workout. earn cash. get rich.

workout. earn cash. get rich.

• 9.18.2012

That is how I imagined these apps would work. While this isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, there is definitely motivation behind getting rewards or cash for working out.

(Disclaimer: I have LOTS to say about all of this so you might find this to be one of my more lengthy posts. Stick with me. It’s worth it. You’ll get rich.)

I specifically want to tell you about 3 apps/websites. In order to do that, however, I need to tell you about two additional websites (with accompanying apps).

I’m exhausted already….where do we begin?

Tracking workouts.

There have to be at least 3 dozen different apps you can use to track your workouts. They are typically GPS based apps you can use while running/cycling outside that calculate you pace, distance, mileage etc. Yes, that means taking you iPhone with you on a run or ride. However, many of these apps such as Strava andRunKeeper (the only two I’ve used so far…) allow you to upload data from your GPS training watch such as a Garmin. Handy. That eliminates the need to carry your iPhone on a workout. Check.





Ok so now we’re tracking our workouts. Super. It’s really neat to see all the data, usually mapped out on a calendar with cumulative statistics that show how many miles you’ve logged in a week or month. You can set and analyze personal goals such as fastest 5k or longest ride. Neat!

Additionally, these apps sync with social media so you can brag about your 6 min/mile and interact with friends/teammates to see how they’re doing with their half marathon training. (There’s also a privacy option for those of us stuck in kindergarten with an aversion to sharing.)

But what if there was a way to sweeten the deal by getting paid/earning rewards?

Yea, someone else already thought of that. Enter GymPact, Earndit and Bank of Fitness.

GymPact

This app pays you cold hard cash for checking in at a gym (for at least 30 min) or for logging a workout on RunKeeper (a newly added feature). You set a goal (pact) each week for how many times you’re going to work out. You get paid an average of $2-$4 a week for meeting your goal. Then you set a penalty ($5-$50) for how much you’ll get charged if you don’t meet your goal. The recently added RunKeeper integration is huge because if you’re a runner or a cyclist, there wasn’t a way to get credit for the workouts you did outside. Now, problem solved.



EARNDIT (website only)

This website connects with Garmin Connect (big plus for Garmin watch users), RunKeeper, Foursquare, Nike+, MapMyFitness apps and more. It automatically banks points for workouts you complete and log with one of the integrated apps. You can then redeem those points for gift cards and discounts. You can also donate your points (which turn into a cash value) to a worthy cause The only downside I’ve come across so far is that you need GPS based workouts to get credit. Rides on a trainer or runs on a treadmill in your house will not count. Bummer. Same goes for GymPact unless you’re doing it at a gym…



Bank of Fitness (website only)

This site works much in the same way Earndit does but doesn’t have as many app/website integrations. Currently, it looks like RunKeeper is your best bet for logging your workouts and getting rewards here. From what I can tell, the gift cards look to be a little better (think Starbucks, iTunes…). However, it looks like it’ll take a little longer to reach a significant point value to be able to redeem for something worthwhile. (Example: 250 pts gets you $10 Starbucks card which comes out to about 2-3 months of working out.)



All this to say, if you’re already tracking your workouts online or with an app - get these added benefits! It’s easy and so worth it. It all adds up over time!