Cycling app of the week: Endomondo

What is it? 

Endomondo needs no introduction for most app-happy fitness enthusiasts, launched in 2007 with a claimed 20 million users worldwide. Such is its popularity and perceived value it was bought by American sports apparel brand Under Armour for $85 million in 2015. While it's a multi-purpose app it's got plenty of features that will appeal to cyclists, and is as good as if not better than most cycle-specific fitness apps. 

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It's primarily a fitness tracker, self-proclaimed as "a personal trainer in your pocket".  Just by signing up for the free version you get a GPS system, a route planner, social news feed and activity tracker. There are a number of detailed features that give you a pretty good bang for your buck if you get the premium app - detailed workout stats, training plans, heart rate zones and an audio coach are some of the main benefits, plus you get an ad-free experience on the app. 

You can share activities to third-party apps like Strava but you will need to do a manual upload by first downloading the GPX file. You can also link your account to other Under Armour-backed apps like MyFitnessPal, a nutrition programme which sets calorie counts and offers meal plans based on your target weight goal. 

How can it help me?

Endomondo's personal coach and goal setting options may appeal to those who struggle for motivation. You can set yourself 'commitments' and in premium mode you can devise your own training plans that Endomondo will personalise for you. For example if your goal is to ride a century within six months, the app will generate planned workouts and update you on your progress after each session. The audio coach guides you through the sessions, too (which can be turned off if that doesn't float your boat). The challenges feature is also a good way of setting some targets: you can set up your own or join challenges set up by others, and those set up by brands often offer prizes for the eventual winner. 

What makes it unique?

It’s connected features are very good – activities are shareable on Relive, you can click the music icon and it instantly links up with a music streaming service if you have one installed on your phone (be sure to use noise-cancelling headphones while cycling!) and as mentioned previously because Endomondo is under the Under Armour umbrella there are a number of features fed into the app from UA, such as the MyFitnessPal nutrition app.  

Where can I get it?

Endomondo is available on the iStore and Android. The premium service can be used on a 30 day free trial basis at first, and thereafter it's £4.49 per month or £20.99 a year (just £1.75 a month) if you pay in one go. You can find out more on Endomondo's website. 

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