How to make a fitness app

There are numerous fitness apps out there in app stores, but none of them is exactly like the one you have in mind? 

The ideation phase

Every project starts with an idea. You have in mind what you would like to work on. You know how it should function. Also, you know what value potential users would have from your fitness app. It is always good to start by looking into competitors - what they offer and what is it that would make your project stand out. It can be a different feature, or simply a faster, more reliable product. This is the fun part, as at this stage you can let your imagination loose - savor it! Do you want to stream live personal sessions? Do you want success tracking implemented? Integration with social media? Some fancy AI integration? The sky is the limit in this phase!

Innovation

Every day, new technologies provide us with the possibility to create better and more innovative products. If you want to stay in front of the competition in this race, you will want to implement new solutions. Furthermore, you will want them to be smartly designed and well thought-out. You do not need to implement innovative solutions just to follow some trend. Rather embrace them so they can make your product better. For example, AI can take a lot of manual data input work off your plate. However, it can also be used to predict trends, patterns, and correlations. Thus, your app can provide users with recommendations for achieving their goals effectively. 

Some of the standard fitness app features to consider

Automated Activity Tracking: A fitness app may include features for tracking activities like running, walking, cycling, weightlifting, and more. Users can utilize GPS and motion sensors on mobile devices to record distance, speed, duration, and calories burned during workouts.

Exercise Library: Some of the apps provide a comprehensive database of exercises with clear instructions, images, and videos demonstrating proper form and technique. Exercises are often categorized by muscle group, equipment used, or workout type for easy navigation.

Customized Workouts: Some apps offer users the ability to create and customize their workout routines based on their preferences, goals, and available equipment. Providing options for selecting specific exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods adds value to this feature.

Progress Tracking: Many users choose an app that enables them to track their progress over time by allowing them to log their workouts, record personal bests, and view historical data. Incorporating charts or graphs to visually display progress in strength, endurance, or other relevant metrics employs the feeling of satisfaction with their progress.

Goal Setting: Some apps allow users to set specific fitness goals, such as losing weight, building muscle, improving flexibility, or completing a race. You will want to provide tools to track progress toward these goals or to send reminders or notifications. Keep users motivated!

Social Features: Include social sharing capabilities that allow users to connect with friends or other app users. Implement features like leaderboards, challenges, and the ability to share achievements on social media platforms to foster a sense of community and healthy competition. Everyone loves smartly implemented gamification.

Nutrition and Diet Tracking: Consider integrating features for users to track their daily calorie intake, macronutrient distribution, and meal plans. You can provide a food database with nutritional information or allow users to scan barcodes to retrieve data from packaged foods.

Defining the MVP

This is the part where you are supposed to put reins on your imagination. Think about the budget and narrow down your target audience. You want to create the app but first want to test your product in the real world. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is what you need. This is the stage where you define the key features of your fitness app and a separate set of features that would be developed in the future to upgrade your app. You can always go with the full-scale product from the beginning, but defining the MVP is a more rational approach. Know that a good software development team can serve there as your advisor on this road. It is essential to make this part right, as your app’s future success depends greatly on a well-rounded MVP that fits your budget.

Choosing the development team

There are many first-class development teams and agencies out there, but you want someone you feel you can rely on. Choosing the best providers should be based on cost/benefit analysis, but also on your judgment on how the team works. You want it to be a team that understands your idea, and that communicates openly all the good and the bad alike. Budget and technical fitness are everyone's first concern, but experience and compatibility with the project are as important. That is why you will love working with a team who is excited about your project as much as you are.

We are a team of fitness nuts ourselves. Apart from our development expertise, we can approach your project with complete understanding and some serious business acumen. We have already created a couple of A-class fitness apps, so partner with us and know that your project is in safe hands. Let’s meet and discuss your idea.

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