The fitness app development market has been witnessing a boom in the past few years. We have seen apps that track health metrics, provide nutrition plans, follow-along workouts, and so much more. One such app is Strava.
Strava is a fitness app designed for athletes with features like GPS tracking, community building, and data analytics. It’s catered to outdoor activities like running, cycling, swimming, and others. It uses GPS technology to track the distance covered, time required, average speed, and other factors.
In this blog, we’ll look at the steps you need to follow to build an app similar to Strava.
Essential Strava-Like Features
Let’s start by knowing the features you need to implement to build a successful app like Strava.
Gamification
Gamification can do wonders for people who prefer riding an exercise bike. By connecting the app with the digital bike, cyclists can enter virtual cycling trails. Features like VR can take this to a whole new level by making the experience feel life-like. By integrating social connectivity, you can allow multiple people to ride on the same virtual trail.
IoT Connectivity
In 2024, fitness apps are no longer restricted to just smartphones. People expect connectivity with devices like smartwatches, fitness bands, rings, and other devices to track health metrics. You can track metrics like heart rate, sleep, and calories burned
Live Streaming
If the fitness app you plan to develop has fitness classes, then you need to implement a live live-streaming feature. It’ll allow users to connect with the trainer in real time and follow along with their workouts. A video streaming feature will also allow users to access pre-recorded workout classes.
Social Networking
This is one of the key features of Strava. Users can create profiles, connect with friends, join groups, and share their activities with others. They can also give and receive kudos, comments, and feedback from other users. This creates a strong community of users who are loyal to your app.
Data Visualization
In Strava, users can see their performance data in various charts, graphs, and maps. They can also compare their stats with others and see where they rank on the leaderboard. Strava has a feature called Segments. These are user-defined routes that serve as benchmarks to measure speed, distance, and elevation.
Challenges in Developing an App Like Strava
It’s crucial that you know the potential challenges you might face beforehand so as to be prepared. Here are some challenges you’ll face in developing an app like Strava:
Data Accuracy
Integrating with wearables can be a challenge in regards to the accuracy of the data. You’ll have to deal with cases where the GPS signal is weak or unavailable or the user’s device runs out of battery.
Data Security
You need to protect your user’s health data from unauthorized access. This can be easily solved with multi-factor and biometric authentication.
You also need to comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding data protection and privacy, such as GDPR and HIPAA.
User Engagement
With the plethora of fitness apps available on the market, keeping users engaged with yours can be challenging. Gamification elements, social features, personalized feedback, and rewards can be helpful in keeping users hooked.
Step-by-Step Fitness App Development Guide
Here are the steps you need to follow to develop an app like Strava:
Define Your App’s Purpose
You need to have a clear idea of what problem you’re trying to solve and for whom. Are you trying to replicate Strava or want to create something different?
There are multiple types of fitness apps available on the market. These include health and wellness tracking apps, nutrition apps, live workout apps, and more. Find out which one you’re planning to develop.
Define Your Target Audience
Who you’re developing the app for plays a huge role in shaping its features, design, and functionality. A fitness app developed for elders will have a different approach compared to the one developed for bodybuilders.
Decide Your App’s Monetization Strategy
There are multiple ways you can generate revenue from a fitness app. Here are some of them:
Subscription Model: You can charge a monthly or yearly fee to access your app. This model provides you with a consistent revenue stream.
In-App Ads: While this is the most irritating monetization pathway, it allows you to generate revenue without asking for a price upfront. Place your ads strategically so as to not annoy users.
Affiliate Marketing: You can partner with fitness brands to promote their products and services. You can generate revenue from commissions for sales that take place on your app.
Create a Detailed Project Scope
Create a scope-of-work document that entails the purpose, features, timeline, and other major aspects of your app. Specify any third-party integrations, such as IoT devices or social media platforms.
Prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Create an RFP document that outlines your app’s requirements, expectations, and desired timeline. This document will help you present your idea in a proper way to potential development partners.
Approach a Fitness App Development Company
Once you have prepared the scope of work and RFP documents, share them with WDI, and we’ll get right down to developing your fitness app. With 20+ years in the industry, we have developed multiple fitness apps such as SattvaConnect, GSF, SimpliTend, and many more.
We have all the resources and technologies you need to develop your project under one roof.
Contact WDI today, and let’s get started!
