Wger is a free and open-source (FLOSS) web application for tracking fitness activities. It allows users to log exercises, create custom workouts, manage their weight and body measurements, and analyze progress with charts and graphs. Wger also includes a large database of exercises with images and instructions, nutritional information, and the ability to create training plans. The application can be self-hosted, offering users full control over their data and privacy.
The GitHub repository titled "wger: Self hosted FLOSS fitness/workout tracker" presents wger, a free and open-source software (FOSS) application designed for tracking and managing personal fitness routines. This self-hostable platform allows users to meticulously log their workouts, encompassing detailed information on exercises performed, sets, repetitions, weight used, and the date and time of the training session. Beyond mere logging, wger facilitates the creation and customization of comprehensive workout plans, tailored to individual goals and preferences. Users can build these plans by selecting from a vast, pre-populated database of exercises, complete with descriptions and associated muscle groups targeted. The platform also supports the categorization of exercises by muscle group, equipment utilized, or any other user-defined criteria.
Furthermore, wger offers the capability to chart progress visually, providing graphical representations of workout data over time, enabling users to monitor their improvements and identify trends. Nutritional tracking features are integrated as well, allowing users to log their food intake and analyze their dietary habits in conjunction with their training regimen. The software is built using the Django web framework, ensuring robust performance and scalability. It leverages PostgreSQL as its database backend, offering reliability and data integrity. The entire codebase is open-source and freely available under the GNU Affero General Public License v3, encouraging community contributions and modifications. The project aims to empower individuals to take control of their fitness journey by providing a powerful, customizable, and privacy-respecting platform, without reliance on commercial fitness tracking services. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, accessible through a web browser on any device. The self-hosting aspect emphasizes user control over their data, ensuring privacy and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Summary of Comments ( 61 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43034329
Hacker News users discussed the self-hosted Wger fitness tracker, primarily focusing on its utility and features. Several commenters expressed interest in using it or already using it successfully, praising its simplicity and the control it offers over their fitness data. Some desired more advanced features like workout suggestions, exercise variations, and progress tracking visualizations. The ability to import/export data was also a key concern. A few users questioned the sustainability of the project, particularly regarding updates and bug fixes, and suggested incorporating routines from sources like Reddit's r/fitness. Overall, the sentiment was positive, with users appreciating the existence of a FLOSS alternative to commercial fitness trackers.
The Hacker News post titled "Self hosted FLOSS fitness/workout tracker" linking to the wger project on GitHub generated several comments. Many users expressed appreciation for the existence of a self-hosted, open-source fitness tracker, citing privacy concerns as a primary motivator for seeking such a solution. They disliked the idea of commercial fitness platforms collecting and potentially exploiting their personal health data.
Several commenters discussed their existing workflows for tracking workouts, with some mentioning spreadsheets, plain text files, and other self-made systems. The wger project was seen as a potential upgrade to these more rudimentary methods.
A key point of discussion revolved around the complexity of setting up and maintaining wger. Some users perceived it as potentially too involved for the average user, requiring technical skills that might deter less tech-savvy individuals. The use of Docker was mentioned as a simplifying factor, but even then, the initial setup and ongoing maintenance could still present a barrier to entry.
Feature comparisons with other fitness trackers were also made. Users discussed the availability of features like workout planning, progress tracking, and exercise libraries. While wger seemed to offer a solid foundation, some users expressed desires for specific features not yet implemented or areas where the user interface could be improved.
There was a brief thread about the choice of programming language (Python/Django) and database (PostgreSQL), with generally positive sentiments towards these technologies.
Finally, the importance of data liberation was highlighted. The ability to easily export and migrate data was seen as crucial, ensuring users wouldn't be locked into the platform. This aligns with the overall ethos of self-hosting and open-source software. While some expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on a smaller open-source project, others championed the benefits of community-driven development and the potential for customization.