January is the time of year where many of us are wrapped up in ideas about how we can improve our lives, change our habits, and set ourselves up for a great year ahead. Of all the resolutions, getting in shape is perhaps the most common. Whatever that looks like for you, whether it’s losing a few pounds, completing a couch to 5k, putting on a bit of muscle, or finally cracking on with those physio exercises, a new app can help develop consistency and achieve goals.
More than 17 million people have downloaded the Simple app so far, with plenty of testimonials backing it as an effective tool for meeting physical goals. One comes from Karen Haffernan, who has made massive strides in her fitness journey thanks to Simple. She’s lost 13.5 stone since she signed up and has been reaping the benefits of her healthy lifestyle.
“Mentally, and physically, I’m the fittest and the strongest I can be, and this is a permanent lifestyle change for me,” Karen explained. “I can’t believe it’s actually been so simple. I’ve not felt deprived along the way.
“This isn’t through surgery, it’s not through medication, any of that. Some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep, and motivation to keep you going along the way.”
The Simple app is a ground-breaking AI-powered tool backed by a team of nutritional, behavioural, and medical experts that focuses on establishing healthy habits tailored to fitness fans’ specific goals. As part of the brand’s huge January sale, shoppers can currently use the code REACH60 to save 60% off Simple’s weight loss plans, with prices varying depending on the kind of membership chosen.
On first load, fitness fans will be prompted to complete a questionnaire about their goals, past experiences with dieting and exercise, and preferences. From there, the app generates a fully tailored plan to attain those goals in a realistic and achievable timeframe.
The app includes a wide range of tools aimed at keeping users motivated and accountable. First there’s an easy food logging tool similar to LoseIt or MyFitnessPal which can be used with text, voice command, or by taking a photo, and this combines with Simple’s NutriScanner tool. NutriScanner breaks down the nutritional value of meals, helping track protein, fat, and carbohydrates intake whilst explaining their respective effects on the body.
There’s also an intermittent fasting tracker for people who want to follow that nutrition routine, which does away with calorie counting, food exclusion, and weighing everything you consume and instead focuses on a behaviourial change that makes optimal use of the body’s natural rhythms.
The Simple app also creates tailored workout plans covering strength, cardio, and mobility exercises, and its AI-powered assistant Avo is always on-hand to provide advice, answer questions, or explain anything you’re unsure of throughout your journey.
It was using these tools that helped Karen achieve her impressive loss – although it’s important to note that Karen was compensated for her honest testimonial and results may vary.
That said, Karen isn’t alone in lauding the benefits of the Simple app, with a massive 4.1 out of 5 stars averaged from more than 25,000 reviews on Trustpilot. “Honestly it’s a guilt-free way of tracking food because, although the app teaches you what would have made your meal better, it doesn’t ‘punish’ you for your choices,” said one five-star review. “The Avo coach is amazing and very encouraging.”
“My journey has been very transformative,” said another happy user. “The teaching technique goes beyond the basics. I have learned from the nutritional experts what to expect and to trust the process to help reach my goals. The coach is always there and always responds to my questions. I’m learning skills that will help me for a lifetime and this includes mindfulness and managing my expectations.”
Another added: “This is a reasonably-priced app that is super helpful. The AI, Avo, is amazing and encouraging. It helps me stay motivated but isn’t restrictive. It’s really a guide that helps you be successful.”
However, some users have found Simple’s recipe recommendations to be outside their tastes. “I dislike most of the preloaded recipes,” said one three-star review. “I wish there was a meal plan feature to put together and plan meals ahead.”
Others have doubts about the app’s habit-forming methodology: “The app is really cool but it is all centered around fasting, and I don’t seem to be responding well to fasting because I’m gaining weight.”
If you’re interested in other apps that help track progress and meet health-related goals, Lifesum is another great option that simplifies food tracking and provides detailed insights into habits. For a low-tech, community-based option, Slimming World has been a success for countless members.
Shoppers wanting to give Simple a try to see if its features sound like a good fit can get 60% off a Simple plan in the January sale with the code REACH60.