Recently, I went looking for an iPhone fitness tracking app that's better than Apple's Health app. My requirement was to be able to see the numeric data for any selected day in the past. Unfortunately, the Apple Health app only shows a graph, and the previous day's data must be estimated.
After some searching, I found what I needed in the beautifully designed FitPort for iOS from Flaskapp.com.
Presentation is Everything
Firness data isn't going to be useful if it isn't presented in a clear fashion that's easily understood and acted on. That's why I was initially attracted to this app.
Also, while the Fitport app can be used for many fitness parameters, my initial quick look review focuses on my current focus: my walking steps, the mileage, the ability to see a goal and also see numeric data for any day in the past. Here are my initial options:
Once one has specified the contents of the dashboard, there's an array of color coded variables. In this case, steps (in blue) and distance (in gold). It's easy to modify the default goal in steps and miles.
Just a tap on one of the circular graphs reveals details: the goal and the numeric quantity. Touch it again to return to the dashboard. It's amazingly elegant looking. Also shown at the bottom is a very pleasing and very desirable (for me) timeline that's neatly color coded to the circle above.
All one has to do is slide a finger across the timeline to reveal the data for the given day. Unfortunately, there's no way to keep the presentation on the display without holding a finger in place. That makes screen shots a bit tricky.
The down arrow at the very bottom shows, in this example, a summary of results in the last 30 days, for example, the goal streak, total steps, average, and so on. To exit, just swipe downward.
Health Data Access
Another nice thing about this app is that it accesses the same database, populated by the iPhone's motion co-processor, that's displayed by Apple's own Health app (albeit poorly). When one first launches the app, it requests permission to access that health data. That's a sensible, desirable approach in contrast to trying to maintain its own database because deleting the app would then delete all that valuable data.
The User Interface
Everything about this app is delightful. It has many more dashboard options that I have yet to explore. But in the initial look, I saw a visual design that is low-key, technical and readable with good color choices on black. The gestures to move between displays are well thought out and intuitive.
There are no ads. The app costs US$1.99, and I was happy to pay that in order to have a clean, ad-free experience.
Support
Even though the app has been written by two developers in Tokyo, Japan, it is very easy to contact them. Prior to purchase, I was able to contact the company by email with a technical question, and it became clear the author who responded reads and writes perfect English. My question was answered quickly and clearly.
Closing Thoughts
If you're looking for an easy to use, visually pleasing iOS fitness monitoring app that's intuitive, accesses the iPhone's accumulated health data, can show the results for any previous day, and doesn't cost very much, this is one to investigate. I'm looking forward to exploring more of its capabilities, especially with an Apple Watch that won't just sit idle on my desk during writing hours like my iPhone.
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Postscript: This review uses the new TMO product scoring system.