Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play?
To start, you'll need to enable your camera. If you have multiple cameras, use your browser settings to select the one you prefer. Once your camera is active, our A.I. will detect your body pose. For the Burpee challenge, ensure your entire body remains in frame at all times. We measure your position at the bottom of the Burpee and when standing tall. Once calibrated, a countdown will automatically begin.
When the countdown hits 3, 2, 1, Go!, perform 10 Burpees with full range of motion. A timer and rep counter will be displayed on the screen. Any "False Start" or incomplete range of motion will result in the rep not counting. Once you've completed all 10 Burpees, your time will be displayed.
All processing is done client-side, and your video is not saved. I compute your movements in 3D to verify full range of motion. The only data stored is basic web metrics and analytics to understand how people are using the site.
How much does this cost?
It's completely free! There's no cost to participate in the challenges or use the app. This project was created as a proof of concept and a passion project, so feel free to enjoy it without any fees. I would appreciate any feedback, and please feel free to share it with your friends!
What inspired you to build this?
I've been doing CrossFit for many years, and as a senior software engineer with experience at companies like Amazon, Facebook, Snap, and some well-known startups, I've always been passionate about combining technology and fitness. My goal during the Winter 2024 slowdown was to build something “shippable” within two weeks, and this app is the result. It's not perfect and might have some rough edges, but I'd love to hear your feedback or ideas for improvement!
Are more challenges coming?
Yes! I was able to finish the Burpee challenge, but adding more is definitely possible. A squat challenge would be relatively simple to implement, and workouts like “Fran” could be really fun to tackle. Since I have a full-time job, rolling out new features will depend on how much free time I have, but I'm excited about the possibilities.
Could this become a business?
In CrossFit and many competitions, judges often volunteer their time for free, which makes it hard to imagine events paying for something like this. That said, as the sport continues to grow and mature, I think we'll naturally see more technology integrated into CrossFit and the Sport of Fitness, just like we've seen in sports like baseball, football, and hockey.
Where this type of tech really shines is in online competitions. Features like auto-validation of movement standards, automatic rep counting, and penalties for no-reps or missed reps could be game-changers. At the very least, it could flag videos for human verification. Advanced tools like automatic cheat detection (e.g., detecting video splicing) could also help ensure fair play. This approach could significantly increase the number of videos reviewed while maintaining consistent standards across all athletes.
What features are planned next?
I'd love to add more challenges like squats, push-ups, or even full workouts. Another idea is to let users create accounts and compete on an online leaderboard for different challenges. If this takes off, there are so many exciting directions to explore. For now, though, this is just a proof of concept, and new features will depend on how much free time I can carve out and how much demand there is.
Will this idea succeed?
I'm hopeful but realistic about its appeal. Most people focus on just showing up to the gym rather than adhering to strict movement standards. This tech is designed for athletes who value competition and fairness through consistent standards.
For the average CrossFitter, strict movement standards could feel discouraging—like being told your PR back squat doesn't count because you didn't go low enough. For gym owners, focusing on strict standards probably won't help attract new members.
That said, I believe movement standards are important for a number of reasons, especially for athletes who compete and want a level playing field. While this tool may not resonate with a broad audience, its success will depend on how strongly others value fairness in competition.
How can I reach out to you?
I'd love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or ideas! Feel free to reach out to me on my personal accounts or on my Fantasy Fitness Draft accounts: