# Penalizing Fitness Apps The Fitbit-Connected 'Lazy Jar' Keeps Users Accountable on Fitness Goals By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-10-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lazy-jar References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2017/10/app-negative-reinforcement-reach-fitness-goals.html) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazy-jar/id1195411774) In the same way that one adds money to a sweat jar when a curse word has been spoken, Lazy Jar is an app that has users pay for failing to meet their [fitness goals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runspark). The aim of the [Fitbit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitalflip)-connected application is to help users build discipline, but do so in a way that is based on [negative reinforcement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gains-app) than providing positive incentives. Lazy Jar has app users set a weekly goal, as well as a penalty for failing to fulfil that goal. To help users devote themselves fully to the cause, the app has users make a security deposit that will be refunded after a six-month commitment period. As far as the money that goes to Lazy Jar from missed physical activity sessions, it donates 80% to charity and uses the rest for the upkeep of the app. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Negative Reinforcement Fitness Apps:** Creating fitness apps that penalize users for failing to meet their goals builds discipline using negative reinforcement. - **Charitable Penalty Programs:** Incorporating a charitable donation component into penalty programs provides a positive outcome from negative reinforcement. - **Accountability Apps:** Developing accountability apps that utilize security deposits and penalties can help users meet their goals. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fitness and Health:** Creating negative reinforcement fitness apps could revolutionize the fitness industry and motivate users to meet their goals. - **Charity and Non-profit:** Incorporating penalty programs that donate a portion of the money to charity could benefit the non-profit industry by increasing donations. - **Technology and App Development:** Developing accountability apps that utilize security deposits and penalties could revolutionize the technology and app development industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Micro Workout Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lazy-bear.md) - [Goal Commitment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lock-in-win.md) - [Productivity-Focused Exercise Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steppin.md) - [Health-Driven Access Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fitlock.md) - [Gamified Fitness Motivation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calpets.md) - [Goal Accountability Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goal-accountability.md) - [Entertaining Micro Workout Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-workout-game.md) - [Gamified Virtual Fitness Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gympet.md) - [Motivational Goal-Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disciplined.md)