Today I’d like to give you a sneak peak into something we’ve been working on over the last year or so. TL;DR: See the video below.
It all started with the realization that it’s so much easier to not consume calories than to burn them by exercising — if you are trying to loose or maintain weight.
For instance, if you don’t consume an extra 250 calories of something, you don’t have to:
So many things you don’t have to do just by not consuming extra calories.
I’m not saying we should not exercise. Not at all. Exercise is absolutely needed. It’s good for your heart, your mind, your overall health and you should do it regularly. We make a number of fitness apps that help you exercise. But as a means of loosing or maintaining weight, exercising by itself is not very efficient.
How long does it take me to not eat that 500 calorie bagel and cream cheese ? Zero minutes. How long does it take me to burn the 500 calorie bagel I ate? 40 minutes at a 10 min / mile pace, plus prep and clean up time, that’s at least an hour.
Not very efficient for loosing weight.
It turns out, if your goal is to loose or maintain a certain weight the easiest way to do it is to not consume extra calories.*
Why am I telling you all this? Because it led me to believe that knowing how many calories I consume helps me keep a check on how much food I’m consuming. This ensures I don’t consume too much on a consistent basis.
“But calorie tracking is too time consuming,” you may say. “I tried it and gave up after a few days.” Remember this thing I said we’ve been working on? We are making calorie tracking a breeze with Cal & Lorie, your personal calorie tracking assistants.
Here’s how it works:
You text Cal & Lorie what you eat, you can write it out, tell it to Siri, or send a picture. Cal & Lorie will look it up and log the calories for you. It’s as simple as that.
Best of all, it integrates with Fitbit, so you can keep track of your calories burned and consumed all in one place without doing any extra work.
Don’t have Fitbit? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Open the Cal & Lorie app for a detailed view of your meal entries to see if you are staying within your goal.
See Cal & Lorie in action. Watch the video :
Like what you’ve see? Sign up below so we can grant you early access to Cal & Lorie.
*If you take that to the extreme you’d think starving is the easiest way to loose weight. But hold on, there’s this thing called metabolism that will rebel if you starve and actually cause you to gain all that weight back. So no starving please. We are just talking about extra calories here.
Posted in iPhone App
We are giving away 3 free “5K to Marathon Progression Pack.”
One for you and your two friends.
This bundle contains the best training plan progression that will make you and your friends Marathon ready. The bundle includes the following apps: Ease into 5K, Bridge to 10K, Half Marathon Novice 1 and Marathon Novice 1.
To WIN “5K to Marathon Progression Pack” follow these simple steps:
Competition ends on the 17th of August 2016.
The winners will be chosen on the 19th of August 2016.
Posted in Contest, iPhone App
Sport is not just about physical challenge but also a psychological battle. Anxiety and stress are factors that cause muscle tension and therefore have negative effects on performance. There are various ways you can improve your sports performance. One of the secrets is boosting your mental strength.
Here are ways to develop mental strength:
Be Positive
Focus on positivity because negative thoughts will only make you think that you are not good enough and will distract you in achieving your goals. Therefore put your energy on good thoughts. Remember, if you use running mantras – be sure that all the words in your mantra are positive.
Step out of your comfort zone
Be aware of what is outside your comfort zone. Be specific and identify how stepping out will benefit you. Getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging sometimes but keep in mind that once you successfully step out of the comfort zone, it gets easier over time. Take this as a challenge that can help you perform at your peak.
Visualize the best outcome
Visualization is also known as mental imagery. Did you know that 99% of Olympic athletes practice visualization? Athletes have been using this technique since 1960. When visualizing, be very clear and as detailed as possible. Imagine yourself participating marathon races, surrounded by thousands of runners – capture that moment and envision how you feel, imagine the sound, sight, scent, taste and touch (all 5 senses). Visualize your run and picture yourself successfully completing the race.
The advantage of visualization helps improve your confidence and can subconsciously improve your belief in yourself and your abilities. This technique also helps you to be mentally ready for the race and builds mental toughness.
Posted in iPhone App
It’s now deep into February and you may have already decided to give up on your New Year’s Resolutions. However, it is exactly at this point in time that you can turn a potential failure to stick to your choices into a positive change in your life. Many people fail at keeping their resolutions simply because they make poor decisions in setting these resolutions and set themselves up for failure. Try these simple steps to get back on track; don’t abandon your goals, break them down into more manageable pieces.
So you have had almost two months to start work on your resolution and you have failed to even start. Most often resolutions are abandoned simply because we make them “too big” and then cannot decide how, when or where to start. It may be time to truly reflect on your resolution and maybe review it. If you set a goal so unfathomable in a 1 year period, this is your chance to set a realistic goal. If the goal is realistic in a year timeframe, now is the time to break it down into monthly goals.
Take your monster resolution and break it down into more manageable steps. We often look at large goals, get overwhelmed by what we promised ourselves to do and get depressed when we are not making enough progress. By breaking this one monster goal down into 12 monthly goals you can start by tackling a small goal and reward yourself when you achieve this more manageable goal.
By writing your goals down on paper, in your journal or even better on a social media platform, you are essentially providing a hard and fast goal. It provides a much more “set in stone” goal that you can continually keep reminding yourself of. In a positive way, keep looking at your goal and reaffirming your aspirations by achieving results on a daily and monthly basis.
It sounds terrible, but in reality makes more sense to your sense of accomplishment. Try not to look at the actual end-goal, especially if you are easily discouraged. Tackle your daily, weekly and monthly goals without putting pressure on yourself to reach the year-end goal. For example, if you wanted to lose 100 pounds, and only lose 98 pounds by the end of the year; it is still an amazing achievement.
By worrying about the daily activities needed to get to the end result, you will actually be doing more to advance your goals than worrying about the end result without putting in the work on a daily basis. If you look to your next weight-loss or healthy work out goal it will be achievable in a positive way.
When you achieve a daily, weekly or monthly goal, start rewarding yourself, but remember to keep them in proportion. If you worked out for 30 minutes and kept to your dietary plan, reward yourself with 2 cookies or 1 scoop of sorbet, not a tub of ice cream. All your rewards need to be focused and measured, but you absolutely need to reward good results. At the end of a month, losing 10 pounds or reaching a goal for a 5k run, get a massage.
By planning out your route, getting effective support from the people you love, breaking down your resolution into bite size pieces and rewarding yourself, you can get back on track to achieving your New Year’s Resolutions.
Posted in iPhone App
It’s a New Year and time to plan your race schedule for 2016. If you have run races in the past you know that half the battle of staying fit, is getting out, signing up and staying committed. The easiest part about it is planning your schedule. In order to hit a new personal best PB on a race circuit, in a 5k or even at a marathon race you need to be prepared. Let us help you get there.
Plan it!
With the dizzying array of events and food comas that happen around the holiday season every year, it is easy to fall off the treadmill, almost literally. Especially when it gets cold and you dread the indoors treadmill over running out in the crisp, clean and refreshing air; now is the time that you have to get up and plan your year’s race schedule. Gearing up, initially is simply making the commitment to join in the race. Whether you like to run marathons, competitive 5 or 10ks or simple local runs, planning in the first months of the year will get you back on track and excited for earning that new PB.
In the beginning of the race season choose races that you have done before or are a little shorter in duration then you are used to. This will really help you get that PB in the first race, the most important one of the year. This sets the tone and pace for the rest of the year. Progressively get longer and less time in between races as you plan for the rest of the year. Of course remember to leave sufficient healing time in between races. If you are going out of town be sure to add in the planning for travel, take along food for race day and be comfortable with where you are heading.
Train it!
Now for the most important part; get back to training. If you took December off for the holidays and still have not gone back to training, now is the time to start. With a month or more off for the holidays, remember to start back into your regimen slowly. Remember when you first did couch to 5k? Most programs get you there in 7 weeks. You generally will not need that much time if you have ran in the past, but starting slow can ensure you do not create injuries before your first race.
Pick an app, fit accessory or old fashioned stop watch timing to help you get to a training goal. Remember to get back in shape, may take some time at a rate lower then you were used to before. But just like riding a bike, once you get a week or two of running back under your belt, you will start climbing towards your PB in no time.
Run it!
Make sure you stick to your schedule of races. The only thing that can beat you, is you. The best way to ensure this is to get running buddies to run with and announce your race schedule on social media. This helps keep you accountable for your race schedule. When you do arrive on race day, above all else have fun and race to beat your PB.
Posted in iPhone App
Most of the runners who shared their success stories started to run because they wanted to stay active and running seemed the more accessible and motivating way to start. After a few months hitting the pavement, they discovered they were falling in love with running and they could enter a 5K or even finish a Marathon.
But for some runners, this activity is also about staying healthy, physically and mentally. A month ago we met Honey on Instagram. Her motivation and positivism was such an inspiration to us, that we had to share her story with all of you! Can you imagine Honey used to weight almost 400lbs? You look great Honey!
Read her full interview:
– Share a little bit about yourself?
Name: Honey
Job: CEO Diamond Digital Music Group/ R&B Artist/ Producer
Location: Los Angeles, CA
– Why did you start being more active? Why did you choose running?
I started being more active for weight loss. At my highest weight I was almost 400lbs. After finding out I was borderline diabetic and at risk of several other health complications, I began my weight loss journey. I found that battling with PCOS was another factor that was making it hard for the weight to come off. This is why I chose running. Not only for the stress relieving benefits, but also the calorie burning. When I lost enough weight to where I felt lighter on my feet, I got started.
– When you began running, what did you find most challenging?
The most challenging part of running when you are still heavy for me is getting tired. I find myself wanting to go non-stop, but you have to allow your body to do what it can. Pay close attention to your joints and knees and ankles. You don’t want to injure yourself.
– What Bluefin app did you choose? How did you find it?
I chose the Ease Into 5k app first. I love the way it paces you and gives you a chance to walk and run in intervals.
– Did anything change since you started running?
Yes. When I started running, I feel like I can do anything. It gives me so much confidence that I started telling other people about it on Instagram. And running is definitely toning up my body all over.
– Any big motivators during your workouts that have helped you to keep running?
The biggest motivator or my favorite thing is listening to music while I run. I listen to my favorite songs and even my own music. I love that. I feel like I’m not alone when I listen to music while I run.
– What are your next running/fitness goals?
I have 50 more lbs to lose. And I want to complete the Bridge to 10K app. I know I can do it.
Do you want to share your success story with us and this awesome community of runners? Reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! Your story could be featured on our blog and social media!
Posted in Motivation, Running, Success Stories
Tagged Bridge to 10K, Ease into 5K, success story, weight loss
For us runners, winter temps mean one of two things: to face a freezing outdoors scenario while logging some miles or to stay indoors and face an even more dreadful alternative: the treadmill.
Don’t panic, we have the perfect solution for all of you who want to stay in shape this season, without the risk of getting injured or bored.
These six fat-fighting, brain-boosting cardio exercises can be done anytime, anywhere, with no equipment at all:
Bridges
Lie faceup on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. (Give your butt a big squeeze at the top!) Pause in the up position, then lower your body back to the starting position.
Plank Squat Hops
Begin in a straight-arm plank, with feet together and abs braced in tight. Bend knees and quickly jump legs forward, landing in a deep squat with toes just outside of hands. Immediately jump back out to plank position. Do 20 reps as quickly as possible.
Burpees
Start by bending over and place your hands on the floor in front of you, just outside of your feet. Jump both feet back so that you’re now in plank position. Then, drop to a push-up so that your chest should touch the floor. Push up to return to plank position, jump the feet back in toward the hands and explosively jump into the air, reaching your arms straight overhead. Repeat 10 times as fast as possible.
Mountain Climbers
Begin in a full plank position so your hands are directly under your chest at shoulder width apart with straight arms. Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise your knee as close to your chest as you can. Return to the starting position and repeat with your left leg. Continue alternating as fast as you can for 10 reps.
Skaters
Stand on your right foot with your knee slightly bent, place your left foot just behind your right ankle. Lower your body to a squat position, your right arm out to the side and your left arm across your hips. Hop to your left foot by jumping off your right foot, bringing the right foot behind your left foot as you swing your arms to the left, like you’re skating. Do all the reps you can, as as quickly as possible, for 30 seconds.
Jump Squats
With feet wide, lower into a deep squat and extend arms out to the sides of the shoulders, palms facing up. Jump up out of squat, bringing feet together and clapping hands overhead. Repeat this movement 20 times as fast as you can.
After creating more than 20 apps in the last 5 years, we’ve witnessed the progress of thousands towards a more healthy and active lifestyle! Nothing motivates us more than hearing from runners whose lives have changed thanks to one of our apps. And we know it also helps you get your butt in gear!
A few days ago, we got an email with not just one success story, but two! Tammy and GT, a couple from Arizona, started running together 3 years ago and have already a few half-marathons under their belts! Whoever said that couples who sweat together, stay together forgot to say “And accomplish big!”.
Here’s the email we received from Tammy:
Tammy ang GT at Las Vegas Rock N’ Roll 2014
“One month before my husband and I started using your “Ease into 5k” app (October 2012) I had someone ask me if I ran since I spent so much time at the gym lifting weights and working out on the Elliptical. My response, “there are only 2 reasons to run, if I am being chased by a perpetrator or a predator”.
Fast forward a month, my husband wanted a way to get fit without going to the gym. I had read several posts about couch-to-5k programs and said I’d do it with him. We found your app, and it really worked. We were both astounded by the success, us 2 who hated running based on gym class experiences.
Three years later we have both placed in the top 3 of our age brackets for various 5ks. I have completed 6 half-marathons and am training for my first full marathon (will run it in January). My husband has completed 3 half-marathons and will be completing his 4th, in January as well. We have found a great community of people, learned much about ourselves as a couple and as individuals. Your apps have made this possible. Thank you!
Running requires us to show up and try, perfection is not part of the equation. There will be rough runs, exhausting runs, runs that make us question why we run. Keep at it, it is in those rough moments that the greatest growth as a runner and as a person become possible!”
Thank you Tammy and GT! You’ve just made our day!
Do you want to share your success story with us and this awesome community of runners? Email us at angela@bluefinapps.com or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! Your story could be featured on our blog and social media!
Posted in Motivation, Running, Success Stories
Tagged 5k race, Ease into 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, success story
The year is coming to an end, and we’re officially entering the holiday season!
No need to stress out trying to enjoy all the good things this season has to offer, without compromising your workout and the healthy habits you’ve adopted along the year.
You must be thinking ‘How can I find the time? And how about the motivation?’. We can give you a few tips!
Make a plan
If your calendar gets busier at this time of the year, take a closer look at your weekly schedule, so you can plan your training in advance and fit in some time for a run. If you find it easier, schedule all your runs in your mobile phone or any other kind of digital calendar that notifies you whenever it’s time for hitting the road.
Redefine your workout
Finding some free time to workout during the holiday season is not easy. But that doesn’t mean you should just skip your runs! Remember: shorter runs are better than no running at all. 30 minutes is all it takes to feel the runner’s high!
What about the rainy days? Consider a home workout routine for those times. Crunches, push-ups and running up and down the stairs are all runner-friendly exercises that can be done with no gym equipment.
Bring the family or a friend
The holiday season is a great time to catch up with out-of-town friends who might be home visiting or even your own family members. So why not invite them to run with you? It’s fun and you can challenge each other. If you are the only member in the family who runs, try to find out local trails or tracks and see if anyone wants to go for a walk while you run. Going outdoors can be a fun way to enjoy the holiday season, release some stress, and of course, a great bonding experience.
More Intensity, less time
If you’re struggling to find the time for a long run, do a short run instead, at a faster pace, which will increase the effectiveness of the short run.
You can also try to crank up the intensity of one of your running workouts with a short, fast interval session on a track or treadmill. This will help you break up the monotony and give your fitness level a good boost to start the new year.
Fight the food temptation
This is that time of the year when everyone seems to forget about healthy eating habits, food journals and counting calories. But who can resist the loaded buffet tables with all the delicious dishes?
Remember it’s ok to allow yourself to splurge on drinks or your favorite dessert once in a while, but don’t make a habit of it. All you need to do is to find a healthy balance: for example, if you have two parties on the same night, eat dinner on the first and leave some room for dessert at the next.
Bring the joy of the holiday season to your workout
There are a lot of fun races during this season, from turkey trots to jingle bell runs. Just find one near you, put it on your calendar, take some friends and family with you… and have the time of your life!
Eight weeks have passed and you’re finally an Ease Into 5K Graduate. But there are still two aspects of your running you want to improve: you actually want to run a 5K in 30 minutes, and without stopping. If your progress seemed to plateau in the last couple of weeks and your personal best is far from the 30 minutes, you’re not alone.
In fact, this is a major concern for those who end a 5K training program. And for those in doubt: Yes. It’s possible to run a 5K in 30 minutes without stopping! But it requires work, some adjustments in your training program and even a few tweaks to your diet!
If you have your eyes set on a longer distance, like a 10K, pick up where the 5K app leaves off and get to running a 10K with Bridge to 10K.
Make sure you take the following tips into consideration while training:
Speed Workouts
One fun way to improve your PR is by adding some interval training.
If you prefer to train in a running track, you can run a lap at your 5K pace, and then, a slower, easier recovery lap.
If you are running on the road, you can use lamp posts to mark intervals. After warm-up, try sprinting from one lamp to the next, followed by a lamp-to-lamp slower run. Repeat the pattern until you’ve covered a mile.
Hill training
To run faster you need to build up speed and endurance. Hill running is an excellent exercise because it builds up your leg muscle strength, helps your aerobic capacity, your stride length, and of course, your running technique.
And how about adding some speed training to hill running? You can run up a hill at a high speed and on your way down do some easy jogging or just walk.
Don’t start too fast
Endurance is an important aspect of a faster 5K. You need to run at a “conversational pace”, meaning you can talk, finishing your sentences while you’re running.
If you find yourself out of breath, just slow down, without stopping. As you increase your endurance, you’ll be able to pick up your pace; but to start, just focus on increasing your distance.
Posture & Breathing
Your posture is very important while running. Keep in mind: shoulders back. If you tend to lean forward, it’s harder to breathe. With an upright posture, you’ll breathe more efficiently. Don’t forget your arms must be at a 90-degree angle as you use them to move propel yourself forward.
One of the reasons why runners tend to stop and walk while training can be from side stitches. To prevent this, you need to avoid shallow breathing. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth when you’re running. Don’t forget: breathe deeply from your belly, not your chest which allows you to take in more air.
Nutrition and Rest
A good balanced diet is important if you have a training routine. Make sure you incorporate carbohydrates, protein and both saturated and unsaturated fat into your diet. You can also keep a food diary and do some research on healthy recipes that will provide fuel for training and recovery.
Speaking of recovery, rest is very important to prevent any injury. Make sure you take at least one day off each week. Your muscles will appreciate the day off because they build and repair themselves during rest days.
Are you already running a 5K in 30 minutes? Share with the community how you accomplished this goal!
Posted in Running
Tagged 10K, 5K, Bridge to 10K, Ease into 5K, personal record, run faster
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