Using Mobile Apps and Social Media To Get Into Shape.

I don’t know about you, but I live a pretty sedentary life. My job as a web developer doesn’t exactly require much in the way of physical exertion. Unless you count being the grumpy office troll as exertion, which it can be at times, but I’m only going to burn, at most, 5-10 calories. Hardly seems worth the effort.

So I sit, day in and day out, eating sugary snacks and quaffing super-caffeinated, calorie heavy drinks in an effort to make it through the day as my center of gravity continues it’s inexorable journey lower, and a little more to the front.

But last week, something changed. I can’t quite place my finger on the exact trigger. There’s so many to choose from. The rash of health problems that’ll soon start creeping up on me? Having difficulty walking up stairs because my knees hurt so much? Watching the needle on the scale fly past zero when I step on it or being forced to shop at Big & Tall stores? Not being able to play with my two boys? Sitting across the table from Steph and realizing that the path I’m on is stealing away time I get to spend with her.

I think it was likely all of the above.

Being a geek, and a social one that borders on over-sharing at that, I turned to the one gadget I am NEVER without, my iPhone, to see if I could use it, along with my social network, to motivate me.

It wasn’t long before I found a few apps that did exactly what I wanted; they work great and are easy to use, they integrate easily with my social network, and are (mostly) free.

My Fitness Pal (FREE)

MyFitnessPal.com is a fantastic app. It allows you to track your meals, exercise, and weight, plus has a news feed that allows you to share your progress with everyone from the large network of people on the site. You can also read lots of blogs or You can also set up automatic updates to share with your network on twitter and facebook.

While MyFitnessPal.com has an iPhone app, the web site works the same way and is also free to use, so don’t let the fact that you don’t have an iPhone stop you from signing up.

Apple App Store Link: MyFitnessPal

Nike+ GPS (FREE)

A few weeks ago, NIke released a free version of their Nike+ run tracker app that uses the GPS in your iPhone. Gone are the days when you need to have a transmitter placed in your shoe to track your progress.

Just fire up the app when you start your walk or run and the app will track your route, distance, time and pace, plus your overall progress. Once you finish your run, you can have the app share your results to twitter, which uses the hashtag #nikeplus, or facebook manually, or set it up to do it automatically.

Apple App Store Link: Nike+ GPS

Everyday ($1.99)

Ok, Everyday isn’t free, but what it does do is remind you to take a picture of yourself everyday. Why would you want that, you ask. After you’ve gotten into shape, or for motivation, you can go back and be amazed at how much you’ve changed since you started, plus the app will take all of the daily pictures you’ve taken and put them into a time lapse video that’ll show your transformation. You can share any of your photos along the way on twitter or facebook as well.

Believe me, it’s worth the $1.99.

Apple App Store Link: Everyday

These three apps have done wonders for me so far. Yes, it’s only been a week, but I’m down 6 pounds already and every day I find I’m more motivated than the last and looking forward to where I’ll be in a few months. Maybe I’ll get back into doing triathlon again.

Don’t be afraid of sharing your progress online. One thing that you’ll quickly learn about your social network is how supportive it can be. The very first time I tweeted about my new plan, people started cheering me on, and sharing their tips, goals and progress as well. It’s amazing what a few positive words can do to motivate you.

Are you using any apps that are different? Have any questions about the apps or how you can use them? Need someone to share your progress with? Use the comment forms below or look me up on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jamiecalder and get in touch.