Adidas Runtastic App

Fitness app shopping is all the rage. One of the perks to writing for TreadmillReviews.net is I get to try out all sorts of equipment and yes, fitness apps. Runtastic has been a lot of fun and I’d give it a hearty thumbs up if you’re looking for a treadmill companion to try.

Every runner knows Adidas, if not for their shoes then simply for being one of the biggest brand names in fitness clothing. The Runtastic program is a digital health, wellness, and fitness platform which offers a number of workout routines targeting different muscle groups and personal goals. The program does include challenges and activity comparisons as well as personal motivation plugs.

Originally founded in Austria as an independent fitness app, Runtastic was purchased in 2015 by Adidas. Eight years later, the program has been upgraded into two – Adidas Running and Adidas Training. You can use one account to access both and together they provide a plethora of features designed to track performance and progress.

This App Might Be For You If:

• You want the choice between downloading basic features for free or upgrading to a premium package.
• You want a Workout Creator to help design routines based on a global archive of exercises.
• You want to track cardio stats like time, distance, speed, and you like customized voice coaching.
• You like instructional videos to help with form.
• You like an extensive library of fitness blogs and nutrition advice.

Two Programs in One

Right off the bat, you can use the basic Runtastic app for free, and I’d recommend doing that until you decide whether you like it or not. Payment plans for the premium upgrade are $9.99 for one month, $39.99 for six months, or $49.99 for a year. The good news is you can use both apps simultaneously to focus on running or other forms of training, such as cycling or bodyweight drills.

Runtastic Running

Runtastic Running is designed to track activities while connecting with other users around the world. Designed to handle more of the cardio side of things whether you’re a beginner or an advanced marathon runner. The app can also help you build a training plan for sports such as football, baseball, and even Pilates.

In addition to the exercise programming itself, this app allows you to use GPS to track yourself, your time spent, distance, and estimated calories burned, average pace, and speed, much as you’d expect from a running app. You can plug into the program variables like your own bodyweight and adjust that periodically as it changes to better gauge your results. Remember, you burn less calories per minute exercising the less you weigh, so using this feature is important if you’re trying to cut weight.

The program is compatible with:

• Apple Watch
• Garmin Connect
• Polar Flow
• Suunto
• Coros

Runtastic Training

This part of the program offers a lot more diversity in terms of options. Workouts include warmups and cool downs, voice prompts, video guides for form, and timed breaks. All data is tracked and recorded for tailoring future workouts. What’s great about this program is the Workout Generator can customize a routine anywhere from seven to 45 minutes based on the body part and equipment you have on hand. So whether at a gym, or at home on a mat next to your treadmill, you can work on: Full body, Upper Body, Arms, Abs/Core, Butt, and Legs.

If you’re familiar with training apps, you’ll recognize the drill when first logging in. Questions include those about your fitness goals, daily activity levels, exercise frequency in terms of days per week, and height and weight. Included with this program are more than 120 instructional videos, access to the Runtastic community, special bonus workouts, and nutrition tips. An extensive nutrition blog is also included for those interested in learning about that element of training.

Free Version Versus the Premium App

I always recommend people try out the free version of an app before buying the premium package. In this case, free Runtastic App is pretty comprehensive. You’ll get real-time GPS tracking; basic running stats like calories, average speed, distance, time; access to the Adidas Running App community; blog posts, and challenges. If you do want more, the upgrade includes access to more personalized training plans, including race preparation, 12-week total-body transformation, advanced statistical analysis, and more in-depth personal records.

The Verdict

It’s definitely worth a try. Given that you can access for free the basic package and see what it’s all about, there’s really no danger in trying it out. If you’re an avid treadmill runner and want to participate in a larger running community, this might be for you. It also strikes me as a great opportunity for users of budget-priced treadmills that don’t come with flashy screens or machine-based apps. And with the premium package only $50 per year, it’s hard to beat. Consider that iFit runs about $39 per month and aside from the automatic trainer control associated with those machines, you’re getting a very comparable package.