I wasn't making excuses for why I should sit and watch netflix instead of go walking the last few days - I just didn't have the time. Busy mornings and late evenings where I'm not home made it difficult to get in my mile. I love in lower Alabama - mid day is NOT an option during summer.
I missed four days of doing anything. FOUR DAYS without even noticing. Yikes. That's how fast this slippery slope goes.
To combat this dangerous hill, I downloaded the PACT app. I will discuss other weightloss apps I use in another post, but this app looks like it will be a true motivator.
Basically - I agree to do complete a certain number of workouts each week, log my calories for a certain number of days each week, and eat a certain number of fruits and veggies each week. I set the number for each one.
THEN (the kicker) I set how much I'm willing to pay for each missed workout, missed calorie tracking day, and missed fruit/veggie serving. I like my money. I am not a fan of giving it up for no reason, so this app will definitely make sure I get my butt in gear! PLUS when you are successful, they pay you!
Pact Workouts
Pact offers several ways to track your workouts, and basically every option uses GPS to keep you honest. Since this is my first week, I selected the minimum three workouts with the minimum $5 per missed workout. On Sunday nights I am typically very optimistic about my workouts for the week ahead, so I set my workouts on Sunday night then I'll be forced to follow through during my "not so motivated" days.
Pact has the option to sync with other workout apps - that's the option I'm taking. I'm using Runkeeper. If you look at the screenshot, you'll see one workout for 06/09 and one not counted. The uncounted workout is because 1) you can only log one workout each day and 2) that specific workout is me entering into Runkepper that I swam for 30 minutes. Since I did not GPS track my swim, it doesn't count on Pact.
Pact Calorie Logs
Similar to the workout logging, you can use other apps to count calories, and it will sync to Pact. I use MyFitnessPal. I've never paid attention to serving size and calories, so this is a huge eye opener! Pact doesn't require you to go under or on your exact calories nor are you penalized for going over. You just have to make sure you record at least 1,200 calories and three meals each day.
Pact Fruits & Veggies
The Pact fruit and veggie log is really easy. I already take photos of my healthy meals and snacks to share with CSA friends - now I just upload them to Pact too! The Pact community votes yay or nay that your photo is of a full serving and looks like you're getting ready to eat it (not walking through the grocery store).
Drumroll Please
The part everyone has been waiting for - THE PAYOUT. Obviously I haven't earned anything since I just started using it, but I did a great deal of research before giving this app access to my paypal account.
All of the money that is paid in from people who don't meet their Pact is put into a pool that is then paid out to those who do meet their Pact. Most people recieve about $0.30-$0.50 for each completed Pact item. That may not be much, but it's better than nothing. Plus it adds up.
IF I were to recieve $0.30 for each item above every week for a year, I'd earn over $170! I'll update this post next week to reflect my progress and earnings.
Comment and let me know if you are using Pact too!
