Trying to get fit or lose weight but lacking the motivation and willpower? A new app that acts like a digital personal coach monitors fitness, activity, sleep and diet and provides tips for health and productivity.
The app called Larklife gathers data via a wristband and provides personalized advice, which is displayed on the smartphone app. It can deduct if the wearer is not getting enough sleep and how sedentary they are, according to its creators.
The California-based creators say it's as if you had your own personal fitness trainer, productivity coach and sleep coach all working together to give you the easiest way to improve at this moment.
After a poor night's sleep, for example, the app might suggest extra protein for breakfast, based on research that it can improve mental focus when someone is sleep deprived. Thirty minutes after a workout, it might remind the user to drink water to keep hydrated.
The app is part of the growing wearable technology market, which is expected to nearly double by 2014, according to researchers. Many wearable technology devices connect with smartphone apps to display the data they gather.
There is a growing supply of health and fitness tracking apps and gadgets on the market, including the Nike+ FuelBand, Fitbit and Jawbone UP. This new app, however, provides real-time advice and does not focus on tracking metrics like calories burned or distance traveled.
While data is important as the first step, most people then want to know what those numbers mean to them. The Larklife app provides coaching and positive reinforcement wirelessly in real-time.
The app's advice is a gentle nudge and friendly reminder at the time when you're supposed to be doing it that just pushes you to take that extra little step, say the creators.
The app was developed with sleep, nutrition, fitness and circadian rhythm experts and neuroscientists.
For dieters the app automatically logs meal times and can record more detailed information, such as type of food consumed. It will be available for iPhone and iPod touch devices in December. The wristband will be sold in Apple stores and online in the United States in December for $149.99. Holiday gift idea perhaps?
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.