Posts Tagged ‘Exerice’
Runkeeper Keeps Track
Let’s face it: no one really LIKES to workout. However, since I do workout, I like to keep track of my progress. It helps to look back on how far I have come – especially on those days when I would rather sit down with a bowl of Lucky Charms than exercise!
About two years ago, I got myself back on a regular, almost-daily exercise routine. I have always liked to keep track of my workouts by noting what I did in a written journal. In April of this year, I found a website called RunKeeper. The site is geared towards tracking running, walking and cycling, but I have used it to track all of my workouts, including yoga, pilates and strength training. There is a companion application for many phones; I have an Android phone and regularly use it to input my data to RunKeeper.
You may create a free account at RunKeeper, or you can pay a fee to become an Elite member. The Elite option does give you more tracking options, report features and discounts on fitness classes. Go to http://www.runkeeper.com to create your account.
Once you create your account, you can set up your Profile and log in your activities. You can also add friends who use the program to your “Street Team.” Being part of a Street Team allows you to share your workout information and encouragement with your teammates. You can add users by name, import Google contacts or search for local users.
When I first started using RunKeeper, the Activity Types were limited to Running, Cycling, Walking, Swimming and Other. Now when you add your activity information, you cab choose from many activity types: Running, Cycling,Walking, Hiking, Downhill Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Elliptical, Skating, Swimming, Rowing, Wheelchair or Other. I use the “Other” category for workouts that do not fit into the preprogrammed list, such as Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Bootcamps and Strength Training.
When I add an activity, I also add information about how the workout went. This is usually where I will write a few details about what the workout actually was – walking outside, on the treadmill, taking a Zumba, Pilates, Yoga or Bootcamp class, etc.
Another feature that comes with RunKeeper is the ability to upload your activity information to your Twitter or Facebook account. I do use that feature with Facebook because I like sharing the information with my workout buddies who are not using RunKeeper but do keep up with me on Facebook.
I hope that RunKeeper will someday allow for tracking strength training workouts within the program. Until then, I am content with using the program online and on my phone to track my progress. It is good to be able to look back through what I have accomplished and I like being able to share with my fellow workout buddies, too.
Now, off I must go to log a few miles on my treadmill!