creating healthy boundaries in your life.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Pisces
North Node in Libra Meaning
With a North Node in Libra, love, partnerships, and the connections you form in life are significant to your destiny. You are meant to communicate, connect, understand romance on a deeper level, and be in union in this lifetime. You are also learning the importance of thinking before speaking, not being too impulsive or reckless, and working cooperatively with others.
In past lifetimes, you were too independent, brash, and more of a lone wolf, and in this lifetime, you are learning how to connect more. You are following your destiny when you are being diplomatic, considering another's needs, and having balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aries
North Node in Scorpio Meaning
Patience, dedication, and following your intuition are aligned with your destiny with a North Node in Scorpio. You have a lot of potential to gain financially through marriage or an inheritance with this placement, and this is a good sign for wealth in this lifetime.
However, with a Taurus South Node, you are working on letting go of being too frugal or envious in financial matters, releasing attachments more, and honoring the more spiritual sides of life. You are following your purpose when you have a good balance between giving and receiving in your life and when you are not over-controlling things.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Taurus
North Node in Sagittarius Meaning
With a North Node in Sagittarius, you have a natural philosophical and explorative mindset. You are working on embracing new opportunities, getting out of your comfort zone, traveling, and living life on your own terms in this lifetime. It’s important to travel, learn, pursue higher education, and expand in life.
You are moving away from your Gemini South Node energy, which is about being easily distracted, oversharing, being indecisive, or not standing by your word. You are following your purpose when you are growing your mind, exploring new places, meeting new people, and making confident decisions for yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Gemini
North Node in Capricorn Meaning
With a North Node in Capricorn, you are meant to grow financially and establish yourself in this lifetime. You have a lot of potential to make some great accomplishments, and you are destined to thrive in career matters. You are aligned with your destiny when you are working towards a goal or intention of yours and when you are building a legacy for yourself.
With Cancer on the South Node, you are moving away from feeling like you have to mother or nurture everyone and instead giving yourself that compassion and care. You are learning emotional discipline in this lifetime and are following your destiny when you have a healthy work-life balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Cancer
North Node in Aquarius
You are aligned with your destiny when you have a humanitarian and open-minded perspective. You are meant to think about the collective as a whole, progress, and leave the world a better place. You have a lot of visions for the future and can be quite psychic as well. Manifesting your dreams and desires is significant, and you are learning how to strengthen this internal power.
It’s important to move away from egotistical pursuits, conforming to societal rules, or being too selfish as well with this energy. Overall, you are following your destiny when you are giving a voice to the voiceless, being your authentic self, and contributing to society in some way.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Leo
North Node in Pisces Meaning
With a North Node in Pisces, following your destiny means following your heart and never giving up the dream. You are moving away from needing to have all of the facts and letting logic rule over your emotions in this lifetime. Getting creative, pursuing artistry, healing, and having compassion for yourself and others are all aligned with your purpose.
You are a true visionary and have a lot of creative potential and gifts to bring to the world. You are following your destiny when you are emotionally regulating, honoring your spirituality, and creating.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Virgo
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Featured image by Getty Images