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4 Health and Fitness Apps

April Daniels Hussar,SELF magazine

So you finally got your pretty little paws on an iPhone 5. (Lucky you--many of our staffers are waiting with bated breath till their contracts run out.) Surely you have Facebook, Instagram and your other fave apps lined up on the home screen, but what were you planning on filling your brand-new extra row with? We've got a few SELFy suggestions. Got an iPhone 4? Don't worry--these will work for you, too.

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1. Blissify Me ($2.99): The makers of Angry Birds--seriously--have combined modern technology with what the developers call "ancient wisdom" to turn guided meditation into a fun how-to game. Earn virtual jewels and unlock lucky charms while relaxing your body, calming your mind and reducing stress.

2. Sleep Time ($0.99)
: Everyone knows how important consistent good sleep is to your health, but that's hella easier said then done. This app helps you track, change and improve your sleeping behaviors by sensing subtle movements while you're in bed. It even wakes you up you during your lightest sleep cycle within 30 minutes of your alarm so that you'll wake up easier--or at least not as cranky.

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3. Runtastic's Fitness Collection ($0.99/each): This new suite of apps was designed to help you work out even if you're stuck indoors. Focusing on four key basic moves--PullUps, PushUps, SitUps, and Squats--each app features training plans that will gradually improve your strength and stamina as you work towards a pre-set number of repetitions. Also super cool: the companion website that tracks all the moves logged by the entire community. Nothing like a good community to keep you going, am I right?

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4. Red Cross Emergency Apps (free): All too timely as the Northeast struggles to recover from Superstorm Sandy, the Red Cross recently added to its suite of lifesaving apps. The nonprofit's First Aid app has been downloaded more than 630,000 times since its release this summer, and now you can also get apps to help you in the event of a wildfire, an earthquake or a hurricane, or if you're in need of shelter. You can also make donations to help Red Cross relief efforts straight from the apps.

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