Sleep Cycle. (Android link) It tracks your sleep quality and the alarm clock wakes you up in a period you set when it determines it will be easy for you to wake up. Works like a charm, makes mornings easy.
EDIT: link
FAQ:
It uses microphones, so you can leave your phone on your nightstand.
~~No, it won’t work when you aren’t sleeping alone.~~ Apparently it might, TIL
It's an app for android that adjusts your phone screen according to sunrise and -set. The app turns the screen darker and gives it a red-ish tint in the evenings, making it easier to read without hurting your eyes, aswell as makes it easier to fall asleep after. I haven't found it using any extra battery either, definitely recommend it!
Edit: For those of you with computers or apple devices, f.lux is the way to go.
Twilight. I'm convinced I sleep better at night, especially when combined with f.lux on my computer and a LIFX bulb in my desk lamp.
EDIT: Link to the app on the Google Play store, in case anyone else wants to find it. Evidently it isn't available on iOS, but check out a similar app called Bluelight Filter. I don't even know if that one is available, but hopefully someone more Apple-savvy can find it.
There's an app called twilight which tints your screen a different shade for the time of the day, I've found it's very useful to making me not stay up late on my phone
To get the questions out of the way (and promote other discussion)
1) Yes. Nova Launcher Prime and Tesla Unread. That's one way I'm aware of!
2) I've heard Twilight is pretty good
Happy HOLOdays!
I disagree. My phone has actually helped me stay focused on my routine for the past 4 years or so since I've used FitNotes.
Helps me keep track of my sets and automatically starts a timer when I put the set in. When I hear that bell I know it's time for my next set.
I like MyFitnessPal. I haven't found a barcode yet that isn't in its nutrition database and it syncs up with Google Fit and imports my walking exercise.
Throughout the match, my heart rate was usually between 60 and 90bpm
I captured the heart rate using my Mi Band 2, using the Mi Band Tools app
Then, I manually inserted all the data into After Effects, wrote some expressions and made the graphics/sound
If you're wondering why I suddenly opened up the clock near the end of the video, it was to sync the data from the app with the video, based on time
I only have a ~5 minute recording of the last moments, but if you want me to post the full 5 minute clip, I'll do it
If you have any other questions, lemme know :D
edit:
Here's the full clip
Going to sleep now, you can still comment but I won't be responding for the next 6 hours
Nou ,dan geniet ik maar van het placebo effect van een filter op mijn telefoon 's avonds. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux&hl=en heb ik al een tijd en ik geniet met volle teugen van het placebo effect.
It can play a sound when it gets to zero.
Alternatively, FitNotes is a freeware routine tracker that automatically starts a timer when you mark a set finished and then signals when it's over.
Speaking of blue light, i thought I'd bring this up. Try using f.lux for your computer, or twilight on android (I don't know about IOS).
What this app does is, reducing the blue light on your screen, it helps relaxing your eyes and makes you go to sleep easier, i really like these two apps, very important.
If thou uses a phone of robots and not one of fruits, I point you to Fitnotes (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.jamesgay.fitnotes). It requires no permissions and does not seek to swolest your personal data, but only to record and report your gains.
I use FitNotes. I've tried a lot of different apps and this one's bar none the most in-depth and intuitive to use. No ads and you don't have to pay for shit to get its best features. Couldn't ask for more.
Twilight. It filters out blue light based on what time of day it is. This really helps for late night browsing without messing up your sleep (blue light late at night negatively affects your sleep). Here it is for android.
Sleep Cycle. Basically, it's an alarm clock app.
You set up an interval of time when you wanna wake up and the app uses your phone's accelerometer to see when you're in your lightest sleep phase within that interval and wakes you up.
I recommend using the app. It makes everything much easier
You've definitely got the right idea! I weigh myself most mornings, and I've seen fluctuations in my weight of up to 5 lbs from day to day, and sometimes they seem completely random.
It may help to use an app for weight tracking which gives you a moving average and can help you see the long term trends. Happy Scale (iOS) and Libra (Android) are good ones.
Apparently they believe everyone is either a cyclist, a runner, or using bodyweight exercises..
For weightlifting and the like I can definitely recommend Progression.
I tried pretty much all of them before dropping the pen and paper, and Progression is pretty great.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=workout.progression.lite
I've also recently come across WORKIT, but have yet to put it through its paces.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jimber.workit
At first glance, WORKIT appears to have better metrics and graphing, but I prefer Progression's interface.
I'd like to take this opportunity to plug MyFitnessPal. It's basically an app that counts calories for you and lets you know how much to eat.
Libra weight tracking - 19,202 installs. It allows you to keep a moving weighted average of your weight, so it smooths out daily fluctuations. It's based on the ideas behind the Hacker Diet (which was written by the guy that started AutoCAD).
It might be overkill in your case, but you can still use MyFitnessPal. You can ignore the calorie intake but it's pretty good at scanning barcodes and add food items. Also, you can easily add an item from history by just typing the first letters.
Don't know his app, but "bodyweight fitness" has the RR and other routines, is opensource and free. It has timers, different progressions and videos.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
I use Twilight. Works pretty good. I set it up with specific hours instead of tracking sunset, and it becomes much less annoying. And oddly enough, no ads.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux
They make a version for Windows too, and probably other machines.
Sleep cycle alarm. I'm sure there are better (free) ones but I've been using this one for almost six years and it works well enough.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northcube.sleepcycle&hl=en
As mentioned, FitNotes is really good. However, I wish there was an app that made working out in to more of a game, kind of like how Duolingo tries (by giving you hearts, experience points, friends, etc). I would love to feel like I'm levelling up and gaining stuff, like an RPG. Just adds an extra level of motivation for some people.
This is the issue for those who haven't seen it. (The dialog says "Screen overlay detected: To change this permission setting, you first have to turn off the screen overlay from Settings > Apps.")
Basically, it's a security feature. If you have an app currently using a screen overlay (i.e. using its "Draw over other apps" permission), like Twilight (a nighttime color-filtering app), you can't actually approve new permissions for other apps through the normal pop-up dialog. You either have to turn off the overlay and get the new app to re-request the permission, or manually set the permission.
I say this is a "security feature" because I believe the Android devs are concerned that a screen overlay app could obscure/overwrite the permissions dialog, and trick you into approving permissions. It would be nice to be able to say "I trust Twilight; don't let it stop these permission dialogs" but Android does not offer that level of granular control. So instead, I have the Twilight widget on my home screen, so I can quickly turn it off when I need to approve new permissions.
Don't worry too much about it. Also, it's better for you in the long run; warmer screens helps you sleep better, while cold/blue screens tend to keep you awake. That's why there are software that helps mitigate the issue like f.lux or Twilight for Android.
It is called Bodyweight Fitness and it uses the hand icon from the top of this reddit as its icon. Here it is in the play store, I believe it is available on iPhone as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
Also I use this pdf for cues https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYajVlzpnYaUURONE5obkhjdVU/view?usp=sharing
Not directly related, but I'm really enjoying <strong>Twilight</strong>, similar to <strong>f.lux</strong> (also awesome) for computers, it adjusts your screen to warmer tones gradually over time during the day so your natural sleep cycle is bothered less from staring at it in the evening and night. With prescribed stims and my hyperfocus always kicking in at night, it's really easy to lose track of time if I don't feel tired from staring at screens.
I mean, I have an alarm on my phone that monitors my sleep patterns and wakes me at my most shallow moment within a window of preset time. It can sometimes end up being at odd minutes, but the alarm itself is still set to normal people time.
EDIT: Here's the app I use for Android. The same people used to have it on the Apple Store, but since I don't own one of their products anymore I can't tell you if they still distribute it or not.
> Does anyone have a clue if it supports Samsung Gear?
I haven't tried it myself, but, you could give 'healthsync' a spin. It claims to sync between Google Fit and Samsung Health (which ever direction you want) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.appyhapps.healthsync
Progression Lite Progression Pro
I searched a lot for a good app to use in the gym, yet resorted to using Google Keep every time because they all suck. So then I decided to make my own, but then I stumbled upon this one and it has everything someone needs and it's just awesome. Material design, ease of picking exercises, making schedules, progress tracking, and most important - time tracking between sets that turns into a widget! Didn't check out the pro version yet, but surely will.
EDIT: Has Dropbox sync!
Download the bodyweight fitness app and just do the first set of the warm up.
That's 30 seconds of very light activity. Then look at
the next excercise and see if you feel like doing it.
You don't even have to get changed.
I use the Progression app for Android, great design and simple to use. Just put your program in and it'll track it similar to SL 5x5.
If you use iOS I heard Strong is a good alternative.
IOS: Bodyweight Fitness av Damian Mazurkiewicz https://itunes.apple.com/se/app/bodyweight-fitness/id1018863605?mt=8 Android; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
You don't have to Google it, r/bodyweightfitness has an app for it.
iOS, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bodyweight-fitness/id1018863605
Play, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
I use Progression which has an Android Wear companion app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=workout.progression.lite
I have a Huawei Watch and a Moto 360 Sport. Beware that the Huawei Watch has polished surfaces and definitely gets scratched in the gym. Some scratches will buff out with Cape Cod metal polishing cloths. If you don't care for GPS, go for the Huawei!
I think MyFitnessPal is going to be your best bet as far as calorie counter goes. It's the most widely used and has a fuller database.
I personally love the Progression App to track my lifting: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=workout.progression.lite&hl=en
It's called twilight.
Also install the flux software on your comp or something like Twilight for android. It reduces the blue light based on sunset and is adjustable.
Flux: https://justgetflux.com/
Twilight: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux
Our bodies are not mostly composed of fat, they're mostly composed of water. Therefore, most of the weight changes we see from day to day are water changes, not fat changes.
Use a weight-smoothing app called Libra (for Android) or Happy Scale (for iPhone).
One of these apps will help you see the trends better with less of the volatile influence of water.
For everyone that's just starting out:
Learn how to count calories. This app is the first step: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=fil
Don't do crash diets (no rice diet, no dinner, no sweets etc.). Fitness is a lifestyle not a fad. You want to build a habit. Don't punish yourself, make a slow, gradual change.
Eat healthy. Very basic. You can still eat your favorite sweets but in small portions. You can still eat burgers. Again, see #1. When you know how much calories you need each day, you can eat everything as long as your daily caloric needs allow it.
Whey protein or any fucking supplements is not required. They are called supplements for a reason. If you're eating clean, you get a lot of the nutrients from natural food.
Work out at least 3x a week. Work your whole body. Muscle imbalances can cause injuries.
Cardio is a great supplement to lifting
/r/fitness have a list of basic programs for beginners in their sidebar
For Android I use an app called Twilight that is basically the same as f.lux. (I'm on my phone, so I don't have a link.)
EDIT
link
Gonna try and keep it simple and sweet while expanding on this:
First week: just count calories. Don't worry about eating any less. Pay attention and get in the groove of counting everything. Smartphones are great for this, MyFitnessPal {Android} {iOS} is pretty popular and well received.
Week 2 and 3: eat 80% of the average of your current caloric intake. If you overeat, don't punish yourself, just resolve to be 100% exact the next day. The day you truly fail isn't the day you fall, it's the day you don't get back up.
1 month: start looking at recommended daily intakes. For females, that's about 2,000. 1700 or 1800 is a great place to start, if that's less than your current limit. For reference, that's about one less slice of pizza. Keep tracking everything and stick to your plan.
For the next month or more: wait. That's all that's necessary. By now, you're in the groove, you've got a plan and it can work wonders for you. After a couple/few months, look into adding light exercise if you haven't already and continue to wait. Adjust your calories only if you plateau for more than a few weeks.
And participate here! There are lots more awesome tips, tricks and people here to support you!
Great idea. i find my fitness pal to be a good calorie counter program. link for the interested:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en
if anyone got a better app or method for counting calories, do share it.
Try this app
It's free, very comprehensive analysis and even has a projected end date for you. Saves the trouble of keying into excel.
Keep a dream journal by your bed and every morning write what your dreams were immediately after waking up. After a while the dreams will start to stick. It took me a few months to be able to vividly recall almost every dream, some people get it in just a few weeks.
Also, use an app like sleep cycle repeatedly and go to sleep at the same time and set an alarm for a time where you're consistently in the 'waking' side of deep sleep. You dream most vivid in ~~the deepest sleep~~ REM and you're incredibly likely to remember. You shouldn't need the alarm after a few times, just be sure to write down every detail you remember.
It also doesn't hurt to make sure you're getting a good nights rest:
Sleep in a dark, quiet room (lights and sounds are stimuli and make getting into deep/rem sleep harder, use white noise if you need sound.)
Make sure you haven't had any caffeine near bed time.
Try to avoid bright lights near bed time, if you use anything with a screen in bed turn down brightness to a minimum. Also f.lux is great.
This is what I remember from researching it a few years back, so my information is probably off slightly but the main points should still be pretty valid.
Progression Workout Tracker is pretty much gold standard for me. The built-in stuff is mostly focused on weightlifting, but you can easily define your own program or exercises. Works well, pretty to look at, and pleasant to use.
Tem app de celular/computador que reduz o azulado da tela.
No android eu uso o Twilight E no pc eu uso o Redshift(Linux). Eu não conheço nenhum pra windows, mas o nome genérico pra esses programas é blue light filter.
Essas coisas realmente funcionam, acredito que com um óculos também vá funcionar, mas se você for mão de vaca(que nem eu), talvez deva considerar essas opções
For Android users, this is the best fitness tracker I've ever used and I highly recommend it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=workout.progression.lite&hl=en
Called Progression, very similar to Strong (iOS) in terms of capabilities - extremely easy to design and create your own programming, or use some of the several programs that comes with it.
You can create exercises, get graphs of your workouts, calculates total tonnage lifted, rough idea of cals burned, etc
For people not in the apple ecosystem you can use Libra for android or Trendweight on the web. Both are similar and excellent, although trend weight requires syncing with another service (usually a WiFi scale but you can setup a free Fitbit account and manually add your weights for syncing there). Definitely recommend using some kind of trending app since it smooths out daily readings and you don't have to worry about a bad weekly weigh in due to random fluctuations.
FitNotes. It has everything I need. Can easily be set up for any routine. Keeps historical data for all of your lifts in an easily accessible format, has a ton of built in analytics, automatic backups, can export everything to CSV, built in rest time. And it is totally free with no ads ever.
Here is the direct link the app in the Google Play Store. Feel free to ask me any questions you have on it; I have been using it daily since August so I am quite familiar with much of the functionality.
Molding Mobility and Starting Stretching.
Since you asked for an app. Recently it had been added to this app called Bodyweight Fitness.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
I input my PPL programme into Progression and have been using that ever since for tracking my workouts. It is great. The developer is very active as well and replies to emails/comments. I bought the premium version just because I was so impressed with how clean it is and how it works. Couple of things need to improve, such as being able to add the same exercise twice in a routine (supersetting lateral raises twice in a day for example), but the guy is constantly working to add all the stuff people need. Syncs with Google Drive/Fit also.
That is incorrect, there are 3rd party apps that are reviewed very well and takes you out Xiaomi's walled garden.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mc.miband1&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.zdenekhorak.mibandtools
Anyone looking for an app to track workouts, build routines, record weights & sets/reps, history, etc, this one is near perfect, and I've tried at least 10 different ones: FitNotes
Thanks to the devs!
Notify & Fitness for Mi Band. It's a good third-party app for the mi band but the user interface may be a bit confusing for new users
Yes - I do this because the only way to get my steps into the Carrot app to earn rewards is with Google Fit (or FitBit, but I have a GEar S3 instead :)).
You need to use Health Sync. It's really useful!
Nice feature! But now I'll have to run google fit next to Samsung Health. Hope they'll add more fitness trackers in the future.
Edit: I'll try this app to sync between the two: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.appyhapps.healthsync
Switched off all trackers for Google fit because my Galaxy watch already tracks it and syncs with SHealth.
My "decision weight" is not any one daily weigh-in. Those are almost meaningless because of how volatile water is. I use a weight-smoothing app to see where I'm trending.
Our bodies are not mostly composed of fat, they're mostly composed of water. Therefore, most of the weight changes we see from day to day are water changes, not fat changes.
Use a weight-smoothing app called Libra (for Android) or Happy Scale (for iPhone).
One of these apps will help you see the trends better with less of the volatile influence of water.
Once I've decided the trend is too high in my 10 pound maintenance range, I'm going to be on -500 for weeks. I don't come off of it until I'm low in my range. When I start, I don't stop until I lose 5-7 pounds on that trendline. It won't be a day or two. It's going to be weeks.
7700 Calories means that you did burn about two pounds of fat last week, but "burning fat" is a misnomer because to release the energy from fat, the body hydrolyzes the triglyceride out of the cell. Hydro- means water -- burning fat takes water.
That water isn't instantly gone, it hangs around for hours or days - there's no clear schedule or process but it eventually works its way out.
Because fluctuations happen daily, we reserve the word "plateau" for effects that span weeks, not days.
Use a weight-smoothing app called Libra (for Android) or Happy Scale (for iPhone).
One of these apps will help you see the trends better with less of the volatile influence of water.
Do it! Starting Calisthenics has been so fun! Love the excitement of new exercises and freedom to do them basically everywhere!
The recommended routine is a great place to start!
I also use the app, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free it was created specifically for this reddit!
r/bodyweightfitness has a workout app
Check out this app which is the mobile version of the Recommended Routine proposed on the sidebar.
You can track your workouts and it's free.
Yeah. Link
Basically it lowers the blue light your screen puts out when it's dark out, which is supposed to help you sleep better. I have mine set to start transitioning when the sun starts setting, which is really convenient.
Mi Band Tools is probably the most popular (quick updates, responsive dev who's on this sub) - Well worth the money.
Mi Band Notify PRO is another option.
Samsung's Health app tracks a lot more than Fit currently does. For this reason I don't install Google Fit on my watch and I have Google Fit on my phone set to not track. I then use an app called Health Sync and have it sync all the metrics I want from Samsung Health to Google Fit every 6 hours just to have all that information there as well. I do like the Samsung Health app though, I think it's laid out better than Google Fit. Mostly for archival purposes I wanted to keep my information in Fit up to date though and the Health Sync app works nicely in this regard.
Health Sync: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.appyhapps.healthsync
You could make yourself a Fitbit account and then sync Samsung Health with Fitbit via an app. I use Health Sync to sync my Samsung Health account to Google Fit but a bunch of other services are supported, too.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.appyhapps.healthsync
FitNotes. Very basic with all the essentials, no ads, No Account, Clean UI, Stats, Graphs. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.jamesgay.fitnotes (for Android obv.) I use it just like you want to.
+1
I would just install Twilight if it's bothering you. I think You can pull a request on the Moto Community site too.
Don't if you intend to make money from it. There are already too many.
The app I use seems to do all your features anyway.
I like Progression (Android). Has built-in programs and exercises; you can tweak existing or create new programs, create custom exercises/super-sets, add or delete exercises on the fly during a workout.
I've been using Progression for so long, I almost forgot about it. This is seriously a godsend. As a once-newbie to strength training coming from the StrongLifts app that tells you everything to do, this app was easy to transition to.
Supports all kinds of workouts, timers, supersets, includes Google Fit sync, backup, charts and stats of past workouts, exercise illustrations, floating bubbles, Android Wear support, and an awesome Material UI...
A lot of the main features are free, but I totally upgraded to support the developer. I've used this app for a couple years now, and haven't considered looking elsewhere.
Since somebody else mentioned using melatonin to help you get to sleep:
f.lux on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux
Twilight on Android
Puts a red filter over the screen at designated times of the day to ensure the blue light from your phone or computer monitor is not going to disrupt melatonin production that naturally occurs once the sun is down.
Note that Twilight can interfere with app installations, and you may need to pause it to properly install apps. It can then be safely resumed.
I can highly recommend Progression.
Another option is JEFIT, though personally I prefer the former.
With the next major update of Chrome OS, you'll be able to use Android apps. Android has the excellent Twilight app. If your delicate little eyes can hold out until then, you may be able to save yourself the trouble of selling your device.
On team Android I have been using Fitnotes - Gym Workout Log. It allows you to put any exercises you want any number of reps/sets, and will run a timer between sets. Also gives some basic analysis/tracking.
I consider myself a heavy user and I manage to get 4-5 hours out of the device. Screen brightness almost constantly at 70%.
Download Twillight to save your eyes at night (and battery).
I installed Cloudy ROM and its pretty stable for me. Oh and don't think that iOS isn't crashing, it's just not telling the user like Android does.
I did the beginner routine that has an app with it. I think they link to it on their FAQ somewhere. I did it years ago when I didn't have access to a gym. I really liked it, it's easy to get into, and gives ideas on how to utilise your home for certain exercises. Some i had to leave out simply because i didn't have space. But it's good if you wanna get to learn the basics first. And there's progressions from beginner-intermidate-advanced. So you don't stall. I'd also suggest you look up antranik (u/antranik) He's so good and easy to follow. Has a sub here r/antranik and does YouTube vids with bodyweight/calisthenics exercises. I know he's not a woman though 🙈. But he's really great!
I definitely got results, particularly my core got lots of work (not as significant as with lifting, but i slacked a little too). I have no pictures to show sadly. L-sit is my favorite core exercise in the world. I lost interest because I found lifting to be far more enjoyable, but would still recommend. I do implement some of the stuff in my routines still. It's still good shit.
edit: I think the RR I followed was the pre 2018 one, and maybe the app adheres to the older RR and seems to not be linked to anymore in their FAQ. I couldn't find it anyway. I still would recommend it though.
App from r/bodyweightfitness: Not sure if I'm allowed to link to it, but imma gamble and do it anyway: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bodyweight.fitness.free
For Android users, I've found that Progression is a pretty nice workout app. There are several premade workouts, but you can make custom ones. The user-experience on this is what makes it awesome. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=workout.progression.lite&hl=en_GB The dev also made one for body tracking progress https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=progression.bodytracker&hl=en_GB
If you're on iOS, I heard Stacked was a good one.
You probably won't like the responses you get.
Skipping legs is pretty much heresy in /r/gainit, for good reason.
Using cable machines as a primary workout is also frowned upon, also for good reason.
The low volume (3x5, even considering an AMRAP set) is facepalm-worthy.
If you wanna bulk and gain muscle, your best chance of success is to pick any one of the many linear progression programs that utilize compound, full-body lifts, and stick with it. You're still pre-"noob gains," so you have everything to gain from a solid, consistent lifting foundation. Don't squander your time with fuckarounditis.
If a gym membership (even the YMCA?) is too much for you, you will be best served by /r/bodyweightfitness and following their recommended routine progression. They even have an app to make it even simpler to start training.
Not an FA but someone who has random hours at a lab.
A) Sleep in a dark room, you need to trick your body to thinking that it's night. An eye mask helps, but there are photoreceptors on your skin that tells you "yo it's daylight."
B) High frequency light hitting your eyes may also tell your body that it's daytime. If you need to use electronic devices near bedtime you should install programs that reduce the frequency of light displayed depending on the time. On computers/laptops, f.lux is a good option. Twilight for androids. iOS devices ~9.0ish have a native built in "night mode" that attempts to reduce the amount of high frequency light.
C) Try to get used to sleeping with ear plugs. Blocking out ambient noise allows for a more restful sleep.
Here's another app for that. No calculation, just set the time that you want to wake up (latest), and then it will monitor your sleep cycle and wake you up within a 30 minute window based on where you are in your sleep.
I've been using it for about 6 weeks now, and it's pretty neat to have it tracking how you are sleeping, and to know what days are good, what days are bad (it tracks and has graphs/reports that you can look at).
First, check out /r/bodyweightfitness and their amazing FAQ! Next, you can use this app to follow along with their recommended routine.
Hey, just thought I'd let you know about Sleep Cycle. I've been using it just as an alarm, but it's cool in that it uses your movement to track your sleep and determine when to wake you up. Maybe you could use it to get more accurate data
I'd make two suggestions.
First, you mentioned he treats food like it's a competition. Maybe losing weight should be a competition? Within reason of course.
One thing that has helped a lot of people is smartphone apps like Calorie Counter - My Fitness pal. The nice thing about this one is you can manually enter items, or you can scan a bar code of what you're eating and put in the amount. The hardest part about the Calories In is you have no idea how dense moderns foods are until you carefully measure them. Which is a PITA, this makes it a lot easier.
Second, there's a really great documentry that HBO put out on Youtube called The Weight of the Nation. It helps to understand why it's so easy in this day and age to pile on the pounds and basically amounts to food pollution.
I had resisted upgrading as well due to the reports. However, about a month ago, I switched to the official app in the store and use Mi Band Tools to set up notificaitons and haven't had a problem with either the official app or the firmware.
Although this notification app is not free, its been way more stable and consistent than any of the others I've used, even the old modded app. It has a ton more options and the dev frequents this subreddit.