Forecast to exceed 22.8 billion by the end of 2020, the UKs fitness/wellness industry is booming. Although the market is mostly made up of gym memberships, sports equipment and supplements, health apps are also starting to have a role, with many people using their mobile devices for more than just calls and texting.

With data from 2018 showing that around 29 per cent of Britons committed to losing weight, with over half giving up after a month just what are some of the apps available to help keep us motivated to health improvement?

Although this app wont work for you until after lockdown when gyms open, we thought it should still be included on the list because of how useful it is. Is the gym where you feel motivated, but you dont want to sign up to a contract? Then download Esquared. This app works in the same way as Uber in the sense that it allows you to find gym sessions and one-off classes in your area. The benefit of this app is that its non-committal and there are no subscription fees. Currently, its only available in London and Sydney, but keep an eye out in case it expands into an area near you!

Alongside vitamins like joint supplements, nearly everyone who has wanted to improve their health and fitness has heard of the couch to 5k challenge. Its ideal for those who dont particularly have the fitness levels to take on marathons but want to increase their physical ability. Presented by Public Health England, it builds you up gradually with a mix of running and walking so that within nine weeks you should be able to run 5 kilometres (3.1 miles). Theres also a choice of five virtual trainers to help you on your fitness journey and keep you motivated.

We know what youre thinking Pokmon is a game. But, this game is also useful for getting people active. The popular game works by individuals needing to be active in the community to progress in the game. According to Sport England, one in three kids in England take part in less than 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This was described by Sports Minister Mims Davies as simply unacceptable. With games like Pokmon Master, this is a great way to get kids active and taking part in an activity theyd enjoy. It was even found that the original Pokmon Go was also helping to bring families together as parents and children were competing with one another as to who could catch the rare monsters.

Similarly, the Harry Potter version can also do so. For those who arent particularly a fan of the Pokmon franchise, this take based on JK Rowlings creation could be just the thing. It works by users having to complete a certain number of steps in order to open up treasure chests for more loot. Also, as magical creatures and characters spawn on the map in-game, you need to physically travel to move your character across the map. However, unlike the Pokmon take, this game will be able to track your activity without even running the app. Therefore, youll be able to track your steps without being synced to the game, and those who like to wear a Fitbit will more than likely agree that this can become a game in itself!

GP at Hand, an NHS app, gives you the option to chat with an NHS GP 24/7 via a video appointment. Usually, youll be seen within two hours once you make your request, meaning that you no longer have to wait weeks for an appointment or attend a walk-in surgery. It allows the doctor to discuss your symptoms and, where necessary, you can show them your issues on camera. Ideal for lockdown, too!

Its important to remember that we shouldnt just be focusing on our physical health. Mental health has, rightly so, become a major topic of interest. Campaigns such as Its Okay Not to Be Okay are bringing our mental well-being into the forefront of the attention via the media. However, in the UK, approximately one in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common issues. This American-based app helps anyone who feels isolated discuss their concerns and issues thanks to it connecting you instantaneously to one of its 160,000 trained volunteer listeners and licensed therapists. Its anonymous, free, and confidential. It also allows you to participate in guides chats through group support discussion rooms.

Although in lockdown it might be easy to slip into a routine of scrolling through social media, smartphones can be used for much better things! So download one of these apps and improve your health.

https://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-masters-iphone-android-mobile-game-battles-trainers-2019-6?r=US&IR=T#each-trainer-is-paired-with-a-single-partner-pokmon-like-rosa-and-her-partner-snivy-3

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https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/best-fitness-apps-best-hiit-apps-best-strength-apps

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Taking a look at 6 of the best health apps - Feed Leader