Nikewomen Training Club by Nike, Inc.

Ladies: Do you dislike going to the gym? Or, do you want to go to the gym, but can't afford a membership? Or do you want a customized workout program tailored to your core, strength or cardio needs? Well, you're in luck! With Nike's free Training Club app, you can attain your fitness goals and carry your own personal trainer around in your pocket!

A free account and profile on the Nike website are required if you want to track your progress, but it's not a necessity to give the application a try. You can test whether or not you'd like the app before signing up. A twenty minute work-out is easy to achieve, and the app offers quick how-to videos every step of the way.

Signing up is easy and fun — create a mini cartoon version of yourself, choose your program (core, strength or cardio), tailor your workout (from casual— twice a week for two weeks, to committed— three times a week for three weeks, to intense— four times a week for four weeks), name your program, and invite your friends (optional). If you lack the motivation, get your friends involved and make it into a game!

I've been using this app for the past week, and I've really been enjoying it — I've never been to a gym before, and avoided Physical Education classes whenever I could, so I never got an idea of what I was supposed to do. The how-to videos were an excellent addition for me, and instructor wasn't annoying at all. Another thing that I really liked was that I could still play my music while running the app; sadly, the videos stop the music and don't resume it afterward, which was disappointing.

However, for as awesome as this app is, I did have some problems logging in. It says 'username' on the login form, but you have to put your email address into that box (and made me feel like registering a username on the Nike website was pointless), and it took me a ridiculous amount of time to figure that one out on my own. Another thing I didn't quite like was a lack of some sort of timer while working my way through the videos. I had to use my cell phone to keep an eye on the time and make sure I didn't go too far over or stop too soon when things got tough.

For getting me up off my bum and giving new things a try (and for being empowering and making me feel infinitely better about myself and my well-being), Nike Training Club is a surefire winner. Maybe they'll be releasing a version for the men next. 5/5