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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Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition that is caused by issues with muscle control in the bladder, which can lead to the inability to hold urine, leakage when you cough or sneeze, or a frequent need to urinate. As a result, dealing with urinary incontinence is stressful and can be embarrassing. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, there is hope for management. You may be feeling self-conscious, but this is a common condition that many people, of different ages and demographics, experience. You are not alone, and there are plenty of things you can do to help control urges and build up muscle strength in your pelvis. Here are some basic tips to follow and options to try to manage urinary incontinence. Different Ways You Can Reduce The Urinary Inconsistence Try Out Some At-Home Exercises: Taking on some basic pelvic muscle exercises can help you build up strength to hold your urine flow. These muscles are responsible for your ability to control your bladder and can be strengthened naturally through some simple exercises. Performing daily kegel exercises can help you naturally gain control over your bladder muscles. Essentially, doing a kegel exercise means pretending you are holding back a stream of urine and will help you get better at strengthening your ability to do so when the time actually comes. Certain other exercises can be beneficial, too. A study from the University of California at San Francisco found that certain yoga poses can help with urinary incontinence by targeting the pelvic muscles. Find Products That Work For You: In the past, adult diapers were the most common thing people could buy to help with leaks and accidents. But not everyone enjoys wearing an adult diaper. Fortunately, urinary incontinence is common, and because of that, there are plenty of options that can cater to your own lifestyle and preferences. There are different types of pads and liners you can purchase for your undergarments, including specialized ones for swimming that no one will even notice. You can also choose specially designed underwear that passes as regular underwear and won’t cause any additional self-consciousness. Additionally, there are some more innovative devices to try, including incontinence rings, if you want to take on something a little more advanced. Develop New Behavioral Techniques: Get yourself into a routine that helps you take control of your bladder. For example, limit your caffeine intake, as caffeine is a known factor for increased urination. Alcohol is also a known factor, and reducing the amount you drink can make a substantial difference. Develop a new bathroom schedule as well. Train yourself not to go to the washroom just as a precaution, and work on holding your bladder for a longer duration between washroom visits. If you feel the need to urinate frequently, distracting yourself and focusing on something else can also be helpful. Maintain a Healthy BMI or Body Weight: Obesity, being overweight, and/or a high BMI can lead to a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence or other bladder problems. Therefore, taking measures to eat healthier and exercise more often can help you reach a healthier weight and therefore help with overall bladder function. Losing just 5% of your BMI can be beneficial in managing urinary incontinence, so every little bit helps. Aim to cut out processed foods, sugars, and make sure half of each meal contains a good serving of fruit and vegetables. Start with adding a little bit of exercise to your daily routine, even if it’s just a brisk walk a few days a week. The differences will be noticeable. Read Also: What Doctor Says About Snoring 3 Health Advantages Of Good Night’s Sleep

The 4 Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

During menopause, estrogen levels in your body drop. Some women experience unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), is the most effective way to treat these menopausal symptoms. HRT involves estrogen-containing medications that replace the hormones that are no longer produced after menopause. Studies have found that hormone therapy also helps to prevent bone loss and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. If you want to relieve the symptoms of menopause, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of hormone replacement therapy can help you determine the right type for you. Highlighted below are the four types of HRT for menopause. Here are the 4 types of Hormone Replacement Therapy: 1. Estrogen Pills One of the most common forms of HRT is an oral medication. The pills include conjugated estrogens and are typically taken once daily without food. However, some have more complicated dosing schedules. Pros Like other forms of HRT, estrogen pills can lessen or remedy the bothersome symptoms caused by menopause. They also reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). Cons Estrogen, on its own, slightly increases the risk of thrombosis and stroke. When used with the hormone progesterone, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer is heightened. Like other HRT treatments, oral estrogens have side effects. These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. People with liver problems should opt for other forms of estrogen as oral estrogens can be hard on the liver. In addition, estrogen may not be absorbed, especially if you are taking certain medications or if you have stomach problems. 2. Skin Patches Another type of HRT is skin patches, with examples including Alora and Estraderm. There are also combined estrogen and progesterone skin patches. Follow the instructions and replace the patch once or twice weekly. Pros First, the patch is convenient. You can stick it without worrying about taking oral medicine every day. The patch is also great for people with liver ailments as the estrogen goes passes directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the liver. Studies have proved that patches do not present a risk of thrombosis to postmenopausal women compared to oral estrogens. Cons Estrogen patches do have side effects. These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. The patch can also irritate the skin on which it is applied. Do not expose estrogen patches to high temperatures or direct sunlight. The heat can bring about the rapid release of estrogen from some. Therefore, do not use a tanning bed or sauna when wearing an estrogen patch. 3. Topical treatment Estrogen gels, creams, and sprays are another way of incorporating estrogen into your body. Like skin patches, this type of estrogen treatment is directly absorbed into the blood. They are normally administered once a day. Pros Since these topical estrogen treatments journey directly into the blood, they are low risk for people with liver problems. Cons A possible problem with the use of this type of estrogen treatment is that the gel, cream, or spray can be rubbed or washed off before being completely absorbed. Always let the treatment of dry before dressing and apply after bathing. Since estrogen is directly absorbed through the skin, do not let your family members come into contact with these creams or gels. Ensure you clean and dry your hands after using the medication. 4. Vaginal Suppositories These types of estrogen treatments are applied directly to the vagina. These treatments are most suitable for women who suffer particularly from vaginal dryness, itching, pain, or burning sensation during intercourse. The medication includes vaginal tablets, creams, and vaginal rings. The exact dosing schedule depends on the product. However, the vaginal ring must be replaced every three months. Pros Research has proved that vaginal suppositories are more effective in treating vaginal symptoms of menopause than other types of estrogen treatment. Some vaginal rings produce low doses, impacting the surrounding region only. This is favorable since they do not subject the whole body to high amounts of estrogen. In theory, this reduces the risks of estrogen treatment and is a safe method to reassure women unable to receive systemic treatment. Cons Vaginal suppositories containing low amounts of estrogen are only useful for menopausal symptoms brought about due to hysterectomy. They do not treat other symptoms, such as hot flashes. Although high doses of suppositories offer solutions to these symptoms, they may carry risks of cancer. Most doctors do not recommend long-term vaginal estrogen therapy in women who still have a uterus, as this may escalate the threat of endometrial cancer. In conclusion, work closely with your doctor to decide on the best option from the various available hormone replacement therapies. Also, talk to your physician about how long you can take HRT and how to limit potential risks. Read Also: HGH Therapy Clinic In California 8 Natural Ways To Balance Hormones

How to Fix Being Skinny Fat

What is skinny fat? The term skinny fat could be very confusing, for how could someone be skinny and fat at the same time? But to make this clear skinny fat people are those individuals who look skinny on clothes but they have body fat which is high and muscle mass which is very low. But they look very soft and flabby underneath those clothes. The question that many people ask is, do you have a struggle in gaining weight and building up your muscles no matter how much are you eating? If despite the fact that you have a skinny look you still have a fat look. In this case, you would be probably suffering from a condition called skinny fat. You should not worry if you have this situation all you need to do is just a little change in your nutrition while you are performing a skinny fat workout. Discussed below is how to fix fat skinny by having a skinny fat workout that helps in losing fat, gaining muscle and having a better look; and also the nutrition and diet which will help you fix this condition. How to Fix Being Skinny Fat: Poor nutrition: As much as we may consider the root source of skinny fat condition as not having the correct workouts the problem majorly stems from poor nutrition. Despite your high metabolic rate junk food, alcohol, having irregular mealtime as well as not having enough sleep makes your body to store unwanted fats. Increase calorie intake: For you to gain muscles, you have to increase calorie intake daily. But as you take this make sure it only comes from natural, healthy sources. If you end up splitting these foods into six times a day instead of the usual three meals a day, it will ensure that your metabolic rate is consistent. If you are taking alcohol, then it may jeopardize your ability to fix to be skinnyfat. Once alcohol is in your body, then your body will store a lot of fat as alcohol needs to be processed first Skinny diet plan: As mentioned above diet plays a critical role in losing weight thus you can not only rely on a good workout plan but also a diet plan. If your diet is not good enough, then your body may not be able to lose the excess fat. Below is a good diet plan that will help you fix the skinny-fat condition. Cut the crap: Anything fancy is no requirement for your nutrition. just cut out anything that is not natural, deep-fried food and any junk food such as chocolate and cakes. It is not that you should not completely take them but instead reduce the amount and the number of times you take in a week. Reduce carbohydrates: A diet that is lower in carbohydrates will assist you to lose weight very fast. It is preferred that you should take fewer carbohydrates since your body is still in need of it and also it is the source of fiber. As you take this, you just need to be smart about it. Fruit and veggies: Some fruits and vegetables such as potatoes contain carbohydrates, but they have a wide range of nutrients that your body needs. You should take at least two pieces of fruit each day and at least five servings of vegetables. Water: If there is something tough to do is taking the required amount of water each day. You should have a record of the amount of water you taking each day to try taking the minimum requirement of 2 liters a day. Skinny fat workout: In the case that you have sorted your diet out then its time to have started performing exercises in your skinny fat diet or workout to ensure that you have muscle growth in the shortest time possible. You should perform these workouts three times a day ensuring that you have a break after every session. The most preferred exercises are squats, maxi climber, treadmill among others. They are considered essential in building up your muscles since they work for multiple muscle groups at the same time. Skinny fat workout plan: If you want to fix the skinny fat condition and get results as soon as possible then below is a recommended workout plan. It is always good to have a proper plan for with it you are likely to stick and be consistent. 1-2 days of high-intensity workout training: As mentioned above the workouts should not take much of your time. You should not have them overdone for they will make your legs be over muscular. 1-2 days rest: The most important thing to give your body is time to rest and also time to recover your muscles. Doing an excess training may make your body hold onto excess fat. So in a case where you are having a feeling that your body needs some rest then think twice you just need to rest. If you follow these well, then your skinny fat condition will be fixed in a very short period. Read More : Bolstering The God-Doctor-Patient Relationship: Expedites Healing Who Can Benefit From The Elliptical? The 5 Best Herbal Remedies To Treat Acne

8 Motivations to Start Up Health & Fitness