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Straen is an iPhone application that allows you to track numerous exercises, from running and cycling to strength training. Straen is designed with the belief that the data generated while using it belongs to the end user. You can use Straen 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 with Straen is to edit the user profile. The data you provide here is used to refine the calorie calculations. If you have allowed Straen to have access to Health Kit then it can read your existing birthdate, height, and weight information so that you not have to enter it manually. Also, when paired with Health Kit, your weight will be updated each time the application starts so that this information is always up-to-date.
Optionally, you may also define bike profiles which are primarily used for caching sensor information, such as the wheel size which can be computed if a wheel speed sensor is paired with the app.
Bluetooth low energy devices (branded as Bluetooth SMART) are supported by Straen. You can use these devices to add heart-rate monitoring to your workouts or to log 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 Bluetooth SMART. The iPhone began supporting Bluetooth SMART 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. Select "Edit" from the app's main screen and the select "Sensors" from the popup 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. Straen will remember your 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.
To start a workout, select "Start Workout" from the app's 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.
- Select the data format. The options are GPX, TCX, or CSV (Comma-Separated Value). 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 to export the data as 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 file by emailing it to yourself.
- Save the file to your computer.
- 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 file by emailing it to yourself.
- Save the file to your computer.
- 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).
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.
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.