8 Motivations to Start Up Health & Fitness

18 March 2020

The holiday season is officially over, which means it’s time to start working off some of the extra pounds you picked up at mom’s house. While people generally love the idea of looking like the dudes who do commercials for home-exercise equipment, most of us still hate working out and dieting. If you are one of them, don’t worry. There are a ton of startups offering the kind of motivation you need in the form of mobile apps. Such apps use activity tracking as well as fitness and health risk assessment apps.

Today we’ll be exercising our startup muscles by taking a look at some of these young companies and what makes them tick.

8 Motivations to Start Up Health & Fitness:

Fitness gamification is huge right now, which makes sense given that it adds a much-needed dimension of play to the arduous task of getting fit. A great example of fitness gamification is Tep, which is basically a cross between a fitness tracker and a Tamagotchi; though, in the case of Tep, the star is a niftily-designed giraffe rather than a globular cluster of black pixels.

The more a user exercises, the better the giraffe does (users can buy their long-necked pets treats with rewards points they earn from walking, running and cycling). If users slack off, though, it’s curtains for the poor creature.

According to the app’s creators, a group of five super-talented self-starters from Szeged, Hungary, «Tep’s competitive edge relies on emotional connection and the mental „threat“ that the beloved pet might suffer from the lack of proper physical activity and thus offers a solution for curve fatigue effect.»

Does that sound a little dark? Sure. But it’s for a good cause. The founding team’s goal is to help users lose eight million pounds of fat in the next three years; there’s also talk of buying a giraffe.

The founding team built Tep on their own time and dime, but are currently funded by Traction Tribe and prizes from Microsoft’s Imagine Cup.

Tep is available in beta for Android and Windows phones, with an iOS version coming soon.

Wokamon

If you like the idea of a digital workout buddy helping you toe the line, but giraffes aren’t really your thing, then you might dig Wokamon, which comes to us from Mars Zhu and Hazim Abdul Hamid of Noodum.

Wokamon features dozens of animated monsters that get bigger and stronger as you do. Since it comes with a pedometer and syncs with wearables like Jawbone, Fitbit, and Up, you can be sure that every calorie burned gets counted and fed to your growing army of critters.

Connecting with friends on social media through Wokamon earns you reward points, which you can burn on unlocking new creatures.

Noodum and Wokamon are currently being funded by an $18,000 seed investment from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Innospace Incubator.

Gamified fitness apps like Wokamon and Tep have a lot of options when it comes to future monetization. They can either take the Zombies, Run! The approach of charging for downloads (which works if you’re as niche and well-made as that app) or offer in-app purchases for things like new backgrounds, characters, or crystals and boosters for your pet monsters.

For now, though, we can take advantage of both Tep and Wokamon for free.

Teamster

Teamster is an iOS app that, contrary to its name, has absolutely nothing to do with trucking. What teamster does do, though, is help you connect with other people in your area who are interested in the same sorts of athletic activities as you.

Conveniently, users are able to identify which sports they like and their level of skill in each on a scale of 1 to 5, which means you won’t be totally outmatched when you meet up for a game with other users.

When you find another user who shares your interests and skill set, swipe right in the app to add them to your team. Sounds like Tinder is ubiquitous, doesn’t it? Users can then create activities for other users or teams to join.

Teamster comes to us from the Melbourne based duo of Henry Chan and 22-year old Sam McCallum, who has a background in competitive running, cycling, and skiing.

Actually, 2015 is shaping up to be an awesome year for apps that bring social networking logic to the gym. Take Boston-based Perspyre, for example, which is coming out soon with a beta version for Android and iOS.

The whole point of Perspyre is connecting people who love to sweat and giving them access to workouts, advice, and motivation. Users can log into the app via Facebook and take post-workout selfies, record workouts, and brag about new personal records.

Though it’s admittedly a little intense for beginners, Persypre is perfect for those who are already «motivated and dedicated» enough to willingly visit Crossfit and P90x classes.

Perspyre is the brainchild of Jason Chisholm and Jeremy Mays and has received $25,000 in seed funding from John Piret of the investment firm Newbury Piret & Co.

If Perspyre sounds like it’s right up your alley, keep an eye out for the soon-to-be-launched SternFit iOS app which also gives workout buffs a great platform for sharing pics, tips, and workouts.

Rocket Journey

If your meteoric rise to peak physical perfection is still in the launch phase, you’ll find a helpful companion in RocketJourney, which bills itself as the «smartest and friendliest way to a fitness lifestyle.»

The app’s founding trio of Carlos Ayala, Pablo Artee, and Ernesto Cambuston has received funding from 500 Startups, the seed fund and startup accelerator comprised of Google and PayPal alums.

RocketJourney tracks all of your fitness activities from cycling to yoga to lifting to competitive eating — just kidding about that last one — and verifies that you’ve actually worked out through GPS and wearables integration.

The app motivates you to stick to your fitness regime by giving you points for completed workouts and taking away points for missed ones. The same logic holds true for user-created «teams» which add the pinch of peer-pressure that it just might take to keep you on track.

You can register for updates on RocketJourney’s release on the website.

OneSet

OneSet — «Vine for Fitness» — is another promising app to stay tuned for in the months to come. Users can create 15-second videos demonstrating an exercise or «stack» other users’ videos into workouts.

Since videos are organized by muscle group or goal, it’s easy to find the right moves for you.

OneSet’s founding team is based in Waterloo, Canada, and consists of brothers Amad and Shameel Abdullah, as well as full-stack developer George Xu.

GYM radio

Sometimes all it takes to reach the athlete within is finding the right music to sweat to, or the right gym to do it in.

Though GYM radio’s online music streaming service has been around since 2013, its new iOS, Android, and Windows phone releases have made it easier than ever to get amped up and pumped up at the same time.

The app features three music settings — cardio, gym, and hardcore-tailored to give your workout the right feel. Here’s the best part: GYM radio is completely ad-free, which means your runners high won’t get interrupted by voice-actors pitching toothpaste or discount car insurance.

GYM radio also offers a premium upgrade which, for a monthly or yearly subscription, will let you listen offline, skip songs, and get access to material unavailable on the standard version.

Gymhopper

Gymhopper — «Uber for gyms»- is a Swiss startup that aims to help you find the right gym by offering its users discounted individual training passes. Gyms benefit from the app by getting a little extra exposure as well as a shot at their target market, people who are actively searching for a new place to get sweaty.

Gymhopper is currently in series A fundraising but expects an iOS release later this year.

What can fitness startups learn from RunKeeper?

Figuring out how to actually make money with your app is a problem that can plague even the biggest of startup fish. Each of the aforementioned apps will have to figure out the right monetization strategy for their product and user-base. One good model employed by the leading fitness tracker RunKeeper is to partner with other businesses to provide sponsored advertising to users.

That means Teamster’s users could theoretically get discounts on Nike products for showing up at local softball games, and Perspyre users could get 25% off gym memberships for visiting p90x classes 3 times a week.

There are a lot of good ways to get back in shape, and a lot of good startups out there creating more every day.

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5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year

Every year, millions of Americans swear to themselves they are going to be healthier in the new year. In keeping with this tradition a “New Year's Resolution” is promised and they began to become excited about the new changes about to happen in their lives. Sadly, by February 14th, 80% of these new promises are abandoned and people return to their old habits and old life. If you are someone who has made a New Year’s Resolution this year, then you must first understand that nothing will change unless you are ready to make a change. It doesn’t matter how big the promise you made to yourself is, if you’re not dedicated and consistent, nothing will happen. However, this year is different. For once, you’re not going to be merely a statistic. You are going to advance your promise and build on a new life and a new you. If you are ready to take on the challenge, more than likely, you have committed to becoming healthier in some form or fashion this year. If this is true, you will need a jumpstart on your progress to get your body back on track. Here are five ways you can use to get healthier in the new year and become that person you’ve always wanted to be. 5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year: #1- Eat The Right Foods The very first thing you have probably noticed about your New Year’s Resolution in being more healthy is that the foods you used to eat no longer apply to you. When you begin to understand that the majority of your health and how you feel originates from the foods you eat, you begin to realize that there are a lot of options you have been including that shouldn’t be there. First and foremost, you need to do an account of your cupboard and refrigerator. Throw out all of the processed foods, foods with high sugar and high-fat content. Throw out the sodas and minimalize your caffeine intake. Remember, everything you put into your body is going to be converted into something. It will either be converted to fat or metabolized into energy and picking the right fuel for your body is essential. Make sure to include foods that have leafy greens and other vegetables, legumes, nuts, and foods that are high in protein and still lean. Some of the best foods that fit these criteria are fish like salmon. Each of these options is going to help your body get back on track and allow you to get the most out of every meal you eat. One of the biggest failures in a diet plan is that plenty of people know they need to diet, but they fail to plan it out. Don’t forget about planning. This is where you consider all of your meal options for the week. Eventually, time will get away from you at some point during the week and you will be tempted to drive through a fast-food restaurant. Proper planning can help you avoid this catastrophe. Get the right foods by thinking smartly. #2 - Do A Detox Some people have learned that one of the best ways to get your body back on track to being more healthy is by doing a detox regime. If you have eaten processed foods, high fat, plenty of sugar, or anything negative like this, a detox will help your body flush out all of these unwanted materials so you can start fresh. There are many kinds of detox programs that you can try. Take some time to learn about each one so you can be educated enough to pick the one that is correct for your body. Look at the testimonies of every customer to determine which program would be the most beneficial for you. When you’re looking for a detox, try to stay as organic and natural as you can. Don’t consume anything that has chemicals or harsh substances in it because the purpose is to get these unwanted materials out of your body, not put more in. #3 - Try Herbal Health For Once When you begin to realize that organic and natural solutions are the best route to take for brand new health this year you start to understand that plants can provide the most benefit for your body. When you think of health and wellness, you should think of wholeness. If your body looks great but your mental state is suffering, you’re not healthier. Since your mind is part of your body, don’t forget to include this important muscle in your routine. Herbal remedies are the best option for your mind as it responds better to botanical solutions. For instance, pure natural CBD oils are some of the best remedies you can use to provide homeostasis for both your mind and your body. It has been said that CBD oil can help with cognitive function, provide a feeling of balance, helps with pain and inflammation, aids in PTSD and depression, and much more. Your mind is an important aspect of your health and many people disregard this aspect of their wellness. Herbal health is an important aspect of overall wholeness because it includes every aspect of your life - your mind and your body and that’s important. #4 - Get A Healthy Gut Did you know that the gut microbiome plays a very important role in your overall health? That is why you must always consider gut health when you are adopting new routines in your daily diet. The gut is a crucial system of the body because it helps your system break down food and metabolize energy. This is only a small portion of what the gut is responsible for, however, at times people can have problems with their gut which can lead to bigger issues later. Issues like yeast overgrowth are a common problem that occurs. It is imperative to manage issues like yeast overgrowth and maintain harmony within the digestive system. When it comes to gastrointestinal health in the twenty-first century, many people are becoming more educated about how to use preventive measures to keep a healthy gut. They understand the symptoms of GI conditions and can monitor these changes periodically. However, one of the most important parts of this process is to include a functional medicine doctor like a chiropractor into your monthly routine to ensure gut health. Symptoms of poor gut health could be constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and much more. If you feel like you have one or more of these conditions in your gut, it is important to consult your primary functional medicine practitioner to develop an ongoing process to keep these symptoms at bay. Just because you have some or all of these ailments doesn’t mean your body cannot be healthier in the new year. It just means you need to be more proactive with your body in order to ensure better gut health. When your gut is happy, your entire body functions properly and the way it should. #5 - Drink More Water One of the most commonly known facts about health is how we should all be drinking more water. Make sure you’re getting your eight cups every day. Everyone already knows this, however, it is one of the easiest things to forget about. You can become consumed by exercise and diet and forget some of the simplest things for your health. Essentially, water is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. It helps with a massive amount of wellness-related items in your body and when you decline your body of this much-needed asset, you suffer the consequences. Make sure you are getting your daily amount of water every day, and make sure this water is filtered goodness, not that town stuff that is full of fluoride. Be Who You Know You Can Be If you are considering a healthier in the new year, then you probably already know how difficult it can be to make these changes happen. The one thing you should focus on is small goals and meeting those goals every week in order to be healthier in the new year. So many people push themselves to lose 100 pounds in the first month, and then they fail so they give up. Aim small, miss small and that is the key to changing your lifestyle so you can be who you know you can be in your life. You must get healthier in the new year with the above tips. Read Also: Why City Living is the Healthiest it’s Ever Been How to Stay Healthy and Fit Despite a Hectic Schedule

The CBD Health Supplements Making People Feel Good Again

CBD - the health supplement everyone and their dog is taking. Literally, you can get it for dogs too. People have been swearing by its properties for years now, and it makes sense too. It isn’t a cure-all, but it does have such a wide range of benefits that it is hard to dismiss it as snake oil. You can take it, tea, healthy capsules, water, ice tea, food, and more. Unlike THC, CBD cannot get you high - which is a thing that many people still think. It is simply an extract from either the hemp plant or a marijuana plant. So those who are looking to improve their lifestyle or reduce pain have been looking to CBD to help. It doesn’t have any mind-altering properties and isn’t addictive, unlike some pharmaceutical drugs. How it is made? Well, most often, CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis or hemp plants and diluting it with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. What Are The Benefits? Anxiety If you suffer from anxiety and/or depression, you have probably been tempted to try CBD so many times. But of course, the worry is that it will set off an attack, or you won’t be able to find the motivation to do things. Fortunately, CBD doesn’t work like that. We have a system called the endocannabinoid system, and that deals with a range of things. From sleep to mood regulation. CBD works with your system to help you maintain a better mood balance and reduce anxiety too. There are no side effects when taking CBD for anxiety and depression, which gives them the edge over more typical prescribed drugs. It is suggested that a daily 300mg dose is ideal to start helping depression and anxiety. Pain The big one that can impact all areas of life - is pain. Lupus, MS, Cancer, and other long-term chronic pain illnesses have their life affected daily. Pain can reduce the amount of rest they get, the ability to concentrate, and general life enjoyment. CBD works with the body’s own pain receptors, reduces inflammation (often the cause of the pain), and interacts with the neurotransmitters. There are many countries that have approved the use of CBD and THC spray to help treat the pain related to MS and arthritis. It is worth noting that marijuana has been used since 2900 BC for treating pain. Sleep Almost all areas of life can be improved when you sleep better. But sleeping can be somewhat challenging to get when you are in pain or feeling anxious. So you might say that the benefits here are multiple. If you take a large dose of CBD in tea, oil, or a capsule a short while before you intend to sleep, you should drift off much easier. Combine that with something like a sleep story from the Calm app or Headspace for extra sleepy vibes. Smaller doses taken during the day will serve you in two ways - one is that the smaller dosing is microdosing designed to keep you sharp and reduce anxiety and pain, the other is it will keep your endocannabinoid system topped up and functioning at a better capacity. When that happens, your circadian rhythm is supported, and dropping off to sleep happens much more quickly. Calm If you don’t have an illness or anxiety and really just want to have a bit of peace, the CBD will work for you too. Because of the extensive amount of areas that CBD functions on once you take it regularly, you are likely to benefit from positive effects anyway. Being more relaxed, noticing that maybe you did have a little bit of stress, more productive at work, sleeping better, and generally functioning as you had hoped. Busy Phillips has been quoted as using CBD and THC gummies to help with her anxiety. Acne While some people grow out of acne, for some, it never leaves. And it can be pretty disheartening. CBD has been trialed on acne with positive results. The anti-inflammatory properties can help the skin to reduce sebum production. With less sebum being produced, there will be less redness and spots. There are more studies looking into this, but the results of tests done so far have been promising. Topical Use If you aren’t comfortable ingesting CBD, you can use it topically like you would with any other painkilling gels. CBD can work locally to reduce pain and swelling, and in fact, Mandy Moore uses CBD oil on her feet to reduce the pain from high heels. Overall, with a little bit of research, you can find a CBD product that will work for you. Read Also: How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives Should You Consider Drinking Cbd Water? CBD: The Understanding Of Its Benefits

CBG vs. CBN: Navigating The Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

While cannabis usage and exploration are evolving, the shadow of its most popular cannabinoid pair, THC and CBD, may finally be lifting on two newbies to this magical family tree within the flower we all know and love Cannabigerol (CG) and Cannabinol (CBN). With the preponderance of experience from the familiar fun of THC-induced highs to the meditative balm of CBD’s therapeutic benefits, these less-well-known cannabinoid compounds may come as a surprise – and cannabis connoisseurs may just find them to be a treat for the CBD-toned brain. And as one who’s dipped a toe into all things cannabis-related personally and professionally, I’d like to share some insights into these so-called minor cannabinoids, but in a major, professional, and trusted way. Hail to the unknown and underappreciated! Enter CBG and CBN, stage left Research, personal experience, and murmurs of the ganja community are about to collide for your entertainment and perhaps enlightenment about these two oft-overlooked members of the cannabis clan. What Are CBG and CBN? To get the lowdown, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly what CBG and CBN are. CBG, or cannabigerol, is sometimes referred to as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ because, in its acidic CBGA form, it’s the precursor molecule of several other cannabinoids. Non-psychoactive, it’s believed to have a number of potentially beneficial therapeutic actions. The other compound is CBN or cannabinol, which results when THC ages and breaks down. It’s mildly psychoactive but nowhere near as much as cannabis itself. The Unique Promise of CBG CBG first came onto my radar when I was researching botanical solutions to gut ailments. Word on the street was that the cannabinoid could potentially provide immense relief – an assertion ostensibly supported by CBG’s reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In my case, I found some of that buzz to be spot-on. Soon after adding this cannabinoid to my routine, I took note of some discernible improvements with respect to my digestive comfort. I didn’t experience transformative results right out of the gates but, over time with continued use, those uncomfortable days grew less frequently. Studies also indicate that CBG might have neuroprotective, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. CBG might be the ultimate versatile cannabinoid for physical relief and preventative health benefits. The Calming Effects of CBN The first time I used CBN was to help a friend sleep better. She’d tried meditation and melatonin without much luck. Both made her light and scatterbrained and though she could manage her insomnia with the sheer force of will, she was curious to try another approach. I was curious, too, and decided to experiment alongside her. My own sleep patterns were never great, even on nights when I could turn off the TV (and the iPad) in time to hit the sheets by midnight. Alongside her, I found CBN to be a relaxing sleep aid. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sleeping pill’ as it doesn’t put you down for the night quite the same way that sort of remedy does. But there are lots of nights when I need a nudge toward rest, times when my mind is filled with deadlines and to-dos. On those occasions, a CBN-infused tincture has become an excellent tool for inducing a Guitar-Strum-Country-And-Western brain noodle. CBN is also being tested as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotectant (a compound with the ability to reduce cell death associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders). Human trials are just beginning, but the outlook appears encouraging. Personal Experience: A Balancing Act My experience trying to understand the world of CBG vs CBN has been confusing, enlightening, and, above all, very informative. I have learnt that, while both cannabinoids can supplement our lives, they have to be used at the right time to work for specific needs. CBG has become my ally during the day, a cannabinoid that makes me feel slightly better than usual but does not have any psychoactive effects. CBN will stay in my nighttime routine, not as a substitute for sleeping pills but as a way to create a more prone state. Pros and Cons Pros - CBG: Potential digestive aid and anti-inflammatory. Non-intoxicating, making it suitable for daytime use. Versatile benefits span from neuroprotection to antibacterial effects. Pros - CBN: Promotes relaxation and may improve sleep quality. Mildly psychoactive, offering a gentle experience. Potential pain reliever and anti-inflammatory properties. Cons - CBG: Low availability and more expensive due to lower yields from cannabis plant. Research is still emerging, making definitive conclusions about its efficacy premature. Cons - CBN: Effects can vary greatly among individuals; not everyone may experience significant sleep benefits. Because it’s apparently derived from the degradation of THC, its legal status can be unclear in some places. Final Thoughts This journey of discovery into CBG and CBN has both amazed me and taught me a lot. My experiences have generally been good ones, but reactions can differ – start small and work up from there, to be sure. While the research is still emerging, it’s possible that CBG and to some extent, CBN can transcend their minor cannabinoid status and join the ranks of CBD and THC. For cannabis connoisseurs and curious neophytes alike, this new frontier means looking deeper than ever into the increasingly multilayered beauty and therapeutic promise of the plant. Cheers to good science and many more cannabinoids on the horizon. Read Also: How Does CBD Affect Your Drug Tests? How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives What is Cannabis Oil and how does CBD Oil Work?

8 Motivations to Start Up Health & Fitness