I realize that it often takes the proverbial dangling of the carrot approach to entice people to get fit. In fact, I encourage it.
For most people the carrot represents the fit toned bodies they see in the magazines and on television. When the new year rolls around, new year resolutions are made and gym memberships are purchased. Typically two months into the new workout regime trips to the gym feel like trips to the dentist.
If only that carrot was dipped in gold.
Rewards are key to reinforcing behaviours. The oldest parenting technique in the books for getting kids to do something they don't want to do is to offer them something they so desperately want- like candy.
Enter, Gym-Pact. Basically, you download the mobile app, register how many days per week you want to commit to working out. Your gym/ yoga studio is linked to app, so if you don't go you don't get paid! Yes, paid! When you set your weekly workout commitment you also determine the monetary stakes you'll pay for missing a workout. Each week money is pooled from all the users who do not make it to the gym and divided to those who stayed committed.
Go to the gym - make money. Skip it - pay up.
If you feel you're 'wasting' money by paying for a gym membership and not going, this is the app for you. Right now the average payout is $1.50 a week, or $6 a month. If you're dedicated to your fitness plan, it's an easy six bucks per month.
