Tuesday, June 12, 2012

App Analysis

A little comparison today on a couple of health/fitness sites/apps...

First, for tracking food and exercise, it's myfitnesspal.com vs livestrong.com.

I've used livestrong.com for tracking my food intake and exercise for about three years--here and there (whenever I did track my food and exercise during those three years). I liked it fine. I mean, there's nothing exciting or glamorous about tracking one's food intake or exercise but, for what it is, livestrong.com was fine.

This time around, I've decided to give myfitnesspal.com a go and I really do like it so much better. It seems more user friendly than livestrong.com and I like the way it shows you what you've done. I also like how easy it is to find your friends on there and leave them messages- it's so nice to know we're not alone.

The only thing I like better about livestrong.com is that their data base is far better than the one on myfitnesspal.com. Regardless, I'm sticking with the latter.


Both sites offer apps for your phone which is great. I still like the myfitnesspal app better- it's free and user friendly--and that's that.



Next, the running trainer apps situation. These things are driving me nuts.

The first one I tried out was the Personal Running Trainer. I looked at the ones for 1 mile and 5k. It was ok although the guy talked my ear off before it was time to start the warm up. Seriously, I don't want to hear all that crap, let's just get started. You can use your own playlist on this one- which is ok but all my playlists are on my dead ZUNE and I haven't quite gotten all this worked out on my phone or my iPod. So, I use Pandora for running. Anyway, when it's time to switch from walking to running or running to walking,  I do like that the numbers and buttons are large enough to see without my glasses--HUGE plus. This app also keeps your schedule for you. BUT, if you want DAY 2, you must PAY for this FREE app. It's only like $2.00 but that's not the point. It's advertised as a free app but, to get past DAY 1, you must pay for it. Seriously guys, let's be honest up front for a change. Also, the dude just talks too much throughout- when it's time to change AND the voice volume is so low you might miss him telling you to stop or start something.

The second app I tried was Learn to Run.  There are two problems with this one that make it not the one for me- even though it really is free. 1. You can't hear the sound for stopping/starting your running or walking and 2. When you walk, the music doesn't play-and it has to be your own playlist. The music also doesn't play when your session is complete nor does the app let you know (ok, so that's really 3 problems). You just have to figure that out. No thanks.


I'm on my third app now and, after just the first day, I think this is the one I will stick with. It's the C25k app. This app lets you listen to your own playlists OR Pandora and it's user friendly. Really, the only thing I don't like about this app is that the volume on the signal to switch from walking to running is so low it's difficult to hear. This seems to be a problem with all three of the apps. Actually, if you read the user comments on the running trainer apps, it seems they all have this problem. Regardless, this one has nearly all I want in a running trainer app so I'm sticking with it.




Of course, they all offer a 'Pro' version which runs only about $1.99 but, so far, I see no need to upgrade. And the Learn to Run  and C25k apps don't try to trick you into upgrading like the Personal Running Trainer does. 

It just boils down to personal preference so give them a try and use the one that works best for you!

Anyone tried a different site/app that works well?



14 comments:

  1. I have LOVED "Get Running (Couch to 5K)! I think it was $2.99 - some of the best money I ever spent. You feel like the pleasant-sounding British lady is running right there with you, but not talking too much. You listen to your own play list, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My friend used C to 5k and loved it too. And you know I'm a fan of MFP. I would recommend it to anyone!

    ReplyDelete
  3. it's- I am quite happy with the C25k free edition so far. But, when I feel the need to upgrade, that's the one I'll do! It really is better than the others. Glad you like it too!

    Betty- Yes! I love chatting over there and seeing my friends who live too dang far away from me! Yes, I'm talking about you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. The graphite and wood app works best for me. lol I have to write it all down on paper. And boy, keeping a journal of what I eat is the only way I can keep that scale moving in the right direction!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love your reviews. I am so not techy that I get sweaty palms just reading though this.
    I like reading about them though.
    I hope you find the perfect one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. hah, I had to laugh because truly the BEST app is the one that is used...
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't used that particular C25K app but usually under settings you can adjust the trainers voice to be louder than your music. I used a different version, if you want to know which one I can find it for you. Right now I am using a new one for my 10km training and it is really good, I can look the name up for that also. One thing I have found on almost all my apps is GPS rarely works, so I always run Nike+GPS is the background. It is accurate and rarely glitches when using with other apps. I could just go on all day about training apps!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am not very handy with Apps but it doesn't stop me from reading and giving them a try, I like it when people give tidbits and advice, very helpful!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Judy-I've tried to do it that way but I would always just stop. I like that it shows me in graphs what I'm doing too. Not that that changes what I do or anything. LOL

    Kim- I think these are the ones for both tracking and running. But we'll see how long it takes me to get bored. Again.

    Tracy- Absolutely! :)

    BW- Awesome, I'm gonna check it out and see if I can figure out how to do that. Sure, let me know what version you used- I'll keep trying new things! I have to use Sports Tracker for the GPS part- it doesn't stop on me. Thanks!

    Lucy- Thank you! I'm not very handy with them either but I really needed these so I tried and tried.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've not used a training app, but they sound interesting.
    I hate things in my ears when our walking/running, so I just count in my head! might look up the c25k just to see what it says I should be doing!
    Enjoy following your journey, always! That's better than any app!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like both MFP and the C25K program. I have used them both and really am happy plus free is right up my alley.
    Thanks for sharing the others out there.
    Hey, if you want something that keeps track of your walking/running/milege there is little white and red button size thing called Nike plus, it attaches to your sneaker, talks to your itouch (well mine, I don't know what you have) and it really works wonderful. I have gone through two of them and will be ordering a third one (they are only $20.00...Only, I don't have it right now). Would you like me to send you the site?
    Okay, long comment.
    Take care and God Bless!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your reviews are always so helpful, what do these app do, coach you as you run? I've never used them, I just go out and run, or used to..

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have a huge cucumber plant, but no cucumbers yet. I can't wait until I can eat a cucumber sandwich.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just downloaded the c25k app. Thanks for the reco - I am so sick of this plateau I'm on, I need to do something. I have used the WW app for the past year and 1/2, but I am going to give myfitness a try and see how I like it. I'll keep you posted! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
Design by Imagination Designs
Illustration by MerryLittleDoodle
Background by CinnamonDove