Six Best Exercise Planning and Tracking Tools
By Jason Fitzpatrick, 9:00 AM on Sun May 17 2009, 15,541 views
Technology and exercise make an excellent pair; you can now track, plan, and graph your workouts more easily than ever. We're here to take a look at six of the most popular tools for the job.
Photo by andronicusmax.
Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite exercise tracking or planning tool. You responded and we rounded up the top six—six on account of a three-way tie. The following contenders represent the most popular tools among Lifehacker readers for tracking, measuring, and quantifying their exercise endeavors. When the item in question is a physical item, such as the Nike+ running system, the operating system listed corresponds to the supported operating system for the accompanying tracking software.
Gyminee (Web Based, Basic Account: Free/Pro Account: $45 per year)
Gyminee is web-based fitness tool with an enormous amount of features. Not only can you track your fitness goals like pounds lost, changes in resting heart rate, and all other manner of common fitness measurements, but you can also participate in Gyminees' vast social network. Group-designed workouts and challenges give you fresh and interesting goals. You can even plan meals, check calorie content, and keep track of your successes and tough times in a training journal. The free account is quite robust and has more than enough features to get you started. Upgrading to the Pro account allows you to create and track custom metrics in addition to the defaults (say, for example, you wanted to track more minute details like changes in arm size). The Pro account also gives you access to advanced workouts and meal planning. Gyminee makes it easy to find a partner to hold you accountable, track your results, and find everything from weight lifting to diet advice.
RunKeeper (iPhone, Basic: Free/Pro:$9.99)
RunKeeper turns your iPhone into an exercise tracking tool. Once installed you can monitor your speed, how far you run, and track your route on a map. You can review your data on the iPhone itself or upload the data to the RunKeeper website for analysis. The pro version includes audio feedback to make the application easier to use hands free, announcing how far you've run and other relevant stats. Finally, if you're so inclined you can have RunKeeper update your favorite social tools like Twitter or Facebook with workout updates. For more, check out our guided tour of RunKeeper.
MapMyRun (Web Based, Basic Account: Free/Pro Account: $48 per year )
MapMyRun started out as a simple Google Maps mashup for runners and cyclists to set up routes, but it has since grown into a feature-packed site. On MapMyRun you can browse, create, and rank the routes you and others use to get in shape. MapMyRun integrates beautifully with popular exercise gear. You can upload data from your Garmin Forerunner, Nike+, or even turn your iPhone into a piece of exercise equipment with iMapMyRun+. Like another entry in this week's Hive Five, Gyminee, MapMyRun features a strong social element: You can share your goals with others and participate in community-based challenges. The robust social mapping tool also has an emphasis on community and group runs, so you'll find lots of information about local marathons, charity runs, and so on. MapMyRun has dozens of tools for runners and cyclists to track, analyze, and share their routes and routines.
Garmin Forerunner (Windows/Mac, $99-$369)
If you're willing to shell out the cash, the Garmin Forerunner is a formidable training partner. Even the least expensive Forerunner model is still packed with impressive features, most notably the ability to upload records from your training like heart rate, lap times, distance traveled, and so forth. The pricier models add in perks like GPS tracking, virtual training partners, and wireless workout sharing. All of the Garmin Forerunners have software for both Windows and Mac, designed to help you track, chart, and share your workouts. If you're serious about crunching the numbers, the Garmin Forerunner covers everything from calories burned to strides and everything in between.
Nike+ (Windows/Mac, $29)
Nike+ is a Nike product that combines a small sensor with a supported iPod. The sensor is attached to your one of your shoes and transmits data to your iPod. Nike+ shoes are designed with the sensor in mind and have a small cavity in the heel for it, but the Nike+ sensor can be used on any running shoes by purchasing an inexpensive 3rd party clip or by rolling your own Nike+ shoe mod. The iPod serves as a monitor for your device, offering feedback and information about your run (along with music to keep you motivated). When you sync your iPod with your computer after a run, it will upload your running data to the Nike+ web site. There you'll find tracking tools, discussion forums, and challenges you can participate in. One of the strongest selling points for Lifehacker readers who love Nike+ is its simplicity. The trifecta of Nike+ sensor, iPod, and web site provides a seamless system that requires no fussing or tinkering at all.
Nokia Sports Tracker (Nokia Smartphones, Free)
Sports Tracker is an exercise tracking tool released by Nokia for their smartphones. Using GPS technology and compatible with popular heart rate monitors, Sports Tracker keeps your workout info handy right there on your phone. Sports Tracker records distance, speed, and time, allowing you to upload your routes to share with others via the Sports Tracker web site. Perhaps its most novel feature: Sports Tracker's automatic association of pictures and video you take with your phone on your running route route creates a story board of sorts from your travels. The application and website are free, but you'll need a Nokia smartphone to enjoy them.
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