Boot Camp Challenge US$3.99 Rating 7/10
When veteran US Army fitness instructor and certified personal trainer Lori Patterson tells you she's going to help build a better you, it sounds intimidating. But Boot Camp Challenge comes from good stock - it's by exercise app developer lolo.
Of all the apps reviewed, one that I still use and enjoy is the lolo Easy 10K with Jeff Galloway. The format for Boot Camp Challenge is similar, using a personable expert in the field, a flexible programme and lolo's funky 'beat-sync' technology that shifts the tempo of your iPod music to suit the challenge.
Patterson recommends that you train three times a week, and the app comprises 18 sessions where the first and last are quick benchmark tests, the idea being you should see some improvement after nine weeks or so.
Lolo apps are practical. You - not the apps - set the equipment at hand, choosing from a list which includes a chair, a jump rope, a dumbbell, elastic tubing or nothing at all. Lastly, you select your level: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
Boot Camp Challenge is designed to help you burn fat and improve functional mobility and strength through a programme that mixes elements of aerobic exercises, yoga and strength training. Each exercise is demonstrated on video and lasts between 26 seconds and two minutes. However, most exercises are simple enough so you can just plug in your headphones and follow along.