CHUNG SPACE

Despite my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to exercise, I continue to look for incentives to push myself off the couch. This week, I looked for apps that will benefit not only myself, but a charity or two. I’ve always been one to look for good causes and what I can do to help. With that in mind, I hit the interwebs.

The very first hit on Google lead me to Charity Miles, an organization dedicated to making a difference through exercise. Therefore, anyone could do it, including me… No excuses.

Here’s a short blurb from their website on how it works.

“It’s as easy as this: get moving. Bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile, up to our initial $1,000,000 sponsorship pool.”

The app tracks your distance as you exercise using your phone’s GPS. So basically, you have to be outside… Not cool for people who are at the gym during the winter months, but at least I can use the app when walking my dog!

You can choose to ride your bike, walk, or run. I’m a runner/walker. Though $0.25 doesn’t sound like a lot, it definitely still makes a difference.

Are there other reasons to love the Charity Miles App? Absolutely!

First and foremost, It is completely accessible. Usually when a button is selected, VoiceOver just says “button.” Glad this isn’t the case for the Charity Miles app. I can use this app without burning out my eyeballs, which for me, is huge.

Secondly, the app is available for both Apple and Android users alike. No discrimination here… Well, except for those using a Blackberry, I guess…?

Thus far, I have raised $0.50 for the ASPCA. No – that amount is not a heaping donation, but it’s something. I moved my butt [my dog’s butt,too], walked 2 miles, and raised money for a good cause. Three cheers for small victories!

I chose to help the ASPCA, but you can choose from so many other charities such as Feeding America, The Nature Conservatory, Habitat For Humanity, Pencils of Promise, Wounded Warrior Project, Stand Up To Cancer, and more. Just check out the Charity Miles website. Another bonus is that you can choose a different charity every time the app is opened.

On a sidenote, Charity Miles requires you to share your progress using social media. For some this may be a problem, but since I’m a Facebook/Twitter fiend, it’s no biggie. Perhaps this has encouraged my friends to join – there were several likes on Facebook. The more the merrier.

Certainly, I’ve left quite a bit out of this post, but I want you to experience this app for yourself. I’m not being sponsored to write this post, I’m just really excited about the difference I can make for myself and to others.

On a completely unrelated note, I have more blog posts waiting in the oven. You know you’re a blogger when you have 3 or 4 unfinished posts in your drafts folder. So many ideas… So much to share… So little time! I’ll get there, I promise! [I’m not that peppy, just excitable from this app!]