I was kindly gifted a treadmill, but still found it challenging to get motivated to exercise. Then, I found an app that not only made fitness more fun but it also kept me engaged.

The Conqueror Keeps Me Active and Accountable

The Conqueror offers almost 100 immersive virtual adventures, ranging from a relaxing stroll around one of the world’s best-loved cities to scaling the heights of Mount Everest. As you navigate the challenge’s circuit, you take in landmarks and reach milestones. The app links to your favorite fitness device to track your steps, or you can enter distances manually. All distance-based exercises, from walking to running, cycling, and swimming, are logged and count towards your total distance traveled.

While I usually use the app to break the monotony of the treadmill, it can be used with any form of exercise. For example, if you do a daily dog walk or regularly jog around the same circuit, you can turn these activities into a virtual adventure. This not only motivates me to be active but also keeps me accountable by inspiring me to reach realistic goals that suit my fitness level.

Virtual Challenges Based on Real and Fantasy Locations

What makes The Conqueror fun are the many challenges that are each unique and interesting, while collectively, they are varied enough to keep you motivated from one challenge to the next. I may be pacing on the treadmill, but virtually, I’m walking the Inca Trail or trekking across Middle Earth to reach Mount Doom. Many real locations were familiar to me, such as Vienna and the Appalachian Trail, while some are based on less well-known destinations, like the historic Silk Road and Beijing’s Forbidden City.

As an enthusiastic traveler, I find global destinations appealing to me the most, especially since they provide a frame of reference for how long distances would be if I visited them in real life. For this reason, I chose to walk around the Wales Coast Path for my first challenge, as it’s on my doorstep as a UK national. However, if you prefer, you can choose one of many fantasy-themed challenges that include Star Wars, Harry Potter, Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones.

Furthermore, there are some historical challenges, like Caesars and Emperors, or you can join Elvis Presley on a tour around Memphis. The myriad of options help add diversity to an already multi-tiered platform.

Motivation Through Milestones and Community Support

While I was drawn to The Conqueror’s innovative approach to fitness tracking and its visually appealing interface, it keeps users motivated with a combination of milestones and community support. As my avatar advances along the route of my challenge, the app provides a visual representation of my progress. Each time I complete 20 percent of the journey, the milestone is celebrated with a virtual postcard featuring local landmarks and cultural insights, adding an educational aspect to the experience.

The app also encourages a supportive environment for participants via its private Facebook group. Here, you can share your experiences, encourage others, and celebrate achievements together. You can form groups with other community members to tackle challenges as a team and inspire each other to combine exercise routines. While I haven’t participated in any community activities yet, I can see this collaboration as an effective way to enhance accountability and stay motivated.

Earning Encouraging Rewards for My Progress

The Conqueror gives you a finisher certificate upon completing your virtual challenge. Of course, the real reward is your improved health and a sense of accomplishment, but it’s still nice to be able to log your achievement, keep a record of your stats, and review your journey retrospectively.

As a premium member, you will receive an actual medal with a colored ribbon and your challenge’s motif. These are beautifully designed, and while I chose not to apply for mine, they would serve as a fun motivator if you are a collector at heart. To claim your medal, simply click to apply upon completing your challenge, and you’ll receive it by mail.

Syncing With My Fitness Devices Makes Tracking Easy

While it is possible to log your exercise manually in the app, I recommend using it with a fitness tracker for a more straightforward experience. Most devices are compatible, including those from Fitbit, Apple, and several alternatives, and are listed as active in your connections menu within the app. I use my Fitbit watch, which is easy to connect and works seamlessly. However, it’s worth mentioning that all activities are logged toward your challenge, so if you only want to log a specific exercise to count toward your goal, you must deactivate it when it is not in use.

Overall, my experience with The Conqueror has been overwhelmingly positive. I think the idea behind it is unique and well-executed, featuring a well-thought-out and intuitive user interface, as well as some nice incidental features, such as Easter eggs, factual information, and points of interest along the route. The app was encouraging without being overbearing or intrusive, and it didn’t pressure me to exercise.

At around $20 for a global challenge and $30 for a fantasy adventure, The Conqueror certainly isn’t cheap, and I’d have liked to have seen a distance-based pricing structure with concessions for shorter routes. With that said, if you were to set a target of one challenge per month, it is good value, provided you stay motivated, which, of course, is the entire purpose behind the app in the first place.