Absolutely agree with ErrantX. As it is a fitness app, I went looking to find out what exercises they would be encouraging me to do - nada.

The best I could work out from the screenshots was crunches. And from the TC article it mentions 8 exercises and hints that PushupFu, CrunchFu, SquatFu and PullupFu are combined into Fitfu ... but I still am no clearer as to what exercises are supported.

And for me, knowing what exercises it supports is important. If FitFu is supposed to encourage me to 'move more' throughout the day, well crunches aren't much use at work - I'm not lying down on the grubby work carpet in my shirt and slacks and do crunches. If it's pull-ups, well I can't do those at work either.

Sounds great for weekends/days off though (and I love the concept overall) - but again, would love to know what movements you are encouraging.

I also had no idea what it basically did, but, as I often do, I bought it from a developer and designer standpoint to learn what they had done.

To be honest, I still find it a bit weird after purchasing it. The sound in the app is particularly annoying.

I can't wrap my head around it, but the fact that they've received funding from YC suggests that there's more to it.

Actually; I really liked it.

Yes, there are parts that could improve. And, yes, I don't think it is marketed right.

But there is a wealth of opportunity and information in the app and the social aspect has potential. I'm not a big iPhone app user but I could actually see myself using this given the right motivation :)

Could you clarify what sounds you find annoying. There's only two: 1/ The music - which you can turn off from the home screen 2/ The counting... which we can improve of course, but having it count is pretty useful :)

When I started up the app the first time, there was a prompt with the mascot saying something. It was very loud, but fortunately, I wasn't wearing my headphones at the time.

I think there was one later on, when I chose to start an exercise, but it wasn't as loud, so I guess that one's fine.

I feel with sound in apps like I do on websites: it shouldn't start automatically when you visit something for the first time. There should be a clear contract about when you'll hear music.

Totally understand where you are coming from - thanks for elaborating.

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MINI "ASK HN":

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For those of your who've got it and get how it works, is there a simpler way of explaining the features that matter most to you?

We thought "personal trainer in your pocket that gets you doing little bits of activity throughout the day" was an ok start, but I think we were wrong; people (at least on HN) are really interested in getting to the specifics.

Suggestions?

To the end of clarifying your message - Given that people don't do, little bits of exercise throughout the day, I need some examples of exercises that I could do at my desk, or in the office kitchen or on an escalator. I simply couldn't visualise what I'd be doing, have you thought of some clever exercises I could do where I would normally feel a bit awkward about doing them? (I know a trainer that has a bunch of these). Perhaps we're just talking about exercises that people are already familiar with, lunges, squats etc. ? If that is the case then I don't think an iphone app is going to change their behaviour in which case I would be focussing on how your app is useful at the times of the day when people usually exercise.

Those are very helpful observations - thanks!

I was thinking about this as I was going to sleep last night, and it dawned on me that what we could do is maybe have simple two-frame animations of people doing the exercises (perhaps in various locations) with the app counting in the graphics somehow.

The pelvic thrusting exercise is definitely one that people feel awkward doing in public. Hadn't thought about that angle before - one of the reasons users cited they liked CrunchFu was that they feel awkward/self-concious in gyms. That's a really good angel.

It's surprisingly effective at behaviour change, but having these other angles could be a much better hook.

/me adds to todo list

Definitely; the TC post does a really good job of explaining it.

We included our post here more as a way of introducing ourselves to HN. I'll link to the TC post from the top of ours. Thx! :)

I do mean this generally about your whole site though.

The main reason I make this point, and I want to make it stronger, is that I have to pay to try your app. There is nothing wrong with that, usually I'm pretty accepting of vague product descriptions because I can try it for free (or for a short time) and then pay if it is useful.

But right now I have to pay just to find out exactly what this is...

I actually bought it because the TC post interested me enough to see this as a possible solution to the problem I face. And, of course, I never really begrudge a small cost to give something I understand a shot. But if I had come to your site without the TC explanation I would be to confused to consider paying.

I strongly recommend a plain english explanation of the app somewhere. It really won't hurt you in this case I think :)

(I have more detailed comments & advice that I would be happy to give, drop me a line [email in profile] if you are interested)

Yeah, that makes sense. Have emailed you also!

Replied. I might be barking up the wrong tree, but it never hurts to at least pass it on :)