Pound Dropper Critique

      The group that presented Obesity Awareness did a presentation on an app and gym called "Pound Dropper." The app was designed to target obesity wth customized workouts. The idea behind this app was good with good intentions and the issue that was addressed was a very important one. However, I have a few critiques.

   There were some major flaws and uncertainty that made the idea a little iffy. One major kink was the sponsorship proposal. Even though it would be perfect and ideal to have SONY and Wal-Mart sponsor Pound Dropper, it's just that, idealistic. To obtain enormous sponsorships like these would be extremely hard and nearly impossible. So with the sponsorships out, where would the funds come from to run the gym and app. The things they offer seem to be very costly. For example, the coins to redeem food, the gym membership and facilities, the virtual reality workout..etc are expensive. They could charge the customers but part of their mission was to make these services available to everybody, that including low-income people.

 Another big concern of mine was the technology. One incentive to workout were coins that you could redeem to get food. You get 5 coins for every 2 hours that you workout. My question is how the app will be able to tell if you TRULY worked out. The group answered by saying that the app could detect motion. Questions: What if I'm doing non-cardiovascular exercises such as sit-ups, squats, arm curls...etc. What if you play a sport or in an environment that you can't have your phone on you? What if a person just decides to put their phone on top of an operating dryer and just let it vibrate to get coins without actually working out or just sit on the couch and shake the phone? There is still also a big safety and liability concern with the virtual reality headsets and workouts.

  Another factor that was unclear was the uniqueness of their program. There a lot of programs out there that are designed to target obesity and help weight loss. When I asked this question during class, they responded by saying that they are unique because of their custom made workouts and virtual reality. However, there a lot of apps and programs such as Weight Watcher's, MiFit...etc that offers this individual need based workout plan. Also if I wanted a virtual reality workout that involves fake fighting, I could just fire up my Wii or XBox Kinect.

  I loved the layout and the way the information was presented. I thought that the videos were a very good idea and I loved the way that they seemed like actual testimonials. Besides the flaws and descrpencies, this presentation was a very good idea and well put together.