I’ve been watching trending topics using a tool from chartbeat’s labs for quite some time, and from Jan. 1 to today (Jan. 3) the same phrase keeps popping up: “weight loss.”
This is no doubt a result of many people gearing up for 2014 — the year he or she is absolutely sticking to a resolution. A resolution that probably has something to do with losing weight, getting in shape or staying fit.
So, here’s my contribution to the “weight loss” web search:
Three apps to keep you on track
This app may be named for running but it can track and/or log miles for swimming, cycling, walking and more. Another handy feature built in to the app is the “training” options, where you can choose to take part in a course built for attaining a goal. I used one of the half marathon courses to conquer my first 13.1 mile run in 2013 — and I can vouch for the course’s success.
This app also allows you to be social about your workouts. If you have a friend who is working towards a weight loss pact this year, the two of you can “compete” and motivate one another. Using an app like Runkeeper doesn’t have to be about running every day, because honestly that might make your joints feel awful. The purpose is more about being aware of how active you are and maybe raising the level of activity you commit yourself to each week.
MyFitnessPal focuses on what you eat — or more specifically — how many calories you consume. Calorie counting has gotten a bad rap because many people (in the past) associated it with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. The fact is, many people consume far more calories than their bodies require. Counting calories just forces people to be more aware of of the number of calories consumed in a day — with a goal of not consuming more than is necessary.
The average person only needs about 2,000 calories a day. Of course, this number changes depending on sex, activity level and even height. MyFitnessPal takes this into account and makes it easy for you to adjust your eating habits without making you feel guilty.
Pact (GymPact)
Here’s the exciting app — Pact (formerly known as GymPact). This app will sync with other applications and devices in order to reward you for meeting your healthy goals. What’s the reward? Money.
The app uses GPS and Wifi to exact your location while you’re working out. Thirty minutes is considered a full workout (and if you’re running/walking the minimum pace is 2 mph). Each week you make a pact (hence the name) to workout a certain number of times, and you go as far as wagering an amount of money on each activity. For example my pact is: 4 workouts each week with $5 wagered on each workout. If one week I miss one workout , I will pay $5. But if don’t miss any I usually get anywhere from $1.20 to $2 for a week of workouts. I’ve already made $45 and I’ve only used this app since late September of 2013.
Gympact will sync with Runkeeper and MyFitnessPal to reward your for being healthy. I haven’t used the MyFitnessPal sync yet (as it was only added three days ago), but so far this app has gone above and beyond helping me meet my healthy goals.
Two devices to keep you focused
There are many devices out there similar to this one, but I like the Fitbit because it plays nice with Pact and customer reviews have always been highly positive.
Most — if not all — Fitbit’s products track activities, eating habits, weight and sleep habits. Information tracked is then synced to your account over Wifi and you access the data on a computer and/or smartphone.
If the price isn’t right though, don’t worry. Keep reading.
Any smartphone
Buying new device isn’t necessary to meet your goals this year, because it’s likely you already have a very powerful tool to help you with your healthy quest: a smartphone.
Your smartphone already has GPS, Wifi and you can throw your favorite music in the mix to keep yourself moving during a workout. Apps like RunKeeper, Pact, MyFitnessPal and so many more are really just saving you money by turning your phone into a multifaceted workout tool.
One thing to keep in mind
There’s no good excuse for not taking care of yourself, and that’s all weight loss being healthy is really about.
Happy New Year!
