GymGoal – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
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Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2009-04-23
Developer: GymGoal - Intro SALE!
Price: 7.99
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Of all the health and nutrition software I have tested on the iPod Touch, GymGoal by SmalTek is by far the most sophisticated and complex. It seems that in this instance, more serious bodybuilders are working with the programmers to make a better product.
The full version of GymGoal is not for amateurs.
The application assumes access to a full-blown gym, so those doing a workout from home that have only a recumbent bike and a set of dumbbells to work with may wish to get another application (or buy more equipment, or join a gym).
A possible future improvement to the application could be to allow for searching based on the equipment you have to work with at the time.
It should be noted that cardio exercises do not have any instructions. Obviously, the creators assume knowledge of walking on a treadmill.
One nice aspect of GymGoal is the sheer amount of instruction on how to work out.
It’s a bit like having one of those workout instruction books seen at a bookstore, but also includes a tracking database for both exercises and body and weight measurements. It calculates important measurements like BMI and body fat based on information given.
I like that GymGoal calculates your BMR, which is the amount of calories you’re supposed to burn in a day even if you’re at rest. It even includes a map of the body with a guide to the major muscle groups. When you tap the muscle group, it shows a listing of exercises to strengthen that selected area.
The application takes up a fair amount of space on one’s iPhone or iTouch. It’s so large because it includes a quick animation for each exercise (which is nice to have if you work out in a place without a Wi Fi signal). It’s a minor quibble, but I would appreciate audio instruction to go with the animation even thought I know such an addition would take up even more space.
The program does have a timer for tracking exercise (which could use a louder sound when the exercise completes). It also allows the user to change the background image between images provided with the program (although being able to use a custom image would be nice).
Another useful feature the app could contain is an estimate of the calorie burn for each exercise, even the cardio ones.
While GymGoal covers a lot, it is also the most expensive app I’ve covered thus far coming in at $7.99 in the App Store. In a world of 99 cent applications, that’s a bit of a bitter pill. However, a more basic GymGoal Lite (which doesn’t include timers or scheduling, among other things) is available for $1.99 and an even more basic GymGoal ABC (which doesn’t include a tracking database for exercises or data backup) is available for 99 cents. The version you chose depends on your workout needs.
Pros – pretty much everything that you need in a workout program short of actually having the program work out for you. Intuitive interface. Excellent directions for both app navigation and workout.
Cons – a bit on the expensive side. Could use some added functionality.
O U R T A K E . . .
