(Image source: Unsplash)
With 89% of fitness enthusiasts being more likely to download an app than buy a gym membership, there has never been a better time for your wellness brand to launch a new web app.
In addition to this, the number of individuals currently using digital fitness and wellbeing services is projected to continue rising even further by 2029, making it a strategic move for your business to adapt to the growing demand.
In this article, we break down the different types of fitness apps that are proving popular this year and the latest features that are enhancing the user experience. We’ll then discuss some of the best practices you should keep in mind when launching an app of your very own.
The Most Popular Types of Fitness Apps
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to fitness apps – every user is on the hunt for a different solution. Let’s discuss some of the most popular app types in the health and wellbeing sphere at the moment.
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Diet and nutrition
For people who are looking to improve their diet as part of their fitness journey, there are a range of web apps designed to help them manage their nutrition. Many of these provide the option to track calories, record food consumption, and track weight goals.
An example of this would be MyFitnessPal. The popular app allows users to scan the barcodes on food packaging so they can accurately track macros without having to enter each item manually. This will be recorded against their personal goals so they can keep on top of their nutritional intake.
(Image source: MyFitnessPal)
Workout coaching
Working with a personal trainer or attending fitness classes is not accessible to many. Instead, lots of people turn to workout coaching apps that support them on their individual fitness journeys.
Typically, these apps create workout routines tailored to the personal goals and fitness abilities of the user. This is particularly beneficial for those who are looking to improve their wellbeing but are not sure what exercises are best. Having access to a personalised programme means they are more likely to motivate themselves to maintain a consistent exercise routine.
BetterMe is an app that offers self-guided workout programmes and nutritional advice to help people achieve their own goals. Videos are available to guide users through each exercise and coach them through the workouts.
(Image source: BetterMe)
Mental wellbeing
There has been a spike in the number of people wanting to improve their mental wellbeing as well as their physical wellbeing. Apps are available to help users track their mood, improve their sleep quality, meditate, or manage anxieties. By improving their self-care efforts, individuals can better manage their overall health and achieve a higher quality of life.
Headspace is a great example of this. The app helps guide users through mental wellness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and sleep sounds. Through a combination of guided videos, expert-led programmes, and self-help resources, users have the flexibility to find an approach that suits them.
(Image source: Headspace)
Fitness tracking
For fitness enthusiasts, being able to track their workouts means they can monitor progress and work towards personal goals. Fitness tracking apps can monitor activity such as distance covered, step count, and time duration – a motivating way to visualise workouts and reach goals.
Strava is a popular app used by runners and cyclists. It uses GPS tracking to record the route a user takes and provides statistics that help them monitor their performance. These workouts can be shared with friends and online communities to boost motivation and create a supportive network.
(Image source: Strava)
Features that can Elevate Your Fitness Web App in 2025
As the online fitness community continues to grow, the quality of web apps available is at an all-time high. The features available to users are becoming more and more impressive, encouraging wellness enthusiasts to manage their fitness journey on their own.
Here are just a handful of the ways leading fitness apps are growing apart from their competitors in the modern day:
- Leaderboards
Many wellness apps have introduced leaderboard features that add a competitive element. By being able to compare their performance to that of their friends or other app users, users find that it is a motivator to encourage them to keep up with their fitness. - Activity tracking
The capabilities of modern technology now allow apps to track a high level of data or integrate with other devices, such as Fitbits and Apple Watches. If apps use this information to produce handy overviews and inform tailored fitness plans, it can offer high levels of value to users. - Notifications
Cleverly utilising push notifications can help a fitness app not only maintain an active user base, but also support them. Sending out reminders at the times of day when users are normally recording a meal or doing their workout can give users the motivation they need to continue. - Social shares
Social media usage is at an all-time high, so fitness apps can use this to their advantage by integrating social shares into their platform. Making it easier for users to share their progress on their social media accounts not only encourages them to keep up with their app usage, but also promotes the app to a wider audience.
Best Practices When Launching Your Own App
When looking into launching a fitness web app of your own, going in with the knowledge and expertise that is needed to stand out from competitors will improve the chances of a successful launch.
Here are five steps to take into consideration when taking your wellness brand to the next level and creating a web app:
- Know your market
There are already a large number of fitness apps out there, so what makes yours different? Finding a niche in the market and establishing your exact target audience will help you define an outline that is tailored to the exact people you are hoping to reach.
- Analyse the current landscape
Before getting stuck in, ensure you have spent time researching the options that already exist.
Looking into similar apps and testing them out for yourself will help you find your niche. As well as this, reading reviews and checking software comparison sites will uncover any common pain points that users still feel are lacking from the current apps.
- Create a concept
Once you’ve established what exactly your app is aiming to achieve, you can fine-tune your action plan. This will help you communicate your vision to any developers or employees who are going to be involved in the creation of your app.
- Choose the right tech stack
A tech stack consists of the different technologies that are used to create an app. The best option will depend on your personal project requirements, taking into consideration things such as scale, security, complexity, and maintenance.
- Test your prototype
Once a working prototype has been developed, avoid getting too carried away! Before sending the mock-up for development, test it on real users who fit your target audience. Asking for feedback on the interface, features, and ease of usability will help identify any necessary changes.
Turning Your Vision into a Reality
A key part of running a successful business is adapting to the times – finding new ways to meet the growing needs of users and remain competitive.
Creating a new fitness app is a great opportunity for your wellness brand to fill a gap in the market and grow your audience. Since downloading an app makes users more likely to revisit than they would a website, you have the chance to build lasting relationships with your customers.
Once you have established an opportunity for your business, ensuring you thoroughly prepare for the creation of your app will maximise the chance of a successful launch. Ironing out any teething errors during the research and development process means you can release the best possible version of your app to the market.
