BodyMedia & FitOrbit Up the Ante in Personalized Weight Loss

LOS ANGELES and PITTSBURGH, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a partnership that brings new personalization power to online weight loss counseling, FitOrbit is now enabling its members to transmit body monitoring data collected by BodyMedia FIT™ armbands to their online trainers. The integration gives FitOrbit trainers access to clinically proven calorie burn measurements as well as activity level and sleep pattern data that helps trainers optimize the member's meal and workout plans, thus enhancing the efficacy of FitOrbit's independently verified online weight loss program.

The integration:

• Automatically updates the subscriber's FitOrbit activity journal as data captured by the armband is sent to BodyMedia servers, greatly reducing the need to manually log activities on the FitOrbit website or mobile app.
• Provides actual on-body measurements rather than user guesstimates, leveraging BodyMedia's ability to capture over 5,000 physiological data points per minute and use its proprietary algorithms to convert those readings into meaningful metrics.  
• Enhances the personalization of FitOrbit's workout and meal plans by enabling FitOrbit trainers to provide precise feedback and plan updates based on each subscriber's actual behavior.

These features amplify the benefits of the FitOrbit service – in which certified personal trainers provide each member customized meal and exercise plans based on that member's unique needs and goals.  The expert guidance, personal motivation, daily activity monitoring and continuous feedback provided by FitOrbit trainers create accountability and the indispensable human connection that contribute to weight loss success – for $12/week instead of the $60 per hour most trainers charge at the gym.

"When it comes to weight loss, if it's not personal, it's not possible," said FitOrbit founder and personal training industry pioneer "Body by Jake" Steinfeld.  "This partnership takes personal to a whole new level by giving our trainers accurate calorie burn and other metrics for each FitOrbit member who wears a BodyMedia armband. Our users get even more personalized meal and workout plans based on their actual daily behavior – making their weight loss journey that much more successful."

"The first step in losing weight is knowing how many calories you're taking in compared to how many you're burning. The second step is knowing what to do with that information," said Christine Robins, BodyMedia CEO. "FitOrbit's ability to provide certified personal trainers who can analyze the data collected by our armbands and then use it to adapt workout and meal plans, and do it all online, represents a compelling new model for assisting consumers on their weight loss journey."

BodyMedia armbands are available at http://www.bodymedia.com/Shop.  BodyMedia customers can receive an additional 30% off any FitOrbit plan by visiting http://www.fitorbit.com/ib/BodyMediaSAVES.

About BodyMedia, Inc.
BodyMedia pioneered the development of wearable body monitors that collect physiological data for use in improving health, wellness and fitness. Founded in 1999, the company today provides a variety of around-the-clock on-body monitors utilizing proprietary technology that has been clinically validated for accuracy. Data captured by BodyMedia devices is used by consumers as well as health and wellness professionals to guide behavioral changes to control weight and promote an active lifestyle – two factors that are routinely cited as keys to combat and manage serious medical conditions.  BodyMedia has amassed one of the largest databases of information about the human body, and the technology has been used in more than 100 clinical research studies covering health issues such as obesity, COPD, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer, bariatrics, sleep and intensive care. BodyMedia is privately held and based in Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, visit www.bodymedia.com.

About FitOrbit, Inc.
Launched in June 2009 by one of the fitness industry's reigning icons, Jake Steinfeld of "Body by Jake" fame, FitOrbit provides real personal trainers and weight loss plans for $12/week. FitOrbit's investors include healthcare giant WellPoint, Spark Capital, Polar Capital and Ron Conway. Subscribers receive a full lifestyle package including an ideally matched trainer, a smartly personalized workout regimen, realistic meal plan, plus 24/7 support. Each user's dedicated trainer provides the constant motivation, guidance and irreplaceable human touch vital to weight loss success, which is also fully accessible via the FitOrbit for iPhone app. FitOrbit is available at FitOrbit.com and is also sold through diet foods leader Jenny Craig and fitness celebrities including Jackie Warner. Based in Los Angeles, California, FitOrbit is a place where fitness revolves around its members. For more information, visit www.fitorbit.com.  

SOURCE BodyMedia