Working out with the iPad

Workout Trainer by Skimble is wonderful on the iPhone, but watching the videos on an iPad is a whole different experience. The clarity of the videos on the iPad's bigger screen takes this app to the next level. Workout Trainer is a fantastic app that caters to a wide variety of fitness-minded users. Whether you are a runner, weight lifter, or yoga enthusiast, this app contains an array of instructional photos and videos to fit your interests. Added bonuses include a virtual fitness assessment and the ability to create your own workout. You can even upgrade to a PRO subscription through an in-app purchase.

FitStar Personal Trainer is a gorgeous app on the iPad and is an essential app to have if you're looking for a virtual personal trainer. To get the best results from this app, we recommend that you subscribe to the FitStar services so that you can unlock every feature. Build your own custom workout based on what you'd like to achieve with your body. Be sure to stay committed to your routines with the Challenges feature. The HD videos in this app are wonderful on the iPad's screen, but are also well-received on the Apple TV through AirPlay.

Fitness Class is basically an app that includes a store front to buy different fitness class videos. These classes range in price from $0.99 to over $9.99 depending on the duration of the class. You are able to buy classes in two different ways. You can rent classes, which allow you to watch the rented class for 30 days (as many views as you want). For a higher cost you are able to purchase the class. Currently the app provides the classes through streaming videos over Wi-Fi or 3G to you. A future update will allow you to download your classes for offline viewing. The interface is very intuitive. The app is really geared towards those that do best with video instruction. The app comes with a few free classes to get you started.

There are a ton of 7 Minute Workout apps available in the App Store, but Wahoo Fitness' app does an amazing job of keeping it crisp and simple. View an outline of the workout or watch the video examples then perform the workout with the countdowns for each exercise and break. There is even voice prompting so that you don't have to look at your iPad screen, but why wouldn't you? The iPad makes this app beautiful.

Let's say you want to graduate from the 7 Minute Workout, but don't have the finances for a personal trainer. Give Sworkit a try. This app is great alternative to a personal trainer. Create a custom workout for yourself from Sworkit's library of 160+ exercises. Filter exercises by area of body or exercise type.

Not into running or weight lifting? No problem. Daily Yoga will help you achieve your fitness goals and relieve stress with a library of over 400 yoga poses, videos, a live voice guide, and an online community. The videos are available in high definition, making it a delight to view on the iPad's bigger screen. Poses and programs are constantly being added so there is a subscription fee, but you'll never grow bored with this app.

PumpUp is a fun way to get motivated to keep fit with your iPad. This app combines a little bit of everything to help you stay on track. Share photos with other PumpUp members, follow a workout customized to your fitness goals/needs, log any activity you'd like to track, and track your progress towards your weight goal.

Navy SEAL Fitness is an app that aims to get you as fit as a Navy SEAL. The app includes topics on overall fitness, exercise physiology, muscle structure/function, principles of physical training, heart rate monitoring, methods of training, types of aerobic activities, basic workouts, running for fitness, swimming for fitness, strength and flexibility training, calisthenics, plyometrics, and much more. The app is laid out more like an enhanced eBook, but the form factor works well. The app includes some images to show you how to do different things. The app does include some video content as well. If you are looking for a fitness reference app, then this is a great choice.

C25K is a great app for beginner runners. The interface is very simple, and uncluttered. Even though this app is free, it does feature the full program so you can expect to be able to run a 5K in 8 weeks (so long as you stick to the program). So, if you've got 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks, why not download this app, press the start button, and get off that couch? This is a fantastic app, but I've got to say, running with an iPad isn't ideal. So unless you're on a treadmill, please keep that in mind.