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: September 9th, 2026

Please also review our Privacy Policy and, if you are invited to it, the Achievement Reward Program Rules. Both are incorporated by reference into these Terms and Conditions.

Plain-English Summary: FlowStake is a fitness tracking and social platform that verifies physical activity. Today it is free to use: you do not pay to record, share, or join challenges, and no money is collected from you. Where FlowStake pays a reward, it pays for a verified completion and you pay nothing to be eligible. FlowStake never earns anything because an athlete does not finish. 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 maintain accurate profile information
You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account
Identity verification is not currently required to use the Platform. If a future feature requires it, we will say so in these Terms and the Privacy Policy before you can use that feature.

2.2 Account Security

You are responsible for securing your login credentials
We strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication where offered
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 Verified Physical Activity

FlowStake records and verifies your own physical activity — the distance you cover, the time you take, the activities you log. Outcomes on FlowStake are determined by your own physical performance. There is no element of chance, and no money on FlowStake rides on another person's result.

3.2 No Charge to Participate

The Platform is currently free to use. You are not charged to record activities, to have them verified, to share them, or to join challenges. FlowStake does not currently collect stakes, entry charges, or deposits from you, and no purchase of any token, cryptocurrency, or digital asset is required or offered.

3.3 Rewards, and What FlowStake Never Does

Where FlowStake or a named sponsor pays a reward, it is a payment for a verified completion, published in advance, and you pay nothing to be eligible for it. Two principles govern every present and future money feature on FlowStake:

You never pay to participate in a reward. A reward is something you can earn, not something you buy a chance at.
FlowStake never earns anything because an athlete does not finish. Nothing a participant does not complete becomes FlowStake's revenue, and nothing one participant does not complete becomes another participant's reward.

The currently available reward program is described in the Achievement Reward Program Rules. If FlowStake introduces any feature in which you may choose to put your own money behind your own commitment, that feature will be optional, will be governed by rules published before you can opt in, will never collect money from you in advance to hold, and will be added to these Terms before it is available.

3.4 Not a Financial Product

Participation on FlowStake does not constitute investment, speculation, or a financial instrument. FlowStake does not guarantee any financial return. A reward, where offered, reflects a fixed amount for a verified achievement, not a return on money you have paid.

3.5 Regulatory Compliance

FlowStake operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Users are responsible for determining whether participation is lawful in their jurisdiction. FlowStake may restrict particular features by location where the law requires it.

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.

5.1 Sharing and Visibility

You choose who can see each activity: only you, your friends, or everyone. New activities default to friends. When you make an activity public, or share a link to it, FlowStake may show a preview of it — including a route image with the start and end of the route removed — to people and services that open the link. While you are recording an activity you have chosen to make public, FlowStake may show that you are active on a live map at a deliberately coarse position (roughly a kilometre), never your exact location, and you can hide yourself from that map at any time. Details are in the Privacy Policy.

6. Activity Verification

6.1 Proof Requirements

Activities must include valid GPS data or, where the activity type allows it, other movement data
All records must be timestamped
Speed, timing, and movement patterns are analysed to detect data that is implausible for a human, fabricated, or produced by a vehicle or simulator
Distance may be checked against known routes
Heart rate data and other biometrics may be used for verification where you have chosen to provide them
Independent evidence, such as other athletes recorded nearby, may raise the confidence of a verification but is never required of you
Verification decisions are made in good faith, applied the same way to everyone, and are final at the sole discretion of FlowStake subject to the appeal process in Section 11

6.2 Challenge Participation

Completion criteria must be met within the specified timeframe
Where a challenge carries a reward, the reward is paid after verification and under the rules published for that challenge
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
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 and Rewards

9.1 No Money Is Collected From You

FlowStake does not currently charge you to use any feature. There is no entry charge, no stake, and no deposit. If that ever changes for an optional feature, Section 3.3 governs and these Terms will be updated first.

9.2 Rewards Paid by FlowStake

Where FlowStake pays a reward under the Achievement Reward Program, the amount is fixed and published before the activity, is owed only for a verified completion, and does not depend on anyone else's result. Rewards are paid in US dollars by bank transfer or cheque to an account or address you provide to us directly. They are not paid into any in-app balance, wallet, or credit. The Program Rules set out eligibility, timing, and what we need from you before payment.

9.3 Rewards Paid by Sponsors

A challenge may be described as sponsored by a named organisation. In that case FlowStake, not the sponsor, owes you the published reward for your verified completion, and FlowStake collects from the sponsor separately. You pay nothing, and the sponsor never holds money on your behalf.

9.4 Before a Reward Can Be Paid

Before any reward is paid, FlowStake must have on file the tax documentation described in Section 21. We cannot pay a reward before that documentation is received, and we will not do so under any circumstances. A reward that has been earned is held for you until it is.

9.5 Payout Information and Failed Payments

FlowStake is not liable for a delayed payment caused by missing or incorrect payout information you have provided. If a payment is returned to us, we will contact you and re-send it once corrected. An earned reward remains owed to you; it is not treated as forfeited or transferred to FlowStake because a payment could not be completed.

10. Cancellations and Corrections

10.1 Challenge Cancellation

If a challenge is cancelled by FlowStake before it begins, no one owes anyone anything: you have paid nothing, and any published reward for that challenge lapses with it. Rewards already earned under Section 9.2 before the cancellation are still paid.

10.2 If You Do Not Complete

If you join a challenge but do not meet the completion criteria, nothing is owed by you and nothing is taken from you. No reward is earned. Your non-completion does not fund anyone else's reward and does not become FlowStake's revenue.

10.3 Corrections

If FlowStake determines that a reward was recorded as earned in error, or on the basis of data that was falsified or manipulated, FlowStake may decline to pay it or, where it has been paid, seek its return. You may appeal under Section 11.

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 decline any reward for the activity if:

GPS or activity data shows speeds, timing, or movement patterns that are implausible for a human, consistent with a vehicle, or consistent with a simulator or fabricated data
Automated verification identifies inconsistencies in the recorded data
A credible dispute is filed 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

Participants may appeal within 14 days of receiving notice by emailing disputes@flowstake.com with supporting evidence. FlowStake will review and respond in writing 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
If you choose to connect a wallet, its public address is collected for that purpose only
Payment and tax information for rewards is collected only from participants in a reward program, and only as described in the Program Rules and the Privacy Policy

12.2 Data Usage

Activity verification is a primary use of collected data
Challenge management requires participant data
Reward payment requires the payout information you provide
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 Rewards and Money

No feature of FlowStake requires you to pay, and none guarantees you a reward
A published reward is a fixed amount for a verified achievement; it is not a return on any money you have paid, because you have paid none
Tax implications of any reward you receive are your responsibility (Section 21)
If you choose to connect a cryptocurrency wallet, the value of any asset in it is not controlled by FlowStake and is not FlowStake's responsibility

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
Each version of these Terms is dated, and the exact text you accepted is recorded with your acceptance
Notice requirements include email and/or platform notification
Continued use constitutes acceptance of modified Terms
Material changes will be highlighted for user awareness and you may be asked to accept them again before continuing
User notification will occur at least 14 days before implementation, except that 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
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
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
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
Any reward already earned will still be paid under Section 9
If you have received a reward payment, a minimal record of that payment is retained after account deletion as described in the Privacy Policy, because the law requires it
Unresolved disputes will be handled according to Section 16

18. Optional Wallet Connection

18.1 Connecting a Wallet Is Optional

You may choose to connect a cryptocurrency wallet to your account, for example to associate a public address or on-chain name with your profile. No feature of the Platform requires you to do so, and FlowStake does not sell, issue, or distribute any token or digital asset to you.

18.2 Your Responsibility

Wallet security is the user's responsibility
Private keys must never be shared with FlowStake; FlowStake will never ask for them
Any transaction you choose to make on a blockchain is your responsibility, including any network fees
Blockchain transactions are final and irreversible

19. Public Records of Verification

To make verification independently checkable, FlowStake publishes cryptographic fingerprints (hashes) of activity records — including a daily fingerprint of the record set, and, where you have opted in, attestations on a public blockchain. A fingerprint reveals nothing about the content it fingerprints and cannot be reversed to recover your data. Fingerprints, once published, cannot be withdrawn. Your underlying activity data can still be deleted under the Privacy Policy; the fingerprint that once described it remains.

20. Compliance and Regulatory Matters

FlowStake will comply with lawful requests from authorities as described in the Privacy Policy
Providing false information is grounds for termination
Compliance with applicable sanctions laws is required
If a future feature requires identity verification, we will describe it in these Terms and the Privacy Policy before you can use it

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 income tax on any reward received. 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 may be required to issue IRS Form 1099 (including Form 1099-MISC) to users who receive payments exceeding applicable thresholds in a calendar year. You must provide a valid Form W-9 (or W-8BEN, where applicable) before any reward can be paid. We will not pay a reward before that form is on file. Failure to provide required tax documentation delays payment; it does not forfeit the reward.

21.3 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.

22. Contact Information

22.1 Support Channels

Email: support@flowstake.com
Website: flowstake.com/support
Response time: Within 48 hours on business days
Emergency contact available for security issues

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
Rewards and tax forms: rewards@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.