Best Social Networks for Fitness Junkies
When you survive a crazy boot camp session or set a personal record on a run, there's one thing you want to do (besides shower): Tell the world. The thing is, your Facebook friends and Twitter followers probably don't want to hear it. More than half of social network users think fitness-and diet-related posts are the most annoying updates, according to a new survey conducted by Sweatband.com, a U.K.-based e-commerce site.
Surveyors asked 1,793 Brits about the most irksome social media habits. Fifty-three percent of those polled said bragging about diet and exercise is the worst. Almost as annoying: people who share food photos, write cryptic status updates, invite others to play online games, and post baby pictures. More than 50 percent of respondents said they avoid Facebook and Twitter altogether to avoid these irritating updates, and 38 percent have quit a social media site because of them.
Do you clog others' feeds with fitness updates? No need to risk losing friends over it-or stop using the web to stay motivated. Instead, share your fitness triumphs with people who actually want to hear about it. All of these social networks are made for workout fiends:
PLUS: 21 Ways to Make Fitness Fun
Fitocracy
Unlike other social networks, Fitocracy rewards you with points for being active. Earn enough points, and you'll get special profile badges (aka bragging rights) and advance to the next fitness level. On this game-like network, you can log and save workouts, monitor your progress, and connect with your most fitness-minded Facebook friends-or meet new ones via shared interest groups. Then, use the corresponding Android or iOS app to broadcast good news or share before and after pictures. You'll also see friends' fitness updates via a Facebook-like feed. The best part? You can give each other "props" (the Fitocracy equivalent of a Facebook Like).
FREE, or $4.99/month to compete in fitness challenges and save more than eight fitness routines
Related: The Best Workout for Your Body Type
Daily Mile
If logging every single workout, tracking your mileage, and posting after-workout updates helps keep you motivated, head over to DailyMile.com. You can also search for routes or map your own. Then, connect with fit friends on your DailyMile feed. For even more fun, share a running route and challenge your DailyMile buddies to follow in your footsteps. Not a runner? You can also log swims, bike rides, and other fitness routines.
FREE, or $49.95/year for extra features like bulked up analytics, a calendar to plan workouts, and a prettier interface.
Map My Fitness
Billed as the world's largest online community of fitness fanatics, the MapMyFitness family (which includes MapMyHike, MapMyRide, MapMyWalk, and MapMyRun) lets you log in with your Facebook credentials, then record your outdoor workouts using Google maps to automatically tally mileage. Better yet? Link up with friends from your other social networks to swap routes and make sure they're the first to know when you hit a training goal. You can also access others members' routes and join groups through the sites to find local events. The coolest part: You can input your workout stats from the tracking device you already use, like Nike+ or Fitbit, and selectively email fitness feats to people outside the network-so even your Facebook-averse mother can stay in the loop.
FREE, or $5.99/month for an ad-free MVP Membership with extra features like cadence analysis, training plans, and mobile coaching
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By Elizabeth Narins, Women's Health
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