Last Updated on March 5, 2017 by Michael Brockbank
When you’re looking to get into shape, finding the right apps can be quite motivating. Exercise.com is one of those platforms that can be engaging while providing you with valuable information of various exercises and weight training methods. One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is because of the competitive atmosphere that comes with it.
What is Exercise.com?
Originally WeightTraining.com, this platform centers around physical fitness more than anything. Although the blog does have some information regarding foods and other healthy aspects, the primary focus is working out and weight lifting. Using a point system, Exercise.com pits your progress against everyone else on the system. Personally, I am currently in the top 900 out of thousands. I would like to be inside the top 700 before the end of the year.
Why Should You Want It?
Exercise.com is a robust system that includes a myriad of information regarding virtually any workout you can think of. With the inclusion of videos, you can learn how to perform these exercises without causing injury to yourself. Most will teach proper stance as well as body movement to accomplish each one. But, that’s not all. It also has a social aspect where you can befriend others and follow their progress.
Competition
I do enjoy the competition aspect of the application. However, I wish it could be more engaging. For example, the system had a great competitive area where you could challenge others to virtually any exercise or weight training program. Since they moved the system over to Exercise.com, they got rid of this feature due to a lack of interest by others. Since majority rules, it was a sad day when this was removed. However, the overall point system is still intact.
Motivational Friends
When you begin engaging others on the system, you can give them a “high five” for various workouts. Essentially, this is a form of the “like” button. You can also leave comments to each other. I have been approached by some of the coolest people on the system and find myself motivated to keep up with their workouts. Unfortunately, there’s a guy on Exercise.com that can process nearly one-million pounds of weight three or four times a week. I’m just too out of shape for that kind of a push. Soon, though…soon.
Informative
Exercise.com is incredibly informative when it comes to working out. There are also programs you can follow to help you achieve specific results. For example, I was debating on using the Ryan Reynolds workout – the very one he did before filming “Green Lantern.” Coincidentally, I didn’t think it was that bad of a movie.
Where Do You Get It?
This program is one of those where you can access it directly from a web browser or download it onto your mobile device. The app takes a bit of getting used to, but it can be quite influential once you get the hang of it.
Pros and Cons of Exercise.com
Although there are many things I would change about the appearance of the website, this platform has a large number of pros rather than cons. Remember, this is just my opinion. You may have other ideas as to what makes a great workout app.
Pros:
- Free or paid plans for getting private coaches
- Filled with almost any exercise you can think of
- Point systems for every activity
- Integrates with several key health and fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal
- Good social interaction available
- Detailed information regarding proper workout procedures
- Allows manual changes to calories burnt – which works great since I use a Fitbit Charge HR when working out
Cons:
- Not really a fan of the new look
- Removed direct competition with friends
- Some workouts will create double or triple entries to MyFitnessPal – but they are working on it currently
- Points are based on the ‘honor system.’ This means people can cheat to rack up the points. I don’t cheat merely because I want to see just how good I am for myself. Cheating on platforms like this just shows that you’ll never truly understand what you’re capable of or how you truly stack up to the rest of the world
The Bottom Line
Personally, I believe developers spent too much time concentrating about mobile responsiveness for the site design than practical functionality. I thought the previous design of WeightTraining.com was much easier to read and navigate. However, I still use the system for the sake of competing with everyone on the website. The videos and instructional content are another reason why this is still part of My Tools.
If you’re looking for a good platform that offers detailed information and a rich database of workouts, this is probably one of the better ones you’ll find. Every time I walk into the rec center to exercise, this is the first app that I load up – then I load my music. As this is a free to use system that has a login API for Facebook, you can be ready to go and tracking your progress in mere minutes. If you don’t like it, simply move on to the next. Not every app is for everyone.
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