My New Year’s Resolution was not to start working out more. Of all the stuff in my life I have trouble staying consistent and improving with, working out has not really been one of them – for the past few years at least. I’m guessing that a bunch of you have this as a goal for 2012 though. You should check out Fitocracy.

One thing I haven’t been consistent with is documenting my workouts. I mainly weightlift, and I’m obviously a data-junkie, so you’d think I’d track my sets and weights diligently. I have never been into carrying a notepad around the gym with me; so pre-smartphones I didn’t really keep track well. I’ve tried several apps on my iPhone over the last few years, and I always stop tracking after a few weeks (or days). But not with Fitocracy. I started using it towards the end of summer, and I’ve used it every time I’ve worked out since. It’s a combination of the ease of use, the community aspect, and the gamification aspect – those are in reverse order of importance probably. It actually is not that easy to use (there isn’t even a mobile app, it’s a mobile site that can fail at times), but easy enough. The community is fun – you can friend/follow people and join groups related to your interest. So I can see what’s going on in the “Surfing” group, and I can check out the individual workouts of people in that group.

The gamification aspect really seems to be the most motivating. There are badges, quests,  and levels. It’s nice to feel like you are getting a pat on the back from someone when you get points and ultimately level-up or get a badge. The system is setup pretty fairly (with regards to actual physical effort:points), and badges come easy at first, and harder as you keep “playing”.

Anyway, it’s been a while since I reviewed something on here. I felt like Fitocracy should get some love for those of you trying to step up your fitness game in 2012. It’s one of the few sites/apps I open every single day. My profile on Fitocracy if you join and want to follow. Here’s to being healthier in 2012 – good luck with your goals!