For the last few months of 2010 I ended up sounding like a stuck record. "If only I had an iPhone this, my life would be so much better with an iPhone that," to the point I could foresee a close friend grabbing the nearest iPhone, shoving it in my mouth while frantically screeching, “Is your life better now? Is it? Is it?!”

So for the greater good of those around me I handed over hard cash for a piece of technology I had lusted over for months and boy, it did not disappoint. After losing the first 48 hours post purchase to marvelling at the technology and checking Twitter as often as men purportedly think about sex, I started thinking about how my iPhone could help in my quest to fight the pounds. And, after sifting through hundreds of health and fitness apps, I found five that could radically help me in my battle of the bulge.

101 Yoga Poses (£0.59)

Admittedly I am about as flexible as a Texan’s view on same-sex marriage, but yoga is still strangely enjoyable. This app does what it says on the tin and features 101 yoga poses. Accompanied by detailed instructions, it is suitable for beginners or advanced yogi’s and the routines are quick enough to fit into your daily routine, helping to ease your way back into exercising.

Nike Training Club (Free)

For those who want to dive straight in and get sweating with a more intense workout, Nike Training Club is one of the best free apps there is. Featuring workouts for every part of the body and videos on how to complete each move, there is no excuse not to have washboard abs by the summer. Expect if you sit watching the videos with a nice glass of cold white wine…

MyFitnessPal (Free)

When you get past all the fad diets and celebrity endorsed starvation, there only way to lose weight is to expend more than you put in. The problem is, I have known this for years and still find it implausibly hard to act on the knowledge. But, the MyFitnessPal app calculates how many calories you need to consume each day to hit your target and allows you to log what you eat as you go. Which is good if, like me, you graze all day like dairy cow.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Motivation (Free)

Fronted by a frighteningly toned American personal trainer, Jillian claims to be able to motivate you towards your fitness goals. It works, but not nearly as well as the angry army officer app that I hope to find.

Good Food Healthy Recipes (£1.79)

Finally, one of the best apps I have come across. No idea what to eat for dinner? Search through hundreds of recipes and have the shopping list at your fingertips. Very useful as you walk through supermarket isles desperately trying to avoid the perfectly placed chocolate displays.

Next week: Group Motivation. Can a weight loss club really help me shift the pounds? Find out as I embark on my first ever trip to Slimming World…

Follow me on Twitter @steviecooke1985

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