2 . If you're looking for new and creative ways to get fit and stay healthy, the following clever apps can do everything for you except the exercise itself.

Hot5 Fitness Platform: iOS     Cost: Free

From abs(腰腹训练)and core(核心力量), to yoga(瑜伽)and flexibility(柔韧性)and everything in between, this app contains workout pages and videos that are easy to follow. You can find workout videos of all varieties and difficulty levels that will give you a thorough workout in only five moves.

While most fitness app videos look like they were filmed in the 1980s, Hot5's are modern. The interface(界面)is also beautifully designed and user-friendly. It is to the point and clear-cut, saving you time by skipping the personal questionnaires and signing-up wart.

Zombies, Run! Platforms: iOS, Android     Cost: 25 yuan

Yes, the zombie craze has already reached the fitness field. This action-packed app adds an element that is often missing from other workout apps—fun.

Zombies, Run!, which has a simplified version called Zombies, Run! SK Training, mixes games and stories into your run as you complete missions(任务)in a world full of zombies. Whether you're gathering supplies, saving a fellow human, or avoiding a crowd of the undead, this app adds excitement to your normal jog with imagination and competition.

Sleep Cycle Platforms: iOS     Cost: 6 yuan

This app tracks your sleeping patterns by following your movements in bed, without having to spend a fortune on fitness trackers such as Jawbone Up. Based on your movements at night, the app wakes you up with soothing music when you're in the lightest stage of sleep, allowing a natural and easy transition(过渡)into your day. You'll also get detailed statistics telling when you were awake during the night, or in a deep or light sleep.

You can also add notes about your day - whether you had cottee, worked out, or were stressed-to better understand how your sleep is affected by different daily activities

RunKeeper Platforms: iOS, Android Cost: Free

This app allows you to track not only runs, but pretty much any kind of training you can think of-from walking to cycling to strength training and more. You can track your personal records and set goals for yourself, such as a weight loss goal or a distance goal. You can then view your progress over time.

RunKeeper also provides real-time coaching by giving you audible(可听的)updates on your pace, time, distance, and much more.

3 . In recent years, many Americans of both sexes and various ages have become interested in improving their bodies. They have become devoted to physical fitness. The need to exercise has almost become compulsive (禁不住的) with many persons who have a strong desire to be more physically fit.

By nature, Americans are enthusiastic (充满热情的) about their hobbies and pastimes. They apply this enthusiasm to jogging/running. As a result, there are running clubs to join and many books and magazines to read about running.

The desire to be physically fit is explained by a “passion” for good health. The high rate of heart attacks in the 1960s caused an increase on the part of the public in improving the human body. Middle-aged men especially suffer from heart attacks. Thus, they are one group more strongly interested in physical exercise. In fact, many doctors encourage their patients to become more physically active, especially those who have sedentary jobs. It is interesting to note that the rate of heart attacks began to decrease in the 1970s and it is still decreasing. Physical fitness currently enjoys a favored role in the United States. It is a new “love” that many Americans have cherished. Will it last long? Only time can tell-- or until another“new passion”comes along.