What Is Practice Mode?
Practice mode is the guided recording system in Cadoo for video exercises (pushups, situps, and squats). Before recording your actual workout, Cadoo walks you through a setup and practice rep to make sure the AI can detect your body and count your reps correctly. Think of it as a calibration step that ensures your workout counts.
The 5 Phases of Practice Mode
Phase 1: Side-Facing Setup
Cadoo asks you to face sideways to your camera. An outline appears on screen. Adjust your position until your body fits inside the outline. The outline turns green when you are in the right spot. You need to hold the correct position for 2 seconds. Voice coaching guides you through this step.
- Prop your phone 6-8 feet away on a stable surface
- Face left or right (not toward the camera)
- Make sure your full body (head to feet) is visible
- Good lighting helps the AI detect your joints
Phase 2: Practice Rep (Qualification)
Do one complete rep to prove the AI can detect your movement. The app gives you real-time feedback:
- "Good position! Now go down slowly" — The AI has detected your starting position
- "Good depth! Now push back up" — You have reached the bottom of the rep
- "Go all the way down and back up" — If you need to adjust
You have 30 seconds to complete the practice rep. If it does not register, you can try again.
Phase 3: Qualification Result
After your practice rep, you see either:
- Green checkmark + "REP COMPLETE!" — You passed. Recording starts shortly.
- Red X + "NOT QUITE" — The rep did not count. Adjust your position or form and try again.
Phase 4: Ready to Record
After passing the practice rep, reset to your starting position inside the outline. A countdown begins (usually 5 seconds) before the actual recording starts.
Phase 5: Recording
Now you are recording for real. Do your reps at a steady pace. The AI counts every completed rep and tracks your form score in the background. When you finish, stop the recording and your video is uploaded for analysis.
Why Practice Mode Exists
Practice mode ensures three things:
- Camera position is correct — The AI needs to see your full body from the side to count reps accurately.
- Lighting is sufficient — Poor lighting means the AI cannot detect your joints.
- You can perform a full rep — The practice rep confirms your form is within detectable range.
Without practice mode, many videos would fail to process because of bad camera angles or poor lighting. The practice step catches these issues before you waste time recording a full workout.
Tips for Passing Practice Mode Quickly
- Face sideways (left or right) to the camera
- Bright, even lighting (avoid backlighting from windows)
- Phone propped on a stable surface at roughly waist height
- Wear fitted clothing so your joints are visible
- Go slow on the practice rep — speed is not the goal
- Full range of motion: all the way down, all the way up
Practice first, then play for stakes
Try practice mode free, then join a real pushup, situp, or squat challenge on Cadoo.
Join a Pushup GameFrequently Asked Questions
Is practice mode required?
Yes. You must pass the practice rep before recording your actual workout. This ensures the AI can detect and count your reps.
What if I keep failing the practice rep?
Check your camera angle (must be from the side), lighting (must be bright), and form (must go all the way down and back up). Adjust and try again.
Does the practice rep count toward my total?
No. The practice rep is a calibration step. Your actual reps start during the recording phase.
Can I skip practice mode?
No. Practice mode is mandatory to ensure video quality and accurate rep counting.
