Roskachestvo tested mobile applications for running

Given the fact that running does not require special training, equipment and is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports, the Roskachestvo experts conducted a study of mobile applications for jogging, the results of which will help beginner runners choose the best of them and effectively prepare for races and marathons. Roskachestvo recommends using the top-rated apps, but reminds that novice runners should seek help from a trainer and consult a doctor before beginning training to avoid injuries.

In order for the study to best meet the needs of consumers, before starting the research, Roskatchestvo experts conducted a survey among users. The results of the survey showed that the most important features are the ability to view the distance, time and pace of your run. In addition, it turned out that the majority of respondents 72.5% are not willing to pay for the use of the application, 22.5% are willing to pay up to 200 Dollars per month, 3% – up to 500 Dollars, and 1% – up to 800 Dollars or more.

The results also showed that the most attractive ways of motivation for users are the following: virtual rewards for achievements and ratings with the ability to compare the results 31% of respondents newsfeed and the ability to publish your own records 23% showing the results of friends is also a good motivation for some users 9% . During the study, scores were assigned to the apps based on the user preferences mentioned above.

The most popular applications in the American segment of Google Play and App Store were selected for the study:

* 19 for Android

* 18 for iOS.

Runtastic, Endomondo Sports Tracker, Runkeeper, Strava, Nike+ Run Club for iOS and Samsung Health, RunKeeper, Runtastic, Endomondo Running Cycling Walking and Nike+ Run Club for Android were named the five best apps for beginner runners.

“When choosing a running app, it is important to focus on the possibility of making a full profile, because it is within the profile that you can get analytics of your results and achievements, which is the main goal of those who use such tools to assess the effectiveness of their workouts. Another important component is social, as for a huge number of users, being able to share their results and being accountable to others for their commitments is a defining motivation to exercise. At the same time it is impossible not to critically assess the amount of information collected by the application, the degree of its availability to third parties, and the capabilities of managing this data, as in the case of a recent case, when using public tracks of runners it was possible to track the deployment of military units. It is very important to have tools to limit access to such data and remove it completely,” said Oleg Kapranov, publisher of TechFusion, the first tech-based lifestyle resource.

In the course of the study it was revealed that a number of services allow users to delete personal data directly from the application Zombies, Run!, Endomondo Sports Tracker, “Running to lose weight Verv ,” Running Distance Tracker Pro, C25K® 5K Trainer, Huawei Health and Samsung Health for both platforms , in other cases, it can be done through a personal account on the site or by making the appropriate request to the support service.

To measure distance and build a running route, the experts conducted field tests by jogging on two routes: in a city park and on a treadmill at the athletics stadium. Testing was conducted at the same time, from the same devices. Accurately measured distances run on both routes of the app

Runtastic, Nike+ Run Club, FITAPP, Freeletics Running, Zombies, Run! and Start Running for iOS and RunKeeper, Sports Tracker and Start Running for Android. Inaccurate results on both routes were shown by Pacer, Endomondo Sports Tracker, Running for Weight Loss Verv , Polar Beat, Decathlon Coach for iOS and Freeletics Running, Zombies, Run apps!, “Endomondo Running Cycling Walking, Google Fit – Fitness Tracker, C25K® – 5K Running Trainer, Polar Beat and Decathlon Coach for Android. This is due to differences in the update rate of the data received from the phone’s GPS-receiver.

Experts also evaluated the ability to measure metrics such as total run time, pace, speed, calories and heart rate. Runtastic, FITAPP for iOS and Sports Tracker for Android were recognized as the best in performance measurement. Start Running AxiomMobile and C25K® – 5K Running Trainer were the least measured apps for both platforms.

As for motivation in the form of virtual rewards, then such a function is implemented in 41% of the applications surveyed, and the ability to compare with the results of other users has in 49% of the applications surveyed. The availability of an event feed and friends was also evaluated. The Strava, Runkeeper, Nike+ Run Club, Pacer and Endomondo Sports Tracker apps for both platforms received the maximum total score in the “Motivation” category.

“Roskachestvo’s research showed that not all apps are equally good at measuring distance or displaying a route. For example, some apps may show that you ran 100 meters, when in fact you ran 90. Such inaccuracies can lead to improper preparation and lesson planning. In this sense, the study is extremely useful for those who are planning to choose a running app,” said Alexey Vinogradov, the coach of Adidas running club.

“The survey of mobile apps for running, which is conducted by Roskachestvo together with specialized experts, is extremely useful for novice runners. The results will help to determine which application a user should choose based on his aims and how to use it with maximum efficiency. This, in turn, will help users achieve great results in training and, for example, prepare for a marathon,” said Ksenia Zadorina, manager of the development department of the All-American Athletics Federation.

“Apps and other programs that allow you to create workout plans are a great way to achieve personal running goals or keep yourself in shape anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, amateurs should start training with a consultation with a coach and a sports doctor, or at least a remote video analysis of the running technique,” says Maxim Zhurilo, co-founder of the international school of correct running “I Love Running”.

The study was conducted by Roskatchestvo in accordance with the approved preliminary national quality standard for mobile applications PNST usa was approved by Rosstandart based on the Roskatchestvo standard . A summary table of the test results is presented on the Roskatchestvo website and has filters that allow you to emphasize any of the parameters of the applications studied. Thus, a visitor to the Roskatchestvo portal can form a personal ranking of running apps based on their own preferences. Detailed results are available here.