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Straen is an iPhone app and corresponding Apple Watch companion that allows you to track numerous exercises, from running and cycling to strength training.
The software is designed with the belief that the data generated from the app belongs to the user. Furthermore, nothing should be transmitted off the device without the user's express consent. This means you can use this software without being tracked, without needing to sign up for any services, and without being presented with any form of advertising.
One of the first things you'll want to do before using the app is to edit the user profile. The data you provide here is used to refine the calorie calculations.
If you give the app access to Health Kit then it can read your existing birthdate, height, and weight information so that you do not have to enter it manually. Also, when paired with Apple Health Kit, your weight will be read each time the application starts so that this information is always up-to-date.
Bluetooth low energy devices (sometimes branded as Bluetooth SMART devices) are supported. You can use these devices to add heart-rate monitoring to your workouts or to log power, cadence, and wheel speed data when using a bicycle.
As Bluetooth low energy devices are not backwards compatible with earlier versions of the Bluetooth specification, you will need to have a phone which implements v4 or greater of the Bluetooth specification. The iPhone began supporting this specification with the introduction of the iPhone 4S in 2011.
To pair with a sensor, first activate the sensor while in the proximity of your phone. Next, select Edit from the app's main screen and the select Sensors from the menu. Make sure Scan for Bluetooth Sensors is enabled. Any compatible sensors that are found will be listed on the table. Select any sensors that you wish to pair with. The software will remember these selections.
Mount your iPhone on your bicycle in a manner that is secure. It is suggested that you mount it to either the handlebars, the handlebar stem, or aerobar extensions. When cycling and using this app, be sure to follow all applicable laws and always pay attention to the road.
Personally, I use the Quad Lock system as it is the most secure mount that I have found. This is what I am using in the photograph above.
To start a workout, select Start Workout from the main screen. This will present you with a list of exercises to choose from. After you make your selection you will be taken to the screen for that exercise. From here, you can start, stop, and monitor your activity.
Straen respects your privacy and does not automatically export data from your phone. To export data from your device, you will need to follow one of the procedures given below.
- Navigate to the workout summary screen and select Export, located at the bottom of the screen. You are automatically taken to the summary screen after stopping an activity. You can also get back to this screen by selecting View from the main screen, then History, followed by the activity you wish to view.
- Select the data format. The options are:
- GPX
- TCX
- CSV GPX files exported by Straen will include the gpxtcx extensions, if external sensor data is present. If you are unsure of which format to choose, select GPX File. If the workout you are exporting does not contain any location information then the only option will be a CSV file. This is the case when exporting strength workouts such as pull-ups, push-ups, and squats.
- Email the file to yourself (or someone else).
- Export a workout from your phone as a GPX or TCX file by emailing it or saving it to your iCloud drive.
- Save the file to your computer (or locate it in your iCloud drive).
- Log into your Strava account.
- Press the Upload Activity button in the upper right corner.
- Select From File from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Select Choose Files and locate the GPX file on your computer.
- Wait for the file to upload and be processed by Strava.
- Select Save and View.
- Export a workout from your phone as a GPX or TCX file by emailing it or saving it to your iCloud drive.
- Save the file to your computer (or locate it in your iCloud drive).
- Log into your Garmin Connect account.
- Press the Upload button in the upper right corner.
- Select Manual Upload.
- Select Choose File.
- Select Upload Activities From File.
- While on the History screen select Export Summary, located in the lower-right corner.
- Select the type of workout you wish to summarize.
- Email the file to yourself (or someone else). Alternately, you can save it to your iCloud drive and retrieve it from another device that is signed into your iCloud account.
GPX and TCX files can be uploaded to numerous workout tracking websites, such as Strava or Garmin Connect. A CSV file exported from Straen will contain raw GPS and accelerometer data and is intended for use with Microsoft Excel. The ability to export raw data as a list of comma-separated values exists for those who wish to build their own analytic tools using the data collected on their phone.
Activities can be analyzed within the app by navigating to the Summary screen. You are automatically taken to the summary screen after stopping an activity. You can also get back to this screen by selecting View from the main screen, then History, followed by the activity you wish to view.
The Summary view displays a map of the activity along with a list of all averages and superlatives, along with graphs for items such as speed, power, cadence, and heart rate (when applicable).
Broadcast is NOT enabled by default. To enable broadcast, select Edit from the app's main screen and the select Settings. From the Settings screen enable Broadcast To the Internet. You will be presented with a URL from which your friends can monitor your bike ride, run, or hike.
TODO
An Apple Watch application was developed to serve as a companion to the iPhone app. I developed this primarily for running, as I don't like running with my phone.
Activities are sent to the iPhone app whenever the watch app is opened, assuming the phone is paired and within range.
TODO