FlowStake (sometimes written flow state or flowstate) is a free fitness app for iOS and the web that verifies your training rather than taking your word for it. You record a run, ride, walk, hike or swim, and FlowStake checks the recording for the physical signatures of a real human moving through real space before it counts toward challenges, streaks or leaderboards.

How does FlowStake verify activities?

Verification runs in two layers. Hard checks reject physically impossible recordings — per-sport speed ceilings, poor position accuracy, teleports between fixes, and backwards timestamps. A confidence score is then built from track continuity, co-presence with other athletes, route agreement between independent recordings, motion signature and social corroboration. Every GPS fix is folded into a rolling cryptographic commitment, so changing any single point invalidates the session's root hash and the activity cannot be edited after it ends.

How is FlowStake different from Strava?

Strava records what your device reports and treats it as fact. FlowStake treats a recording as a claim that has to survive scrutiny: it applies physical-plausibility checks, cryptographically commits the session so it cannot be altered afterwards, and raises confidence when other athletes independently recorded nearby at the same time. The highest verification tier is unavailable to solo activities by design, because a single device cannot corroborate itself.

Yes. FlowStake is free to use. Activity tracking, Proof of Activity verification, challenges with friends, groups, streaks and data export are all available at no cost, with no subscription and no in-app purchases.

Does FlowStake involve gambling, betting or real-money wagering?

No. FlowStake challenges are free to create and free to join. There is no wagering, no prize pool funded by participants, no real-money staking and no cash payout in the app. The phrase 'bet on yourself' describes personal commitment to a goal, not a financial wager.

What activities and sports does FlowStake support?

Running, cycling, walking, hiking, swimming, rollerblading, alpine skiing and snowboarding. Each activity type is tuned separately, including its own GPS filtering and its own plausible speed ceiling, so a swim is not judged by the same standards as a bike ride.

Do I need a smartwatch or wearable to use FlowStake?

No. A phone is enough — FlowStake uses its GPS to record and verify activities. Bluetooth heart-rate monitors are supported if you want heart-rate data, but they are optional.

Is FlowStake the same as flow state?

FlowStake is named after flow state, the psychological concept described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. They are not the same thing: flow state is the absorbed focus athletes reach during training, while FlowStake is a fitness app that verifies training and builds accountability around it.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Use for Flowstake.com

Last Updated: February 26th, 2026

Please also review our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms and Conditions.

Plain-English Summary: FlowStake is a skill-based fitness challenge platform. You stake money on your own athletic performance — not on luck or other people's outcomes. You pay only your stake amount at entry; a platform fee is deducted from the reward pool at settlement. If nobody completes a challenge, participants receive their stake back minus the platform fee. By using FlowStake, you accept full personal responsibility for any injury, harm, or damage that may occur during physical activities performed in connection with this platform. FlowStake is not responsible for any personal injury, bodily harm, property damage, or any other loss. These Terms govern how that all works.

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using FlowStake ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the Platform.

2. Platform Access

2.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform
You must complete KYC verification for certain features
You must maintain accurate profile information
You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account

2.2 Account Security

You are responsible for securing your login credentials
We strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication
You must report any unauthorized access immediately
We reserve the right to suspend accounts showing suspicious activity
You agree to periodic security updates and verifications

3. Nature of the Platform

3.1 Skill-Based Competition

FlowStake is a skill-based athletic challenge platform, not a gambling service. Outcomes are determined entirely by your own physical performance — the distance you run, the time you complete, or the activities you log. No element of chance, randomness, or wagering on others' outcomes is involved. Participants compete against verifiable personal performance metrics.

3.2 Not a Financial Product

Participation in challenges does not constitute investment, speculation, or a financial instrument. Stakes represent a commitment to personal athletic performance. FlowStake does not guarantee any financial return; rewards reflect the redistribution of stakes among participants who complete the challenge criteria.

3.3 Regulatory Compliance

FlowStake operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Users are responsible for determining whether participation is lawful in their jurisdiction. FlowStake reserves the right to restrict access to the Platform in jurisdictions where skill-based staking contests are prohibited.

4. Assumption of Risk, Liability Waiver, and Physical Activity Disclaimer

4.1 Inherent Risks of Physical Activity

FlowStake is a platform that tracks and verifies physical athletic activities including but not limited to running, cycling, swimming, hiking, walking, and other forms of exercise. You acknowledge and agree that participation in any physical activity carries inherent and significant risks, including but not limited to:

Muscle strains, sprains, fractures, and other musculoskeletal injuries
Cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest
Dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia
Falls, collisions, trips, and impact injuries
Injuries caused by uneven terrain, traffic, weather conditions, wildlife, or other environmental hazards
Equipment failure or malfunction
Aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions
Permanent disability or death

4.2 Full Assumption of Responsibility

BY USING FLOWSTAKE, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL AND SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, ILLNESS, DAMAGE, DISABILITY, OR DEATH ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM AND ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES YOU PERFORM IN CONNECTION WITH CHALLENGES, COMPETITIONS, OR ANY OTHER FEATURES OF THE PLATFORM. This assumption of risk applies whether you are exercising alone or with others, and regardless of whether the activity is part of a challenge, a casual workout, or any other use of the tracking features.

4.3 Waiver of Claims

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you hereby irrevocably waive, release, and discharge FlowStake, its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, partners, and licensors (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising out of or related to:

Personal injury, bodily harm, illness, or death
Property damage or loss
Emotional distress or psychological harm
Injury or damage to third parties caused by your actions during any activity
Any harm resulting from following routes, challenges, or goals suggested or tracked by the Platform
Any harm occurring during activities performed to meet challenge requirements

4.4 No Medical or Fitness Advice

FlowStake does not provide medical advice, fitness prescriptions, health diagnoses, or exercise recommendations. The Platform is a tracking and challenge tool only. You represent and warrant that:

You are physically fit and have no medical condition that would make physical activity dangerous for you
You have consulted with a qualified medical professional before engaging in strenuous physical activity
You will immediately stop any activity if you experience pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms
You will not rely on FlowStake as a substitute for professional medical or fitness guidance

4.5 Liability for Harm to Others

You are solely and fully responsible for any injury, harm, or damage you cause to any third party while performing activities in connection with FlowStake. FlowStake bears no responsibility or liability for your interactions with other users, bystanders, or any other persons during your activities. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought by third parties arising from your conduct.

4.6 Acknowledgment

By creating an account, you expressly acknowledge that you have read and understood this Section 4 in its entirety, that you are voluntarily agreeing to this assumption of risk and waiver of liability, and that this waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware. If any portion of this waiver is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

5. Fitness Tracking & Social Features

FlowStake is a fitness tracking and social platform. You may record activities,
have them verified, share them, join challenges, and connect with other
athletes. Core features are provided free of charge. No purchase of any token,
cryptocurrency, or digital asset is required to use the Platform, and the
Platform does not sell any such asset to you.

6. Activity Verification

6.1 Proof Requirements

Activities must include valid GPS data
All records must be timestamped
Speed validation will be performed to detect anomalies
Distance verification will be conducted against known routes
Heart rate data and other biometrics may be used for verification
Verification decisions are final and at the sole discretion of FlowStake

6.2 Challenge Participation

Completion criteria must be met within specified timeframes
Reward distribution occurs after verification of all participants
Our dispute resolution process is binding
Fair play rules must be followed at all times
FlowStake reserves the right to disqualify participants for fraudulent behavior

7. User Conduct

7.1 Prohibited Activities

Submitting false activity data
Creating multiple accounts
Using automated scripts or bots
Engaging in market manipulation
Making fraudulent claims
Harassing other users
Attempting to manipulate leaderboards
Exploiting system vulnerabilities
Engaging in any illegal activities
Violating intellectual property rights

7.2 Content Guidelines

All information provided must be accurate
Communication must be respectful to all users
No harmful, threatening, or abusive content
All content must comply with copyright laws
Respect the privacy of other users
No spam, solicitation, or commercial advertising
No content that promotes discrimination or hatred
No sexually explicit or violent material
No content that could harm minors
FlowStake reserves the right to remove any content

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Platform Content

All content is protected by copyright
Users receive a limited license to use the Platform
No reproduction rights are granted
Attribution requirements must be followed
Trademark usage is restricted without permission
Platform design and functionality are proprietary
Reverse engineering is prohibited
Systematic data collection is prohibited

8.2 User Content

You retain ownership of your content
You grant FlowStake a worldwide license to use your content
Usage permissions include displaying, distributing, and promoting
Content may be removed at FlowStake's discretion
Objectionable content and abusive users can be reported directly in the app; reports are reviewed and actioned within 24 hours
Dispute process is available for content-related issues
FlowStake may use anonymized data for analytics and improvements

9. Payments, Fees, and Payouts

9.1 Entry Charges

When you join a USD-denominated challenge, you are charged your stake amount only. You will not be charged any platform fee at the time of entry. The amount you see on the checkout screen is the exact amount that will be transferred.

9.2 Platform Fee

FlowStake deducts a platform fee (currently 5% for USD and non-FST token challenges; 3% for FST token challenges) from the total reward pool at the time of settlement. This fee is clearly disclosed in the prize pool breakdown on every challenge detail page. By joining a challenge you acknowledge and agree to this deduction.

9.3 Reward Pool Mechanics

The reward pool equals the sum of all participant stakes
The platform fee is subtracted from the pool at settlement
The net distributable amount is divided among qualifying completers according to the challenge's reward distribution rules (equal split or winner-takes-all)
USD payouts are processed via Stripe Connect and typically arrive within 2–7 business days
Crypto payouts are sent on-chain and typically confirm within minutes

9.4 Stripe Processing

USD challenges are processed through Stripe, Inc. By joining a USD challenge you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service and Connected Account Agreement. FlowStake does not store full card details.

9.5 Payout Requirements

To receive USD rewards you must connect a Stripe account in your Profile Settings. To receive crypto rewards you must provide a valid wallet address. FlowStake is not liable for failed payouts resulting from missing or incorrect payout information. If a payout fails, FlowStake will retry up to three times and notify you via email after each attempt. After three failures your payout will be placed in "action required" status and you will be contacted directly.

10. Refunds, Cancellations, and Unclaimed Funds

10.1 Challenge Cancellation

If a challenge is cancelled by FlowStake before it begins (e.g., due to insufficient participants or a platform error), all stakes will be refunded in full with no fee deducted.

10.2 No-Completer Refunds

If a challenge ends with zero participants meeting the completion criteria, all paid participants are entitled to a partial refund equal to their stake minus the platform fee. FlowStake will process these refunds automatically through the same payment method used at entry. You will receive an email confirmation when the refund is processed.

10.3 Forfeiture

If you join a challenge but do not meet the completion criteria, your stake is forfeited to the reward pool and redistributed to completers. Forfeited stakes are not refundable.

10.4 Unclaimed Rewards

Rewards that cannot be delivered due to missing payout information (no connected Stripe account, no wallet address) are held in escrow for 90 days from the date of settlement. After 90 days, unclaimed rewards are forfeited and added to the FlowStake community fund. You will receive multiple email reminders before this deadline.

10.5 Checkout Session Expiry

Stripe checkout sessions expire 30 minutes after creation. If your session expires before payment is completed, no charge will be made and your participation status will be marked as abandoned. You may rejoin the challenge at any time before its start date.

11. Competition Integrity

11.1 Fair Play

All participants are expected to complete challenge activities under their own physical effort without mechanical assistance, external pacing devices not permitted by the challenge rules, or any other artificial aid that would misrepresent true athletic performance.

11.2 Disqualification

FlowStake may disqualify a participant and forfeit their stake if:

GPS or activity data shows statistically impossible speeds or patterns
AI-assisted verification identifies inconsistencies in the proof of work
A credible dispute is filed by another participant and upheld after investigation
The participant is found to have submitted fraudulent data

Disqualification decisions are made at FlowStake's sole discretion and are final after the appeals process is exhausted.

11.3 Appeals

Disqualified participants may appeal within 7 days of receiving notice by emailing disputes@flowstake.com with supporting evidence. FlowStake will review and respond within 14 business days. The decision following appeal is final.

11.4 Disputes Between Participants

Participants may file a dispute against another participant's activity within 48 hours of challenge settlement. Disputes require a written explanation and supporting evidence. FlowStake's verification team will adjudicate and communicate the outcome to all parties.

12. Privacy & Data

12.1 Data Collection

We collect activity data as described in our Privacy Policy
Location information is collected during activities
Device details are collected for security and optimization
Usage statistics help us improve the Platform
Performance metrics are used for leaderboards and challenges
Blockchain addresses are collected for transaction purposes
KYC information is collected for regulatory compliance

12.2 Data Usage

Activity verification is a primary use of collected data
Challenge management requires participant data
Reward distribution requires payment information
Platform improvement is based on usage patterns
Analytics help us understand user behavior
Data may be shared with third parties as described in our Privacy Policy
Anonymized data may be used for research purposes

13. Disclaimers

13.1 Platform Usage

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied
No warranties are made regarding Platform availability, accuracy, reliability, or fitness for a particular purpose
Service availability may vary based on maintenance needs
Performance variations may occur based on network conditions
Technical issues may arise and will be addressed as soon as possible
FlowStake is not responsible for user-generated content
We do not guarantee the accuracy of third-party information
We do not endorse any specific fitness regimen or approach

13.2 Physical Activity Disclaimer

FlowStake is not a healthcare provider, medical device, or fitness professional
The Platform does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition
Activity tracking data is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical decisions
FlowStake does not verify, guarantee, or endorse the safety of any route, location, or activity environment
Environmental conditions, terrain, traffic, and other hazards are entirely the user's responsibility to assess
FlowStake is not responsible for the accuracy of GPS data, distance calculations, or any metrics that a user may rely upon during physical activity

13.3 Financial Risks

Token value fluctuation is expected and not controlled by FlowStake
Market volatility affects all cryptocurrency assets
Investment risks are borne solely by the user
No guarantees are made regarding returns or profits
Potential losses must be considered before participation
Regulatory changes may impact token utility and value
Tax implications are the responsibility of the user
Challenge stakes are not insured against loss

14. Limitation of Liability

14.1 Scope

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FLOWSTAKE AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

Any personal injury, bodily harm, illness, disability, or death arising from the use of the Platform or participation in any physical activity
Any injury or damage to third parties caused by a user's actions during activities
Direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind
Loss of data, profits, revenue, or business opportunities
Property damage or equipment failure occurring during activities
Emotional distress or psychological harm
Service interruptions, technical errors, or data inaccuracies
Actions of third parties, other users, or environmental conditions
Force majeure events

14.2 Maximum Liability

In no event shall FlowStake's total aggregate liability exceed the lesser of (a) the amount paid by the user in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) $100 USD
Exclusions apply as permitted by applicable law
Jurisdictional limits may affect these provisions
Time limitations for claims are 12 months from incident
Claims process requires written notification
Arbitration is required before litigation
Class action waiver applies where permitted by law
Small claims court remains an option for eligible disputes

15. Changes to Terms

15.1 Modifications

FlowStake reserves the right to update these Terms
Notice requirements include email and/or platform notification
Continued use constitutes acceptance of modified Terms
Material changes will be highlighted for user awareness
User notification will occur at least 14 days before implementation
Emergency changes may be implemented immediately for security
Archive of previous versions will be maintained
Change logs will be provided for transparency

15.2 User Rights

Users may accept or reject modified Terms
Rejection process requires account closure
Account closure instructions are provided in help documentation
Data export options are available before account closure
Service termination may result from Terms rejection
Refunds for unused services will be processed according to policy
Disputes regarding changes must follow the dispute resolution process
Governing law applies to interpretation of changes

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Delaware, USA
Jurisdiction for disputes is the courts of Delaware
Applicable laws include relevant blockchain regulations
Venue selection is exclusive to specified jurisdiction
Legal compliance with relevant regulations is required
Regulatory framework may evolve and Terms will be updated accordingly
Conflicts of law principles do not apply
UN Convention on Contracts for International Sale of Goods does not apply

16.2 Resolution Process

Initial notification must be sent to legal@flowstake.com
Negotiation period of 30 days is required before escalation
Mediation options are available through a mutually agreed mediator
Arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association apply
Court proceedings are a last resort after other methods are exhausted
Costs are shared equally unless determined otherwise by arbitrator
Confidentiality of proceedings is required
Results are binding on all parties

17. Termination

17.1 Platform Rights

Account suspension may occur for Terms violations
Service termination may occur with or without cause
Asset preservation procedures will be followed during investigation
Data retention policies apply post-termination
Appeal process is available for terminated accounts
Reinstatement criteria are at FlowStake's discretion
Repeated violations may result in permanent termination
Termination notification will be sent via email

17.2 User Rights

Account deletion is available in account settings
Data removal requests will be processed according to law
Token withdrawal must occur before account closure
Challenge completion is recommended before account closure
Final settlements will be processed within 30 days
Remaining rewards will be distributed according to policy
Unresolved disputes will be handled according to Section 16
Feedback on termination experience is welcomed

18. Staking and Rewards

18.1 Staking Mechanism

Staking requires locking tokens or funds for a specified period
Minimum stake amounts vary by challenge type
Staking periods are defined by challenge parameters
Early unstaking may result in forfeiture of rewards
Staking does not guarantee returns
Staking risks include potential loss of principal
Staking rewards are distributed according to challenge rules
Tax implications of staking are the user's responsibility

18.2 Reward Distribution

Rewards are distributed based on challenge completion
Distribution timing is specified in challenge parameters
Platform fees are deducted from reward pools at settlement, not at entry
Verification is required before distribution
Unclaimed rewards expire after 90 days (see Section 10.4)
Disputed rewards are held in escrow during resolution
Reward calculations are transparent and verifiable

19. Blockchain Interactions

19.1 Transaction Responsibility

Users are responsible for all blockchain transactions
Gas fees are borne by the user
Transaction failures are not the responsibility of FlowStake
Wallet security is the user's responsibility
Private keys should never be shared with FlowStake
Smart contract interactions are final and irreversible
Block confirmations may cause delays in processing
Network congestion may affect transaction timing

19.2 Smart Contract Risks

Smart contracts may contain bugs despite auditing
Upgrade mechanisms may change contract functionality
Governance decisions may affect contract parameters
Oracle data feeds may experience temporary inaccuracies
External dependencies may affect contract performance
Regulatory changes may impact contract legality
Technical limitations may affect intended functionality
Audit reports are available for review but do not guarantee security

20. Compliance and Regulatory Matters

20.1 KYC/AML Compliance

Know Your Customer procedures are required for certain features
Anti-Money Laundering checks are performed regularly
Identity verification is required for high-value transactions
Suspicious activity will be reported to relevant authorities
Documentation may be requested at any time for verification
False information provision is grounds for termination
Compliance with international sanctions is mandatory
Regulatory reporting requirements will be followed

21. Tax Considerations

21.1 User Responsibility

Users are solely responsible for determining, reporting, and paying all applicable taxes arising from their use of FlowStake, including but not limited to income tax, capital gains tax, and any taxes on cryptocurrency transactions. FlowStake does not provide tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your obligations.

21.2 IRS Reporting (United States)

For US-based users, rewards received through FlowStake may constitute taxable income. FlowStake or its payment processors may be required to issue IRS Form 1099 (including Form 1099-K or Form 1099-MISC) to users who receive payments exceeding applicable thresholds in a calendar year. You may be required to provide a valid Form W-9 or W-8BEN before payouts can be processed. Failure to provide required tax documentation may result in backup withholding or delayed payouts.

21.3 Crypto Transactions

Each cryptocurrency transaction — including receiving staking rewards, converting FST tokens, or receiving on-chain payouts — may be a taxable event under applicable law. Users are responsible for tracking the fair market value of received assets at the time of each transaction.

21.4 Non-US Users

Tax obligations vary by jurisdiction. Users outside the United States are responsible for understanding and complying with the tax laws of their country of residence, including any reporting requirements for income derived from online platforms or digital assets.

22. Contact Information

22.2 Legal Notices

Registered Address: 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Legal department email: legal@flowstake.com
DMCA notices: dmca@flowstake.com
Privacy inquiries: privacy@flowstake.com
Disputes: disputes@flowstake.com

23. Acknowledgment

By using FlowStake, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, including the Assumption of Risk, Liability Waiver, and Physical Activity Disclaimer in Section 4. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and FlowStake. You understand that you are voluntarily assuming all risks associated with physical activities performed in connection with the Platform.

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@flowstake.com.