Karen Haffernan says she’s the ‘fittest and strongest’ she’s ever been, both mentally and physically
Every January, many of us look to turn over a new leaf and tackle our fitness levels and health for the new year. Whatever that transformation looks like — dropping weight, smashing a couch to 5k, bulking up muscle or getting more active, more and more of us are turning to tech to smash goals.
Karen Haffernan shed a huge 13.5 stone since after signing up to a fitness app and is loving her new vitality. She gushed about the changes it’s bought to her life, saying, “Mentally, and physically, I’m the fittest and the strongest I can be, and this is a permanent lifestyle change for me. I can’t believe it’s actually been so simple. I’ve not felt deprived along the way.”
There were no quick fixes for her, as Karen points out: “This isn’t through surgery, it’s not through medication, any of that. Some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep, and motivation to keep you going along the way.”
Karen is one of more than 17 million people who have signed up for the Simple app, an AI-powered tool supported by a team of nutritional, behavioural, and medical experts that is designed to help fitness enthusiasts establish healthy habits tailored to their specific goals. As part of the brand’s massive January sale, customers can use the code REACH60 to get a huge 60% off Simple’s fitness plans, with prices varying depending on the type of membership chosen, reports Wales Online.
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On first use, users are asked to fill out a questionnaire about their goals, past dieting and exercise experiences, and preferences. The app then creates a fully customised plan to achieve those goals within a realistic and achievable timeframe.
The app offers a variety of tools aimed at keeping users motivated and accountable. This includes an easy-to-use food logging tool similar to LoseIt or MyFitnessPal, which can be used via text, voice command, or photo, and this integrates with Simple’s NutriScanner tool.
NutriScanner analyses the nutritional value of meals, helping users track their protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake while explaining their respective effects on the body. For those interested in intermittent fasting, there’s also a tracker that eliminates the need for calorie counting, food exclusion, and weighing everything you eat, focusing instead on a behavioural change that optimises the body’s natural rhythms.
Karen’s weight loss journey was bolstered by the Simple app, which offered her customised workout regimes spanning strength, cardio, and mobility exercises. The highlight is Avo, an AI-powered assistant ready to provide advice or help identify and overcome challenges.
While Karen’s story is impressive, it should be noted she received compensation for her unfiltered feedback, and individual results may differ. Yet, numerous users share Karen’s enthusiasm about Simple, with the app earning a stellar 4.1 out of 5 from over 25,000 Trustpilot reviews.
One glowing review said: “Honestly it’s a guilt-free way of tracking food because, although the app teaches you what would have made your meal better, it doesn’t ‘punish’ you for your choices,” and praised Avo, saying: “The Avo coach is amazing and very encouraging.”
Another user remarked: “My journey has been very transformative,” and highlighted the educational aspect: “The teaching technique goes beyond the basics. I have learned from the nutritional experts what to expect and to trust the process to help reach my goals. The coach is always there and always responds to my questions. I’m learning skills that will help me for a lifetime and this includes mindfulness and managing my expectations.”
Another satisfied customer stressed the value and assistance provided by the app, adding: “This is a reasonably-priced app that is super helpful. The AI, Avo, is amazing and encouraging. It helps me stay motivated but isn’t restrictive. It’s really a guide that helps you be successful.”
Some users, however, have expressed dissatisfaction with Simple’s recipe suggestions. “I dislike most of the preloaded recipes,” one user lamented in a three-star review, adding, “I wish there was a meal plan feature to put together and plan meals ahead.”
In recent years fitness apps have grown in popularity as a way to improve habits that slots into daily life. For those on the lookout for alternative apps that assist in tracking progress and achieving health goals, Lifesum offers a straightforward way to monitor food intake and gain comprehensive insights into dietary habits. Meanwhile, Slimming World provides a low-tech, community-driven route that has helped numerous individuals succeed.
Bargain hunters keen to test out Simple’s offerings can snag a 60% discount on a Simple plan during the January sale by using the promo code REACH60.
