We’ve all had that experience where an activity got more enjoyable when we did it in a group. Turns out, the same applies to the world of apps, finds Flinders University, Australia. Apps alone don’t motivate most people to exercise but interacting with an online exercise community provides the nudge to not only stick to your wellness commitment but also do a little bit more. After all, the experience is more enjoyable with the support of like-minded individuals.

Try these 6 award-winning apps with a tight-knit online user community. From Pilates, yoga and meditation to running and mindful eating, we have got you covered.
 

To eat mindfully: Am I Hungry?
Mindful eating is about having a positive relationship with food — looking forward to it and getting excited about it. It promotes better digestion, and helps you free yourself from unhealthy habits around food and eating, finds the journal DiabetesSpectrum. The app, Am I Hungry, poses a series of questions such as Why do I eat? When do I want to eat? How much do I eat? Where do I invest my energy, and so on. It also reminds you to stop halfway and check if you want to eat more. From minimising distractions, to helping you pick a number on Hunger and Fullness scale, it helps you enjoy your food with intention and attention. Result, you savour the experience better and be a part of the mindful eating cycle. Available on: iOS and Android

 

To build a stronger core: Melissa Wood Health
The Pilates app Melissa Wood Health offers great variation in the exercise motion, repetition and quick breathing exercises. Instead of jumping straight into a series of difficult moves, it slowly sets the pace. The app is particularly known for its segment intended to help with PMS symptoms. It offers exclusive workouts to manage minor bouts of insomnia or mood swings related to PMS. The app offers customised workouts for every mood. For instance, you can temporarily pause your favourite HIIT plan in favour of a gentler workout flow. Plus, there are a ton of super short videos, even 5 minute meditations to eight-minute full body flows you can choose from. Available on: iOS and Android

 

To find inner calm: Find What Feels Good
Has it been a while since you attended an engaging yoga session? Try Find What Feels Good. An app founded by Adriene Misher, an American actress, yoga teacher and entrepreneur, her coaching conversations are not just practical but encouraging and welcoming. She provides high quality practices on yoga and mindfulness at no cost for people of all ages. With over 700 videos and 100+ hours of HD streaming, you can either play the videos online, download the sessions or chromecast them to your television. Available on: iOS and Android

 

To chase the runner’s high: Zombies, Run!
“Hundreds of lives are counting on you. You’ve got to rebuild your base. Run!” says the audio clue on the app Zombies, Run! Curated with the idea to motivate runners, you can play the first four missions for free and unlock one extra mission every week. Every run becomes a mission and you become a hero!

The app also allows you to create your own music playlist. Working anywhere, at any speed, you can use this app for your jogs or walks and even on treadmills. Available on: iOS and Android

 

To exercise after an injury: Injurymap
Developed by doctors and scientists specialised in pain treatment methods, Injurymap offers an easy, safe, effective way to work on your own physical rehabilitation. The app runs an algorithm that smartly adjusts the exercises to manage your specific pain. It offers easy exercises for your everyday routine besides sending you friendly reminders to help maintain the right mindset post injury. While you get a 14-day free trial, you need a paid subscription to avail further services. Available on: iOS and Android

 

To find happiness: Balance
Balance’s daily meditations are customised to users. The more you share about your goals, the better and more personalised the meditations become. The app offers an audio library of thousands of files you can freely access without subscription. With sessions that are organised as 10-day plans, each guides you towards finding relaxation in moments of stress. It also offers sleep meditations, sleep sounds and wind down activities to allow controlled breathing and gain a restful sleep. Available on: iOS and Android