Synopsis of the App
Strava is a GPS run and ride tracker. Track your routes and stats, earn badges for achievements, compare with friends and rivals, take on challenges and push yourself harder.
Pros
Well-designed app with easy navigation and high quality images.
Measure progress against friends on the leaderboard.
Stats are provided in great detail including the average number of rides, distance and time per week as well as year-to-date and all time stats for distance, time and elevation achieved.
Stay engaged with monthly challenges like "run a half marathon in August" or "ride 16 hours in 8 days."
Discover popular running and cycling routes when you travel.
Find and follow other Strava athletes around the world to follow their activities and compare performance for motivation.
Comment and cheer on your friends in the activity feed.
Use the "Segment Explorer" to discover running and cycling routes in your area. See which athletes made the best time and the average pace to complete it.
Filter athletes by gender to compare for performance.
Share activities to Facebook and Twitter.
Supports ANT+ and Bluetooth LE wireless protocols and sensors to collect heart rate data.
Track your activities without an internet connection.
Find segments for other activities including walking, skiing, inline skating and swimming in your area via the Strava web platform.
Strava Premium is available as a subscription service.
Cons
Continuously running GPS in the background can quickly lead to battery drain.
Must use Facebook or surrender an email address, name and gender to sign up.
Only tracks running and cycling activities.
Must upload local segment information via the web platform.
Bottom Line
If you are in the least bit competitive, this app is a perfect match. Strava motivates. The free version of this app delivers incredible value to help you stay the course or stretch your fitness goals.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
