App reviews: Plant Nanny, Wahoo 7
Staying hydrated can sometimes feel like a chore. Plant Nanny tries to turn it into a game. This app helps you stay hydrated by using an adorable cartoon plant as extra incentive to keep you both watered. Like a Tamagotchi pet, your little seedling needs your attention and will let you know when it - and you - need another cup of water. After you down your cup, you tap a water glass icon to tend to your plant. Ignore both of your needs and you'll have a plant that's a little sad and shriveled.
The app will ask you for some basic info such as your weight to determine how much water you should drink. It will also warn you to slow down if it thinks you're drinking too much. Once a plant has grown, you can plant it in a digital garden to generate new seeds and get a new little sprout to raise. Is this a little silly? Of course it is. But it is a nice little nudge if you're looking for one.
Free, for iOS and Android devices.
Wahoo 7
It can be difficult to set aside the time (or energy) to work out every day. But this app from Wahoo Fitness posits that anybody, nearly any day, can spare seven minutes for a little extra fitness - with video guides to ensure you're doing things properly. The app even has its own timer and voice-over to coach you through the program without requiring you to keep your eyes or hands on your phone.
The app can take you through one of three regimens, which offer a variety of exercises, including crunches, squats and beyond. If you want, you can upgrade for $2 to get more personalization options and the ability to log your workouts. There are a lot of seven-minute workout apps out there to consider, but this is a good, basic offering to get you moving in the right direction.
Free, for iOS and Android devices.