Why I Built a Privacy-First Workout Tracker (Gym Bag Digital)
Gym Bag Digital is an offline workout tracker for Android, by me. But why? There are a couple reasons I created the Gym Bag Digital Android app.
Help Clients with Workout Tracking
I mention progressive overload on my personal trainer site and Fiverr page. That implies tracking what you do in workouts so that you know how to progress toward fitness goals (and when to regress). Progression requires knowing what you did last so that you can do more. How do you track progression without tracking your workout history - sets, reps, or even exercises? Taking notes throughout the workout is the best answer. Some have good enough memory to remember what they did. Others either waste time guessing, use the same weight, or add too much weight. This wastes time and energy, and it's frustrating.
Will my addition to the long list of workout trackers fix that? I doubt it. At most, it may slightly mitigate it. But for my clients and anyone who values simplicity and privacy, it's a solid tool that gets the job done. Does that make it worth a shot? Yes.
If I didn't create my own app, which app would I comfortably recommend?
Protect User Privacy
With few exceptions, certified personal trainers aren't health professionals, or "covered entities," legally required to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, trainers usually ask potential clients about their injury and medical history during initial consultations. That information is covered under HIPAA as protected health information (PHI). Some clients tell their fitness trainer just as much as their primary care provider (a.k.a. primary care physician), if not more.
I take privacy seriously, especially regarding personally identifiable information (PII). I understand the impact of cyber attacks on fitness data, big data collection, and the difficulties of trying to properly secure your data. That's why my app is designed to work offline, no location tracking, no background syncing data to a cloud server. The fitness tools included don't require internet access:
- HIIT timer
- Rest timer
- Rep counter
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator)
- Heart rate zones
- Ability to import/export as you wish
- Example exercises and workouts for various goals
You'd be right to argue that people shouldn't trust a random blogger over a company. But, clients who trust me may inherently trust me a bit more. My goal is to not fail them.
The Learning Experience
I've gone from IT soldier to IT guy. With this app I get to build on my current IT knowledge. I learn more about mobile device cybersecurity, software development, clients' user experience (UX) with health IT solutions, and more. This can help me facilitate a more optimal fitness journey for clients.
Reach Busy Non-Readers
I like writing and reading. However, many Americans do not. It's understandable in with our rat race soceity.It is a time-consuming task. According to Masterblogging.com, blog readers:
- Are 80% most likely to only read the post headline
- Spend approximately 96 seconds reading a blog post
- Read 1-4 posts per month
Blogging and content marketing obviously have their place. But the digital information overload era has left many people with full inboxes that never get cleaned. The app cuts through the noise. It streamlines content delivery for clients interested in learning more about fitness, nutrition, supplements, activewear, etc.
Excited to try it out? Learn how to install Gym Bag Digital on Android.
I'm not planning a release for iPhone. I recommend Apple users check out Apple Fitness Plus.
Tags: fitness, health, IT, cybersecurity, privacy, black-owned-businesses, accessibility, nutrition
