Fitness App Development: Features, Steps to Develop, Cost, and More

Increasing numbers of individuals are resorting to fitness apps to remain healthy and fit. From learning yoga to diet management or monitoring footsteps, users look for apps that allow them to integrate this habit seamlessly into their lives.

This leads to an increasing demand for various kinds of fitness apps, which is a solid reason for entrepreneurs to enter the sector.

Fitness App Development is bringing immense potential for a new revenue stream for various businesses.

If you are looking for information that could tell you everything you need to know about Fitness App Development, then you are at the right place. We'll learn all that matters to mobile fitness app development, from its cost to its process, features, types, and types.

Fitness Application Market Overview

When nearly everything lies just a single tap away, how is it possible for the fitness/wellness sector to remain behind? It's a secret no one knows that human beings prefer ease over anything else.

Hence, the fitness market has grabbed this opportunity as well. In fact, leading health and fitness apps such as Peloton, Fit Body, and Nike Training Club are already reaping massive profits.

Let's take a look at some app market statistics to understand why creating a fitness app is a sound strategy.

🔘As per a report by Market Research Future, the global fitness market is projected at USD 134.5 billion by 2032.

🔘Revenue of the fitness apps industry is expected to showcase a CAGR of 7.96% in 2024-2029, leading to a forecasted market volume of US$10.06bn by 2029, based on Statista.

🔘E-Lifestyles, which capture the values, interests, and opinions of customers, are positively correlated with perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude towards fitness Apps based on a study paper by Semantics Scholar.

🔘Estimates that smartphones, tablets, and wearables are going to be the most pervasive category of fitness app market share growth until 2030.

What Features Should You Integrate With Fitness App Development?

Mobile apps offer several benefits for businesses, including lifestyle and fitness. Every fitness app development is for a different purpose and gives its users special features.

Nevertheless, there are some core features that a fitness app needs to be more user-friendly and flexible. We have compiled a list of the must-have features of fitness applications.

1. Onboarding

When you have to explain the features of the app or provide instructions to new users, onboarding actually becomes convenient.

While users use your app, you can offer onboarding by displaying two to eight screens, including a 60- to 90-second video tutorial, or providing in-app hints.

2. Sign-up & Login

Let customers sign up via their Facebook, Google, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media apps appropriate to your target market, plus their email addresses.

3. User Profiles

Users provide personal details like their name, age, height, weight, gender, and fitness level when they sign up for a profile. Both the app developers and users will be able to gain advantages from this data.

It helps app developers develop apps that suit users with personalized workout regimens and monitor their sporting activity.

A user's profile provides them with easy access to subscription plans, as well as completed exercise history, progress, bonuses, and other data.

4. Goals

One of the essential components of any fitness application is goals. Providing app users the ability to set goals and objectives is encouraging since it becomes a goal tracker that will assist them in reaching their fitness goals unconditionally.

5. Synchronization With Wearable Devices

With the advent of smartwatches and other wearable app development, such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, your Fitness App should ideally be capable of connecting and syncing with them.

To integrate data from fitness trackers and your fitness app, you can utilize the HealthKit and GoogleFit APIs. Both Apple Watch and Android smartwatches can be synced through the watchOS and Wear OS operating systems.

6. Workouts & Exercises

You can use photos, 3D animated models, and video illustrations to describe exercises and workouts.

You should also allow your app users to make their own workouts, use a standard set of exercises, or combine the two. An organized and searchable content library will be helpful and convenient for this.

7. Activity Tracking

Your app can obtain activity-tracking data in one of two ways: from smartphone sensors or by integrating with any wearable tracker.

Smartphones enable your application to display steps taken, the number of stairs, the distance covered, speed, and the direction—an impressive application to be highlighted here is Samsung Health.

8. Audio/video Player

Workouts, exercises, running, yoga class, meditation — audio/video podcasts with a trainer's voice, soundtrack, or video tutorial can walk you through a range of fitness activities.

Users should be able to give feedback, bookmark/favorite/like tracks, and access them later in your fitness app player. Also, including Voice User Interface (VUI) can be a game-changer.

9. Push Notifications & Reminders

The correct message at the right time will increase the retention rate of an app three to ten times. Push alerts for health and fitness apps need to be only up to 90 characters in length and between 7 and 8 a.m. or 12 a.m. and 2 p.m., reports Business of Apps.

If your app enables users to personalize the timing of reminders and push notifications or even, in some instances, to disable notifications altogether, that's a bonus.

10. Recommendations

Machine learning algorithms can be employed to give users the most accurate personalized suggestions based on their viewing history and/or preferences.

Artificial intelligence’s objective is to allow an application to create personalized fitness programs with meal plans, and it is likely to outperform any human personal trainer at accurately modifying personal workouts.

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Steps of the Fitness App Development Process

Here, we will present the main steps that you need to know about the fitness app development process:

STEP 1: Define Your Target Audience

Define goals and objectives for your fitness app. This way, you will provide your earlier ideas and concepts regarding the software product development trends with a definite shape.

Fitness tracking, virtual coach for yourself, communication platform for athletes, wellness assistant—decide what you want to specialize in. Combined apps are also an option and have potential, but they demand a balanced strategy.

Define your target audience and then understand their expectations from the products to satisfy their needs. Observe the market niche for your fitness app and the voids it will bridge.

STEP 2: Make a List of Your App Features

Determine the functionality of your fitness app. Additionally, prepare a list of third-party integrations since using these solutions will add more value to your fitness app from the user's perspective. These integrations may include payment platforms such as Paytm, UPI payment app, etc.

Prioritizing the features by the degree of their importance and usability is also a must, which will add up to a rational division of project teams' investments and efforts.

The outcome of this phase becomes the best list of features and integrations of fitness apps.

STEP 3: Select a Monetization Strategy

Implement a monetization strategy that will make your project long-lasting and profitable. A flexible monetization approach is useful when you employ multiple different models together.

For instance, you can make money from advertising for free users and eliminate ads for users who subscribe to a paid plan.

The implemented monetization strategy can also impact the selection of application architecture and other technical solutions in the software development process.

STEP 4: Choose Experienced App Developers

Here, software developers capable of understanding and putting into action the plans and aims of the fitness app owner become central to the process.

Arramton Infotech boasts extensive in-house experience in fitness app development services that fulfill clients' business requirements.

STEP 5: Create UI/UX Design

UX/UI design for custom software development is far from being all about making it look visually pleasing.

UX/UI designers scrutinize users' behavior with meticulous attention in order to come up with a UX that would let users enjoy effortlessly navigating through the app and return to their interactions with pleasure.

The process can be done on behalf of the client as well as the fitness application development company.

STEP 6: Build and Test Core Functionality

As for the making of the key decisions about the fitness application in the earlier steps, the project team concentrated on the development of functionality and user interface, as well as the installation of servers, databases, and APIs.

Quality assurance (QA) testers check the fitness app's behavior and ensure that there are no bugs and failures, as per the testing strategy.

Arramton Infotech project teams either collaborate with client-side QA engineers or undertake QA activities as part of a dedicated development team, adhering to the highest quality standards.

STEP 7: Deploy, Maintain, and Update Your App

Once you ensure the fitness app functions well, from infrastructure operations to integrations, you can provide it to users.

Now, you can put your app on the App Store or Google Play Store, in accordance with their respective rules and guidelines, so it is downloadable and runnable on mobile phones.

App maintenance post-launch or ongoing technical support for users requires constant setup and attention.

You should collect and analyze invaluable user feedback to further enhance the fitness application.

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Factors That Influence Fitness App Development Cost

The average cost of fitness app development depends on the app’s complexity, platform, app type, and other factors. Let’s explore each of them.

1. App Development Platform

Web vs Native vs Hybrid apps, which one to choose for your fitness app development?

The price of a workout app varies depending on its platform. Developing a fitness app for Android and iOS takes double the work if you opt for native development.

Native app development is for one specific platform, and that means you have to build and maintain two different codebases.

Alternatively, you can create a cross-platform fitness app, which is cheaper. Cross-platform development is appropriate for fitness apps that do not demand platform-specific functionality or very high app performance.

We contrast the creation of a basic app with native and cross-platform development as follows.

2. App Features

The majority of fitness apps include simple features, including registration, diet monitoring, and push alerts. These kinds of features are relatively simple to develop and don't require much effort to increase the development cost.

What really determines the end cost is advanced features that take longer to develop.

The hundreds of hours the developers will dedicate to constructing, testing, and implementing sophisticated features amount to a more costly app price.

3. UI/UX Design

UI/UX design in software development holds immense significance. They help in holding and retaining users. For that reason, designers begin with research about the target users and close interaction with the product management to acquire the personas' description, market study, etc.

According to this information, the design team synchronizes fonts, colors, compositions, and other visual elements so that the application becomes relevant as well as enjoyable for the desired users.

Designers also align the user journey and maximize the interaction at every touch point to develop an instinctive application.

All successful applications place a high emphasis on UI/UX design, and hence, it becomes a foundation in app development. Based on how complex the app is, designers may take more time to create app visuals, test them with users, and iterate over their drafts.

4. Backend Development

Fitness applications need backend services to operate. You will have to hire a backend developer to provision the server infrastructure, handle databases, and develop the necessary backend applications.

The amount of work backend developers put in for the development varies based on your app's complexity and needs, so we would advise you to request the estimate for backend services prior to project initiation. If you opt to hire an app development firm, note their cost and development methodologies.

5. The Country of Development Services

You incur a greater price if you hire developers from developed countries such as the US, UK, and Australia. The price of developing apps in emerging economies such as India, the Philippines, and Argentina is lower. Take a look at the comparison below.

While some countries' developers charge a very low hourly rate, they don't hire just for the price. Instead, look at other attributes, including differences in languages, cultures, and quality, when you hire an app developer.

Also Read: Web vs. Native vs. Hybrid Apps: Which is Best for Your Business in 2025

What is the Cost of Fitness App Development?

Also, the cost of developing an app is determined by the app's complexity. Understand that the features and functionalities definitely make the app more complex.

The more features you add, the more you add to your fitness app's complexity.

Here are the app making charges based on the complexity of the application:

Simple Application — $15,000 to $60,000

Features:

🔘Registration/Login

🔘Wearable Device Connection

🔘Social Media Sharing

🔘User Profile & Dashboard

🔘Workout Menu

🔘Fitness Database

Complex App — $65,000 to $1,50,000+

Features:

🔘Live Streaming

🔘On-Demand Video

🔘Educational Content

🔘Video Tutorials

🔘Gamification and Leaderboards

🔘Virtual Coaches

🔘Barcode Scanner

🔘Integration with Third-Party Apps & Wearables

Fitness App Development Cost Based on Fitness Application Types

1. Workout Apps

This sort of fitness app allows users to choose their own routine for exercise. Typically, workout routines delivered on the app are not customized but provide valuable information on every exercise, such as which muscle group works and how many calories it consumes.

This assists the user in making a good choice and picking appropriate exercises to add to their routine.

Some of the workout apps behave as a personal coach and display customized workouts on the basis of user parameters and target outcomes. A good example is the MyCoach app, which has one million downloads in 25 nations.

These kinds of fitness apps are priced upwards of $100,000.

2. Nutrition and Diet Apps

A balanced diet is important to stay fit. A nutrition app or software enables users to keep track of the food they consume throughout the day, count calories, and log microelements. One example of such an app is MyPlate Calorie Counter.

The apps of diet and nutrition can further suggest a diet plan with regard to the parameters and goals provided by the user (weight reduction, muscle build-up, etc.), with provisions for adapting as per the current dietary interests of the person (vegan, vegetarian, keto, intermittent fast, etc.).

Another genre of diet apps prioritizes social network connectivity with allowances for contacting licensed dietitians and publishing personal recipes and triumphs. Perpetio is one developer known to have built one such application through the app Mealshare.

The fitness diet app price also begins at $100,000.

3. Activity Tracking Apps

These fitness apps record your exercise activities, like daily steps or running and cycling distance and speed. An example is Adidas Running by Runtastic.

Activity tracking applications tend to link with wearable devices that monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and other health measures.

The amount needed to build such a fitness app begins at $140,000.

4. Meditation and Yoga Apps

These apps that address mental health include yoga exercises, instructions on how to get into various poses properly, guided meditations, etc.

An example is the popular Daily Yoga app that provides more than 50 exercise plans and enables users to join a yoga community, share their journey, and draw inspiration.

For meditation and mindfulness, users can use Headspace, which assists them in relaxing and clearing their minds before sleeping. The app has more than 70 million downloads.

The price of creating such a fitness app begins at $100,000.

5. AI-powered Coaching App

Artificial Intelligence-based fitness apps employ machine learning and data analysis to provide personal coaching advice and assist individuals in reaching their own fitness objectives.

These programs may generate personalized fitness routines, make daily reminders for check-ins, track progress via analysis of the wearable data, and address all aspects of well-being in view of the individual's medical background and present state of health.

A few AI-based coaching apps employ proprietary technology to track and correct user forms.

An example is MotionMind, which is a groundbreaking AI-based technology that can provide accurate human pose estimation during workouts and alert the user when detecting bad form.

This technology is easily integrated with any fitness app, allowing for accurate pose estimation and correction with any camera configuration.

The cost of a fitness app that has basic AI functionality can be between $150,000.

6. Companion App

Some apps are tailored to a particular fitness device company. They link up with the devices and complement their capabilities.

Perpetio, for example, created an exercise app that is linked with the treadmills of a given manufacturer.

In addition to recording individuals' exercise on the treadmill, the platform enables them to talk, compare their performance stats, and join various challenges.

The price of this app category begins at $140,000 and includes integration with the device.

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How to Earn Money From the Fitness App: App Monetization Models

Like every other businessperson, you should desire to make a passive income from your fitness app. And you might be curious about how free apps earn money.

If yes, then here are the app monetization strategies you can consider when creating workout apps.

1. Subscription

The users are required to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to access premium features.

Example: Apple Fitness Plus

Considerations:

🔘Pricing strategy: Competitive but profitable.

🔘Value proposition: Should provide strong premium features.

🔘User retention: Continuously update and introduce new content.

2. In-app Purchases

Provide additional premium features that users can purchase to unlock.

Example: Nike Training Club

Considerations:

🔘Item Pricing: Value and affordable.

🔘User Experience: Smooth purchase process.

🔘Inventory: Update purchasable items regularly.

3. Advertisements

Add ads to generate an income stream.

Example: MyFitnessPal

Considerations:

🔘Ad relevance: Should be relevant to the fitness category.

🔘User Experience: Non-intrusive placement.

🔘Ad Quality: High-quality and suitable content.

4. Fees

Partner with online fitness coaches and offer a fee for access to training modules.

Example: Trainerize

Considerations:

🔘Quality: Use certified and experienced coaches.

🔘Pricing: Low fees for training modules.

🔘User Experience: Simple booking and engagement.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Market fitness products or services and receive a commission for each sale via the app.

Example: MyFitnessPal (for nutrition products)

Considerations:

🔘Relevance: Products/services should be relevant to users

🔘Trust: Only market trusted products/services

🔘Disclosure: Disclose affiliate links transparently to users

6. Sponsored Content

Partner with fitness brands or influencers to showcase their content or products for a fee.

Example: Blogilates (for sponsored workouts)

Considerations:

🔘Quality: High-quality content that aligns with the app's theme.

🔘Transparency: Label content as sponsored.

🔘User Value: Content must be valuable to users.

7. Physical Merchandise

Sell branded merchandise such as workout clothing, equipment, or supplements directly within the app.

Example: Gymshark (apparel)

Considerations:

🔘Inventory & Logistics: Handle stock and shipping

🔘Quality: Maintain high-quality merchandise

🔘Pricing: Competitive pricing policy

8. Paid Events or Webinars

Organize special online events, classes, or webinars for which users need to pay to participate.

Example: Peloton (for special classes)

Considerations:

🔘Content: Provide unique and useful information

🔘Interactivity: Interact with participants

🔘Promotion: Promote events well

9. Donations

Make it possible for loyal users to support the app via voluntary donations.

Considerations:

🔘Community: Develop a loyal and strong user community.

🔘Transparency: Mention explicitly the usage of donations.

🔘Gratitude: Express appreciation and thank donors.

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How Much Time Does It Take to Develop a Fitness App?

Typically, it will take 2 – 9 months to develop a complete fitness app. However, the time for app development varies based on many factors, including the app complexity, platforms (Android or iOS app development), API service usage, app development methodology, and features and functionalities you want to include in your app.

The following is a basic table that explains the development timeline for simple, medium, and complex fitness apps.

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How to Lower the Cost of Fitness App Development?

Thus far, we have addressed the question of how much it costs to develop a fitness app. However, it is equally relevant to understand how to cut costs. We recommend implementing these suggestions.

1. Outsource the Development

Working with outsourced app developers is more affordable for tech startups, especially those that operate from the US, UK, or other costly areas. Outsourcing to an app developer from places like India allows you to create your app at a significantly lower expense without sacrificing quality.

For instance, you get charged at least $100 per hour when you contract a US developer but only $50 per hour when outsourcing to an Indian developer.

2. Validate Your Idea

Don't develop the app before you've verified that there's a market for it. Otherwise, you would have invested a lot and have nothing to show for it.

We suggest going through a rigorous discovery phase to test assumptions with the target market. Knowing what users need beforehand allows you to build a fitness app with product-market fit.

3. Develop an MVP

It is tempting to put all the features your competitors have into your app. However, it will cost you a significant development charge for functions you do not necessarily require. Instead, it is best to identify crucial functions by creating an MVP. An MVP is more specific to the user's pain area. Further, you save effort, time, and fees when getting the app to market.

4. Use Third-party Resources

You don't have to create everything from scratch for your fitness app. There are numerous libraries, plugins, frameworks, and third-party services that you can use to accelerate development time.

For instance, you can use payment gateway integration with Paypal or UPI using the API given. In this way, developers can focus on business logic, user interface, and other things to make the app more interactive.

Wrapping Up!

How much does a Fitness App Development cost? Between $100,000 for minimal functionality and simple design. If you need to add custom animations and cutting-edge technologies like AI, the price will escalate dramatically.

You can estimate more accurately after going through all the parameters discussed in this article and adapting them to your scenario. Don't leave out a cushion for expenses that you will spend during development.

For instance, to list your fitness app in an app store, you must pay fees. Google Play offers a one-off $25 payment, while the Apple Store will charge you $99 yearly. These companies also charge a commission for every purchase of an app.

And remember that app development is an ongoing expense. Once you launch your product, you will continue to need to correct bugs, add updates and new features, and offer customer support.

Working with a reputable iOS or Android development company in Delhi such as Arramton Infotech will allow you to save money on app development in the long term and make your app more dependable and attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the average cost of fitness app development?

Ans: It takes $50,000 to $150,000+ to build a fitness app. The end price that startups pay varies based on numerous factors, such as app sophistication, design needs, and the location of the developer.

Q. How can I reduce the costs of making a fitness app?

Ans: Outsourcing to developers in low-cost-of-living countries can lower app development charges. Pre-validation of your idea and the creation of an MVP also serve to minimize development costs.

Q. How much does it cost to maintain a fitness app?

Ans: App maintenance necessitates endless support from a development team. When you employ an in-house support staff, your expense is their salary, benefits, infrastructure, and other periodic staff charges. When you outsource and pay an external team, your expense to maintain an app is marginally less. You only pay for the time and resources that the outsourced developers dedicate.

Q. What are the best monetization strategies for fitness apps?

Ans: Most fitness apps have freemium subscriptions. Users can register and use the app for free, but they must be paid subscribers to get premium features. You can also provide in-app purchases, where users pay to get access to workout videos, fitness stuff, and other on-demand content.