With the explosion of fitness applications the people at Nike have been working hard to make sure they stay one step ahead of the competition. Many app users will already be familiar with Nike’s + GPS app (which recently featured on the Sunday Times’ list of world’s top fitness apps) but the sports super power is not resting on its laurels and in January Nike launched its latest fitness app for iphone, ipad and ipod Touch – ‘Nike Training Club’.
This new Nike app is aimed at women – with the training program developed to address the 3 main reasons that women exercise – to tone, to lose weight and to become stronger.
Touting itself as a ‘personal trainer in your pocket’ the app is free – underpinning the message of being ‘free’ to exercise – whenever you want and wherever you may be.*
HOW NTC WORKS
First you select your training goal whether to ‘get strong’, ‘get lean’ or ‘get toned’. You then pick your fitness level – beginner, intermediate or advanced and then depending on your available time (and let’s be honest – mood) select your desired workout duration of either 30 or 45 minutes. Alternatively, if you are seriously short on time or energy you can select one of the 15 minute ‘get focussed’ workouts each one targeting a specific body part.
The programs (designed by Nike Pro Trainer Marie Purvis) employ interval style training and its’ 90+ drills draw on principles of cardio, strength, and core training. This functional fitness approach means that you create not only a better looking body, but also one that is more fit for ‘real life’ – whether picking your child up or climbing the stairs.
Each exercise in the app is accompanied by a set of pictures to demo. Still unsure? Then just hit the video icon to get a full demo of exercise in perfect form. Drills last for anywhere between 15 seconds to two minutes and during the allotted time you perform as many reps as you can (while maintaining proper form) before the audio guide urges you to move the next drill.
CHALLENGING
At the Dublin launch of Nike Training Club we were treated to a class with 2 of Nike’s master trainers. The class was a 30 minute sample of the NTC drills. I regard myself as pretty fit and thought it would be a breeze but I was sorely mistaken. This was a tough and intense workout…
And there really is something to challenge everyone. If you are a beginner looking to ‘get lean’ you can try the ‘Energy Rush’ – a 30 minute workout of rapid drills, but if you are an advanced exerciser looking to ‘get strong’ you can do battle with the 45 minute ‘Gladiator’ . Russell himself would approve!
GATHERING PACE
To keep you on track and to encourage you to go the ‘extra mile’ upon reaching key minute milestones you unlock ‘exclusive rewards’ such as workouts and training advice from Nike athletes and professional trainers.
And if you’re so inclined, the app allows you to ‘celebrate’ your achievements to all your friends via Facebook. To my mind this is probably information that doesn’t need to be shared with all of your ‘friends’. Leave ‘em guessing why you’re looking so good!
JUST DO IT!
This fitness application really is a major cut above the rest. As you’d expect from Nike it is a slick and glossy production – and more importantly, very user friendly. And guys, while the app is targeted at women unless you happen to be an elite athlete the programs will be just as challenging for you.
Though Nike Training Club is still no match for having a real live personal trainer if use the app often, and put your maximum effort in when you do so, your fitness will undoubtedly make great gains.
To learn more go to www.nike.com/nikewomen/features/ntc or go to iTunes store to download.
*You will need equipment for some of the drills such as a small/medium sized yoga ball, adequate weight dumbbells and a skipping rope.
Gillian Hynes is a NCEHS qualified personal trainer and STOTT trained pilates instructor. With over 6 years experience in the industry she has worked with a wide variety of clients to achieve their health and fitness goals. www.gillianhynes.com