Fitness App Effectiveness: Do Fitness Apps Really Work?

06/10/2019 ER27 Exercise Monitoring Comments Off on Fitness App Effectiveness: Do Fitness Apps Really Work?
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These days, it’s never been easier to squeeze in a workout—and fitness apps are at the forefront of this movement. Fitness apps effortlessly attract people because, when compared to classes and gym memberships, they’re low-cost options. Additionally, fitness apps are valuable tools because they provide users with relevant data they can use to set goals and track their progress.

From Nike+ Training Club and Runkeeper to Strava and more, there is a myriad of fitness apps available to purchase or download for free. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fitness expert or you’re completely new to the world of exercise—there’s an app for you. But here’s the big question: do fitness apps really work? Let’s briefly examine this.

The Benefits of Fitness Apps

Some research concludes that fitness apps work; one study confirms that people who use fitness apps are more likely to exercise in their free time. Many users find that they need determination and that holding themselves accountable via an app positively impacts their overall attitude toward exercise. Many individuals consider these apps encouraging and easy to use and feel accomplished when the app provides them with a notification validating their workout efforts. Plus, some users feel happier using apps, as they can easily overcome barriers to exercise, such as not having tailored workouts or access to a gym.

Why They Make Not Work

On the other hand, another study deduces the ineffectiveness of the apps, stating that even when people download fitness apps, they eventually stop using them altogether. This could be for various reasons—maybe the user had lofty goals and became discouraged when they weren’t seeing results right away, or maybe they found that the apps become harder to use over time. Although a fitness app’s main objective is to keep their users engaged, it’s simple—if people are completing workouts they don’t enjoy, then they may not feel motivated to continue them. Fitness apps cannot change an individual’s long-term behavior if they aren’t on board.

As you can see, the research supports both sides. So, what’s the truth? It seems that the answer lies somewhere in between. Fitness apps’ success entirely comes down to whether people perceive them to be useful. Thus, you must decide for yourself whether you deem the apps helpful.