Discover an app that works for you

Have you recently made the decision to be more active, but feel unsure of where to begin?

We’re on the lookout for ‘Tech Explorers’ so we can discover the apps that help people create regular physical activity habits. Whether your reason for getting active is to improve your health, become more sociable, or boost your self-esteem, you can help us help you!

By jumping on board you will be supporting our mission to create happier, healthier and stronger communities.

Why are you using the app?

I hadn’t been running for a while. I had tried to train for a 5K before but had already given up twice when I found it difficult. Having never been a natural runner, I find it really helpful to have something or someone guiding me along the way. This time using the ‘One You Couch to 5k‘ app I am determined to get to the end. Once I’ve finished, I plan on doing my first parkrun.

On a scale of 1-10, how easy is it to use?

10. There aren’t lots of settings that you need to change so you can start using it straight away. On the support section it has running tips and advice for ‘before you start’. It answers any questions you can think of before you start the Couch to 5k.

What do you think about the appearance/design?

It’s a colourful and simple design. I like how it shows your progress by ticking off the weeks and that you can rate the run afterwards using the emojis.

What is your favourite thing about the app?

You can change your trainer. I am currently using Sarah Millican who motivates me to carry on when I start to get tired. I also like that you can set reminders for your next run.

Did you have any concerns before starting the app?

When I downloaded the app and looked through the weeks it seemed like there were some big transitions. I did wonder whether I would struggle with this. Although I found some of the runs challenging, I felt confident that I could complete them as I had heard success stories from other people using the app. Plus there is always the chance to do the run again if you feel like you could improve it.

Will you carry on using it?

Yes. I am now at the beginning of week 7. I think the Couch to 5k is a fantastic app. Without it I wouldn’t be able to run for that long without stopping. Watch this space!