New app helps friends stay fit and connected

Keeping fit and staying connected has become easier than ever before thanks to a new social fitness app which was showcased in Narrabri last week.

The app, Alyte, is currently on offer via the iTunes store on iOS devices and helps people to build fitness and friendships.

Yoga sessions were on offer in Narrabri last week, with gatherings at The Exchange Narrabri on Friday and Lifestyle 4 U on Saturday, brought to town by Alyte as part of a campaign to take the app to regional NSW.

The sessions were conducted by yoga instructor Lucy Buchanan, formerly of Come By Chance, who was delighted to bring Alyte to regional NSW with visiting Alyte team members from Sydney.

One of Alyte’s cofounders, Mel Kansil, spoke to The Courier about the development of the app and the benefits it brings to users.

“It is designed for the busy person. We want to make it easier for a person to do something that’s both healthy and social,” she said.

“We are about sharing movement and sharing connections.”

The app works by connecting friends who can then take part in exclusive pilates, yoga and stretch classes available online.

While other exercise apps offer the ability for people to keep track of their fitness, Alyte goes a step further and helps people to stay socially connected while exercising.

“We know that when people are doing exercise with others, they are likely to stick with it,” Ms Kansil said.

The online social fitness sessions are completely private, conducted with connected friends via the app.

While it is only available on iOS devices at the moment, Ms Kansil said an Android app was in the pipeline.

“We are delighted with the uptake of the app,” she said.

“We are delighted that people in rural areas have found it can be a great way to get fit and stay connected.

“We are eager to learn about how people like to use the app.”

New features are being developed as the app’s uptake continues.

Alyte also hopes to expand its use beyond Australia.

The download of the app is free, however, it uses a consumer subscription model.

“We have kept things quite open,” Ms Kansil said of the features available on Alyte.

“We want to give people the chance to try it.

“We want people to enjoy it and love it before having to pay.”

Ms Kansil, who developed Alyte with fellow co-founder and close friend Zeb Rice, is confident it will be of great benefit, particularly to people in rural areas.

“Sometimes it’s a long drive to see friends or to go to the gym,” she said.

“Alyte is good for the body and good for the soul.”