What are “reps” anyway? 

• It frees up your mind to focus on doing the exercises correctly (“good form”)
• It allows you to measure what you’re doing while still carrying on a conversation with a friend
• If you’re working out with a buddy, you can each go at your own pace while doing the same exercises.  You might get 10 reps while she gets 12, but you can both move on to the next move at the end of that minute.

If you’re doing 1 minute sets, the timer that’s part of the Clock app on the iPhone is an easy option (it’s free and comes preloaded on every phone).  Many wristwatches also have a stopwatch (which counts up) or a timer (which counts down).  Timers are a better option than stopwatches, but either will work.  Fancy fitness apps are worthwhile for some advanced exercisers, but for newbies, it makes more sense to get a general timer app rather than an app designed specifically for fitness.  Timer apps are easy to understand, easy to start using, and many are free.  (For example, “Timer+” is free, and works on both iPhone and iPod touch.  Unlike the standard Clock app, it allows you to run multiple timers at once.  For example, you could set one timer for 45 min for your whole workout, and another timer for 30 seconds for each set.)  Great apps exist for all types of phones and laptops.  However you choose to measure your workouts, pick exercises you enjoy and give yourself credit for all your hard work!