iFitness on the iPhone

I am not always a huge fan of the much hyped iPhone applications. We have all seen the commercials. A hip new song booms in the background as a fresh-voiced narrator whisks us through the latest thing that the iPhone will solve in your life. Among the apps I have downloaded and ultimately deleted are a restaurant finder that was great at finding Wendy's and Subway but not so good at finding any place where food is not served on trays.

So when I looked at the iFitness app which is billed as a replacement for personal trainers I was skeptical. How could the info on this little device replace me?? I will argue that it can't, but it does a lot of good in its effort.

iFitness at its best is an extensive exercise library with an easily searchable database of exercises broken down by body part. The navigation is simple, the pictures are crisp and clear, and the descriptions are thorough without being verbose. The app allows users to record the number of sets and reps they performed, the weight used, and provides graphs to show progress.

As a reference tool for remembering exercises it is outstanding. In addition, the exercises go beyond the basic and gives users a chance to get new ideas for exercises. Where the app comes up short is in its suggested workout routines. All "static" or "pre-packaged" workout routines are lacking in the specification necessary to get an individual their optimal results. It is common for people to get workouts from a magazine or steal a friend's routine. That is fine but not optimal. Each person has unique goals, body types, strengths/weaknesses, postural or movement inadequacies, and health and injury concerns that a static program cannot speak to.

An effective personal trainer will work with their client to define a set of specific goals and measure their client periodically to determine weight/body fat, cardio conditioning, flexibility, core stability and overall strength. All along the way providing the client with a program specific to their unique needs to get the most results from their efforts.

The iFitness app is excellent at giving people a reference tool for learning new exercises but it is not complete in its ability to give a targeted fitness routine.