Tech Runner

Sometimes we all need a little extra bit of encouragement to get ourselves out of the house – which is why Pact, (the new name for what was formerly GymPact) could well be the answer to many of our prayers.

Pact’s monetary rewards system could be that extra bit of motivation we all need…

To use the app, users can chose to make a “pact” to exercise, log your meals on MyFitnessPal.com or eat vegetables for a certain number of days. When you sign up for a pact, you select a certain monetary amount that is deducted from your credit card or PayPal account for each day you miss. If you hit your goal, then you get paid a reward, paid from the pool of money from people who didn’t make their pact.

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Adding gamification is a great way to motivate people to stay committed throughout the different process of getting fit. We’ve seen in the past how a good bit of innovative storytelling can inspire users to go that extra mile, and now there’s a new entry to the market from the makers of hit music game Guitar Hero.

Users can choose from a variety of games to help make their workout more enjoyable

Called Blue Goji, the app looks to transform any piece of cardio equipment into an interactive gaming machine. Simply attach the two controllers, each of which has two buttons, to the handles of a piece of equipment such as a bike, clip on the activity sensor, and you can choose from a variety of games to help speed you through your workout.

The game element is viewed on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, showing your character in a variety of scenarios, such as a boat race or boxing competition, with its speed or power coming from your output, measured by Goji’s fitness tracker, either in your pocket or clipped to your belt.

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The Fitbit iPhone app received a notable update today that brings basic tracking features directly to the iPhone 5S without the need of one of Fitbit’s tracking watches.

Version 2.1 of the app introduces the new “MobileTrack” feature, which takes advantage of Apple’s new M7 motion co-processor, provides some of FitBit’s basic activity tracking features right on the device.

The app will track usage data from your iPhone 5S for analysis

This means, however, that the update is only available to iPhone 5S users. They will also be able to try basic features of the app before choosing whether to invest in  Fitbit’s hardware.

The app has also welcomed a number of other new features, including redesigned silent alarms, the ability to a set a custom water goal, and a revamped profile editor, tracker settings, and sign-up screen.

[Via The Verge]

Worried that you might be piling on the pounds a bit too much over Christmas? Dreading the thought of the new year’s resolutions? Well help could be at hand from the latest household connected device.

Say hello to the catchily-named Pyle Bluetooth Fitness Scale. Available now for $59.99 in black, green, orange, pink, or grey, these bathroom scales will link to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. The scales will send information about your weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass and bone mass to your device, which will use this information to tailor workouts accordingly.

The scales will send information to your smartphone or connected device

Pyle (who normally specialise in audio technology, but have recently launched the Pyle Health range) has a Bluetooth-ready app ready to roll which allows users to create profiles and chart their progress. You can even share your results via Twitter or Facebook if you so please.

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Focus, a newly formed creative start-up, has announced the release of TRAINR, its new app that is aiming to put the power of a personal trainer onto your wrist.

Available now for the Samsung Galaxy Gear and other compatible smartphones, TRAINR is the first fitness app that provides custom training programs while automatically identifying exercises, tracking repetitions, sets and rest periods.

The app works with your wearable device to devise appropriate workouts

With TRAINR, the combination of a wearable device and smartphone evolves into a powerful fitness-training tool, accessible anytime and anywhere, explaining how to train to achieve goals.

While most fitness monitoring devices track only cardiovascular exercise (such as steps and stairs), TRAINR targets users practicing resistance and body weight training by providing top-trainer designed workouts tailored to them.

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Getting people involved in exercise is always a challenge, and the NHS has tried a wide variety of tactics to try and get people to be more active. Now they are embracing gamification through the release of a new app, The Walk.

Developed with app-maker Six to Start, who previously made the excellent Zombies, Run!, The Walk encourages players to walk in order to progress through a story and unlock audio clips.

The Walk places characters in an Britain ravaged by a mysterious event

Described as a mix of North By Northwest and The 39 Steps, the game begins with a fictional explosion at Inverness station which knocks out transport and communications networks across the country.

Players then assume the role of a character called Walker, who has to carry a mysterious package the length of the country.

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California-based World Fit has announced its brand new fitness app for the iPhone and iOS that promises to help users tone and lose weight.

World Fit 1.0 offers users a calorie counter that has the added power of social media. The application has a number of diet plans to pick from along with the option of sharing and getting tips from other users or friends. The app is based on the company’s ethos, explained by CEO Carlos Padilla as, “If you surround yourself with others that have the same goal as yourself, you are more likely to succeed”.

World Fit 1.0 allows users to link into a social network dedicated to fitness

Meal plans can be shared and viewed with the diet plans customizable to suit the user’s needs, and the app is aimed at those looking to lose weight along with adding and toning muscle, and is suitable for users of all levels of fitness

Useful tips, advice, and encouragement can be found from other users and friends who may also be using the app can be kept track of via the fit share feed.

World Fit 1.0 is available worldwide on the App Store now, priced at £0.69/$0.99.

[Via Daily Apps Show]