Look at Me, Coach: A Trainer's Critique of Mobile Apps for Weight Training

The intersection of two contemporary trends – interest in fitness as a healthy lifestyle and the multitude of smartphone applications that seem able to serve any of our daily needs – was bound to produce an “explosion of health and fitness apps” [1]. But how well do these apps support the regimen of areas such as strength training or weightlifting, which are seeing significant growth and interest amongst the general population? The training exercises within weightlifting require the careful supervision of a certified coach to ensure optimal performance of the trainee and to reduce the risk of injuries. In this paper we conduct a preliminary survey and critique of existing mobile apps in support of weight training. We present this both from an interaction design perspective, and from the needs identified by specialized coaches working with athletes and the general public at a high-performance training centre. We conclude with design recommendations for interactive mobile apps to support both trainees and coaches of weightlifting, and issue a call to the HCI and Sports community to focus some of its design and research efforts to this app-deprived area. Cosmin Munteanu National Research Council Canada Fredericton, NB, E3B 9W4