A new exercise timer app: Fun fun fun...

[CBDB]

Still in my consolidation phase.

And while consolidating, I was disgruntled to say good-bye to the Str & Fl podcasts, and looked in trepidation to week 6 of my programme (nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/1... and the number of different links to this NHS site for warm-up, or that site for cooldown, and another one for the main work-outs. All depicted nicely with Mr X but without podcast or audio! 🙉🙊

So after humming and hawing, and my husband unsuccessfully trying to persuade me to simply use pen and paper 📝, I got searching for a more fancy digital solution.

And I found Tabata Timer! A very nice app which I can fill with any custom-made workout, and it even can use the system voice to read the title of the next exercise that I have put in. Brilliant!

It also has a nice selection of sound signals from gorgeous gongs, simple clicks, audience applause to bone-chilling screams. Fun! 😱 👏🏾 🔔 🥊

2 custom workouts are possible with the free version, but it has a one-off price (finally, no monthly subscriptions which I try to avoid like the pandemic) and having used it now for two sessions, I think it’s worth the 7 quid one-off pricetag.

I have been playing with it all day, done another work out with it today, and have loaded all my NHS workouts into it.

So I am ready for the next weeks!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds great, thanks for posting.

It is also possible to programme intervals into Runkeeper, with voice notifications and the added advantage of tracking.......all in one app..........but no gongs!

[CBDB Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’ll check that out as well, thanks. But am having so much fun with this app, as it has so many functions dedicated to exercise intervals... many thanks!

[Overweightandunfit Graduate]

I have just looked at this but unfortunately it only shows a subscription option not a one off fee (like you I do not like subscription only options).

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Overweightandunfit]

Hmm... I had a one off fee. (It wasn’t in the description though, just when trying it once downloaded). Just checked and yes one off fee. Strange.

[Overweightandunfit Graduate in reply to CBDB]

I was looking in iTunes where it just shows the options of various monthly, are you perhaps Android?

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Overweightandunfit]

No iPhone, but how I got there is:

1) download free version (try it out, Limitation is max 2 workout sequences)

2) in the app, go to payment option top left (dollar sign). Scroll to bottom and below all subscription options is “one-time, lifetime license £6.99“

[Overweightandunfit Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you, I will give it a go.

[Hidden]

Can I add this timer to the mix?

I looked at many too to find one that wasn't too complicated to set up but also very flexible. I use this one for my warm up and cool down stretching, and also my strength training workouts. The basic model is free, and for a little extra one-off payment ($3 or so) , you get the full app.

play.google.com/store/apps/...

I'm not related to the developer or have any financial interest in it

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Looks great! 👍🏽 thank you 🙏

[DexD Graduate]

Hi CBDB - I've been struggling to find a systematic way to consolidate after graduating 3 or so weeks ago, so your post is v helpful. Hope you don't mind me following up with a couple of Qs: when you use the nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ link, do you stick to the runs from C25k that they suggest - as many of them are from early in the prog? And is there a web guide for the Tabata Timer App? I'd love to give it a go but am not 100% tech-savvy 😕. Can feel myself in danger of slipping off the running track but structure might prevent that. An yes, this is a cry for heyulp!😱

[CBDB Graduate in reply to DexD]

Hi @DexD, glads it’s of use. In terms of the 12 week fitness programme, I just replace their C25k runs with Consolidation runs, so when I run I do the 30 minutes.

I felt that gives me a structure and forces me to do 12 weeks of consolidation, which can only be a good thing. As I am still only ultra slow , 12 weeks gives me also a good time to hit the 5k in a reasonable time. The only time I have managed 5k is when doing a loop twice but running an hour, and that was just too much for me in terms of duration.

The different exercises in the 12 week programme are also great to experience, as I just never liked going to the gym (too self-conscious). During C25k I only did basic stretches, so now focussing on different sections of the body throughout the 12 weeks is brilliant. I never knew about some of my muscles!

Tabata Timer - I did not find a guide, but on first opening it guides you through setting it up for a first workout. So I’d advise to take some time to set it up first time, and possibly make some notes. I did that phase too fast and I think I missed some helpful tips. I am not sure you can get the tips back.

Not sure this helps, but feel free to ask if your struggling with the timer. I’m playing around with it a lot!

[DexD Graduate]

Many thanks, CBDB! Will spend some time with the app - and hopefully report back in a few days with a success story!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Sounds interesting! I do like an audible reminder

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Yeah, I like it. I have to admit for my stretches I use something different, as it has the stretches pre-loaded. See healthunlocked.com/strength...

Let me know how you like it!