What is the trend in fitness apps? (Top 10 Trends)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on May 29, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

Current trends in fitness apps include personalized workout recommendations, virtual classes, and gamification. Exercise.com stays ahead of these trends, providing you with the tools to create an app that’s not only on-trend but also true to your brand.

“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 an integral part of our daily lives, especially in the last few years. The convenience and accessibility of these apps have made fitness more approachable to people of all ages and backgrounds. In this article, we’re going to explore the latest trends in fitness apps and how they are shaping the health and fitness industry as we know it.

Virtual Personal Training: The demand for personalized, one-on-one training continues to grow. Fitness apps allow trainers to connect with their clients virtually, providing workout plans, nutrition advice, and feedback in real time.
Live-Streaming Workouts: More fitness apps are incorporating live-streaming capabilities, allowing users to participate in workouts from home, while still experiencing the communal feeling of a fitness class.
Integration with Wearable Technology: Fitness apps are increasingly designed to sync with wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. This allows users to track their workouts, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more directly within the app.
AI-Driven Personalization: With the help of AI, fitness apps can offer more personalized workout and diet recommendations based on a user’s goals, preferences, and health data.
Gamification: To increase user engagement, fitness apps are turning to gamification, adding elements like rewards, badges, and competitive features to make fitness more fun and motivating.
Augmented Reality (AR) Workouts: Augmented reality provides users with immersive fitness experiences. This could be as simple as visualizing a yoga mat on your floor or as complex as a full virtual running course.
Mental Wellness Features: Given the increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, many fitness apps are incorporating mindfulness and meditation exercises, stress management techniques, and mental health tracking.
Group Challenges: Fitness apps are leveraging the power of community by enabling group challenges. Users can join together to achieve a shared goal, fostering motivation and accountability.
Subscription-Based Models: To generate consistent revenue, many fitness apps are adopting a subscription-based model, providing access to premium content, personalized guidance, and ad-free experiences.
Eco-Conscious Features: With growing concern for the environment, some fitness apps have started to add eco-friendly features. For example, an app might plant trees for every mile you run or provide tips for sustainable exercise practices.

The Rise of Fitness Apps

Looking back at the history of fitness apps, their emergence dates back to the early 2000s, when the first workout tracking app was developed. Since then, the number of fitness apps available has grown exponentially. Today, there are thousands of fitness apps that cater to every aspect of health and fitness.

A Brief History of Fitness Apps

The first fitness app that gained serious traction was Nike+ Running, which was released in 2006. This app allowed users to track their runs, set personal goals, and connect with other runners. Other popular fitness apps that were released around that time were MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper.

Since then, fitness apps have evolved to become more multifaceted, integrating features like personalized workout plans, nutrition tracking, and activity monitoring.

Factors Contributing to the Popularity of Fitness Apps

There are several reasons for the popularity of fitness apps. Firstly, the rise of smartphones has made these apps more accessible than ever. Secondly, people are increasingly seeking ways to integrate fitness and wellness into their everyday lives. Lastly, the convenience and portability of these apps mean that we can work out from anywhere, without the need for a gym membership.

In addition to these factors, the gamification of fitness has also contributed to the popularity of fitness apps. Many apps now offer rewards and challenges to keep users motivated and engaged. For example, the app Zombies, Run! turns running into a game by having users complete missions while being chased by zombies.

Another factor is the social aspect of fitness apps. Many apps allow users to connect with friends and share their progress, creating a sense of accountability and support. This social component can be especially helpful for those who may not have a workout buddy in real life.

Furthermore, the vast amount of information and resources available on fitness apps is another reason for their popularity. Users can access workout routines, nutrition advice, and even virtual personal trainers all from the comfort of their own phone.

Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in the rise of fitness apps. With gyms and fitness studios closed or operating at limited capacity, many people have turned to fitness apps as a way to stay active and healthy at home.

Increasing Popularity of Fitness Apps

The popularity of fitness apps shows no signs of slowing down. With new features and advancements being made all the time, it’s clear that these apps are here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting out, there’s a fitness app out there for everyone.

Types of Fitness Apps

There are many different types of fitness apps, each catering to a specific aspect of health and wellness. It’s important to find the right app for your needs and goals, as there are so many options available.

Workout and Exercise Apps

Workout and exercise apps are perhaps the most popular type of fitness app. These apps offer users access to thousands of different workouts, from cardio to resistance training and yoga. They are perfect for people who want to workout at home or on the go, without needing access to a gym or personal trainer.

One of the benefits of workout apps is the ability to customize your workouts to your fitness level and goals. For example, if you’re a beginner, you can choose workouts that are less intense and focus on building strength and endurance. On the other hand, if you’re more advanced, you can choose workouts that are more challenging and push you to your limits.

Some of the most popular workout apps include Nike Training Club, FitBit, and SWEAT by Kayla Itsines. These apps offer a range of workouts, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga and Pilates.

Nutrition and Diet Apps

Another popular type of fitness app is nutrition and diet-focused apps. These apps allow users to track their calorie intake, log meals, and monitor their macronutrient balance. They are perfect for people who want to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply maintain a healthy diet.

One of the benefits of nutrition apps is the ability to track your progress over time. By keeping a record of what you eat and how many calories you consume, you can identify areas where you need to improve and make changes to your diet accordingly.

Some of the most popular nutrition apps include MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Calory. These apps offer a range of features, from barcode scanning to meal planning and recipe suggestions.

Activity Tracking Apps

Activity tracking apps allow users to monitor their movements throughout the day. With these apps, users can track the number of steps they walk, distance traveled, and even monitor their sleep patterns. They are perfect for people who want to stay active and monitor their progress over time.

One of the benefits of activity tracking apps is the ability to set goals and track your progress. For example, you can set a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day and use the app to track your progress. This can be a great motivator and help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Popular activity tracking apps include FitBit and Garmin Connect. These apps offer a range of features, from heart rate monitoring to GPS tracking and personalized coaching.

Meditation and Mental Wellness Apps

The connection between mental and physical wellness is increasingly being recognized. As a result, meditation and mental wellness apps are rising in popularity. These apps offer guided meditations, relaxation exercises, and other techniques to help people manage stress and anxiety.

One of the benefits of meditation and mental wellness apps is the ability to improve your overall well-being. By practicing meditation and relaxation exercises, you can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your mood.

Popular mental wellness apps include Headspace and Calm. These apps offer a range of features, from guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises.

Features that make fitness apps popular

There are several features that make fitness apps so popular among users. In this article, we will dive deeper into each of these features and explore how they contribute to the success of fitness apps.

Personalized Workout Plans

Personalized workout plans are a major selling point for fitness apps. These plans are tailored to an individual’s fitness level, preferences, and goals. Fitness apps like Freeletics, FitBit Coach, and 8fit offer personalized workout plans to their users.

What makes these personalized workout plans so effective is that they take into account the user’s current fitness level and goals. For example, if a user is just starting out with fitness, the app will provide them with beginner-level workouts that are not too challenging. As the user progresses, the app will adjust the workout plan to include more challenging exercises and workouts that are better suited to their fitness level.

Personalized workout plans also help users stay motivated and committed to their fitness goals. By providing a plan that is tailored to their needs, users are more likely to stick to their workouts and achieve their goals.

Gamification and Motivation

Gamification and motivational features are also essential for keeping users engaged and committed to their fitness goals. Many fitness apps use badges, points, and challenges to motivate users to stay active and achieve their goals. Apps like Zombies, Run! and Fitocracy are great examples of gamified fitness apps.

What makes gamification so effective is that it taps into the user’s competitive nature. By providing challenges and rewards, users are motivated to push themselves harder and achieve their goals. This can be especially effective for users who are new to fitness and need an extra push to stay committed to their workouts.

Another motivational feature that many fitness apps offer is progress tracking. By tracking their progress over time, users can see how far they have come and feel a sense of accomplishment. This can be a powerful motivator for users who are working towards a specific fitness goal.

Social Interaction and Community Support

Many fitness apps also offer social interaction and community support features. These features allow users to connect with like-minded individuals and provide a sense of accountability and motivation. Fitness apps like Strava and FitBit encourage users to join communities and connect with other users.

Community support can be especially helpful for users who are new to fitness or who are struggling to stay motivated. By connecting with other users who are working towards similar goals, users can share their experiences and offer each other support and encouragement.

Social interaction features can also help users stay accountable to their fitness goals. By sharing their progress with others, users are more likely to stick to their workouts and make progress towards their goals.

Integration with Wearable Devices

Finally, many fitness apps integrate with wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. This integration allows users to easily monitor their progress and sync their data across various devices. Apps like Apple Health and Google Fit are great examples of fitness apps that integrate with wearable devices.

Wearable devices can be especially helpful for users who want to track their progress in real-time. By syncing their data with their fitness app, users can see how many steps they have taken, how many calories they have burned, and other important metrics. This can be a powerful motivator for users who want to stay on track with their fitness goals.

In conclusion, there are several features that make fitness apps so popular among users. Personalized workout plans, gamification and motivation, social interaction and community support, and integration with wearable devices are all essential for keeping users engaged and committed to their fitness goals. Whether you are new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, there is a fitness app out there that can help you achieve your goals.

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

Impact of Fitness Apps on the Health and Fitness Industry

The rise of fitness apps has had a significant impact on the health and fitness industry. It has transformed the way people approach fitness and has made it more accessible and convenient. With the increasing popularity of fitness apps, people can now work out from the comfort of their homes, without having to worry about gym memberships or schedules.

The Shift from Traditional Gyms to Digital Fitness

One of the most significant impacts of fitness apps has been the shift from traditional gyms to digital fitness. With fitness apps, people can now access a wide range of workouts and training programs, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This has led to a decline in traditional gym memberships, as more people opt for the convenience and flexibility of digital fitness.

Furthermore, fitness apps have made it easier for people to track their progress and stay motivated. With features like step tracking and calorie counting, users can monitor their fitness goals and make adjustments as needed. This has led to a more engaged and committed user base, who are more likely to stick to their fitness routines and achieve their goals.

The Role of Personal Trainers in the Age of Fitness Apps

While many people are opting for fitness apps instead of hiring personal trainers, personal trainers who embrace technology and incorporate fitness apps into their training are still in high demand. These trainers can provide personalized guidance and support, while also leveraging the benefits of fitness apps to create customized workout plans and track progress.

Moreover, fitness apps have opened up new opportunities for personal trainers to reach a wider audience. With the ability to create and share their own workout programs, trainers can now connect with clients from all over the world and build a thriving online business.

The Rise of Virtual Fitness Classes and Events

Finally, fitness apps have given rise to virtual fitness classes and events. With the pandemic driving people indoors, virtual fitness classes and events have become more popular than ever. Fitness apps have played a crucial role in this trend, offering new and engaging ways to connect with others and achieve fitness goals.

Virtual fitness classes and events have several advantages over traditional in-person classes. They are more accessible, as users can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. They are also more flexible, as users can choose from a wider range of classes and schedules. Additionally, virtual classes and events provide a sense of community and accountability, as users can connect with others who share their fitness goals and support each other along the way.

In conclusion, the impact of fitness apps on the health and fitness industry has been significant and far-reaching. From the shift to digital fitness to the rise of virtual classes and events, fitness apps have transformed the way people approach fitness and have made it more accessible and convenient than ever before.

The Future of Fitness Apps

The future of fitness apps looks bright, with new apps and features constantly emerging. Wearable technology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are all likely to shape the future of health and fitness apps.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the way we approach fitness and wellness. Fitness apps will continue to be at the forefront of this revolution, offering us new and innovative ways to achieve our health and fitness goals.

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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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