I'm going to spend this week reviewing a few of the fitness websites I've been using lately . If you've been following my blog, you'll already know that I'm a huge fan of Runkeeper. I started using Runkeeper a little more than a year ago to track my distance-related activities and it's been nothing but a boon to my training. I'm by nature much more of a geek than an athlete, and keeping up with my stats and personal records is a huge motivator. Even if it's not a motivator for you, it's useful information. The audio feedback (if you're using a GPS-enabled smart phone) really helps keep you informed about exactly how well you're doing in real time and seeing the data later can help you see your weaknesses and strengths.
That being said, some people may be looking for ways to make their Runkeeper data more fun, or perhaps they do things like chin ups or visiting the gym, things that Runkeeper doesn't handle as efficiently as it does a 10-mile run. This is where Fitocracy can come in. Fitocracy is designed to turn your workouts into a social game where you earn points and badges based on your activities. This is actually much more motivating for some than having all the data Runkeeper provides. Personally, I get a bigger kick out of the Runkeeper data than the badges, but Fitocracy does sync up with Runkeeper, so using it is pretty simple. My one qualm with its connection to Runkeeper is that I have to actually log into Fitocracy for it to sync for that day's workout, but I understand why they do it.
Unlike Runkeeper, Fitocracy has specific entry methods for your strength training and other gym-type workouts. If I did any of those, I'd be very happy about that, but I tend to be less motivated to do strength training than I do with my running and cycling. I'm really rather noodley above the waist.
What I don't like is their management of your workout data. It's very difficult to go peruse your past workouts and the data they actually keep seems to be very limited. This is not a good site for tracking your workouts on its own. It's best reserved as a backup motivator to a more serious service like Runkeeper. If you're the type that revels in social media, however, this could be right up your alley.
If you're interested in a Fitocracy invite (if they haven't already opened it up to general registration, leave a comment on this post with a way to get in touch with you and I'll send an invite out. Also, if you use Runkeeper and want to add me to your street team, do the same.
That being said, some people may be looking for ways to make their Runkeeper data more fun, or perhaps they do things like chin ups or visiting the gym, things that Runkeeper doesn't handle as efficiently as it does a 10-mile run. This is where Fitocracy can come in. Fitocracy is designed to turn your workouts into a social game where you earn points and badges based on your activities. This is actually much more motivating for some than having all the data Runkeeper provides. Personally, I get a bigger kick out of the Runkeeper data than the badges, but Fitocracy does sync up with Runkeeper, so using it is pretty simple. My one qualm with its connection to Runkeeper is that I have to actually log into Fitocracy for it to sync for that day's workout, but I understand why they do it.
Unlike Runkeeper, Fitocracy has specific entry methods for your strength training and other gym-type workouts. If I did any of those, I'd be very happy about that, but I tend to be less motivated to do strength training than I do with my running and cycling. I'm really rather noodley above the waist.
What I don't like is their management of your workout data. It's very difficult to go peruse your past workouts and the data they actually keep seems to be very limited. This is not a good site for tracking your workouts on its own. It's best reserved as a backup motivator to a more serious service like Runkeeper. If you're the type that revels in social media, however, this could be right up your alley.
If you're interested in a Fitocracy invite (if they haven't already opened it up to general registration, leave a comment on this post with a way to get in touch with you and I'll send an invite out. Also, if you use Runkeeper and want to add me to your street team, do the same.
10 comments:
I don't really use anything to log my training records. Hell I hardly use my stopwatch to track how fast I've run during practice.
This year I've simply started training with my dad. He decides how many km we're doing for the day, and if we're doing hill training. Right now it's a system that works for me.
I remember hearing something on NPR about how offering badges and such really helps to motivate people. Evidently, we feel the need to be complete and collect things so you're much more likely to keep using a website if it rewards you.
Sid: I didn't do much more than check my watch when I left and check it again when I stopped during my first year.
And I didn't get much better. I finished 2010 running slower than 9 minutes per mile (about 6 minutes per K) when I started at 10 minute miles (5.6/K) from day one. After getting Runkeeper and paying attention to my pace as I ran, I dropped down to mid 8s in only a couple of months and can manage low 7s now if I'm really pushing it. I think it's because it helped me focus on what it felt like to run at a certain pace and it also kept me focused on pushing since I'd hear the number every half mile.
Julie: I meant to put this in the post, but the badge/game thing is actually based on research. It's designed the way a lot of the successful social media games are and I have no problem with that. I've said before anything that the motivates people to be more active, I support. It just doesn't motivate me as much as the geeky stuff.
Honestly, at this point, just getting to run is a motivator.
The only thing I don't like about RunKeeper is that you can't manipulate the playlist you're listening to within the app. With Ease Into 5K (formerly known as Couch to 5K) you can skip songs if something comes up that you're not in the mood to listen to. You can't do that in RunKeeper.
Courtney, I don't even know how to play music through Runkeeper. I just use my mp3 player or a music app on my phone.
Courtney, I don't even know how to play music through Runkeeper. I just use my mp3 player or a music app on my phone.
Courtney, I don't even know how to play music through Runkeeper. I just use my mp3 player or a music app on my phone.
Courtney, I don't even know how to play music through Runkeeper. I just use my mp3 player or a music app on my phone.
firesprite29@gmail.com ... I would be grateful for an invite to fitocracy.
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