The Best of the Rest (Other Workout Types)

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Brandon Keller

In the National Hockey League (NHL), the Original Six is a popular moniker given to the first six teams to populate the league. For 25 years, only six squads (Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs) faced off until expansion inevitably diversified the playing field. While the newer teams have their own rich tradition and an ample amount of amazing memories, the Original Six is revered in NHL lore.

Here at Fitdigits, we have our own Original Six.

Walk, Run, Hike, Bike, Cardio and Indoor Cycling will always have a special place in our hearts. For years, the Original Six were the only workout options for our dedicated Fitdigits disciples. However, the release of Fitdigits Version 8.0 introduced over 50 new workout types, and with it the ability to truly customize your workout experience. With that in mind, lets take a look at the next six- the best of the rest. Here are the six most popular of our new batch of workout types:

Weight Lifting

All of you future Mr. and Ms. Olympia out there have made weight lifting by far our most popular new workout type, nearly doubling the next closest option. While popular perception connects lifting weights solely with gaining mass, pumping iron is a great way to raise your metabolism.

Elliptical

Coming in second most frequently used is our good friend the Elliptical. Elliptical workouts are an excellent alternative to running, in that it allows for a great cardio workout without putting all of the additional wear and tear on your knees, feet and ankles. Maybe try mixing it up on the Elliptical by performing heart rate based interval workouts.

Circuit Train

Getting the bronze medal is Circuit Training. A workout that is short on time but long on results, circuit training is a great way to get an efficient and effective workout. For more information on the benefits of Circuit Training, Shape.com has an excellent article on The 7 Benefits of Circuit Training.

Treadmill Run

Sometimes the relentless summer sun can be beating down a little to aggressively and you need to take your run indoors. That line of thinking has led Treadmill Run to be the fourth most popular new workout type. Record your pace and distance on a treadmill by manually entering your distance.

Treadmill Walk

Walking is a fantastic way to stay active when your body is not up for an intense workout, and Treadmill Walk has slowly but surely made its way into fifth place. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of activity, and walking is a great way to meet that goal. Read all about The Benefits of Walking.

HIIT

HIIT, short for High Intensity Interval Training, is one of the best ways to burn fat while working out, and Fitdigits users have hit HIIT up into sixth place amongst new workout types. HIIT combines intense short intervals of activity with short intervals of rest, allowing the heart to recover slightly before kicking it into overdrive all over again. HIIT is a perfect companion for a compatible Heart Rate Monitor, allowing you to chart your intervals in an easy to understand graph.

More Sun = Outdoor Fun

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Brandon Keller

On March 8th many around the globe turned their clocks back, ushering in the era of an extra hour of sunlight. Now that the weather is being more reasonable and it is sunny until 7 pm, it is time to leave the drab and dingy gym and get outdoors! The sun beckons, so answer the call and go on a vitamin D spree, burning some calories in the process.

Shape has a great article that features 10 New Outdoor Workout Ideas. The article offers you a grab-bag of fun and exciting ways to break a sweat outside. From Paddleboarding to a Fitness Scavenger hunt, this article is sure to stir up some ideas in the old noggin.

Track it all with Fitdigits! Fitdigits will map your route, and provide other interesting stats and charts.

From “Out of Shape” to Triathlon 5th Place

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Brandon Keller

Testimonial by Fitdigits User Len W.

I was introduced to triathlon by a good friend of mine after learning about my new found love for running. I had been challenged by my brother-in-law to compete in the Super Spartan race in Temecula, CA. At that time I was pretty out of shape after getting married and settling into a new career. With only two month to prepare for a race through an obstacle course with no running experience, I needed help in learning how to run and get into shape fast! That’s when I started searching for apps on my iPhone. I found Fitdigits and after reading about the functions, etc. I decided to download it onto my phone and give it a shot.

After my first few races and a half marathon I realized that I had hit a wall and was no longer progressing. I had just transitioned to Triathlons and wanted to be able to track my running, cycling and swimming. Although the app doesn’t specifically address swimming, I can enter the data and the GPS still tracks me in the water when I place my phone in a waterproof case. What I really liked about Fitdigits was the GPS component and the audible stats letting me know my current pace, average pace and distance traveled. That really helped me improve my overall performance in each discipline significantly and in a very short period of time.

My goal was to improve my overall race performance within a years’ time. I had been consistently finishing in the top 20% of my age group and wanted to finish in the top 10% or better. With the help of Fitdigits, I was able to place 5th in my age group at an Olympic distance triathlon placing me in the top 5%! Needless to say I was very happy with my results.

I started by establishing a baseline for each discipline and then from there, I would track my performance in each discipline against a set training schedule using the baseline stats as my starting point. After each week I was able to see my progress with specific detail provided through app in the history field. I was quickly able to compare my previous results, on a day to day basis or I could compare on weekly bases and make adjustments to my workout routine as necessary.

One thing I especially appreciate is being able to see the duration of my workout, distance traveled, calories burned (huge for me), pace average, CPM avg., and I like to see the Elevation ascent and descent. It really helps me see clearly how I’m actually performing from day to day based on terrain as well. It’s not static. Because the history is easy to see, I can compare how I’m doing really easily. Another huge feature me is how it syncs with my Lose it App. I also track my caloric intake as I’m also adjusting my diet for race day. Another cool feature is the map showing me my route.

I’m having so much fun tracking my progress both on the app but more importantly in real life in my events, that I’ve been recommending the app to several friends at work and in my Tri club. As a result of my training schedule, coupled with the Fitdigits App, I’ve been able to hit my targets and achieve my goals. I’m in better shape today at 49 than I’ve been in in the last 20yrs. I tell my friends that if they want to lose weight, hit a specific fitness goal or improve in their game to get this App!

Pair Your Polar Bluetooth Smart Stride Sensor With Fitdigits

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Brandon Keller

Fitdigits is now compatible with the Polar Stride Sensor, the first Foot Pod to use Bluetooth Low Energy/Bluetooth Smart, as well as other BLE stride sensors. The Foot pod will work with all Bluetooth Low Energy compatible iOS devices. First, you need to install the Stride Sensor. Once you have done so, you are ready to pair. To do so:

Stomp your foot a few times to activate the sensor
On your BLE compatible device open your Fitdigits App
Go to Settings -> My Sensors, and under Foot Pod turn “Bluetooth Smart” to ON

Pair your BLE Stride Sensor with Fitdigits

The Stride Sensor should pair immediately. Once it does, just begin a workout and you are good to go!

7 Healthy Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Brandon Keller

Your mom watched you grow from a bald headed baby to the mature adult you are today, so the least you can do is give her a magically magnificent Mother’s Day. However health is the most important gift to deliver, allowing you to spend future holidays together.

On May 11 stay away from a blubbery brunch. Instead punch up your yearly ovation to Mother with a healthy celebration like no other! Here are 7 fit ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Take a Spa Day
Stress is the hidden monster in all of us, wrecking havoc on our body and mind. In fact, studies have linked stress to obesity, headaches, heart disease and several other health maladies, not to mention skin issues! Share a day with your ma at the spa and look in awe that if you take the time to relax your mind and you may find that health problems decline.

Go for a Healthy Hike or Wonderful Walk
Get some quality time to catch up and chat with mom, all the while throwing a pack of matches on a cluster of calories and watching them burn! Track your walk with a fitness app such as Fitdigits’s iCardio app, mounting your iPhone with The Saddle, a comfortable and convenient way to bring your iPhone with you on every walk, jog, run or hike. The Saddle is available for $29.99 from Fitdigits.com.

Picnic at the Park
One of the best parts about Mother’s Day being in May is the sun should be shining and you can go out and play. Ditch the traditional Mother’s Day brunch, and instead head to a local park and pack a healthy picnic. Bring a Frisbee, soak up some sun, and enjoy what should be a beautiful day.

Replicate an Amazing Race
Set up a scavenger hunt around town and challenge family teams to complete the search, including fun clues and inside jokes. This guarentess a Mother’s Day you will never forget! Read here for tips on How to Plan a Family Scavenger Hunt.

Play Ball
Recruit a couple of families from your neighborhood together for a mini softball tournament. Don’t forget to get the t-ball out for the little ones and pack light and healthy snacks to munch on throughout the game. If softball isn’t your thing, consider flag football, backyard volleyball or soccer. Even badminton would be a fun game that will get the family active while having fun!

Focus on Family, Not Food
Often people make Mother’s Day plans around eating, be it going out to brunch, eating cake or making a big meal. Instead, emphasize activities that take advantage of the time you get to spend with the people you love. Try out some fun games such as Loaded Questions or Apples to Apples, or stretch out the vocal cords with some Karaoke!

Go Window Shopping
Mother’s day is all about mom and you should consider asking your favorite woman what she prefers to do most. If she isn’t an outdoor enthusiast, she may enjoy walking around downtown and browsing shop sales or find a local flea market where you can scope out cheap treasures.

Making Time For Me- Moms In Motion

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Brandon Keller

Testimonial by Jamie Allison

“Exercise is a big part of who I am. I started running competitively at age 7 and then picked up swimming and triathlons later in life thanks to my active parents. Like them, exercise has become an integral part of who I am. I feel most alive and free watching the moon set and the sun rise on early morning runs with my friends. I love the new energy buzz I have when I’m finished, and I love waking my girls up for school with sweaty kisses and snuggles.

I started Moms In Motion after listening to many of my girlfriends talk about their struggles as they transitioned into motherhood. They missed having time to workout, socialize, and pursue personal interests. Their identity was in question and it was unsettling. They loved their babies and yet they longed for the things that made them tick. My stay at home mom friends felt isolated while my friends who worked outside of the home felt they came home to a “second job.” They were exhausted and sounded resentful. I remember thinking, if my go-getter friends were having a difficult time with this transition, what was the rest of the world going through?

I decided there had to be an organization where moms could go to rejuvenate through fitness, friendship and philanthropic activities, without the baby. There were plenty of organizations designed for mom and baby, but nothing just for mom. So because I was a teacher and had my summer months open, I challenged these friends of mine to commit to a sprint triathlon training program. We met every Saturday morning to swim, bike and/or run and afterward we would grab some coffee to get that social fix. I integrated girls nights out as well because they needed this probably even more than the fitness piece. Women are wired differently, and studies show how our social/emotional connections boost our overall wellness. To deepen the experience, we adopted a local women’s shelter and painted the walls, donated clothes and playground equipment. That summer all 14 women completed the triathlon.

Moms In Motion grew to 80 and then to 200 women the following year. Our concept has spread across the nation organically and via word of mouth. Studies show that when mom is healthy and happy, her actions and influence transcend her, touching her children, family, friends, colleagues and community.

14 years later, Moms In Motion has become the #1 health & fitness community both online and on the ground for women around the world. We work to connect and empower moms through social, fitness and philanthropic opportunities. Moms In Motion has spread throughout the nation and expanded into running, trail running, walking, hiking, cycling, yoga, skiing, surfing and core strength training sports. We provide two different programs for moms.

New Mamas is for postpartum women with children age 1-2. This program provides venues such as walking, light running, flat hiking, core, Pilates and Yoga. Postpartum discussion topics are woven into each practice. Our traditional program, Fit Moms, is for mom only. Fit Moms is event focused, meaning we train for 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, triathlons, hiking and cycling events. Training for events adds a lot of excitement, adventure and accountability.

We also have a new MIM Experience App designed specifically for moms. Our App includes training plans, video-taped core sequences, health & wellness content all of which syncs sensors and workouts to the team website. Watching moms embrace our Moms In Motion concept validates a mom’s need to rejuvenate through fitness, friendship and outreach opportunities. I know I am a better mother, wife and professional when I take the time to take care of myself first. Everyone wins!

Giving back to those who give the most is the heart of the organization. We understand that moms are the primary influence in today’s family. Our job is to provide an outlet (and a Plan to follow) where she can take care of herself and role model a healthy, active, energetic lifestyle. Our kids need this now more than ever before.”

If you are interested in starting a Moms In Motion group, joining a local group, or learning more go to Moms in Motion on Facebook.

I Won’t Let My Blindness Limit Me

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Brandon Keller

Testimonial by Fitdigits User Terry G.

I saw February’s newsletter and read Tim W.’s story, the blind athlete who is shooting for the Paralympics using Fitdigits technology. Well, I would love to add to his story, and increase the number of us who are blind and have found Fitdigits to be a lifesaver to track our fitness performance.

I am a totally blind 25-year-old living in Aurora Colorado. I lost all my sight at age ten due to 22 eye surgeries that filled my eyes with scar tissue, leaving me completely blind. However, ask anybody who knows me, and they will tell you that I don’t let my blindness limit me. Back in 2011 I decided to do my first sprint triathlon…I nearly drowned! I had running and biking experience, but hardly any swimming experience. It took me 41 minutes to do the swim. I had a great time and I got a swim coach in 2012 and I was determined to do better. I not only improved my swim time from 41 minutes to 16 minutes in the same race, but I completed 3 triathlons in 2012, including my first Olympic distance.

However, I am still looking to get better. I got a professional coach at the end of 2012 that was giving me very tailored workouts, mostly dependent on heart rate training, distance, power, etc. I had never monitored any of this data before and was seeking a way to figure out how. Then I found Fitdigits, and it has been the best tool I have ever used to tailor my workouts.

When I want to train on my bike I put my phone into the Fitdigits Connect Bike Case that is mounted on my CompuTrainer bike for my cycling work outs. My bike has a speed and cadence sensor installed, I put on my Heart Rate Monitor and am ready to go. Or I slap in an ANT+ Adapter, put on my foot pod and heart rate monitor, and I am ready for tracking my runs either outside with my guide or on the treadmill.

During my CompuTrainer work outs on the bike, the CompuTrainer software doesn’t communicate my data to me, but Fitdigits does with the amazing and very customizable voice output, which is the selling mark for Fitdigits to the blind. I can know my speed, distance, power, and heart rate. Also, it uploads straight to Training Peaks, alongside my CompuTrainer data, and my coach can clearly see what I am doing. I have used Fitdigits for functional threshold power tests, and heart zone/power workouts, and my cycling has greatly improved.

For the running, I regularly perform long distance runs, and for these I have intervals organized around heart rate zones. Fitdigits helps me stay right where I need to, and either outside or inside, I know what I am doing. I have even used Fitdigits Assessments to determine max heart rate with amazing results.

I have completed 1 half marathon so far in 2013, and have 6 triathlons including the Boulder 70.3 half ironman, a full marathon, and a swim meet where I will be swimming long distance. Fitdigits is helping me to become a better triathlete and is playing a vital part in my ultimate goal; I am going to do my first ironman race in 2014 in Cozumel.

Type 2 Diabetes Won’t Stop Me From Running!

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Brandon Keller

Testimonial by Fitdigits user Ron G.

I am 64, around 148 pounds, and a 20 year US Air Force retired Vietnam veteran. My journey to fitness really started many years ago, early adulthood to be exact. At that time I decided to live an active and healthy life and I began to run as a way to stay healthy. I ran anything from short 3 and 5 km runs to running 10 Ks in organized competitions. Because of my Air Force background, I had the opportunity to run in many states throughout the US, as well as throughout Germany where I was lucky to be stationed over two different assignments. While there I continued to run many organized events up to and including a marathon which was over the original route taken during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Damn near killed me, but I survived! Everything changed when I turned 50 and was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic.

That diagnosis blew me away. As I stated earlier I always tried to maintain my health, was never overweight, and generally maintained a good diet. At that point, in order to help control my blood sugar at a near normal level, I continued to run. However, I started to lose even more weight and my doctor told me I should stop running, as it was becoming unhealthy for me to continue. So then I started walking to help control my blood sugar pretty much after every meal.

To make a long story short, two years ago I was put on Insulin and from that point on my weight stabilized. I have even been able to put on some weight! Diabetes is a disease that predisposes you to a host of other problems, namely high cholesterol and blood pressure, to name a few. With my weight under control, I decided to take my health into my own hands and started running again. I went on my first run in May of 2012, and I was excited to regain some control of my health, which had been in downward spiral since not being able to exercise because of my low weight.

Owning an iPad and iPod I could see all the apps that were available to help people take control of their health. I tried many running apps but they just seemed unable to do what I wanted. I did not see any that combined everything I needed all wrapped up into one app. With the purchase of an iPhone I gave Fitdigits iRunner a try and found that it did everything I wanted and more! The addition of a Wahoo Blue HR monitor completed the package. Now I was ready to go out and get serious about my training. I got voice and visual updates throughout my run that keep an eye on how my heart was responding to the stress level I was working out at.

Initially I just plugged in standard figures for heart rate based on age and it seemed like I was continually exceeding the top heart rate zone. That is when I contacted customer support and they had an answer for exactly what I was looking for. It was suggested I try some of the fitness assessments built into the app to see how my heart was responding to stress. I did the Beginner Cardio and Cooper running fitness assessments. Based on those results I was able to input different figures to my max heart rate and heart rate zones, and I have not looked back.

My doctor is happy I am exercising again and my blood pressure, which was starting to enter the mid to high hypertension range, has dropped back to near normal levels over the past two months. No other app includes fitness assessments, and I think that is what distinguishes this app from the competition. Initially I did not give them a go as I thought I had built up a base over the years with another tracking option, and even though I had not worked out for several years I could not switch now. Big mistake. Running and how to properly work out has changed over the years, and I found out that I did not keep pace with the advancements in the science that go into exercise. With this app I have complete peace of mind, completely aware of exactly how much intensity I can add to my workout and remain safe by not overdoing it.

I have Fitdigits to thank for the peace of mind I enjoy while exercising. The excellent customer service is second to none and I do not hesitate in recommending this app for use by anyone serious about their health. I do not go out for a run without first strapping up and activating Fitdigits iRunner. There is no other app that can do what this app does and provide the customer support to back it up. No hesitation whatsoever in giving this app my strongest recommendation!

Change Your Activity Type

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Brandon Keller

You wake up groggy in the morning and rub your eyes, symbolically wiping your slate clean and leaving the zen like trance the stranglehold of sleep has put you in. Breakfast is a Banana this morning, as you are eager to get in some exercise before you join the relentless machine that is your job. With your deadline coming up you know you will have to stay late, and the chances of you working out after work are about as big as a super-model’s waistline. You lace up your shoes, ready to attack with vigor your morning run. You grab your iPhone to track your workout with everybody’s favorite and fabulous fitness app, Fitdigits, put on your heart rate belt and quickly tap Quickstart. Ah, the simplicity of a morning run.

3 miles and a personal record later, you arrive home sweating and eager to take a look at your Fitdigits workout results. However, the post-workout bliss that had enthralled your very being slowly turns to frustration, as it appears that in your haste to get going you chose Bike as your workout type instead of run. Does this mean your personal best will forever have an asterisk next to it?

Not anymore.

Fitdigits has introduced the ability to change your workout type after completing a workout.

Online

1. Go to my.fitdigits.com
2. Click Menu > Activities then click on the workout you wish to edit
3. Click on the workout edit pencil icon in the upper left of the screen by the activity type/title
4. In Edit mode, choose a new workout type from the drop-down menu

Android

Go to the activity results details
Swipe to the Notes section, tap Edit
At the bottom, tap More
Swipe to change the activity type

Record a Treadmill or Elliptical Workout With Fitdigits

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Brandon Keller

Sometimes, the weather does not cooperate and you cannot workout outdoors, or maybe you just prefer the gym. If that is the case, use Fitdigits to track your treadmill or elliptical workouts. Even if you do not have a Footpod, you can still record your distance.

First, go to Settings -> My Sensors. Next, choose either a run workout or an Other Workout labeled either Treadmill or Elliptical. Record your workout, and when you are finished, go to the notes page. Tap the MORE button at the bottom, where you can add your distance, modify calories, or even edit times.

You can also log on to my.fitdigits.com and manually enter in the distance you ran on the treadmill, which you can view on the notes page. After you do so, next time you sync the iPhone app, your distance and pace will show up in the app.

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