Burn it up: Top three fitness apps to help you shed those extra pounds

With apps for just about anything, how do you decide which ones are worth your time (and your phone's storage)? It's hard to be motivated to pick just one, let alone put it to proper use. With the New Year right around the corner, it's time to take your health into your own hands. Literally. Here are three amazing health and fitness apps that are about to change your life.

CALORIE COUNTER – MYFITNESSPAL

This app does exactly what it says and so much more. With a database of over 5,000,000 foods, the fast and easy calorie counters helps you keep track of those extra pounds you've been tucking in.

After downloading the app, you'll be asked a few simple questions. Then let Calorie Counter work its magic. You'll get a personalised diet and exercise program made just for you. Chooes from over 350 cardio and strength training exercises – there's something for everyone.

Available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store, Calorie Counter syncs seamlessly with over 50 other fitness apps. And its handy barcode scanner will definitely help you with those pesky packaged foods you can't help but snack on.

But the best feature of Calorie Counter is probably the personalised reports it gives you. Gain insights into where your calorie are coming from and how to make healthier choices. Equipped with Calorie Counter's recipe calculator, there is no way your next diet is going to fail.

NIKE+ FITNESS CLUB

Nothing beats a fitness regimen designed by Nike's very own master trainers and pro athletes. This app offers you over 100 workout routines suitable for all fitness levels, a Sport Feed for tips from the trainers, and programs for different fitness goals (get lean, get strong, or get toned).

Workouts are customisable and let you choose the drills that are right or your body. With beautiful video tutorials for all workouts and plenty of rest days, this app has great pay-off for those of you looking for your very own no-fail personal trainer. Get Nike+ Fitness Club for free on your iPhone or your Android, and measure your hard-earned effort by number of workouts, minutes, average calories and NikeFuel.

7 MINUTE WORKOUT

While high intensity circuit training or HICT might sound intimidating at first, it is actually super appropriate for ordinary people who want to fit in some minimal investment, maximum pay-off exercise into their daily routines.

The 7 Minute Workout is perfect to improve your muscular and aerobic fitness, and make you feel healthier. The workout essentially consists of 12 exercises to be done for 30 seconds, with 10 seconds breaks in-between. All you need is a chair and a wall.

The App Store and Google Play have the same workout app by different developers for free. With its simplistic UI, the app is easy-to-follow and is bound to get you moving. So whether you're at home or in the office, give the 7 Minute Workout a go. You won't be disappointed.