App Review: Couch-to-5k by Active.com for Android Users

In a recent post, I mentioned that I had downloaded the  on my (Android) cell and started using it for my training towards my 10k goal in May. I have been using it now for a week, and thought I would give you all my thoughts on this app thus far!

How it Works

Basically, for a fee of $1.99 (Cdn), you download the app onto your phone and it helps you get to your running goals starting from being sedentary to running(or jogging) a 5k race! You can use this app while running outdoors, and it uses the GPS built into your phone to track your distance and pace. Or, like me (as it is winter in Ontario currently, and I am not a big winter outdoors lover), you can use it while on a treadmill, however it then will not track your distance or pace.

You have the options of having 3 different instructors: Constance, Billie and Sergeant Block. I have been going with Billie, although want to try out the Drill Sergeant! If you have music on your phone, you can select a playlist that it will play through the app, and will lower the volume a bit as it tells you when to walk/jog/half way/warm up/cool down.

It counts down your time left for total workout, time left in that segment and what you are to do next and the time of that segment. All workouts start and end with 5 minutes warm up/cool down walk.

The whole ‘program’ takes 9 weeks. You are expected to do 3 workouts a week, so 27 total. The first few workouts consist of:

• Start out with 5 minute warm up walk
• Alternate between 1 and 1/2 minute walk & 1 minute jog for 20 minutes
• End with 5 minute cool down walk

You gradually increase your jogging time over the next 9 weeks, till you are ending with jogging for a complete 30 minute consistent jog.

Things I Love About the App

I love the gradual incline to the app. It gets you comfortable with what you are doing and can build on that before increasing your time/speed. I also like the feeling that I am working towards something and have that final goal in my sights. I like a program, so this is really something that I can use without a lot of thinking about it.

I also like that you can post your workouts to your Active.com account (if you have one) and also link it to  so that you can share your progress with your Facebook friends/family, and receive their support.

App Downsides

Although I really do love this app, and find it very user friendly, there are a couple things that I dislike.

1. I wish that there was more communication with the ‘trainer’ during the run. They do tell you when you are supposed to walk/jog and also announce the half way point, but I would like when I am finding I just wish I could shut it all off – to have that added support of “You can do it” or “You’re almost there!”. Maybe the other 2 voices do this, but as I said, I use Billie and she doesn’t.
2. The other thing that I find annoying is that the if I get a notification on my phone (from an incoming email, Tweet, FB status etc) the volume goes down on the song that I am listening to, and often does not go back up unless I skip to the next song. Which is kind of annoying. So I find myself shutting off my wireless so that I am not getting notifications at all.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really do like the Couch-to-5k app for Android from Active.com! I feel like I am accomplishing something and I am a to-do list type of person, so like that it checks off each workout as I am doing them. I think that if you are looking to get more active, or have a goal of running/jogging a 5k run or race, this is a great place to start! They also have a follow up , that I already have installed too, just waiting to be used!

Platform: Android
Developer: Active.com
Cost: $1.99 (Cdn)
Age Range: Anyone looking to start a running program and finish at 5km
Requirements: Requires Android 2.1 and up

*Pictures are taken from the Google Play Website*