Can I make my own fitness app? (Free Guide + Tips)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on May 29, 2023 — Updated on October 7, 2024

If you’re contemplating creating your own fitness app, Exercise.com provides an ideal solution to create a custom-branded fitness app quickly and easily. So, can you make your own fitness app? Maybe. Should you make your own fitness app from scratch? Probably not. If you want to learn how to create a fitness app on your own then prepare yourself for a significant investment of time and money. Use the best fitness app creation software to create an amazing custom-branded fitness app with Exercise.com

“My custom-branded apps have made my life easier and helped streamline my online training, which in turn has transformed into a pretty awesome additional revenue stream for me and my family.”

Tony Gentilcore

Founder, Core Online

Want to create your own custom branded fitness apps? Get a demo now!

Get Your Own Fitness App

Exercise.com is a comprehensive platform with the best fitness software for influencers, the best personal training software, and the best gym management software so no matter what type of fitness business you have, it simplifies the process and amplifies your earning potential while also helping you run fitness challenges, create online workout groups, do fitness livestreaming, do in-person and online training, and more, all through your own custom-branded fitness apps. With its ability to create, market, and sell personalized workout plans to a vast audience, Exercise.com can help transform your fitness passion into a lucrative online fitness business.

Want to create your own custom branded fitness apps? Get a demo now!

How to Create Your Own Fitness Apps

Let’s get right to some practical ways that you can create your own fitness apps. With the Exercise.com platform you have a number of options to run a comprehensive online fitness experience for your community, all custom branded with your own fitness branding. You can sell workout plans, run fitness challenges, offer access (paid) to an online workout group, you can sell online training sessions, sell a membership to your own custom branded fitness app, offer mobile workout logging in your own workout apps, and much more. Here are some easy things you can do with the Exercise.com software platform.

Use the Exercise.com workout plan creator to create your workout plans.

Then mark them for sale online so you can sell workout plans easily and quickly.

Publish your custom branded fitness apps so you can offer a premium workout logging experience to your community.

Your fitness followers will be able to search your name in the App Store and Google Play Store and then download your fitness app (no more instructing your followers to search for some other company’s name—start building your own fitness brand with your very own custom-branded fitness app!) And if you need a name for your fitness app, then read this list of fitness app naming ideas and gym app name ideas.

Monarch Athletic Club Fitness App - App Store

Your community can open up your fitness app and view their daily journal to log workouts, watch fitness videos, complete their daily habits, and more.

Create your own exercise demonstration videos or use the Exercise.com exercise video library to create a professional workout logging experience that your community will love and be happy to pay for (no more emailing around cobbled together PDF documents that people will just copy and share). Charge real money for a top notch fitness app that you will feel good about.

You can send messages to your community with email, SMS, and in-app messaging right inside of your own custom branded fitness apps, and you can even set up powerful fitness marketing automations to send messages automatically based on key triggers.

You can easily run your own virtual fitness challenges.

And create online workout groups, do distance training, sell workout plans online, time-release workouts in your apps, offer habit tracking, deliver nutrition guides, and much, much more, all right within your own fitness apps, and branded under your own fitness brand.

“Developing an easy intake system with my apps and ways to scale the delivery of workouts has been huge. Working with 20-30 individuals who each have specific goals and restrictions can be challenging, but your platform makes it easy to organize everyone’s programs and put a plan together that will get them the best results possible. The simple, effective tools help expand and simplify my coaching process.”

Dean Somerset

Owner, Somerset Fitness

Exercise.com is the best fitness app builder software for fitness professionals who want a low cost and affordable custom branded fitness app. Exercise.com allows fitness professionals to have full control over their brand and learn how to make a fitness app quickly and easily, while ensuring a personalized and consistent experience for their clients.

Ready to get started? Get a demo now!

Understanding the basics of fitness app development

In today’s technological landscape, fitness apps have become increasingly popular as a means of tracking and monitoring personal fitness goals. If you have an idea for a fitness app, the good news is that it’s very much possible to create your own app with the right guidance and resources. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of fitness app development and what you need to know to get started on building your own successful fitness app.

Before diving into the specifics of building a fitness app, it’s important to understand the basics of how fitness apps work. Essentially, a fitness app is a software application that allows users to track and monitor their fitness progress. This can include everything from keeping track of daily workouts and calorie intake to tracking weight loss and other health metrics.

However, creating a successful fitness app is more than just programming a tool to track fitness progress. It’s about creating an app that engages users and helps them achieve their fitness goals in a fun and effective way.

Types of fitness apps

There are many different types of fitness apps out there, each designed to cater to specific fitness goals and needs. Some popular types of fitness apps include:

Workout and exercise apps: These apps provide users with workout routines and exercises to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Diet and nutrition apps: These apps help users track their calorie intake and provide personalized recommendations for healthy eating.
Activity tracking apps: These apps track users’ daily activity levels, including steps taken and calories burned.
Fitness social media apps: These apps allow users to connect with others who share their fitness interests and goals.

When planning your own fitness app, it’s important to consider which type of fitness app will meet the needs of your target audience.

Key features of a successful fitness app

In order to create a successful fitness app, there are certain features that need to be included. Some key features of a successful fitness app include:

User-friendly interface: The app should be easy to navigate and use, with clear instructions and intuitive design.
Ability to track fitness progress and goals: The app should allow users to set and track their fitness goals, with the ability to view progress over time.
Integration with wearable technology: The app should be compatible with popular wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.
Social sharing and community support: The app should allow users to connect with others who share their fitness interests and goals, with the ability to share progress and receive support and motivation.
Personalized recommendations and coaching: The app should provide personalized recommendations and coaching based on users’ fitness goals and progress.

By including these key features, you can create an engaging and effective fitness app that meets the needs of your target audience.

Target audience and market research

Before diving into the development of your fitness app, it’s important to conduct thorough research on your target audience. Who are you building the app for? What are their fitness needs and goals? What other fitness apps are currently available in the market?

By conducting market research, you can gain important insights into your target audience’s needs and preferences, which will inform the development of your app and help ensure its success in the market.

For example, if your target audience is primarily young adults who are interested in weightlifting and bodybuilding, your app might focus on providing personalized workout plans and tracking progress in weightlifting exercises. On the other hand, if your target audience is primarily older adults who are interested in improving their overall health and wellness, your app might focus on providing personalized nutrition recommendations and tracking daily activity levels.

By understanding your target audience and their specific needs, you can create a fitness app that stands out in a crowded market and helps users achieve their fitness goals in a fun and effective way.

Planning Your Fitness App

Developing a fitness app can be a great way to help people achieve their fitness goals and lead a healthier lifestyle. However, building a successful app requires careful planning and consideration of a variety of factors.

Defining your app’s purpose and goals

Before starting to build your fitness app, it’s important to clearly define the purpose and goals of your app. Are you targeting a specific demographic, such as runners or weightlifters? Are you looking to provide users with a comprehensive fitness program, or do you want to focus on a specific type of exercise?

Defining these goals early on can help you stay focused on building an app that meets the needs of your target audience while also achieving your desired outcomes. Additionally, by identifying key performance indicators for success, you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Creating a user-friendly design

Design is an essential component of any successful fitness app. Your app should be visually appealing and easy to navigate, with clear calls to action and intuitive user interfaces.

When designing your app, it’s important to keep the needs of your target audience in mind. What design features will appeal to them and help keep them engaged with your app over time? For example, if you’re targeting busy professionals, you may want to include features that allow users to quickly and easily track their workouts and progress.

Deciding on the app’s functionality and features

The functionality and features of your app will play a crucial role in its success. You’ll need to decide on which features will be included in your app, as well as how they will be implemented.

When making these decisions, it’s important to keep in mind the needs and preferences of your target audience, as well as any market trends and opportunities. For example, if you’re targeting older adults, you may want to include features that focus on flexibility and balance, while if you’re targeting younger adults, you may want to focus on high-intensity interval training.

Choosing a monetization strategy

Finally, it’s important to consider how your app will be monetized. Will you charge users for access to your app, or will you rely on in-app advertising or other revenue streams?

By choosing the right monetization strategy, you can ensure that your app is sustainable and profitable over the long term. However, it’s important to strike a balance between generating revenue and providing value to your users. If your app is too expensive or too reliant on advertising, users may be turned off and look for alternatives.

In conclusion, developing a successful fitness app requires careful planning and consideration of a variety of factors. By defining your app’s purpose and goals, creating a user-friendly design, deciding on the app’s functionality and features, and choosing a monetization strategy, you can build an app that meets the needs of your target audience and helps them achieve their fitness goals.

Building your fitness app

Building a fitness app can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and consideration. In this article, we’ll explore some key factors to consider when building your fitness app, including selecting the right development platform, hiring a development team or going solo, integrating third-party APIs and services, and ensuring data privacy and security.

Selecting the right development platform

Choosing the right development platform is crucial to the success of your fitness app. There are many different platforms to choose from, including iOS, Android, and web-based platforms.

iOS is a popular choice for fitness apps due to its large user base and advanced features. Android is also a popular choice, particularly if you want to reach a wider audience. Web-based platforms offer the advantage of being accessible from any device with an internet connection, but may not offer the same level of performance as native apps.

When selecting a development platform, it’s important to consider the needs of your target audience, as well as any technical requirements necessary to support your app. For example, if your app requires advanced graphics or processing power, you may need to choose a platform that can handle these requirements.

Hiring a development team or going solo

Depending on your technical skills and the complexity of your app, you may want to consider hiring a development team to help build your app. A development team can provide expertise in areas such as design, development, and testing, and can help ensure that your app meets the highest standards of quality.

Alternatively, if you have the skills to build it yourself, you can opt to build your app independently. This can be a good option if you have a limited budget or if you want to maintain complete control over the development process.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a team or go solo will depend on your budget, timeline, and technical capability. If you do decide to hire a team, be sure to choose a reputable development company with a track record of success in building fitness apps.

Integrating third-party APIs and services

Integrating third-party APIs and services can help enhance the functionality and performance of your app. Common APIs and services used in fitness apps include GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and cloud storage services.

When integrating these APIs and services, it’s important to ensure that they are compatible with your app and that any necessary security measures are in place. You should also consider the cost of these services, as some may require a subscription or usage fees.

Ensuring data privacy and security

Data privacy and security are critical components of any successful fitness app. Your app should include measures to protect user data and ensure that it is kept secure throughout the app’s lifecycle.

These measures may include data encryption, secure authentication processes, and regular security audits and updates to ensure that your app remains secure over time. It’s also important to be transparent with users about how their data will be used and to obtain their consent before collecting any sensitive information.

By taking these steps to ensure data privacy and security, you can build trust with your users and create a successful and sustainable fitness app.

Testing and launching your fitness app

If you’re planning on launching a fitness app, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your app is successful in meeting the needs of your target audience. Here are some tips on how to test and launch your fitness app effectively.

Conducting thorough testing

Before launching your fitness app, it’s important to conduct rigorous testing to ensure that it is functioning properly and meeting the needs of your target audience. This testing may include beta testing with a select group of users, as well as rigorous performance and functionality testing to identify and address any bugs or issues.

It’s also important to test your app on a variety of different devices and operating systems to ensure that it is compatible with as many users as possible. This can help you identify any issues or bugs that may be specific to certain devices or operating systems, and ensure that your app is functioning properly across the board.

Gathering user feedback and making improvements

Once your app is launched, it’s important to continue gathering user feedback and making improvements over time. This will help ensure that your app remains relevant and effective over the long term.

You can gather user feedback through a variety of different channels, such as in-app surveys, social media, and customer support. By listening to your users and addressing their concerns and suggestions, you can improve the user experience and make your app more appealing to your target audience.

Marketing your fitness app

Marketing is a crucial part of launching any app, and your fitness app is no exception. In order to attract and retain users, it’s important to market your app effectively.

This may include social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising. By building a strong marketing strategy, you can increase awareness and adoption of your app, ultimately driving its success over time.

Launching on app stores and maintaining your app

When launching your app on app stores, it’s important to follow app store guidelines and requirements in order to ensure a smooth launch and avoid any potential issues. This may include providing detailed app descriptions, screenshots, and videos, as well as ensuring that your app meets all necessary technical requirements.

Once your app is launched, it’s also important to maintain it regularly with regular updates and bug fixes, as well as ongoing marketing efforts to attract and retain users over time. By staying on top of your app’s performance and user feedback, you can ensure that it remains successful and relevant in the ever-changing world of fitness apps.

How much does it cost to create a fitness app?

The cost to develop a fitness app can vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on factors such as the complexity of the app, the number of features, the platform (iOS, Android), and whether you’re developing it yourself or hiring a professional developer. Using a platform like Exercise.com can significantly reduce these costs, as it provides the infrastructure to create a customized fitness app at a fraction of the cost.

How do I make a fitness workout app?

Creating a fitness workout app involves several steps: defining your target audience, determining the type of fitness app (e.g., personal training, workout planner, diet tracker, etc.), sketching out the features and design, building the app (either yourself or via a developer), testing for bugs and usability, launching on relevant platforms (Google Play, App Store), and marketing to your target audience. Exercise.com simplifies this process, offering an all-in-one fitness business software that allows you to create a customized workout app without coding or technical expertise.

How do I create an online fitness platform?

Creating an online fitness platform requires a clear understanding of your audience, a strategy for engaging and retaining users, and a robust technology solution. Exercise.com makes the technical side easy, providing an all-in-one fitness business software that allows you to create workout plans, manage memberships, process payments, schedule classes, and much more. With their platform, you can focus on delivering great content and services to your clients.

How do fitness and workout apps make money?

Fitness and workout apps typically generate revenue through a combination of in-app purchases, premium subscriptions, advertising, sponsored content, and selling workout gear or nutritional products. Exercise.com supports multiple revenue streams, enabling you to sell workout plans, run fitness challenges, offer online training, and sell products directly through your app.

Should I create my own fitness app from scratch?

While creating your own fitness app from scratch gives you full control over every aspect, it can be time-consuming and expensive. Moreover, it requires a deep understanding of programming and user experience design. Using Exercise.com’s platform is a cost-effective alternative, offering powerful, customizable features that let you tailor the app to your brand and business needs.

How much does it cost to build an app like Strava, MyFitnessPal, SWEAT?

Creating an app like Strava, MyFitnessPal, or SWEAT can be a significant investment, potentially costing anywhere from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. This cost includes the initial app development, as well as ongoing updates, server costs, marketing, and other expenses. With Exercise.com, you can create a comparable fitness app with similar features at a fraction of the cost.

Why should I use Exercise.com to create my fitness app?

Exercise.com offers a comprehensive platform that allows fitness professionals to create customized fitness apps without needing to code or hire a developer. Their platform handles all technical aspects, freeing you to focus on your content and clients. It supports e-commerce capabilities, workout creation and delivery, performance health assessments, client and class scheduling, and more. Additionally, their built-in marketing tools and analytics can help you expand your user base and improve engagement, making it a powerful tool for growing your fitness business.

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.

Julie Ledbetter

Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

Create a Fitness App Now

Building a fitness app can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By understanding the basics of fitness app development, conducting market research, and building a well-designed, user-friendly app, you can create a successful app that meets the needs of your target audience while also achieving your desired outcomes.

See why Exercise.com is the best choice for fitness influencers, personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness professionals who want to create fitness apps and grow their fitness business online and in-person. Are you ready to create your own custom-branded fitness apps?

Book a demo now!

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.

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