First, watch the 4-minute New York Times video on comparing fitness apps with virtual coaches to live professional coaches.
The New York Times. (2015, February 11).
Workout test: Fitness apps vs. personal trainers | Molly Wood | The New York Times (Links to an external site.)
. Video File [3 minutes, 59 seconds].
Let’s start with a reflective question based on your experiences, prior learning, and the video:
Molly tried both a live fitness trainer and a virtual app-based fitness program. She shared the benefits and challenges to each approach and her ultimate decision on which was best for her lifestyle. What do you feel your experience would be if placed in the same situation? Would you choose one of these two options, or would you seek something entirely different?
Now applying what you’ve learned from the readings, let’s go through the rest of the discussion together, one question at a time. I will guide us through.
Think about a fitness app or device that you use or are familiar with. Share a bit about this app or device. What are its core fitness features? How much does it cost? What are its benefits? Barriers to use? Based on all that you know, what groups or individuals would this app or device be optimal for? Who might not benefit as much? Consider diverse groups with cultural, language, or other differences; age groups; sex; geographic regions; etc.