I needed to start getting back into shape and regain my muscle tone. Due to a previous knee surgery and lack of strength running is not an option - a 5k run left me in pain for 3 weeks. So I did want everyone does when they're feeling out of shape - I joined a gym. I didn't want to book a class (so people could see how out of shape I am) or just get on a treadmill and hope for the best. Instead I downloaded the free Nike NTC app and did the beginner workout call Sweat & Shape (I tucked myself away in a room at the gym that wasn't occupied by many people). This was brilliant - a good hard workout that involved burpees and push-ups, along with other equally challenging exercises for 30 minutes - it was perfect for a beginner like me but yet it still proved to be a challenge. I felt great afterwards and was reassuringly achy the next day.

This app is great - if I'm stuck, bored and in need of a good workout I know it's there on my phone. I also feel a little less daunted by the though of reaching my fitness goals.

The Concept:

The app gives you a variety of different workouts suited to different fitness levels. You can use it at home, while on holiday or in the gym - it has different workouts focused on different parts of the body too.

What do you need:

Gym gear, the standard trainers, tight leggings and vest top work best. You also need an iPhone which you can use with our without headphones – depending on where you are doing your work out (in the gym or at home)

Difficulty rating:

There are programs to suit different fitness levels so you can adapt it to be as challenging or as easy as you like.