Need to lose or gain weight? SP is the best place to be! (sparkpeople.com)

Member Name: Sunrisesunset

Product:	sparkpeople.com
Date:	27/08/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: massive support, completely free, no intrusive adverts, healthy lifestyle instead of unhealthy diets

Disadvantages: shop for Americans only

I decided to lose weight but money was a factor. Many websites offered FREE stuff, but it always turned out to be a free newsletter and/or spam, followed by a invitation to subscribe. When I came across SP I was understandably sceptical after being tricked into signing up for 'free' stuff so many times.

This time it was different. Sparkpeople really is free, minus their store where they sell SP merchandise. Everything you see is free, supported by adverts.

You'd think that being free means they lack what paid programs supply, but I feel SP provides even more.

The best part of SP is the forum. When you're feeling down, there's always someone on there to pick you up. When you've lost weight and want to share your joy, there's someone to congratulate you. When you're confused about something, there someone to explain it all to you. There are even sections for specific groups e.g. men, older people, underweight people who need to gain, and more. If you don't find groups to suit your needs, you can start a 'Sparkteam' where like minded people can converse, in private/invitation only if you all prefer. There are moderators for those moments when things get too heated, but I've never seen any arguments in the three years I've been there. The 'Sparkcoaches' are the people who started the website, and they regularly post for those who need expert advice.

SP is very safe. The moment you input your details, such as your starting weight and ideal weight, they tell you what is a healthy rate of weight loss. Do not expect SP to tell you how to lose more than 2lbs, the healthiest rate of weight loss, because the system will not let you. SP only pushes a 'Healthy Lifestyle', so not quick fix diets are here.

Your personal section on the website is a nice addition. You can have your own blog with photos, a weight loss 'ticker' that shows your progress, your favourite articles, and friends. In your private section, which you can display your blog, are graphs showing your weight and measurement loss progress, calories consumed and burned, personal goals and other ways you earn daily 'Sparkpoints'. There are many tools here, such as printable measuring tape, articles written by professionals, a test on how your progress is coming along in comparison to last month.

SP provides articles on living with a healthy mind and body, exercises and how to perform them safely, as well as more scientifically minded articles on different illnesses and diseases people live with. You can earn three Sparkpoints per article read- no more than nine points a day- and previously read articles are ticked off, so you don't find yourself reading them again by accident. There is also a 'Success Stories' page for SP members who met their goals and shared their journey. It's very inspiring to see before and after pictures, hear the tough times they worked through, and how much better their lives are now.

SP also have a Youtube channel, and they've added videos lasting approx 10mins on there. This is nice when you are bored with your DVDs and need a change. There is a nice range of videos focused on a specific body part, some with cardio to work the entire body, and a few where the trainer- a Spark coach called Nicole- uses exercise equipment like exercise balls and resistance bands. You can earn points for watching the video as well.

There is also a shop selling SP merchandise like drink bottles and the Youtube videos, but this is for American users only so I cannot comment on the buying process, but the product line looks promising.

I have mentioned Sparkpoints a few times in this review. They are points earned throughout the website that go toward a virtual trophy. This trophy is displayed by your name on the forum and in your personal section of the website. The gap between each trophy increases each time, so first it is around 100 but eventually it will be 10,000 or more. You can only earn a certain number of points from each activity e.g. one for using SP's online search function. If you do the activity/read an article again, you will not get more points. There are many ways to earn points: spinning a virtual SP wheel, where the pointer lands on the points you will be rewarded for that day, reading articles, watching videos, posting in the forum, writing on your blog, and much more.

I highly recommend Sparkpeople, especially to those who need to lose weight on a budget. I did not find any other weight loss website that provided so much for free. I believe everything you need to lose weight is on SP. I don't think I would've gone from 200lbs to 147lbs without the great support on there.

Summary: Absolutely free weight loss/gain support for people from all walks of life