FitStar: new app is your fitness trainer

A screenshot from 'FitStar' (Photo: © FitStar Labs, Inc.)

Fitness apps are a blessing and a curse. On one hand they can help you exercise whenever and wherever life takes you, but this added convenience means it's getting more difficult to come up with reasons why you don't work out more.

Case in point: FitStar: Tony Gonzalez is an iPad app featuring the NFL superstar as your personal trainer, who walks you through a number of video-based exercises based on your individual needs.

The clean interface, high-quality video and interactive elements make this app a winner. Be aware, however, while it's free to download and use, you'll be asked to cough up some bucks to get the most out of this mobile companion.

After you sign off on the terms of service - the legalese that protects FitStar should anything go wrong - you're asked for some personal info (like age, gender, weight and height) and what your overall goal is. The "Get Moving" plan is free, which gives you a 4-week fitness regime made up of two 10- to 20-minute sessions. Prices for the premium plans include "Daily Dose" ($4.99), "Get Strong" ($7.99) and "Get Lean" ($11.99) -- each with a custom workout program with unlimited sessions.

You're then asked to do a 10-minute fitness test that involves some light cardio and floor exercises. Some are repetition-based and others are timed; when you're done, you'll manually input how you did, such as 14 pushups within the allotted time.

FitStar's videos offer clear instructions for each exercise, most requiring little to no equipment - allowing you to do this while traveling, too. For example, you might be asked to do a wall squat, jogging on the spot or burpies. A number of exercises are included with the app, but FitStar says more will be added over time. If you like, you can listen to your iPad's music while working out - and Tony's instructions will play on top of the tunes.

Similar to other apps and fitness products like the FitBit bracelets, there's a motivating "gamification" element with FitStar, as you'll earn badges and other achievements for hitting certain milestones. These are meant to serve as a reward for your hard work.

While some videos played when the iPad was offline - should you want to exercise in, say, in a hotel that wants to charge you $15 a day for Internet access - not all of the app's features will work. A message on your tablet screen will read: "Check your network settings and make sure you are online to have the best possible experience while using FitStar."

The app also has optional social media elements, such as sharing progress and achievements with friends on Facebook or Twitter - but you can turn these off if you're not interested.

Hopefully an Android, Windows and BlackBerry version of this app is in the works, as it's only compatible with iPad at this point in time. If you own Apple's tablet and need some instruction and motivation to lose weight and/or get fit, take the FitStar: Tony Gonzalez app for a spin.