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.

Read Also:

8 Fitness Hacks That Will Make Your Life Better
How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their Tips!

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Senior-Friendly Exercise Routines: Enhancing Quality Of Life Guide

Aging is a natural part of life, and staying active is essential for seniors to maintain a high quality of life. Many older adults face challenges when it comes to exercising, from chronic health conditions to a lack of knowledge on where to start. We understand the unique needs, focusing on exercises that improve balance while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you're a senior looking to stay fit or a caregiver seeking valuable insights, this comprehensive guide is for you. This comprehensive guide explores the many benefits of exercise. It also offers guidance on safe and effective workout plans to individuals. This provides tips for making physical activity an enjoyable and sustainable part of your life. Why Exercise Is Essential For Seniors? Regular exercise provides a multitude of physical and mental benefits that enable seniors to stay active and engaged. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. For example: Improves heart health: The American Heart Association states that staying active can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. This reduces seniors' risk of heart disease by up to 35%. Builds muscle and bone strength: Weight training and resistance exercises build muscle mass, which can prevent injury and reduce age-related muscle loss by up to 3% per year. Boosts mood and cognitive function: Exercising stimulates chemicals in the brain that enhance mood, sleep, and memory, reducing the risk of depression and dementia. Prevents loss of mobility: Strength, balance, and flexibility exercises keep joints supple and reduce seniors' risk of falls and disability by 28%, per JAMA Internal Medicine. Physical activity provides tangible benefits for both physical and mental well-being in aging individuals but also highlights the significance of consulting healthcare professionals, especially those specializing in adult primary care. Yet, to unlock these benefits, seniors must choose activities suited to their needs and abilities. Tailoring Exercise to Senior Abilities When designing exercise plans for seniors, several important factors are to consider: Health Conditions: Seniors often have chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Consult a doctor about safe activities and modifications. Physical Capabilities: Assess factors like bone/joint health, balance, mobility, strength, and endurance. Choose exercises that target any limitations. Interests And Goals: Focus on exercises the senior enjoys. This helps them set realistic health goals like building strength or improving balance. Accessibility: Impact on exercise includes location, financial constraints, and transportation. Find low-cost and convenient options like at-home routines. Getting input from healthcare providers, trainers, and the seniors themselves ensures regimens are safe, effective, and sustainable. Exercise programs, such as the ems suits, should evolve over time to match seniors’ changing capabilities and fitness levels. Best Exercises For Seniors Any physical activity has its benefits. Certain types of exercise lend themselves particularly well to seniors' abilities. Incorporating a mix provides whole-body health improvements. Aerobic Exercise Engaging in low-impact aerobic activities can help improve cardiovascular health. Options include: Walking: A simple, accessible exercise that improves endurance. Swimming: Helps build strength and cardiovascular fitness without stress on joints. Chair Aerobics: Seated, low-impact movement to upbeat music. Tai Chi: Lowers blood pressure while working with balance and flexibility. Aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking. Strength Training Working major muscle groups combats age-related loss of muscle mass. Try: Body weight exercises: Squats, planks, and lunges use one's weight as resistance. Resistance bands/tubing: Provides flexible resistance strength training. Weight machines: Begin with low weight and high repetition. Functional fitness: Use daily activities like standing from a chair, and carrying groceries. Aim to have 8-12 strength sessions spread over 2 or more days per week. Flexibility Exercises Stretching, yoga, and Pilates keep muscles and joints limber. Benefits include: Improved range of motion and posture Reduced risk of injury Increased balance and stability Aim to stretch major muscle groups 2-3 days per week. Balance Exercises Balance tends to decline with age, leading to falls. Specific activities to improve balance include: Tai Chi Standing heel/toe raises Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line Standing on one foot To improve balance, perform balance exercises at least 3 days per week, with each session lasting at least 15 minutes. Creating an Effective Senior Exercise Routine When designing a holistic fitness regimen, keep the FITT principle in mind: Frequency: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. Include at least 2 days of strength training. Intensity: Moderate intensity is the safest and most effective for seniors. Use the “talk test” to avoid overexertion. Time: Start with 5-10 minute sessions and work up to 30 minute workouts. Type: Combine aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training for fitness. Other tips for creating an effective senior exercise routine: Get guidance from a physical therapist or certified trainer. Focus on proper form and technique over speed. Warm up and cool down before and after exercising. Include rest days for recovery and to prevent overtraining. Track progress through activity journals or fitness trackers. Stay hydrated and listen to your body's limits. Tailor exercise routines to individual fitness levels, goals, and medical needs. The key is starting slow and building up over time. Patience and consistency are vital. Exercise Safety Tips for Seniors While physical activity is beneficial for older adults, follow these precautions to prevent risk: Consult your doctor, especially if you have chronic health conditions. Warm up with 5-10 minutes of light activity to prepare muscles and joints. Use proper form to avoid straining muscles or joints. Start to work with a trainer. Increase intensity over weeks and months to avoid overexertion. Listen to warning signs like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath and stop activity if they occur. Wear supportive footwear with good traction to prevent falls. Stay hydrated and avoid exercise during extreme heat. Cool down with gentler activity after workouts to ease muscles. Seniors should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like chest tightness or severe pain during or after exercising. Starting slow and maintaining safe habits are key. Making Exercise a Lifelong Habit To sustain motivation and make working out a regular lifelong habit, seniors can: Join community fitness classes designed for older adults to meet peers and enjoy group energy. Find an exercise buddy for mutual support and accountability. Incorporate activity into daily routines like housework or gardening. Track progress with a journal, app, or wearable device to stay motivated. Focus on enjoyment first by choosing activities you find fun and energizing. Listen to your body and be flexible about modifying plans when needed. Reward small wins and don't dwell on temporary setbacks. Progress takes patience. Staying active provides lifelong benefits for seniors' health, independence, and enjoyment of life. Following the guidance in this ultimate guide can help older adults start and sustain customized exercise routines tailored to their unique needs and abilities. The key is taking the first step! FAQs:- 1. How can seniors exercise if they have chronic pain or mobility issues? Ans: Consult a physical therapist to design a program suited to your health conditions. Low-impact activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, walking, or Tai Chi. This can help improve strength and mobility without aggravating pain. 2. What home exercises should seniors do if they can't get to a gym? Ans: Simple strength exercises like squats or planks using your body weight are very effective. For staying active, consider chair aerobics, stretching routines, jogging in place, or engaging in activities like gardening and household chores. These can be effective ways to incorporate movement into your routine. 3. How long does it take to see the benefits of a senior exercise routine? Ans: While some benefits, like better sleep or mood, can occur immediately. Research shows it takes about 6-8 weeks to begin noticing significant improvements in strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. Stick with the regimen to unlock the full benefits. Conclusion: And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to senior-friendly exercise routines, your ultimate key to unlocking a healthier and more vibrant life. Staying active isn't just a phase – it's a lifelong habit. Join community classes, find an exercise buddy, and make it a part of your daily routine. Listen to your body, enjoy the journey, and celebrate small victories. Remember, this guide is your companion on the path to a healthier and more vibrant you. Take that first step, stay consistent, and relish the lifelong benefits that exercise brings. Here's to a future filled with strength, balance, and joy! Additional Reading: Postpartum Exercise: What You Must Know What are Popular Mind and Body Exercises Available at a Gym? Discover The Transformative Power Of Treadmill Ownership: Beyond Exercise

How Many Exercises Per Workout You Must Do? – Let’s Find Out

It is important to exercise and stay in shape if you are on a fitness journey. However, if you are on a busy schedule, you might think about how many exercises per workout you must do to be efficient. This is a question that is important to both an amateur and an advanced individual who is looking for a good workout schedule. In this article, you will learn about how to make a workout schedule based on your needs and demands. Hence, this article will primarily answer the question, “How many exercises per workout must you do?” Apart from that, you will also learn about various factors that influence the number of exercises. How Many Exercises Per Workout You Must Do? When you ask, “How many exercises per workout must you do?” - the direct answer is three to five exercises for a group of muscles. For instance, if you are working out your leg muscles, you must not do more than three to five exercises in a day. Although it is the general guidance for most people, it is important to learn why this is the case. This is because the number of exercises in your case depends on your needs and demands. When you target a muscle group, you can be effective with your exercises. Also, you will not end up overwhelming or overtraining yourself. Basically, when you have a better idea of how many workouts you must do while you exercise, you can plan your fitness goals easily. Also, a low but effective number of exercises in a workout will help you track your results better. However, if you are a beginner, you can start with two exercises for each muscle group. For example, to hit your chest muscles, you can start with bench presses and push-ups. On the other hand, you can start training your triceps with diamond push-ups and tricep push-downs. Factors Influencing the Number of Exercises There are many factors that influence the number of exercises you need to do in a workout. Generally, these include a combination of personal preferences and how you design your training program: 1. Fitness Goals As a beginner, you can start with simpler and fewer exercises. However, for advanced individuals, fitness goals fall into one of these categories: Strength vs. endurance vs. hypertrophy (muscle growth). a. Strength Training (Rep range: 2-6) Here, your focus is on lifting heavy weights, and your repetitions are low. This helps you to activate your muscle growth and helps to force production. Basically, this technique is common among powerlifters. b. Endurance Training (Rep range: 6-12) Endurance is your muscle’s ability to perform activities for long periods of time. To increase your muscle endurance, you must do lighter weights with high repetitions. This is a good idea for someone who wants to be more athletic. c. Hypertrophy Training (Rep range: 15+) Here, your goal is to increase the size of your muscles. Hence, you train with moderate weights with moderate repetitions. Generally, this is common among bodybuilders. 2. Experience Level In fact, when you have a good experience with weights, you can perform a higher number of exercises per session. This is because individuals with more experience have the ability to handle higher-intensity workouts. Also, they can handle higher volume because their muscles are developed. Apart from that, they have enough knowledge about technique, and they have higher endurance. Hence, they can incorporate more exercises into their workout routine. As you gain more experience, your muscles become strong and resilient. Hence, it can handle a higher repetition count with each set. On the other hand, if you do regular exercises, you have better aerobic capacity, which is a higher level of fitness. Hence, you can perform more exercises with less fatigue. 3. Time Constraints With more time constraints, you can significantly decrease the number of exercises you do in a session. This is because when you have a time limit, it will restrict the amount of time you dedicate to exercise. Hence, many individuals choose to dedicate less time to workouts when they have busy schedules. Basically, time constraints are a major barrier for many when it comes to regular exercise. This prevents you from engaging in physical activities that you might like. Moreover, this also influences the type of exercise that you choose to perform. Hence, you select those activities that you can do in shorter timeframes. For example, high-intensity interval training. 4. Workout Split With workout splits, you can focus on fewer muscle groups in a single day. This enables you to perform higher-volume exercises to target specific muscles of your body. In fact, with a split routine, you can do a higher number of exercises for each muscle group in one week. Apart from that, a workout split will also help you in faster recovery. Moreover, with a split outline, you can also perform a higher number of sets and reps for every muscle group that you target. This is because you are using more exercises to target a muscle group. Also, workout splits allow for more number of rest days between your training sessions. Hence, there is a better chance for recovery, and you can also prevent overtraining. Guidelines for Number of Exercises Based on Goals No matter what exercise you choose to do, it is important to focus on proper form. Apart from that, you must also ensure adequate recovery time. The following are a few guidelines you can consider if you want to consider how many exercises per workout you must follow: 1. For Strength Training If you want to gain strength with your workouts, you must focus on compound lifts (e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench presses). Basically, you have to lift heavy weights with low repetitions. This will increase your maximal strength. Here, the rep range is 2-6 reps per set. Also, you must stick to 3–5 exercises per workout. Additionally, you must ensure longer rest periods between your sets. This will help you to recover faster. 2. For Hypertrophy (Muscle Growth) In hypertrophy, the focus is to lift moderate weights with higher repetitions. This will help you to maximize muscle growth. Here, the rep range is 8-12 reps per set. Also, you must stick to 5–7 exercises per workout. Some examples of hypertrophy include bicep curls, shoulder lateral raises, leg extensions, chest flies, etc. 3. For Endurance and Conditioning Here, the emphasis is on functional movements and higher repetitions. Basically, you have to perform exercises for longer time periods and also at a moderate intensity. This will increase your cardiovascular health and stamina. Here, the rep range is high, and there are fewer rest periods between sets. Also, you have to perform 4–6 exercises per workout. In fact, the rest periods are fewer to ensure your heart rate stays at a higher level. Some examples of endurance and conditioning training include running, cycling, swimming, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. Factors to Consider While Structuring a Workout Here are a few factors you must consider while you structure your workout routine: Your workout routine depends on your lifestyle, schedule, and physical activities. Apart from that, it also depends on your current strength and size. Without specific goals, you cannot structure your workout routine. Basically, you have to find the best ways to chalk out your goals. Make sure that there are enough rest and recovery periods between two training sessions. This will help in muscle growth, and will not overstrain your muscles. Structure Your Workout Now How many exercises per workout? - Now you know that it is better to have 3 to 5 workouts in a single training session. Apart from that, you also need enough rest and recovery time between two consecutive training sessions. However, if you are performing endurance and conditioning, the recovery periods will be fewer. Do you have more suggestions on how to structure your workout routine? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Morayfield Fitness Unleashed: A Journey Into A Unique Fitness Experience 4 Tips For Getting Starting With Your Fitness Journey Today

Essential Eye Care Tips That Can Improve Eyelash Hygiene

Our eyes are often referred to as the windows to our soul, and taking care of them is essential for maintaining eye beauty. Among the various elements that contribute to alluring eyes, our eyelashes play a crucial role in framing and enhancing their beauty. Maintaining good hygiene of your eyelashes is essential not only for beauty but also from a health point of view. Here are some tips that you can follow to maintain good eyelash hygiene. Gentle Makeup Removal Properly removing eye makeup at the end of the day is crucial for maintaining the beauty and health of your eyes and lashes. Use a gentle eye makeup remover or micellar water to dissolve the makeup without harsh rubbing or tugging. Be especially careful when removing mascara, as rough handling can lead to lash breakage and fallout. Adopt A Regular Cleansing Routine To maintain eye beauty, including your lashes, embrace a regular cleansing routine. Use a mild cleanser or specially formulated eye cleanser to wash away dirt, debris, and excess oils from your eyelids and lashes. You can achieve pristine lash hygiene with Lashes by RK's best lash shampoo. Moreover, Keeping the area clean reduces the risk of eye infections and promotes lash health. Avoid Waterproof Mascara For Daily Use While waterproof mascara offers excellent longevity, using it daily can be harsh on your lashes. Waterproof formulas often require more rubbing and tugging during removal, which can weaken and damage your lashes over time. Reserve waterproof mascara for special occasions and opt for regular, non-waterproof mascara for daily use. Nourish With Lash Serums Eyelash serums enriched with vitamins and nutrients can work wonders for maintaining the beauty of your lashes. These serums help to strengthen and nourish the lashes, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of breakage. Look for serums that are ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes. Read Also: How To Care For Your Eye In 5 Medically Proven Ways Limit Eyelash Curling While an eyelash curler can add a beautiful lift to your lashes, over-curling can lead to damage and breakage. Use an eyelash curler sparingly and avoid applying too much pressure. If you prefer a more natural look, skip the curler altogether and opt for a volumizing mascara instead. Refrain From Rubbing Your Eyes Rubbing your eyes vigorously, especially when they are irritated or itchy, can cause lash breakage and even lead to lash loss. Be mindful of this habit and avoid rubbing your eyes whenever possible. If you experience eye irritation, try using a cool, damp cloth or artificial tear drops to soothe the area gently. Final Words Maintaining eye beauty encompasses a range of practices, with a particular focus on eyelash care. By adopting a gentle makeup removal routine, embracing regular cleansing, and avoiding harsh waterproof mascaras for daily use, you can protect the health and beauty of your eyes and lashes. Nourishing your lashes with lash serums and natural oils promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of breakage. Additionally, being mindful of eyelash curling and refraining from rubbing your eyes will further ensure the allure of your eye beauty. Read Also: Are you aware of Belviq – a Weight-Loss Drug? Seven Best Meal Replacement Ideas For Weight Loss The Science Behind Blue Light Glasses

8 Motivations to Start Up Health & Fitness