If you’re not that active but still want to get in shape, joining the Couch to 5K movement might be the answer. Invented in 1996, it’s a training program designed to help couch potatoes slowly build up their strength and endurance over weeks or even months to the point where they can complete a 5K run. There are many variations on the Couch to 5K training program, but a good place to start is with a mobile app that can help you reach your goal of running about 3.1 miles. Here’s a roundup of five of the best apps for Android to get you from couch to 5K.
The Truth About The Couch To 5k App | 5k Runner App Review
Start to Run takes a slightly different approach than many training apps. Instead of working toward a 5K specifically, you can choose which of four training programs you want to dive into, with goals ranging from 20 minutes of running to a full hour. If your goal is a 5K, you’re better off with Level 2, the 30-minute goal.
Unfortunately, every workout within a level is the same, with the same mix of walking and running intervals from day one to day last, so it doesn’t really build you toward your goal in an incremental way. That said, you can adjust the plan mid-workout; you can skip the walking intervals with a tap if you want to run more, but you can’t skip the running intervals.
For a one-time fee, you can unlock more features, like the ability to create custom workouts and see more stats about your progress.