Nike Training Club Week 4: Not What I Expected

If you've been reading Stiletto Jungle regularly over the past few weeks, you know that I'm on a 6-week mission to try out the new Nike Training Club app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. I'm recording my journey here, and taking as many readers as possible along for the ride (right down to a fabulous Nike giveaway!). We're now on week 4.

As I alluded to last week, I expected that this week's theme would be all about whether the Nike Training Club App could keep me motivated and working out over time. But, along the way I found a new theme emerging. I know this isn't how the app was intended to work (at least I don't think), but I've found that the NTC app has inspired more spontaneous, app-free workouts. Let me explain.

The Nike Training Club app does a great job of compartmentalizing and breaking down simple exercises that are easy to recreate. Or, at least that's what I've found when it comes to my training plan of choice: Get Toned. The result is new knowledge of simple, but effective exercises that I can work in throughout my day in addition to a single, longer-duration workout. For example, my new favorite mid-day exercise is the Alternating Forward Lunge with Arm Curl (as a newbie, I do it without weights). It gets my blood moving and my muscles working, without forcing me to stop, change into fitness clothes and do a full-on workout. Check it out:

Like I said, I'm sure the intent is to use the actual app each time you exercise, but I've found a lot of motivation in just learning these new exercises and how to use them to achieve my fitness goals. How about all of you out there taking the Nike Training Club challenge -- do you use the app each time you exercise, or have you been "cheating" on the app by exercising throughout the day?

While you're contemplating how the NTC app has motivated you, don't forget to enter the Nike Training Club Make Yourself Sweepstakes. You can win great prizes like an iPad2 complete with Nike Training Club App, and Nike gear like the Legend Pant, Victory Bra, and Free XT Motion Fit+!

The Nike Training Club App is a full-body functional training app designed for you to make yourself whatever you want to be. Whether you’re looking to get lean, toned, or strong, NTC takes every workout to the next level. Download it here.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike Womens via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike Womens.