The global fitness app market size was valued at USD 3.15 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to
grow at a CAGR of more than 26.2% during the forecast period. The Global fitness app
market size is anticipated to reach over USD 15.96 billion by 2026. Fitness apps are mobile
applications, which are used to provide fitness videos or instructions to users. These applications
deliver health-related services on smartphones, tablet PCs and other mobile devices. These
applications also track user activity, amount of calories burnt, and sleep patterns.
Mobile devices are equipped with a wide range of sensors to track user activity. Fitness
applications acquire data from sensors of mobile devices and provide insights and advice to users
to lose weight, gain proper nutrition, or maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also contain training
routines to provide guidance for home workouts. These apps assist users in achieving their health
and fitness goals, and also offer an option of sharing their achievements on social media.
The growing rate of obesity and increasing number of diseases associated with it primarily drives
the market growth. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware regarding weight loss, calorie
intake, and proper nutrition, thereby supplementing the market growth. The increasing need of
consumers to lose weight, and stay healthy while maintaining their lifestyles have supported the
growth of this market. Other factors driving the market include growing obese population,
sedentary lifestyle of consumers leading to lifestyle diseases, and increasing disposable income.
There has been a shift towards use of mobile applications to maintain fitness routines. The
increasing penetration of mobile devices, and availability of high-speed internet services further
supplement the market growth. Growing demand from emerging economies along with increasing
consumer awareness is expected to provide numerous growth opportunities to the global fitness
app industry in the coming years.
The growth of this market can be attributed to factors such as presence of large pharma
organizations, along with key players from multiple industries, and increasing demand for
continuous health assessment. For instance, in August 2015, Adidas, a manufacturer & designer
of shoes & apparel, acquired Runtastic for USD 239 million. Runtastic is an Austrian developer
and provider of activity tracker apps, hardware products, and services, such as online training logs
and detailed data analysis, among others.
The growing penetration of smartphones and tablets across all demographics has resulted in high
adoption of fitness apps. Some apps offer customized services based on body physiology and
requirement. However, users may find it difficult to sustain workout or diet routines, in the long
run, resulting in loss of a large consumer base.
Vendors in the market are introducing various fitness apps for different purposes, workout
routines, and exercises. For instance, some vendors are introducing fitness apps specifically for
pregnant women, different age groups and gender. These apps enable customers to monitor their
health and fitness by analyzing their calorie intake and provide guidance about proper nutrition to
help them stay healthy and fit. The launch of such new and advanced fitness apps is enabling
vendors to increase their market share and profitability. Therefore, the proliferation of different
types of fitness apps is expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Type Insights
On the basis of type, the market has been segmented into exercise & weight loss, diet & nutrition,
and activity tracking. Exercise & weight loss dominated the type segment in 2018, whereas activity
tracking is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. Exercise & weight
loss apps simplify the process of tracking daily calorie intake to a macronutrient level, such as fats
and carbohydrates, and provide a customized lifestyle plan based on user-fed data.
The growing demand for portable health tracking system led to expansion of wearable technology.
In March 2019, Fitbit launched four wearables with costs ranging from around USD 70 to USD
160, to provide affordable activity tracking.Fitbit redesigned the app to enable users connect with
each other on its social community to help evaluate other users stats & progress.
Platform Insights
On the basis of platform, the market has been segmented into Android, iOS, and others. The market
for Android is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period owing to the increased
adoption of this platform, especially, in countries such as Egypt, India, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal,
Turkey, and South Africa.
Device Insights
On the basis of device, the market has been segmented into smartphones, tablets, and wearable
devices. Smartphones hold the largest share due to their high adoption and app compatibility.
Moreover, globally, smartphones are considered to be a necessity as opposed to tablets, which are
usually used at home or corporate settings.
The market for wearable devices is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.
The use of wearables has expanded to all age groups. In 2015, 24% of the population aged 25 to
34 years, while 6.5% of the population was 55 to 64. In 2019, the proportion of 25 to 34 years age
cohort increased to 38.0%, while market penetration increased substantially to 13.2%.
The market is witnessing an increase in the demand for wearable devices such as smartwatches,
smart bands, and smart rings that have various features such as calling, messaging, and fitness
tracking. These devices can be integrated with fitness apps to provide information on heart-rate,
exercise cognition, and issue movement reminders. To capitalize on the growing popularity of
wearable devices, vendors are expanding their product portfolios by launching products equipped
with advanced features such as LTE, music storage, built-in GPS, etc
Regional Insights
Among all regions, North America held the largest share of the fitness app market. Growing
awareness about fitness & daily health monitoring has led to an increase in adoption of fitness apps
and a significant rise in the number of new players in the region. Moreover, the market is
witnessing a rising number of partnerships between key players, thereby resulting in the
introduction of superior quality apps. In April 2019, Google partnered with Apple Inc. and
launched the Google Fit app for the iOS platform. This platform offers fitness activity goals based
on recommendations from the WHO and American Heart Association. Asia Pacific is likely to
grow at the highest rate over the forecast period. Various countries in this region are adopting
digital health strategies to deliver improved healthcare with better outcomes.
Fitness App Market and Trends
Consumer demand for a healthier lifestyle has been rising exponentially. The growing interest in
balanced diets, flexible workouts, and improved healthcare has laid the groundwork for health and
fitness applications to flourish.
In 2015 and 2016, sports apparel brands acquired five major fitness apps, including Runtastic and
Runkeeper, two of the most popular running programs. These were notable deals involving
hundreds of millions of dollars, for example, MyFitnessPal was sold for a record figure of nearly
half a billion.
Acquisitions made by Under Armour, Asics, and Adidas, along with branded running apps by Nike
and Puma, showed that the sports apparel industry is incorporating mobile technologies into its
ecosystem. Such ownership opened possibilities whereby user data could be analysed for crossmarketing purposes and sales of apparel and shoes could be boosted with mobile ads.
High-intensity Interval Training
If your app motivates users by showing them workout programs, this is for you. HIIT type of
training involves short bursts of vigorous activity followed by brief rest periods, is an excellent
way to build strength and promote weight loss. These workouts are quick and effective and are
also great boredom busters.
PlayBook App has perfectly fulfilled this trend. You will find that their HIIT workouts take the
cardio exercise to another level and push your pace out of your comfort zone. You’ll work up a
sweat fast, working at a very intense level and then backing off for a slower recovery period,
followed by another round of high intensity.
30-Minute Workouts
More and more fitness apps include 30-minute workouts because people are searching for a quick
challenge. Fortunately, science confirms the effectiveness of shorter workouts, proving that 30
minutes of high-intensity exercise can be as effective as more extended bouts of moderate-intensity
training. Freeletics offers bodyweight workouts from 5 to 30 minutes, and it contains over 900
workout variations
Health Routine for Employees
Healthy employees are more productive, creative, and less likely to take sick days. To promote
employee wellness, many companies already offer incentives like discounts on gym memberships.
We’ll see even more company initiatives in 2019, including personalized health coaching, group
fitness classes, and health insurance. A great example of this evolution is YuLife app. They
partnered up with many companies to reward employees for healthy behavior with gym
memberships, gig tickets, Avios air miles, and gift cards.
Mindfulness
In 2020, mental and physical wellness will collide. With hectic schedules, social pressures, and
global issues, it’s no wonder a majority of the population needs a mental health boost. Thanks to
technology, we can promote spirit, mind, and body wellness easier than ever.One of the best apps
in this field is Headspace that offers guided sessions that include motivational cues.
Online Class Reservations Have Increased By 144%
Nothing is more frustrating for members than showing up to a group fitness class that’s at capacity.
The ability to register for classes online makes things easier for members, instructors and
operators. Members can effortlessly sign up for the classes that interest them without having to
call or email, freeing up staff time. Canceling class registrations is also a breeze -- instructors can
see who’s registered for their classes, and club owners can get more people registered by offering
an frictionless online process.
Participation in ClassPass or Similar Online Programs Have Increased By
156%
ClassPass is the best way for people to have flexible workout options with thousands of group
fitness classes available every day at endless locations. The $99 a month membership allows users
to take as many classes per month as they like, which is perfect for those who enjoy group exercise
classes like yoga or barre.
Online Training Services Have Increased by 163%
Virtual training and coaching is becoming a staple in the fitness world. Many clubs are using a
mobile app as the liaison between trainers and members. Apps like Endomondo allow users to
simulate the experience of having a personal coach with them through their headphones.
Technologies like this make PT more accessible, opening up a new market for operators to target
with tech-enabled PT services.
Mobile Applications Have Increased by 168%
It’s no surprise that mobile app usage in clubs have seen the biggest growth over the past two
years. Smartphone owners use apps for everything, and fitness is no exception. Astoundingly,
fitness apps in particularly have seen a 62% increase in daily use versus the 33% increase of overall
app usable. A club-branded mobile app is the best way for clubs to engage members, electronically
sell memberships and create a seamless, connected club experience.
Top competitors in the fitness app industry
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a weight loss app that helps users meet their goals by tracking calories, providing
information about food, and integrating with other health and fitness apps.The service is available
via the platform’s website as well as a mobile app available for Android and Apple devices. There
is a free version, which lets users track food and calories, weight, activity, and other basic metrics.
With a paid account, users get access to many other features, including nutritional content,
additional customization options, and exercise and motivational videos.
One of MyFitnessPal’s unique features is its compatibility with more than 50 other health and
fitness apps and devices. Users can link their MyFitnessPal account to apps like Fitbit,
Endomondo, MapMyRun, Strava, and more, allowing them to have a comprehensive picture of
their health and activity
My Fitness Pal boasts a massive food database of more than six million foods, including a
restaurant logger that will guarantee no calorie goes uncounted when you go out to eat. It has
enough features to fill this entire list, and almost half a million positive reviews in the iTunes
Store—it’s a fitness app legend that’s well worth the cost of the premium package.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $9.99/month
$49.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 4.7 stars
Google Play: 4.5 stars
-Compatible with over 50 apps
-Meal planning tools
-Exercise tracker
-More features at MyFitnessPal
Number of active customers: 50 million+
MyFitnessPal Strengths:

One of the significant benefits of MyFitnessPal is that it integrates with many popular
wearables and activity trackers like Fitbit, Garmin, Strava, Nokia Health Mate, and more.
Integrating information about exercise and activity into MyFitnessPal helps users get a more
accurate, comprehensive picture of their health and weight loss progress.

For users who just need a simple way to count calories and track other basic metrics, the free
version of MyFitnessPal is likely sufficient. There are some more advanced features that are
only available with a paid subscription, and the free version of the app includes ads. However,
as free apps go, MyFitnessPal is fairly robust and user-friendly.

Among diet and weight loss apps, MyFitnessPal has one of the largest food databases,
containing over 11 million products. This feature helps users find the calorie counts, serving
sizes, and nutritional information for their food.

In addition to the mobile app, users can access their MyFitnessPal account via their website,
for additional convenience.
MyFitnessPal Weakness:

The tools are mostly focused on counting calories, tracking food intake, and measuring weight
loss, but it lacks a holistic approach that can help users understand and change their eating
habits in the long-term.

Requires fee-based premium package to get the full range of services
Missing features:
MyFitnessPal doesn’t offer much in the way of support or guidance for creating a different, longterm relationship to food.
What Customers Are Saying about MyFitnessPal
Users praise MyFitnessPal for helping them manage their diets and eating habits in a convenient
way. Says one user, “The MyFitnessPal app allows anyone to compile a detailed log of nutritional
and fitness info into an easy to use, easy to interpret, easy to afford, and simple to navigate system.
8Fit
8Fit’s mission is “to transform the concept of fitness from the pursuit of perfection to a liberating
journey of healthy, body-positive and lasting changes.” To that end, this app gives users access to
weekly fitness classes and workouts, meal-planning tools, meditations, and more.
8Fit tailors workouts and nutrition planning based on a user’s goals, which can include losing
weight, building muscle, or getting toned. 8Fit takes into account a user’s age, height, and weight
to recommend a safe, practical plan that is also sustainable. Users can track their progress within
the app, and set weekly goals to help them stay motivated. The app’s workouts are brief, typically
10-15 minutes, making it easier for users to fit them into busy schedules. Their nutrition tools also
focus on convenience; users can easily exclude “problem” foods or ingredients, and choose from
different meal-planning approaches to find the one that best suits their lifestyle.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $59.99/month
$5.99/year
Rating
Apple: 4.7 stars
Google Play: 4.4 stars
More Features
-Available in multiple languages
-Weekly classes
-Meal Planning tools
Number of active customers: 10 million+
8Fit Strengths:

8Fit’s biggest pro is its emphasis on creating a personalized fitness plan specific to the
individual. Not only does this make it easier for users to actually achieve their health and fitness
goals, it means the app’s recommendations are safer and more sustainable, leading to longterm use.

8Fit recently added a classes feature, where users from all over the world can join in on expertled classes for cardio, core, and other types of workouts.

The app’s meal-planning tools are convenient and easy-to-use. Users can choose from pre-set
food plans, such as vegetarian, Paleo, pescetarian, or standard, or customize their own food
plan based on their unique preferences and restrictions.

When users choose their recipes, the app automatically creates a shopping list, making it even
easier for users to stick to their diet.
8Fit Weakness:

The most significant con of 8Fit is that users must pay for a full year’s subscription to the app
upfront. There is no option to pay by the month. At $59.99 for a year, 8Fit is not the most
expensive app on our list, but since there’s no option to pay monthly, users who do not like the
app, or can’t use it for any reason are out the full price.
Missing features
Currently, 8Fit separates users’ goals into three categories – lose weight, get fitter, and build
muscle. There’s no option to combine goals, or customize goals, which may limit its appeal to
some users.
What Customers Are Saying about 8Fit
Customers are fans of 8Fit for providing convenient tools that make health and fitness easier. “I’ve
been on a search for a fitness app that is easy to use, fits with my busy schedule, and is effective
at helping me achieve my goals. 8fit is all of these and more,” says one user.
SWORKIT
When it comes to exercise and fitness, everyone’s needs and preferences are different. SWORKIT
focuses on creating workouts and exercises that are tailored to their users’ unique, individual
needs.SWORKIT starts with users’ personal fitness goals, which can include weight loss, muscle
gain, increased endurance, and more. Users can also indicate how much time they have to exercise,
and SWORKIT will recommend workout plans based on their goals and availability. SWORKIT
comes with over 400 unique workouts and 800 different exercises. Users can also create and save
their own workouts for a truly customized experience.
This app also provides users with a significant amount of support. Certified trainers are available
to answer users’ questions about fitness and nutrition, and provide tips for more productive
workouts. Users can also connect with other members of the SWORKIT community to get
encouragement and provide motivation.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $9.99/month
$59.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 4.7 stars
Google Play: 4.0 stars
-Support from certified trainers
-400 unique workouts
-800 exercises
-More features at Sworkit
Number of active customers: 5 million+
SWORKIT Strengths:

SWORKIT’s biggest pro is how customizable it is. The app offers users a huge variety of
workouts and exercises, which users can further tailor and save for future use. Users can also
set parameters, like their fitness goals and the amount of time they want to exercise, and the
app will recommend workouts based on this information.

SWORKIT partners with employers to offer the app to their employees as part of their
corporate health and wellness initiatives, providing users with discounted access to the app and
its features.

This app is ideal for users of all experience levels, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced
programs. SWORKIT also has a library of activities designed specifically for kids.
SWORKIT Weakness:

Although users can try SWORKIT for free, there is no free version available for long-term use.
Subscribers can pay for their membership on a monthly or yearly basis, but a paid membership
is required.
Missing features: No Missing features
What Customers Are Saying about SWORKIT
According to users, SWORKIT is great at helping them stick to their fitness routines. “I have tried
numerous fitness apps and this is hands down my absolute favorite,” says one user. “Every time I
use this app, I can’t help but feel like they thought of everything.”
FitPlan
For fitness app users who want an expert personal trainer to design an ideal workout for them,
there’s FitPlan. This app, available for Android and Apple devices, gives users access to over 100
workouts designed by personal trainers, fitness experts, and professional athletes.
Users can choose their workout based on how much time they have to exercise and their fitness
goals, like toning and tightening, losing weight, building muscle, or increasing athletic
performance, or simply try something new.
FitPlan’s workouts are designed to be done at home, in a gym, or wherever the user happens to be.
The app’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for users to stick to their exercise regimen, so they
can achieve their goals. FitPlan’s workouts include step-by-step instructions and progress tracking
tools. The app also features educational resources, including a blog and an app feed with fitness
and nutrition tips, motivational content, and more.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $15.99/month
$69.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 4.7 stars
Google Play: 4.4 stars
-Instructional videos
-Apple Watch compatibility
-Available in Spanish
-More features at FitPlan
Number of active customers: 1 million+
FitPlan Strengths:



FitPlan’s most significant perk is the wide variety of pre-designed workouts it has available.
Users can narrow down the selection by choosing the kind of workout they are looking for
based on their fitness goals and gender, and get an expertly-designed workout suited to their
needs.
Most of FitPlan’s workouts are designed to be done anywhere, making it easy for users to stay
on track with their routine, even if they’re on the go. Many of the workouts currently available
on FitPlan are specifically designed to be done at home, while gyms and fitness centers are
closed.
All videos include step-by-step instructions, so users can feel confident that they are doing
exercises safely and correctly.
FitPlan Weakness:


The primary con of FitPlan is that it may be too niche for some users. Since it focuses
specifically on workout plans
Although users can try FitPlan free for seven days, they must pay for a monthly or yearly
subscription for continued access to all of FitPlan’s content
Missing features:
Users who also want to track more free-form activity like running, cycling or swimming will still
need to download another app
What Customers Are Saying about FitPlan
FitPlan users recommend this app to others who need encouragement to stick to their exercise
routines. I need structure, guidance, and lots of push during my workouts and this plan does exactly
that,” says one user. “I go to the gym with a plan, purpose, and a goal in mind!
Aaptiv
For people who prefer the structure and accountability of class-based workouts, Aaptiv makes it
easy to access thousands of classes across multiple categories, from any location, at any time.
Whether users are looking for running, cycling, strength training, high intensity interval training
(HIIT), yoga, Pilates, or meditation, Aaptiv has a class available. Users can browse classes based
on their fitness goals, like losing weight or gaining strength. Classes are delivered in audio format,
although Aaptiv does include visual workout guides for common movements across the different
workout categories. New classes are added weekly, so users will always have something fresh to
keep them motivated.
Another unique Aaptiv feature is Team Challenges, in which app users form small teams based on
a shared fitness goal, and compete against each other for points. Team Challenges allows Aaptiv
subscribers to connect and encourage each other, creating a fun social component to exercising.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $14.99/month
$99.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 4.7 stars
Google Play: 3.8 stars
-30+ weekly classes
-Specialized training plans
-Integrated playlists
-More features at Aaptiy
Number of active customers: 1 million+
Aaptiv Strengths:

The sheer variety of classes available on Aaptiv is the app’s main pro. Users can choose from
cardio workouts like running and cycling, stretching-based workouts like Pilates and yoga, or
strength training. Aaptiv also adds 30 new classes per week, so always have plenty of options
available.

Through Aaptiv, users get access to professional fitness trainers who provide tips, techniques,
and encouragement to help them make the most of their workouts and achieve their fitness
goals.

Another unique Aaptiv feature is its curated music playlists, designed to pace perfectly with
the user’s workout, and based on the user’s musical genre preferences.

To help recreate the class experience, even when students are in different locations, Aaptiv
offers the Team Challenge feature, which enables users to work together and encourage each
other in their fitness goals.
Aaptiv Weakness:

At $99.99 for an annual subscription, Aaptiv is among the more expensive apps on our list.
This high price point may present a barrier to some users.
Missing features
One missing feature of Aaptiv is that classes are delivered in audio format, not video format. While
some users may prefer listening to the trainer’s instructors, others may prefer a video class to
follow.
What Customers Are Saying about Aaptiv
Aaptiv is a popular app among fitness enthusiasts. “This app has breathed new life and motivation
into me,” says one user. “The trainers are amazing, the soundtracks are amazing and the
convenience is amazing. Not to mention I am working harder than if I had to do these workouts
on my own.”
Fitbit
While more than 63 million Fitbit trackers have been sold, these devices are not required to use
the app, which is available for Android and Apple devices. Without a Fitbit device, a user relies
on their smartphone to track their steps, monitor their heart rate, keep a food log, measure their
hydration, and more.
The Fitbit app breaks down activities by time, so during the day, users can view their progress
towards their daily goals for steps, distance, calories burned, and more. At night, Fitbit will record
users’ sleep patterns, and help them achieve their sleep goals by setting bedtime reminders and
alarms.Fitbit also includes a number of motivational tools to help users stay on track, including
notifications, badges, challenges, and social networking with other Fitbit users.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $9.99/month
$79.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 3.6 stars
Google Play: 4.4 stars
-Smart device compatibility
-Sleep tracker
-Social media components
-More features at FitBit
Number of active customers: 50 million+
Fitbit Strengths:

Fitbit’s primary perk is how feature-rich it is. This app lets users track many different facets of
their health, including their steps and activity, exercise regimen, sleep patterns, nutrition, and
more.

Another pro of the Fitbit app is its social component, which connects users to family, friends,
and other users, helping them to stay motivated to achieve their health and wellness goals, and
celebrate their accomplishments.

Fitbit also partners with companies, enabling them to offer Fitbit devices and services as part
of their corporate health and wellness initiatives. Through these partnerships, employees may
be able to get Fitbit devices at a discounted price.
Fitbit Weakness:

The main con of Fitbit is that, even though the app can be used on a smartphone alone, in order
to really get the most out of it, users must also purchase a Fitbit device, like a smartwatch or
tracker. These devices range in price from $70 to $330, presenting a potential cost barrier to
some users.
Missing feature: No missing feature
What Customers Are Saying about Fitbit
Fitbit has a loyal following for making it easier to track activity, food intake, and more. “I am
absolutely hooked on my Fitbit!” says one user. “I love the notifications it sends if I haven’t moved,
and the fact that you can track your own performance. It’s got me more motivated than any
personal trainer.”
Endomondo – Best for Personal Training
Endomondo, another app developed by Under Armour, is described as “the personal trainer in your
pocket.” The philosophy behind this app, which is available for Apple and Android devices, is to
make fitness fun, so people are more likely to stick to their exercise regimen.
The app lets users choose what kind of physical activities they prefer, from an extensive list that
includes aerobics, cycling, dancing, hiking, running, and more, and then designs a personalized
fitness plan based on those activities. Users create targets for themselves to work towards, and
much like a real-life personal trainer, Endomondo will offer encouragement and feedback to help
users achieve those goals.
The app also gives users a central place to track their progress and improvement, as well as stats
like miles logged and calories burned. Endomondo users can connect with each other through the
app’s social networking features, adding another source of inspiration and motivation.
Price
Basic: Free
Premium: $5.99/month
$29.99/year
Rating
More Features
Apple: 4.2 stars
Google Play: 4.4 stars
-Available in multiple languages
-Activity and training log
-Workout goals
-More features at Endomondo
Number of active customers: 10 million+
Endomondo Strengths:

Although there is a premium version of Endomondo available, the free version has a significant
amount of functionality, making it one of the most appealing free apps on our list. With the
free version of Endomondo, users can track, log, and analyze their workouts, sync the app with
their wearables, and use Endomondo’s social features.

For those who want to upgrade to the premium version of Endomondo, another perk is that it
is a very affordable app. A yearlong subscription is $29.99, making it one of the more
affordable apps on our list.

Another benefit of Endomondo is that it gives users a lot of activities to choose from when
building their exercise plan. This includes sports like basketball, baseball, and soccer; cardio
activities like running and cycling, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Endomondo Weakness:

The main drawback of Endomondo is that its functionality is somewhat limited. While it
functions excellently as a personal training app.
Missing Features
Users need to download other apps if they want to integrate other aspects of health and wellness
into their routine.
What Customers Are Saying about Endomondo
Many users say Endomondo is effective at helping them stay on track with their exercise routines.
“I love the fact that it keeps the training history so you can check the progress you make,” says
one user. Adds another, “I like the training plans and the connectivity with my Apple Watch.”
Things people don’t like in fitness apps
According to recent research, 42% of smartphone or tablet owners use at least one fitness app. As
wearable devices become more widespread and accessible, an increasing number of consumers is
connecting their smart wearable’s to apps with the aim of tracking their health and fitness.
Lack of automation
The most fitness apps ask users to log everything they eat each day. Fitness apps suffer from lack
of automation features that allow users to input all required information together much quicker.
It’s hard to imagine users who would spend time on logging their food every single day for a more
extended period. That’s why many users abandon these apps after a month or two. They simply
run out of patience.
Counting calories
All fitness apps available on the market their central goal is: to motivate people to eat less and
exercise more. Most of the time, they ask users to track what they eat and record their physical
activity. That’s how they can quantify whether users intake more calories than they burn every
day.
However, counting calories is way too simplistic. For example, if the user takes specific
medications, they may cause weight gain or loss by changing hormone levels in the body. This
proves that energy balance is not everything when it comes to weight or health.
But the most severe problem with fitness apps is that they treat all calories the same. Calories
coming from high fructose corn syrup are counted as similar to calories from lean meat protein –
even though science tells us that these calorie types have a completely different impact on our
bodies.
Drained battery
Another serious disadvantage of fitness apps is that they require a lot of energy to track the activity
of users. As a result, going out for a jog with a smartphone that counts steps or measures the heart
rate through a connection to a wearable device works only with a full battery. Many users
experience battery drainage after regular use of these apps. It’s normal to exercise for one or two
hours, but these it’s apps often drain the battery of mobile devices way too quickly.
GPS problems
Another serious problem lies in the GPS connectivity. Apps that allow users to track their running
routes and compare them with others sometimes make mistakes and calculate different paths than
the one a user completed in reality.
As a result, few users continue using the fitness apps that fail to measure and calculate routes
properly, because these mistakes automatically affect the number of calories burned and many
other metrics. It’s pointless to use an imprecise tool for tracking fitness achievements.
Community support
According to experts in behavior health, lack of community support from friends or family is a
severe disadvantage when it comes to lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthier diet or getting
more exercise.
Fitness apps still failed to provide us with active communities to help users to surround themselves
with people who are just as motivated. Many apps offer social functionalities for sharing successes
with other people via social media, but getting support from users is still a rarity.
Too much data
Another serious problem with fitness apps is that they rely on a multitude of data about health.
And with so many alternatives out there, it’s hard to find the insights that work and apply them to
mobile products.
That’s why it’s essential that fitness apps creators’ first focus on narrowing down the information
to learn what really makes health activities actionable and easy to understand for users. Only then
the app creators will be able to implement functionalities that are of real help to users.
THE END