Glasgow 2014: Games’ MyCity fitness app launched

Glasgow 2014 competitors Camilla Hattersley, Patrick MacHugh, Kris Robertson and Lynda Flaws. Picture: PA

The MyCity: Glasgow app has been developed by researchers at the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde and is backed by some Team Scotland athletes who will be competing in the Games.

It uses smartphones’ built-in technology to track how much players walk each day and sets daily goals for them based on their general activity levels.

The target increases each time players achieve their goals, steadily increasing their levels of activity.

The MyCity: Glasgow smartphone app. Picture: PA

Every time a goal is achieved, a “reward” is unlocked with the appearance on a map of one of 42 Glasgow landmarks, which players are encouraged to find out more about.

Through the app, users can also compare their performance with other people and they can share their progress on social networking sites.

Development of the product was led by Dr Cindy Gray, of Glasgow University’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, and Dr Marilyn McGee-Lennon, of Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences.

Dr Gray said: “We’ve worked hard to make MyCity: Glasgow a fun way for people to engage with the spirit of the Commonwealth Games by being more active, as well as finding out more about the host city.

“The app is focused on walking because it’s a low-impact form of activity that most people can participate in.

“MyCity: Glasgow allows people in Glasgow to gain a new perspective on the city by challenging them to visit landmarks, including the Games venues, for themselves.

“However, it’s also designed so that people can use it to learn about the city from anywhere around the world.

“All people need to benefit from the app is a mobile device and a willingness to be more active.”