Apps that nudge you off the couch and away from endless scrolling
TechCrunch highlights several apps that lock distracting apps until users meet step or workout goals, including one that requires a photo of real grass to unlock.
Spending hours hunched over a phone, scrolling through social media feeds, is a common habit that can leave users with poor posture and a negative mood. A growing number of apps now aim to break this cycle by tying screen time to physical activity. Some lock distracting apps until a step goal is met, while others require a workout or even a photo of real grass before unlocking.
Here are eight apps highlighted by TechCrunch that try to get users moving:
Digital Carrot works across iPhone, Android and desktop platforms, blocking apps, websites and games until daily fitness, productivity or screen-time targets are reached. It connects to wearables such as the Apple Watch and supports GPS-based challenges, like completing a gym workout.
MeBeMe takes a less restrictive approach, sending notifications to complete short missions, such as burpees or a three-minute warm-up. Its Body category includes challenges designed for athletes, dancers, cyclists and runners. The app is free on iOS.
StepBloc locks access to selected apps until the user walks a set number of steps or finishes a workout like push-ups or squats. Once the task is done, social media and games become available. The iOS app is free with a subscription for unlimited use.
Steppin, created by the founder of Kayak, lets users trade steps for screen time: 100 steps earn one minute of scrolling. Step goals can be customised for social media, streaming and mobile games.
TouchGrass forces users to go outside and photograph real grass before unlocking apps. Computer vision checks that the photo shows grass, not trees or other plants. The free version locks two apps; unlimited locking costs $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
WalkLock integrates with Apple Health and automatically tracks steps from the iPhone or Apple Watch, keeping apps locked until a daily goal is met. A widget shows progress on the lock screen.
Walkly, an Android equivalent, locks social media, games and other distracting apps until a step target is reached. It monitors activity continuously and unlocks apps automatically.
WeWard originally rewarded walking with in-app currency redeemable for cash, gift cards or donations. Its new Walking Mode restricts app access until custom step counts are hit. The app is available on iOS and Android.
