GymPal

Posted on by Steven McDermott

Team Name

6Pack

Timeline

Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

Students

  • Tyler Danh – Computer Science
  • Cristian Munoz – Computer Science
  • Rafael Aldaco – Computer Science
  • Steven Fitzgerald – Computer Science
  • Bethel Bezabeh – Computer Science
  • Kawther Osman – Computer Science

Abstract

GymPal is a mobile application that integrates exercise tracking, diet monitoring, and sleep analysis into one unified platform. Its core innovation lies in the inclusion of a dynamic character called the GymPal, which evolves based on the user’s health data. This gamification approach motivates users to stay consistent and engaged. GymPal addresses fragmentation in the fitness app market and provides a centralized, enjoyable experience for users who aim to improve their wellness holistically.

Background

The current health and fitness app market is saturated with tools that isolate workout tracking, nutrition logging, or sleep monitoring. Users who want a comprehensive view of their health must juggle multiple apps, creating a disjointed experience. GymPal was conceived to unify these critical components of wellness into a seamless platform that encourages sustained user engagement. By visualizing health data through a customizable, evolving character, GymPal adds a layer of emotional connection and fun to fitness tracking.

Project Requirements

  • Users must be able to log workout sessions with a start/stop time and activities
  • The app supports diet tracking which includes calorie display
  • Users must be able to create accounts and log in securely
  • The GymPal’s appearance must evolve with user progress
  • The app must support sleep tracking
  • Users must be able to view their gym streak history via a calendar
  • Each user will have a unique profile linked to their data
  • Sleep tracking is supported and must show the start time, end time, and total time slept
  • The app must allow users to search and select specific workout types
  • Users must be able to create custom workout routines

Design Constraints

  • Aesthetics: The GymPal character and interface must be visually appealing to encourage user engagement
  • Cost/economic: development will be limited to freely available development tools to avoid expenses
  • Maintainability: Modular design using subsystems like Auth, Firebase DB, and UI components to allow easy updates
  • Social/cultural: The Gym Logger is intended to provide a positive social impact by encouraging fitness habits and promoting healthier lifestyles, particularly among younger users
  • Usability: Designed to be easy to use and accessible for teenagers and young adults

Engineering Standards

  • Authentication & Encryption/Security Standards: Uses Firebase Authentication, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect for secure user management
  • IEC 27001: The app will follow standards for information security management, ensuring
  • IEEE 829: Standards for software testing documentation will be followed to ensure thorough testing of the Gym Logger feature for bugs, usability, and reliability that user data is protected
  • ISO 9241-11: To ensure usability efficiency in interactive systems
  • Programming/Web Dev Standards: Built with Flutter (Dart), following modern mobile dev practices

System Overview

GymPal uses a three-layered system: Presentation, Application, and Data. The Presentation Layer features the user interface and GymPal character. The Application Layer manages user input, authentication, and logic. The Data Layer handles secure data storage and synchronization using Firebase. Subsystems include login/authentication, Gym Logger, Diet Tracker, Sleep Tracker, and GymPal Character. These work in tandem to provide a responsive and motivating user experience.

Results

Future Work

Future enhancements include social integration features to allow users to share progress, expanded customization options for GymPal, integration with wearables for more accurate tracking, and the addition of AI-powered coaching suggestions based on user data trends.

Project Files

Project Charter
System Requirements Specification
Architectural Design Specification
Detailed Design Specification
Poster

References

Jaslow, R. (2012, July 18). Inactivity tied to 5.3 million deaths worldwide, similar to smoking. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inactivity-tied-to-53-million-deaths-worldwide-similar-to-smoking/

Park, J. H., Moon, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kong, M. H., & Oh, Y. H. (2020). Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean journal of family medicine, 41(6), 365–373. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165

Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674

Steven McDermott

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