You know, a good friend of mine actually told me about the Jen Cassetty fitness app that's free for download on the iPhone.

At first, thought it was a marketing ploy (he's a publicist) since the app is still in its early stages. The app, created by a NYC Fitness trainer at Crunch Gym, was designed to offer clients 24/7 access to her. Whether her clients were in Tokyo, LA, Miami or Japan, the app allowed them to see her fitness tweets, videos on Facebook and nutrition advice.

Again -- I'm thinking it's nothing but a marketing tool to promote this trainer. How can tweets and Facebook videos motivate clients without having a physical trainer present?

Well it appears that app is supposed to supplement a trainer and be used together. A trainer in person can kick your butt in shape, but the app gives you access to the trainer during off hours and for extra advice.

it seems to work. One of Jen's clients was featured in i-Village talking about the success of it, here: http://www.ivillage.com/will-marriage-make-you-fat-avoid-love-chub-trap/...

And CBS did a news segment about it here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8300-504544_162-504544.html?keyword=jennifer+cass...

Looks like this marketing ploy actually does offer what it says. 24/7 access to a trainer to help supplement a workout.