How to Make a Fitness App?

Are you a fitness influencer or content creator?

Do you want to monetize your audience?

Are you thinking of creating a fitness app?

But you don't know how.

Don't worry brigit.dev is here to help.

First things first, let's remove any fears and doubts.

Did you know that the revenue in the fitness apps market will reach US$6.86bn in 2024?

Sounds like a lot of money to miss out on.

Especially if you already have an established name online.

Don't let this be one of the things you regret not getting into on time in 10 years.

Build your own fitness app today!

Let's learn HOW to create a successful app.

Why Do You Need a Fitness App as a Fitness Influencer in 2024?

As a fitness influencer in 2024, you need a fitness app to turn the attention you gained into profit.

Building a community and an audience around your content is not easy, and we all know how those creator funds on social media apps pay you cents for thousands of views.

You are probably already selling workout plans, video tutorials, or offering exclusive sessions and content.

But it’s all done through the social media apps.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

If you want to turn your views into income, a fitness app is what you need. Transforming your app idea into a reality can help monetize your audience effectively.

You can offer premium subscriptions, sell workout plans, or provide in-app purchases or in-app ads. There are many possibilities with your own workout app.

Here are some additional benefits:

• New revenue streams

• Increasing engagement

• Brand building

• Community building

• Increasing loyalty

• Getting more brand deals and promotions

• Gaining competitive advantage

• More access to user data for improvements

And you can do all of this with the content you already have ready on your social media channels.

You already have all you need to take your content to the next level.

The Fitness Market Now

Fitness applications are very popular and widely used.

People use an app for about anything. We all love our phones and spend most of our time on them.

This was especially true during COVID-19 when everyone was inside.

Most people still prefer to exercise from home and feel more comfortable doing that.

Fitness apps are downloaded more than 400 million times a year.

Most users of these workout apps are loyal to the app they use.

Sin you already have so many loyal followers they will turn into loyal customers and attract more and more.

All you need is an app.

Take inspiration from those who have already done it.

Examples of Existing Fitness Apps From Different Influencers

Here are some leading fitness apps from some famous fitness influencers.

• Krissy Cela x Evolve You

• Stef Williams x We Glow

• Matt Morsia x Morsia

• Lilly Sabri x Lean

• Leana Deebb x Uplift You

• Anna Engelschall x Grow with Anna

How to Make Your Own Fitness App: DIY, Hire Freelancers or an Agency?

You are now probably wondering how to create a fitness app.

The fitness application development process is very serious. There are three ways to go about it, but the final decision is completely up to you.

Just remember that true quality comes only with one of these options.

You can:

• Do it yourself

• Hire freelancer(s)

• Hire an agency

DIY (Do It Yourself)

Pros:

• Full control over the entire process

• Cost-effective if you have the necessary skills

• You choose everything

• Flexibility to work at your own pace

• Learn valuable skills in app development

Cons:

• It is time-consuming

• If you can't code it's very hard

• Potential for lower quality and bugs if you're inexperienced

• Lack of professional support and maintenance

• You can lose followers if it's bad quality

• You can get fined if you don't meet certain standards

Freelancer(s)

Pros:

• Affordable

• You get to choose the entire team

• Flexible

Cons:

• Can be unreliable

• Limited resources compared to an agency

• May lack long-term support and updates after the project is completed

• Quality can vary

• Risk of project delays or losing your money

Agency

Pros:

• Professional team with a wide range of expertise

• Higher quality

• Ongoing support, maintenance, and updates are included

• Structured project management and clear timelines

• Access to additional services like marketing and branding

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to freelancers or DIY

• Can be less flexible with changes once the project scope is defined

• May feel less personal compared to working directly with a freelancer

Choosing the Right Option

Each option has its pros and cons.

The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and timeline. Understanding the development process can help in choosing the right option.

While DIY and freelancers offer flexibility and cost savings, an agency is a safer and more cost-effective solution in the long run.

You will get a quality app that will provide a good experience for users. In return, their numbers will grow and you will get a higher return on investment.

What Kind of a Fitness App Can You Make?

There are three types of apps you can make.

Choosing the right type of app depends on your fitness app idea and what your audience needs. Be sure to test the waters first and ask your community.

They will guide you in the best direction possible.

Give people what they want. Solve problems they already have.

Let’s see what you can do.

1. Activity Tracking Apps

Activity tracking apps are designed to help users keep a close eye on their daily physical activities.

These apps can track steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and even monitor heart rate and sleep patterns.

They are perfect for users who want to maintain an active lifestyle by setting and achieving fitness goals.

Activity tracking apps not only motivate users to stay active but also provide detailed insights into their progress.

They help them make informed decisions about their fitness journey.

This type of fitness app is for you if you want to start small and offer something many already like and use but with your personal touch.

2. Diet and Nutrition Apps

Diet and nutrition apps focus on helping users manage their eating habits and make healthier food choices.

These apps allow users to log their meals, track calories, and monitor their intake of key nutrients like protein or fats.

Most offer meal planning tools, recipe suggestions, and grocery lists to make healthy eating easier.

For users with specific dietary goals, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or managing a health condition, these apps offer personalized recommendations.

This type of fitness app is the best choice if you are a nutritionist or someone whose content revolves around nutrition.

3. Workout Apps

Workout apps are designed to guide users through exercise routines and help them achieve their fitness goals.

These apps often include a variety of workout plans, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Users can choose from pre-set routines or create their own based on their preferences and goals.

Workout apps may also feature video demonstrations, step-by-step instructions, and progress tracking to ensure users are performing exercises correctly and effectively.

Additionally, some apps offer personalized workout plans, real-time feedback, and the ability to connect with other users for motivation and support.

You can even build a personal training app for several clients and then expand to more if you want to test it out first.

This is probably the best option if you already post workout content or offer personal sessions.

Features You Need for Your Fitness App

There are some fitness app features you can’t miss out on including in your app to make it even better. Including key features like user login and payment gateways is crucial for a successful fitness app beyond core features. They are enough to get you going but you need advanced features to stay ahead of the game.

They will increase user engagement so they will stay longer on your app.

If you want to increase user satisfaction here’s a list of fitness app features for you:

1. Customizable Workout Plans: Allow users to create and adjust workout plans based on their fitness level, goals, and preferences. This feature offers flexibility and personalization, making the app more useful for a wider audience.

2. Progress Tracking and Analytics: Provide detailed insights into users’ progress over time, including graphs and charts that track performance, improvements, and milestones. This helps users stay motivated and see tangible results from their efforts.

3. Social Sharing and Community Support: Integrate social features that let users share their achievements, challenges, and progress with friends or a community within the app. This creates a sense of accountability and encouragement.

4. Challenges and Gamification: Introduce fitness challenges, badges, and leaderboards to add a competitive edge and make fitness more engaging. Gamification elements can turn workouts into fun, motivating activities.

5. Integrations with Wearables and Other Apps: Allowing third-party device connectivity with popular wearable devices (like smartwatches) and other health apps. This allows users to sync data effortlessly, creating a more cohesive fitness experience across platforms.

Costs of Fitness App Developme

Costs of software development usually depend on the complexity, urgency, and location. When you create fitness apps, these factors play a significant role in determining the overall costs. They also depend on who is doing it as well so here’s a breakdown:

DYI Costs

This costs nothing because you won't pay yourself (or maybe you will?)

It can cost a lot actually if you know nothing about coding and try to learn it for this.

It's not a simple thing and don't get fooled by low-code or no-code platforms.

If you build a product that has no support and maintenance and is built using these resources, chances are it will break very fast.

You are putting your followers and your reputation on the line.

Even if it works for a short period you still need skilled professionals to make the real app for it to bring you profit for a long time.

So it's pretty expensive in the long run.

Freelancers Costs

Hiring a freelancer might seem cheaper, with hourly rates typically ranging from $20 to $150 depending on their experience and location.

Some might even claim they can deliver it in two weeks for $5,000.

Don't fall for that. Publishing on app stores like Google Play store takes longer than that!

There are many scams out there.

There are a lot of good ones of course but you need to consider that they are overbooked.

So in the long run, using freelancers can end up being more expensive because there is no support or maintenance again.

You will probably end up hiring a bigger team to keep the app running.

Agency Costs

Agencies offer a full team of experts, but they come with a higher price.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 for a complete app, depending on the features and support you need.

You're paying for the whole package, which ensures a high-quality app.

Even though it’s expensive, working with an agency gives you reliable support and maintenance.

It’s a bigger investment upfront, but it can save you money and headaches in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Building a fitness app is the best thing to do if you are a fitness influencer with a big audience.

You can’t depend on social media companies your whole life.

They might go out of style or shut down their rewards programs.

Your community is lost if you put all your eggs in one basket.

With an app, you have a connection with your followers as long as you want the app to run.

You can also reach new users without social media.

Also, once you set up content you are free to do whatever you want.

You don’t have to post every day like on Instagram or TikTok.

The income stream is steady and you invest no additional effort.

With a fitness app and an online business, you are building your brand.

It can seem expensive but it’s worth it in the long run.

If you want to monetize your audience, build a true brand out of your name, and reach a big pool of people with no daily effort, a health and fitness app is the best investment for you (and your future).