Does Trainerize Link to MyFitnessPal?
Yes, Trainerize does link to MyFitnessPal, allowing for seamless integration of nutrition data. This connection is a powerful tool for personal trainers who wish to monitor their clients' nutritional habits without forcing them to switch from an app they already use and trust. For clients, it means less manual entry across different platforms and more consistent data logging.
How to Connect Trainerize and MyFitnessPal
For a trainer to monitor a client's MyFitnessPal data, the client must first establish the connection within their Trainerize mobile app. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Open the Trainerize App: Navigate to the dashboard and find the main menu, often indicated by a three-dot or hamburger icon.
- Access App Integrations: In the settings or 'More' tab, find the 'Apps & Devices' section and select MyFitnessPal.
- Initiate Connection: Tap the 'Connect MyFitnessPal' button, which will redirect you to the MyFitnessPal website for authentication.
- Log In and Authorize: Clients log in with their MyFitnessPal username and password and authorize the data sharing.
- Enable Diary Sync: After the initial connection, clients must enable 'Diary Sync' within the Trainerize app to ensure meal details are pulled from MyFitnessPal.
- Set Diary to 'Public': To allow full meal details to sync, clients should ensure their MyFitnessPal diary privacy is set to 'Public'.
What Data Syncs Between the Apps?
Once successfully connected, the integration automatically syncs specific nutrition data from MyFitnessPal into the client's Trainerize profile. This provides trainers with valuable insights without requiring manual input from either party.
- Caloric Intake: The total daily calories consumed are synced and visible to the trainer.
- Macro Intake: The breakdown of daily macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—is transferred.
- Meal Information: Trainers can view the full meal details that clients have logged into MyFitnessPal.
It is important to note that the integration is one-way for nutrition data; MyFitnessPal data is pulled into Trainerize, but Trainerize data does not sync back to MyFitnessPal. Additionally, the integration is limited to nutrition tracking and does not sync other metrics like exercise or weight logs.
Comparison: Trainerize In-App vs. MyFitnessPal Integration
Deciding which nutrition tracking method is best for a client often depends on their habits and the trainer's coaching style. Trainerize offers its own comprehensive in-app nutrition tracker that provides similar functionality to MyFitnessPal, but with key differences.
| Feature | Trainerize In-App Tracking | MyFitnessPal Integration |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Integrated directly into the Trainerize app; streamlined experience | Requires clients to use and log in two separate apps |
| Client Experience | Keeps all client activity (workouts, nutrition, habits) within one app | Allows clients to continue using a familiar, popular nutrition app |
| Food Logging | Uses a searchable food database and barcode scanner | Leverages MyFitnessPal's extensive food database and scanning features |
| Data Visibility | Trainers can see full meal details and compliance | Trainers see calories, macros, and full meal details pulled from MFP |
| Features | Includes a photo journal option, full macro tracking, and meal templates | Disables Trainerize's internal nutrition features when active |
Benefits for Trainers and Clients
Utilizing the MyFitnessPal integration offers distinct advantages for both parties involved in the coaching relationship.
For Trainers:
- Enhanced Nutrition Coaching: Gain a holistic view of client progress by monitoring nutrition alongside assigned workouts and habits.
- Actionable Insights: Use real-time data to provide timely and targeted feedback to clients, helping them stay on track.
- Reduced Friction: Support clients who are already committed to using MyFitnessPal, increasing the likelihood of consistent and accurate data logging.
- Increased Efficiency: Easily measure nutrition compliance against the goals you set in Trainerize.
For Clients:
- Continuity: Continue using a preferred app for nutrition tracking without disrupting an established routine.
- Unified Monitoring: Provide their trainer with a comprehensive view of their progress without needing to manually share data.
- Personalized Guidance: Receive more informed and accurate nutrition guidance from their trainer based on their actual food intake.
Limitations and Troubleshooting
While the integration is highly beneficial, it's important to be aware of certain limitations and potential issues.
Key Limitations:
- Exclusive Tracking: When the MyFitnessPal integration is active, the client cannot use Trainerize's built-in nutrition tracker.
- Data Restrictions: Only nutrition data (calories, macros, meals) syncs. Workout logs or other metrics from MyFitnessPal are not transferred.
Common Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Diary Sync: Verify that the client has toggled on the 'Diary Sync' feature in the Trainerize app settings after connecting.
- Public Diary: Ensure the client's MyFitnessPal diary is set to 'Public'. Private diaries cannot be synced.
- Confirm Connection: As a trainer, check the client's profile in Trainerize to confirm that MyFitnessPal shows a 'Connected' status.
- Manual Sync: If data is delayed, ask the client to try a forced or manual sync within the Trainerize app.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the official Trainerize support page on connecting MyFitnessPal.
Conclusion
In summary, Trainerize offers a seamless and highly functional integration with MyFitnessPal, serving as a powerful bridge between exercise and nutrition tracking for online personal trainers and their clients. It provides trainers with a detailed and automated feed of client nutrition data, enabling more comprehensive and personalized coaching. While it's important for trainers and clients to understand the specific data that syncs and the limitations involved, this integration ultimately simplifies the coaching process, enhances client accountability, and supports better overall health outcomes.
