h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Gamification - Happy Nerd was waxing interested about it not so long ago. It's the concept of turning something that isn't a game and turning into one. In Fitocracy's case it's using fitness. Completing exercises or sport earns you points, and you get enough you level up. I'm currently Level 3 (woo!). You need more and more points to get to each level, wich encourages you to do more and more each time and hopefully get fitter in the long run! There are also quests (such as doing a run in a particular time, or playing 30 minutes of a sport) and earn achievements depending on what you put into the system.

There is also a social element - you can join groups of people based on, well, anything (I've set up a h2g2 group which currently only consists of me and Mr. Dreadful) - and you see each others' achievements and give encouragement.

It's only been a couple of days but I'm finding it an interesting experiment.

If anyone wants to join it is currently by invitation only, so you'll need this link to join up: http://ftcy.co/yEaIab. I only have ten invites so it will be first com first served, but then that ten will get their own ten so hopefully they can spare a couple.

Right, best get back to , who has just decided that the table leg is no longer interesting enough to continue staring at. We need a new distraction...

"It's the concept of turning something that isn't a game and turning into one."

Gosh, you can tell I got distracted several time while writing that sentence.

Let's try:

"It's the concept of turning something that isn't a game into one."

I've joined do they have an iphone app?

Unfortunately I haven't found one (or an Android one).

The suggest using the mobile version of the site: http://fitocracy.com/m

I've seen you over there.

Sounds interesting. But which sports will they accept?

They have a lot, and accept submissions for new ones. They do have horseback riding and fencing, if that helps!

Yes, that's what I needed to know. And cycling, I presume, though that's more for transportation.

I'm going to give that a try. Thanks for the invitation, Vip!

Even after only a couple of days it's doing wonders for me, plus it helps that even everyday stuff like walking to the shops can be entered and get you points.

See you on there.

I find it helps too, Mr D. You may only get 9 points, but you still feel as though it hasn't been a total waste of a day don't lose heart.

I'm there now. Reached level 3 instantly just by putting in today's riding lesson.

Kewl, it even includes SCA heavy fighting!

Groovy. if you want, you can join the h2g2 group then we can see each others achievements. And yes, someone as active as you will probably level up quickly!

Fitocracy: rule by good-looking people.

That was my assumption on seeing the thread title, anyway.

TRiG.

Good luck with all your different fitness schedules. I've just begun some yoga and the thought of getting up early tomorrow for two hours of strenuous stretching followed by a nice long lie down on a yoga mat is making me feel tired out already.

http://xkcd.com/940/

Ooh level 4 already..

See also: http://xkcd.com/189/

Yes as soon as i started reading the first para i thought of the xkcd ones

I should have signed up before my 24 ergoes*, and seen what level it took me to

*Rowing machines