We explore how fitness app start-ups can leverage bespoke AI software to create personalised, engaging, and future-proof solutions that stand out in the rapidly growing health and fitness market.
New year, new you. It’s a well-worn mantra pushed on social media and peddled by businesses in the health and fitness sector, all keen to cash in on consumers looking to shed the post-holiday pounds. Now, there’s a third ‘new’ element to add to the mix: new technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly integrated into platforms, resulting in a huge array of AI smart fitness and AI personalised training apps hitting the market.
Pumping up the health and fitness market
The global fitness app market was valued at $9.25 billion in 2023, according to Grand View Research, and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.08% from 2024 to 2030. The popularity of such apps can be partly attributed to the covid pandemic, when lockdowns and uncertainty meant many of us swapped bricks-and-mortar gym memberships for downloadable apps. Now, with the addition of AI, app creators and software developers are giving us reason to stick with platforms and wearables, which can offer gamified fitness and data-driven workouts, whenever and wherever we choose.
Leveraging AI has benefits both for those using the apps and the creators behind them. Consumers get a more engaging experience with personalised workouts and training plans. Start-ups meanwhile can champion these features to stand out from the crowd and build business.
Appy new year: priorities for 2025
As we enter 2025 many of us will be downloading AI Crossfit apps, AI Hyrox apps or AI running apps, keen to embark on AI-powered workouts and with a list of goals to achieve. Start-ups in the health and leisure industry should approach the new year with their own AI-focussed checklist. Below we’ve highlighted some top priorities for businesses looking to launch a new AI fitness app, or to integrate AI into their current offering.
Personalisation
Integrating AI into an app allows for rapid analysis of large amounts of data, which can be used to create personalised workout plans. User data such as past workouts, fitness level, goals and preferences can be used to curate daily or weekly plans and tailored goal-setting. Setbacks, like a user stopping mid-run, getting an injury or fatigue, can also be picked up, with plans dynamically adjusted in real time. Offering realistic targets will promote continued use of an app, while factoring in data on performance (e.g. heart rate) will ensure plans are healthy and safe for a user’s physical needs.
Virtual coaching
Regular personal training sessions are expensive. Integrating a virtual coach into an app, on the other hand, can be up-sold to a user at a fraction of the cost. An AI-powered chatbot can answer questions using natural language processing and offer real-time feedback and guidance, as well as helping users celebrate milestones to encourage continued app usage.
Machine learning for trends
Machine learning models are capable of analysing user data which can be used to personalise offerings for individuals as well as providing insights for app developers. A certain schedule of activities that proves popular with a certain demographic, for instance, can be promoted to that sub-section of an app’s market. Trends can be spotted, quantified and actioned in real time, easing the job of marketers and helping boost an app’s user numbers.
Bespoke software development
All of the above can be achieved with generic off-the-shelf solutions. However, they can be done far better via bespoke software development. A tailored approach to system design, build and deployment can result in a greater degree of personalisation, intelligence and adaptability. Fitness trends, such as the popularity of new workouts or influencers, are emerging all the time, and with a bespoke approach to software development these can be integrated into an app to adapt to new demands.
Similarly, innovations in AI or the launch of new wearables can also be easily accommodated, helping to future-proof a business’s offering. Scability is also supported; launching to a new market or territory will often involve adhering to different data protection guidelines or emerging AI regulations. Working with a bespoke software development company means changes can be easily implemented, ensuring compliance and enhancing user trust and retention.
To help start-ups launch their own new AI app in the new year, we’ve introduced our own new offering. Aiplusus (Ai plus us) is the AI software consultancy and software development division of the award-winning Appdrawn group. Our mission is to deliver human-inspired AI software platforms that drive positive economic and social transformation. Get in touch to talk to our team and learn how you can power-up your fitness app with intelligent, bespoke software.