Metric VBT: Workout planner 4+

Hoping for data importation

Would be a 5 star review but was hoping to be able to import data from other vbt sources like velocity metics from my Beast Sensor or even the sensor itself to calculate everything.

Developer Response ,

Hey, Jacob here from Metric, Thats a great idea, we will add it to our ideas space for future features!

Enjoyed using the app

It works pretty well, but it would be nice if they could integrate the Apple Watch and LiDAR that are part of the iPhone Pro line. The Apple Watch is a point of contact with a built-in accelerometer, which is closer to the bar and the LiDAR to get actual distance and more accurate reading of velocity with the camera. The app does an okay job, but the measurements are a bit off. The integration of allowing coaches to see their athletes' data is incredible, but with other devices, it is Standard practice. I can put a device that attaches to the barbell for 500 dollars, comes with a companion app, and it’s way more accurate. The downside of those devices is that they require an iPad and a mat for the laser to reflect on. I also can’t have the athlete use it at their will. They need to either own the device or have it on hand, But if you think about it, an iPhone Pro 12 can be found for less than that and an Apple Watch. There are over devices that run a couple of grand that, again, if you think about it, between your newest watch and iPhone, you're already in about that price point. It’s a great concept I hope they can expand on the accuracy and use available hardware instead of focusing on stop gap measures like giving me a notification that “I’m improving”.

Developer Response ,

Hi Jbarah,

We have actually been recently externally validated against MOCAP and found to perform really well for accuracy.
We have considered using the Apple Watch and like the idea of LIDAR also, but in our research into incorporating these technologies found they did not improve accuracy at all. In fact, the apple watch was a major step backwards from computer vision - delivering very erratic and inconsistent results. Something that is a known issue with other VBT hardware devices and wearables that have utilised accelerometer data - it is just too inconsistent.

Questioning The Accuracy of Measured Velocity

It seems a bit inconsistent from where the timer starts for the movement and stops for the movement, across different sets of the same exercise. On one occasion, it had been way off in tracking the bar path, evidenced by the line it displayed that went in the complete opposite of the bar path. Additionally, some times don’t logically match with the load/intensity I used (i.e. set 1 of 405 lbs deadlift measured 0.55 m/s while set 2 of 455 lbs measured 0.52 m/s while set 3 of 405 lbs measured 0.57 m/s, with standardized rest times). The concept of the app is great, but I don’t feel like I can trust the measured data.