| PRODUCT |
PRICE |
THE SKINNY |
WEAKNESSES |
Crosstrainer |
$49.95 for an individual license (two users); $79.95 for a family license (five users); 30-day free trial |
The Canadian Olympic Wrestling team uses this comprehensive training software. You can track your performance in more than 80 sports--from archery to yoga--and log detailed nutritional data on more than 10,000 foods, including your favorite fast foods. At $49.95 for an individual license, it's obviously pricier than keeping a spiral notebook, but if you're serious about getting fit, this fitness freak thinks Crosstrainer is worth the bones. |
Somewhat expensive; doesn't display detailed graphs of your long-term performance. |
Dietwatch |
$39.95 for 2 months; $99.95 for 12 months |
This program serves customized diet and exercise regimens based on personal parameters and provides a comprehensive food and exercise database powered by ESHA Research. It's primarily for exercisers looking to drop a few pounds. It's not as easy to use or as comprehensive as Crosstrainer, but we like the community features, especially if you don't like to work out alone. |
No free trial; food diary could be easier to manage; a little pricey; some interface complaints; annoying daily e-mail. |
Endless Pursuit |
Personal performance package ($299.99); Garmin Forerunner package ($289.99); Performance pass ($149.99); additional storage for 150 treks ($79.99); heart-rate module ($19.95) |
Most athletes will probably tell you that they'd rather train outdoors than in a stinky gym. Unfortunately, though, if you like to hike, ski, run, or cycle on unmarked trails, it can be hard to get an accurate portrait of your workout. Endless Pursuit, a Web site designed to work with GPS devices, turns raw outdoor workout data into more than 50 detailed performance metrics and charts. It can also build topographic maps of your treks and overlay aerial photos of your routes. You can even share your favorite routes with others--just upload them. |
Pricey. |
MyFitnessExpert |
There are several different packages. Average cost per plan: $39 for 1 month; $99 for 3 months; $189 for 6 months. |
Can't seem to find the right personal trainer in your town? This Web site will pair you with an honest-to-goodness professional who will answer your fitness questions via e-mail and tailor workouts according to your feedback and personal goals. Each of the trainers registered with the site has a specialty, so what you get out of the program really depends on the type of fitness program you're looking for. The site also offers interactive tools to give you a better picture of your overall health. |
A bit too touchy-feely for our taste (read: not for athletes who already know what kind of training works for them); success rides on the quality of communication between trainer and trainee; long-distance training isn't recommended for those recovering from an injury or illness. |
WorkoutLog |
$19.95 for 6 months ($3.33 per month); $29.95 for 12 months ($2.50 per month) |
WorkoutLog does exactly what its name suggests: tracks your workouts. That's fine if all that matters to you is mileage, but most fitness nuts will probably find this site's interface too limited for their needs. You can't monitor food intake or create tailored workouts. If you're looking for a more holistic approach, you'll probably be happier with Crosstrainer or MyFitnessExpert, even though we like that WorkoutLog keeps track of the mileage you put on your shoes and other gear. |
Can't track nutrition or other health data. |
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