6 Fitness Uses for Your Smartphone - How to Make This Device Your Exercise Partner at the Gym

Fitness

This is a sponsored post

1st in a 3-Part Series on the Nokia Lumia Icon

The Nokia Lumia Icon smartphone with Windows 8.1, previously known as the Lumia 929, has proven to be an essential addition to my gym bag and is now a part of my daily fitness routine.

Lumia Icon as essential as my running shoes, MommyBlogExpert.com

In fact, now that I think of it, I most probably would be much less fit if I didn't use this smartphone that I received as a member of the #VZWBuzz Verizon Lifestyle Influencer Blogger team. This device is so practical: I use it multiple times every day to keep track of my steps, workouts, diet, sleep patterns and overall progress -- and most important of all -- keep in touch with my personal trainer at the gym for direction and motivation in between training sessions.

I've only been using this smart device for a little over a month and already am amazed at how much I've come to rely on the Lumia Icon to fuel my fit lifestyle. There are many things I love about this smartphone, keep reading to learn about some of my favorite ways to use it.

Pairing Lumia Icon w/ Fitbit Flex, MommyBlogExpert.com

6 Ways to Use the Lumia Icon for Fitness

Sync with your Fitbit Flex
The Fitbit Flex, which comes in ten brilliant color choices including the gorgeous Violet hue I own previously only ran on iOS and Android. But several days ago there was some really good news: Fitbit now runs on the Windows Phone Platform, too. So you can finally partner this free app on your Lumia Icon with Fitbit Flex to track your steps, calorie and water intakes, distance, sleep quality and more. Download here

Keep in Touch With Your Trainer
It goes without saying that if you are working with a personal trainer, communication between the two of you is key to your progress and success. The Lumia Icon smartphone is a great way for you to keep in touch with your trainer via email, texting -- and of course good old-fashioned phone calls -- as well as a must to keep track of your training sessions and schedule independent gym time throughout the week.

At the gym in June 2014, MommyBlogExpert.com

Take Before and After Pictures
One of the best things about the Lumia Icon is the camera. At 20 MP, this smartphone's PureView ZEISS 6-lens camera is among the most powerful I've ever experienced. This device's over the top camera makes it possible to take amazing images that will pick up the nuances of how your body and face change over time as you become more fit through a combination of a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

Capture Video of Proper Form
When having an actual training session, I find it helpful to have my trainer not only teach and coach me as well as to correct my form, but also to use the Lumia Icon to video me doing various exercises and working out on different machines. That way, when I'm in the gym alone I'm able to refer to these videos so I can properly replicate the exercises she has taught me and do them with proper form to avoid athletic injuries.

Run the Stopwatch Timer App
This free Windows app works great on the Lumia Icon not only as a simple stop watch but also as a lap timer and countdown timer. I use this  for long walks and hikes as well as when I go to the park for a run. I also rely on it when I'm at the gym as I go through the paces of my cardio and exercise routines. Download here

Consult the Gym PocketGuide App
Another excellent free Windows app for gym rats like me is the Gym PocketGuide developed by BodyBuilding.com. Storing this app on your Lumia Icon is like carrying around your own personal workout encylopedia with more than 100 exercises and stretches shown through images and videos. Download here

Nokia Lumia Icon, MommyBlogExpert.com

The Nokia Lumia Icon, list price $499.99, is available from Verizon Wireless in-store and online right now for Free with a 2-year contract. Other purchase options include $24.99/month on the Verizon Edge Plan. You can buy the phone alone or with various accessories on VerizonWireless.com

Image provided by Verizon Wireless

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I disclose that I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger #VZWBuzz brand ambassador and that I received the featured Nokia Lumia Icon Smartphone from Verizon to facilitate this post series. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.