Zova is a fitness app designed to help you make the most of your Apple Watch’s Heart Rate Zone readings. But with so many fitness apps competing to power your workouts, what makes Zova worth your attention? We’ll explain in detail.
How to Get Started With the Zova App
Like many similar apps, when you first fire up Zova, it welcomes you with a brief questionnaire about your physical and mental health and diet. This is far less intrusive than many other apps, but Zova is not aiming to provide a personalized exercise program. Instead, it will help youclose your Apple Watch Activity Ringsdaily.
Since you will be using the Apple Watch’s Heart Rate Zone feature, selectEnable Healthon the Apple Health screen when prompted during the initial setup. You can toggle on as many categories as you feel comfortable sharing at this stage.
You’ll also get the option to enable notifications to remind you to stay motivated and complete your scheduled workouts. Once you’ve completed these initial stages, you’re ready to get started with Zova’s workout options.
Download:Zova(Subscription required, free trial available)
Using Zova’s ZX5 Cardio Workouts
Every week, you’ll see three new workouts in theProgramtab of your app sorted into three categories: Cardio Sweat, Strength and Sculpt, and Body Burner. TapLearn Moreat the top of the screen to get a recommended schedule for using these programs throughout your week, including rest days.
Each workout employs Zova’s ZX5 program, which utilizes yourApple Watch’s Heart Rate Zone measurementsto maximize effectiveness.
To use Zova’s ZX5 Program, you’ll need to install Zova on your Apple Watch and ensure you’re logged in with the same profile as on your iPhone. Then, when you hitStart Class, you’ll see the Zova Apple Watch app automatically open and display your heart rate zones. The corresponding information is also displayed at the bottom of the workout instruction screen on your iPhone.
In practice, the trainers don’t refer to these heart rate zones as often as they could. However, the constant display on your Apple Watch and your workout screen is a visual reminder to keep pushing to reach those higher heart rate zones and not slack off.
Instructions by the video trainers are clear, although Zova does not share the inclusive approach of Apple Fitness+, which always provides alternate moves for each action.
Another feature of Zovas’s ZX5 workouts is that they use music from your Spotify or Apple Music library to power your routines. For many, the right tracks are a powerful motivational tool for cardio workouts and can make you push harder. During most Zova workouts, I was grateful for the chance to choose my own tunes, as the suggestions did not suit my musical taste at all.
Explore Zova’s Extensive Exercise Catalog
Zova’s fitness catalog offers over 500 workouts and stretches at the time of writing. With such an extensive library, you won’t run out of exercise options for some time, even if you don’t opt for the weekly program additions.
A wide variety of activities all center around strength workouts, cardio, and flexibility programs. you’re able to bookmark any routines you wish to return to as you browse. It’s straightforward to navigate.
Since Zova’s programs don’t require particular gym equipment, you can use the app to work out anywhere. And if you have specific needs, for example, seeking to lose weight, there are dedicated categories to help you with running, yoga, and working out.
Learn to Prioritize Your Health With Zova’s Courses and Motivation
Of course, there’s more to wellness than just working out and elevating that heart rate. Zova stands out from Apple Fitness+ by offering numerous additional courses aimed at helping you to live a healthier lifestyle. Go to the app’sCoursessection for advice on everything from sleep to digestion and detox.
Additionally, aMotivationsection provides a bank of empowering talks and videos with titles such as Standing Strong, Failure is Your Teacher, and Make the Most of Each Day. These short sessions are an excellent supplement to the multiple exercise options. There are many other greatways to boost your flagging workout motivation.
Use Heart Rate Zones to Maximize Your Zova Training Sessions
Even if you’re able to’t get to a gym or have limited time for exercise, Zova’s ZX5 approach should help ensure that you get your heart rate elevated and assist you in closing those Activity Rings every day.
