I checked in to Crunch Fitness on Foursquare like I always do. Not news. However, today I got a little extra recognition — for nine straight weeks, I have checked into the gym for a total of 31 visits. That's approximately three days a week. Not bad.
Now, the gym is just one of the ways I get exercise each week, so Foursquare isn't tracking my Nike+ runs or my Fitbit steps or my long bike rides (note: I've been wearing a helmet lately too).
In a country that's getting collectively heavier and unhealthier, this type of personal data should be of huge value to individuals. It should enable them to [re]negotiate their insurance deductables, premiums, rates, etc. I should be able to send monthly reports (even better, link them) to my insurance company. Over time, I should benefit not only from a healthier lifestyle, but also from a lower insurance commitment.
And insurance companies should be chomping at the bit for this type of data and integration. But they're not really. Why? Is it not profitable? Is it too nascent (the quantified self)?
Anyways, this is a new topic of interest for me, and I hope to share more data, thoughts, inquiries to insurance companies and more in the coming months.
