What are people looking for in fitness apps?

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

Users often look for workouts, progress tracking, and class scheduling. Exercise.com equips you with a custom-branded fitness app that ticks all these boxes.

“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

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Fitness apps have become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of people across the globe using them to help improve their health and wellness. But what exactly are users looking for in fitness apps? What features do they prioritize? In this article, we’ll explore the growing popularity of fitness apps, the key features and trends users seek, different types of fitness apps, top fitness apps and their unique offerings, and the importance of user experience and design when it comes to these apps.

Top Fitness App Features

Here are the top features in fitness apps that people are looking for. Check out these most popular fitness app features, and get some ideas for what you might want to include in your own fitness app. Use the Exercise.com platform to learn how to create your own fitness app and start with a white label fitness app with the best fitness app builder software and the best apps for personal trainers.

Personalized Workout Plans: Users want fitness apps that can create custom workout plans based on their goals, fitness level, and preferences.
Exercise Libraries: An extensive library of exercises with clear instructions and video demonstrations is crucial.
Nutrition and Diet Tracking: Users want to easily track their food intake and receive guidance on nutrition.
Goal Setting and Tracking: Fitness apps should allow users to set and monitor their personal fitness goals.
Integration with Wearable Devices: Users want an app that syncs with their wearable fitness trackers or smartwatches.
Social Sharing: The ability to share progress, workouts, and achievements on social media is often sought after.
Live-Streamed Classes: Access to live-streamed fitness classes for a variety of exercise types is a popular feature.
Offline Access: Users want to access workouts and track their progress even without internet connection.
Progress Reports: Detailed progress reports help users see their improvement over time.
Community Features: Social elements like chat groups, forums, and shared challenges can make a fitness app more engaging.
In-app Purchases: Users look for the ability to buy workout gear, nutritional supplements, and more directly in the app.
Virtual Personal Training: One-on-one coaching sessions through the app can be a desirable feature.
Music Integration: Many users appreciate the ability to connect their music apps for seamless workout playlists.
Sleep Tracking: As rest is crucial for recovery, sleep tracking features are increasingly in demand.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Mental wellness content, like guided meditations, are a popular addition.
Gamification: Features that make working out feel like a game can increase user engagement.
Running Routes: For running apps, curated routes with GPS tracking are highly sought after.
AI Coaching: Users appreciate intelligent guidance that adapts as they progress.
Yoga and Stretching Guides: Not all workouts need to be high intensity, so users look for stretching and yoga options.
Cross-Training Options: Variety is key for many users, so options for cross-training exercises are popular.
Habit Tracking: Apps that can help track and develop healthy habits are in demand.
Pre/Post Natal Workouts: Specific workout programs for pregnant women or new moms are a great feature.
Injury Recovery Programs: Workouts designed for those recovering from injuries are appreciated by many users.
Availability across Devices: Users want to access their fitness apps across multiple devices, from smartphones to tablets to desktops.
Customer Support: Effective customer support is a key feature in any app, including those for fitness.

I am grateful to have been able to create an app for my online family to grow with, and be able to support a business that I believe in.

Desiree Pfeifer

CEO, DBFT LLC

The growing popularity of fitness apps

The fitness app market has seen significant growth in recent years, with studies suggesting that the global market will reach over $14 billion by 2026. This growth is largely due to a shift in health and wellness trends, as fitness has become a key priority for many individuals around the world.

A shift in health and wellness trends

There has been a significant shift in health and wellness trends in recent years, with more and more people prioritizing fitness and wellness in their daily routines. We’re seeing a greater emphasis on preventative health measures, such as exercise and nutrition, as individuals recognize the importance of taking care of their bodies and minds. This shift has led to an increase in demand for fitness apps that can help users achieve their health and fitness goals.

The impact of technology on fitness routines

Technology has had a significant impact on the way we approach fitness. With the rise of wearable devices and the availability of fitness tracking apps, it’s easier than ever to monitor our physical activity and progress. Fitness apps have become an essential tool for many people, providing them with personalized workout plans, exercise tracking, and community support.

Key features users seek in fitness apps

So, what are the key features and trends that users seek in fitness apps? Here are some of the most important factors:

Goal setting and tracking

Most users seek a fitness app that allows them to set and track their fitness goals. Users are looking for apps that help them stay accountable, offer personalized recommendations, and can track their progress over time.

For example, a user might set a goal to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. The app can then create a personalized plan that includes running workouts, strength training exercises, and nutrition tips to help the user achieve their goal. The app can also track the user’s progress, providing motivation and accountability along the way.

Personalized workout plans

Users seek apps that offer personalized workout plans that cater to their specific needs and fitness goals. Many users prefer apps that provide a variety of workout options, including strength training, cardio, and yoga.

For instance, a user might have a knee injury that prevents them from doing certain exercises. The app can create a personalized workout plan that avoids exercises that aggravate the injury and focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee. This way, the user can still achieve their fitness goals without risking further injury.

Social integration and community support

Apps that offer social integration and community support are highly sought after. Users appreciate the ability to connect with others who share similar interests and fitness goals, allowing them to create a sense of community and accountability.

For example, a user might join a virtual running group through the app. They can connect with other runners, share their progress, and provide support and motivation to one another. This sense of community can be especially helpful for users who may not have access to a local running group.

Gamification and motivation

Gamification features are another popular trend, with users seeking apps that provide motivation and a sense of achievement. Features such as rewards, challenges, and badges can help users stay engaged and motivated.

For instance, a user might earn a badge for completing a certain number of workouts in a week. This badge can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate the user to continue their fitness journey. Additionally, challenges such as a 30-day plank challenge can provide a fun and engaging way for users to push themselves and reach their fitness goals.

The importance of user experience and design

While features are important, user experience and design also play a critical role in the success of a fitness app. A visually appealing interface, intuitive navigation, and customization options are all essential elements that can make or break an app’s success.

When it comes to fitness apps, it’s not just about the features that are offered, but also about how those features are presented to the user. The user experience and design of an app can greatly impact how often users engage with it and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

Intuitive navigation and usability

Users appreciate apps that are easy to navigate and use. Intuitive menus, clear icons, and a clean layout can make all the difference when it comes to user experience. When designing an app, it’s important to keep in mind that users may be using it while on the go or in the middle of a workout, so the interface should be easy to use with one hand and not require too much attention to navigate.

One way to ensure intuitive navigation is to conduct user testing during the design process. This can help identify any areas of the app that may be confusing or difficult to use, and allow for changes to be made before the app is released to the public.

Visually appealing interface

A visually appealing interface can help make an app stand out from the competition. High-quality images, appealing color schemes, and effective typography can all contribute to a positive user experience. However, it’s important to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The interface should not only look good, but also be easy to use and not distract from the app’s core features.

When designing an app’s interface, it’s also important to consider the target audience. For example, an app geared towards older adults may benefit from larger text and simpler graphics, while an app geared towards younger adults may be able to incorporate more complex design elements.

Customization options

Customization options are also highly valued, as users appreciate the ability to personalize their app experience. This can include choosing their own workout plans, setting their own goals, and choosing their own fitness metrics to track. By allowing users to tailor the app to their individual needs and preferences, they are more likely to continue using it over time.

When implementing customization options, it’s important to strike a balance between flexibility and simplicity. Too many options can be overwhelming and detract from the user experience, while too few options may not provide enough personalization for the user.

In conclusion, user experience and design are critical components of a successful fitness app. By prioritizing intuitive navigation, a visually appealing interface, and customization options, app developers can create an app that not only meets the needs of its users, but also stands out in a crowded market.

Top fitness apps and their unique offerings

With the rise of technology, fitness apps have become a popular way for people to track their fitness goals and progress. These apps offer a range of features, from nutrition tracking to social networking, to help users achieve their fitness goals. So, with these factors in mind, what are some of the top fitness apps currently on the market? Here are a few standout options:

MyFitnessPal: Comprehensive nutrition tracking

MyFitnessPal is a highly popular fitness app that provides comprehensive nutrition tracking. The app allows users to log their meals and snacks, track calories consumed and burned, and even scan barcodes for easy tracking. MyFitnessPal also offers personalized recommendations based on users’ goals and preferences, as well as social community support to help users stay motivated and accountable.

In addition to its tracking features, MyFitnessPal also offers a blog with articles on nutrition, fitness, and wellness. The blog includes expert advice on topics such as healthy eating habits, workout routines, and stress management.

Strava: Social network for athletes

Strava is a fitness app designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The app allows users to track their workouts, compete with others, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Strava offers personalized workout recommendations and insights, as well as challenges and rewards to keep users engaged.

One unique feature of Strava is its “Segments” feature, which allows users to compete with others on specific routes or sections of a route. Users can set a personal record for a segment and see how they stack up against others who have completed the same segment.

Strava also offers a blog with articles on training, nutrition, and other topics relevant to athletes. The blog includes interviews with professional athletes, tips on injury prevention, and advice on how to optimize training for specific sports.

Nike Training Club: Expert-led workout programs

The Nike Training Club app offers expert-led workout programs for users of all levels, including bodyweight workouts, HIIT workouts, and yoga classes. The app also includes personalized recommendations based on users’ fitness goals and preferences, as well as social community support.

One unique feature of the Nike Training Club app is its “Workout Collections,” which are curated collections of workouts designed for specific goals, such as building strength or improving flexibility. Users can choose from a variety of collections, each with a different focus and level of intensity.

In addition to its workout programs, the Nike Training Club app offers a blog with articles on fitness, nutrition, and wellness. The blog includes interviews with professional athletes, advice on injury prevention, and tips on how to stay motivated and consistent with workouts.

Headspace: Mindfulness and meditation for athletes

Headspace is a mindfulness and meditation app that has become popular in the fitness community. The app offers guided meditations, sleep sounds, and mindfulness exercises designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Headspace also offers personalized recommendations based on users’ goals and preferences, as well as a social community for support and accountability.

One unique feature of Headspace is its “Sport” category, which includes guided meditations and exercises designed to help athletes improve their mental game. The category includes exercises on visualization, focus, and staying present during competition.

In addition to its mindfulness exercises, Headspace offers a blog with articles on mental health, stress management, and other topics relevant to athletes. The blog includes expert advice on topics such as managing performance anxiety, improving focus, and developing a positive mindset.

Create Your Own Fitness App

Fitness apps have become an essential tool for many people in their health and wellness journeys. Users seek apps that offer personalized workout plans, goal setting and tracking, social community support, and gamification features. However, user experience and design are also important factors that can make an app stand out from the competition. Popular fitness apps such as MyFitnessPal, Strava, Nike Training Club, and Headspace offer unique features and benefits, making them top choices for users around the world.

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.

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.

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

Want to create your own custom branded fitness apps? Get 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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