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One could argue that many apps contribute to user laziness, offering shortcuts to information, entertainment and more, but Adidas’ new app for BlackBerry and iPhone aims to change all that as it hits the ground running on Tuesday.
Dubbed the smart-phone miCoach application, the app adds to Adidas’ already established micoach product team, with the German sportswear maker claiming it’s the first app to offer users real-time GPS pace-triggered audio voice coaching, workout calendars and workout feedback with the capability to be tailored to specific sports.
The sports available include football (soccer), tennis, running and basketball and allow users to adapt their workouts to concentrate on conditioning by coming up with a tailored program to help the body reach peak fitness levels.
For instance, if running is your thing, the miCoach app uses real-time GPS tracking to create maps of your jogging routes, most likely so you can show off by tweeting or Facebooking it out for all your “friends” to admire. The app also works in conjunction with Adidas’ Facebook page, facebook.com/adidasrunning.
If being shouted at (er, motivated) in English doesn’t get you all hot and sweaty, you can always pick from any of the other 11 languages available, including Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Japanese and even Russian.
Also, because your workout data syncs up with your profile on miCoach.com, you can keep up with your training history and its progression over time. There’s even an indoor coaching mode for those who favor the treadmill and sweaty stench of the gym.
Adidas’ miCoach is not the first app targeting the freakishly fit, with rival Nike already miles ahead after its Apple team-up scored it literally thousands of users for its Nike+iPod system designed exclusively for Nike shoes and iPods.
The good thing about Adidas, however, is that its app does not require any specific shoe, or any specific gear, although Adidas would be quite happy to sell you either the miCoach Pacer ($139) or the miCoach Stride Sensor ($50) to add to your overall appy experience. The firm is also using the app to promote its Supernova training shoes.
Another great little plus for the Adidas app is that it works with any music player, not just the iPod, so if you’re a Zune fan, you can rock on while you run.
