TUAW's Daily App: Seconds

I've been doing this high intensity interval training program called 20 Second Fitness - http://20second.com. The app is called 20 seconds but I don't think it's made by the same people as the ones who made the workout program. I think it would be a great addition though because then I can do my 20 Second work outs even when I don't have the DVDs with me.

One of the main features Seconds offers that is not really highlighted by the article is that you can use your music as motivation for your workouts. You are able to set a different playlist or song to be played for each interval.

For example when I've used it for HIIT I like to use some rock and roll for the warmups/low intervals/cool down. And then to get me really going for the high intervals I use thrash metal.

For me this really has the desired affect. So much so in fact that I actually had to calm it down a little at first because when the faster music kicked in I would actually train too hard.

There are some videos of it being used on the website:
http://www.secondsapp.com

Related to interval training, I use this app on my iPhone:

GetRunning (Couch to 5k)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/get-running-couch-to-5k/id319043985?mt=8

It implements the Couch to 5k program on your iPhone, with overall program tracking, and spoken audio cues while running. Basically, for when you activate it, the pleasant female British voice tells you when to start running and when to start walking, giving you 10 second and 30 second notifications, and also overall course timing (half complete, etc.) It runs fine alongside the iPod app and/or the Nike+ app simultaneously. Best of all, you don't have to remember when to start running or switch to walking, because the whole program is pre-programmed.

In case you're not familiar with Couch to 5k, it's a structured interval training program that starts off easy enough for a beginner, but gets you in shape to run a 5k in seven weeks. The very first run, for example, has you alternating between running for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds, with a five minute warm up period and a five minute cool down period. Here's the full program:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Once the program's done, though, you need to stay in shape somehow! I'll check out this app for when I finally "get there".

I heard that there is an app called Minute Made or something by zuzink that also lets you do this kind of interval training. Anyone know anything about it?

Jog Log (http://bit.ly/joglog) has an excellent interval based workout system geared towards runners. What is especially unique about it is that you can set a custom playlist to each of the intervals you create.

I think you are referring to 'Fartlek' training, named after the Scandinavian athlete who first incorporated it into his training regime to great effect in the races he dominated.

If you don't mind spending a minute or two adding the intervals in manually, you can do this in RunKeeper as part of their workout section. And you get a nice voiceover on it too, with the benefits of the GPS tracking, data logging etc.

Anyone found a decent Iphone 4 exercise/jogging case yet?