go to the gym, get paid

[caseagainstfaith]

Getting in shape is the classic new year's resolution, and GymPact is hoping to capitalize on that with a service that incentivizes users to hit the gym or open their wallet. The service is centered around a check-in app that raises the stakes by having users set up a weekly workout schedule and ante up cash: if you don't meet your weekly goals, GymPact takes your cash and distributes it amongst users who stuck to their schedule. Those who commit to more days at the gym will see a bigger return on the weekly payout, as well. If you think you can game the system by walking past a gym and checking in without actually working out, users need to stay at the gym for at least 30 minutes for it to count. GymPact claims its pilot had a 90 percent success rate at keeping users on their committed schedule, so either the service had some dedicated testers or people are finding other ways of cheating the system.

source - www.theverge.com/2012/1/2/2676154/gympact-fitness-ios-app-check-in-cash-payout

That is a interesting idea to get you to stick to your new years resolution of going to the gym. Also the money could help pay your return investment of the gym membership itself. What do you think?

[Art Vandelay]

Considering your payments for sticking to your schedule come from people who failed, it sounds like you'd make sweet fuck all, what with the whole 90% success rate and all.

[Dragon Zachski]

Oh, it's essentially a pyramid scheme game.

Fuck that. Probably wouldn't have inspired enough motivation for me anyways... :<

[Sigmaleph]

It's not a scheme of any sort, since that would imply they are cheating you out of what you're paying for. Now, if you joined the program with expectations of making money, then yeah, sure, on average you won't be getting that (necessarily, since it's a zero-sum game and presumably they are still charging you money for your membership). But the point of the program (and how it's being advertised) is to motivate you to exercise, with an end goal of increasing your fitness. And that, assuming the gym is not actually an elaborate deathtrap or experimental drug testing facility, you aren't being cheated out of.

[N. De Plume]

The negative reinforcement aspect is also pretty interesting.

No matter. Can’t afford a smartphone. Can’t afford a gym membership.

[gyeonghwa]

See I just work out at home to keep my body toned. When I get a job, I plan on using the school's gym because it's cheaper. Looking good and staying healthy is motivation enough for me, so being paid for it is unnecessary.

[Dragon Zachski]

Jan 2, 2012 21:34:40 GMT -5 Sigmaleph said:

It's not a scheme of any sort, since that would imply they are cheating you out of what you're paying for.

Hence why I called it a pyramid scheme game.

As in, "it's not really a scam, we just took a concept that's somewhat similar to it and made it into a game/challenge for you to make or lose money on."

Either way, the people who are exercising there who are already fit and healthy are going to have a distinct advantage over people who are beginning to lose weight, namely because it's harder to start than it is to keep doing what you are doing.