2011 Readers' Choice Awards Winner: Best Running App
The Good
- Very easy to use
- Simplified interface
- Support for lap-based workouts
The Bad
- iPod control requires earbud remote
- No in-app reporting
Above all, iPhone running apps need to be accurate and easy to use. The Gazelle GPS Workout Tracker app (US$2.99) takes ease of use to a new level with an incredibly simple interface that anyone can figure out.
We’ve tested dozens of running apps for the iPhone. Check out our top picks.
Just launch the app and go
The Gazelle GPS app prides itself on its easy-to-use interface. The app includes a short tutorial, but pretty much anyone can figure out the interface without watching the tutorial. In the upper right-hand corner, the app lists the GPS status so you know if you are connected.
Unlike other iPhone running apps, Gazelle doesn’t include physical buttons to start or pause your workout. Rather, you can tap anywhere on the screen to start your workout, tap again to hear voice announcements, or tap and hold to pause your run. Once your run is paused, you can tap and hold again to reach the settings menu. This leaves more room for workout details and stats, which is great -- some running apps devote too much space to buttons and controls, which makes it harder to see the numbers.
The Gazelle GPS Workout Tracker app displays time, distance, pace, and speed in large white numbers on a black background. The interface shows information for both your total workout and laps, which is a feature I haven’t seen on many running apps. The default for laps is 1 mile, but you can change that in the settings menu. You can also customize voice announcements to play the information you want at various points in your workout.
In-app reporting features would be nice
Gazelle integrates with the iPhone’s iPod app, but there are no controls on the display. You can skip or pause songs using the remote on your earbuds, provided you have one. However, I prefer to have the controls on the app’s display (maybe because I lost my remote earbuds months ago?).
I do like that you can export your workouts to a spreadsheet or GPS Exchange Document, but there is no reporting within the app. It’s always nice to see at least some workout information within the app, including total miles run, total workout time, etc. Apps like Runmeter GPS include that type of reporting, along with other features like Twitter integration and email alerts.
The Bottom Line
Gazelle GPS Workout Tracker is a great running app for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. It is very easy to use, and the GPS was accurate in all of my runs. I love the simplified interface, but I would like to see iPod controls on the display. Some basic in-app reporting features would also be welcome. Overall rating: 4 stars out of 5.
What You’ll Need
The Gazelle GPS Workout Tracker app is compatible with all GPS-enabled iPhones, including the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4. It requires iPhone OS 4.0 or later.