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Detailed Guide on How To Build a Workout App Like Peloton

As more people are investing in their health in the wake of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that one of the latest trends in the world today is fitness. This focus on health and fitness has ultimately led to the rise of Peloton and other workout applications, which provide a means of exercising from the comfort of your own home. These apps have experienced massive growth in the last few years, with the user penetration projected to reach about 9.76 percent this year, and expected to climb further to 12.21 percent in 2027.

These numbers show that the fitness tracking app industry is thriving and will continue to expand for many years to come. So why not build one of your own? While it may sound daunting at first, this article will guide you through the ins and outs of fitness apps, as well as the proper steps to take in order to create a platform that’s as successful and appealing as Peloton.

What You’ll Learn In This Post

  • What Is Peloton?
  • Peloton Market Overview
  • Popular Features of Peloton
  • 4 Steps to Build a Workout App Like Peloton
  • Marketing Considerations
  • Monetizing Your App
  • Idea Maker’s Experience In Mobile App Development
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Peloton?

The fitness equipment company Peloton launched an app that offers thousands of classes, curated music, expert-level instructors that can be utilized without equipment. This means that you can participate in yoga sessions, cycling, running, and meditation classes that are available at any time.

While the company also has fitness equipment on the market such as the Peloton bike and treadmill, the app can be used on its own. Users who own equipment, however, can choose to incorporate the Peloton app into their existing workout routine.

Peloton Market Overview

Founded in 2012, Peloton has become a well-known fitness equipment and online media company that’s located in New York. The company started with the Peloton bike, which is their main product, before they went on to create the Peloton app.

Generally, the Peloton app had a drastic rise in its global subscription revenue in 2022, increasing from $181 million in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2022. Additionally, the company reached over $1 billion in the second quarter of 2021, and reported$678.7 million in revenue just in the second half of 2022.

There was also a huge spike in the Peloton app user subscription in 2022 compared to 2019. In 2022, Peloton boosted its subscription to almost 2.33 million connected fitness subscribers. This is a drastic growth, given that they had only 0.36mm subscribers in 2019.

Popular Features of Peloton

In order to build an app like Peloton, you’ll need to consider its features and how they can be implemented into your own fitness platform. Here are some of Peloton’s top features that you should know about:

Spotify Integration

With the Spotify integration feature, users can play audio, share data, and receive music data while working out. They can share different Spotify options like albums, playlists, and artists and manage collaborative playlists.

This feature, however, will only be accessible by Spotify users because it allows them to link their account to Peloton and have their playlist available for use during workout sessions.

Live Class Schedule

This feature allows users to not miss out on a class they want to participate in. If the user sees a class that they find interesting but it has not started yet, they can use the live class schedule feature, so they receive a reminder before the class begins. This ensures the user does not miss out on opportunities they would love.

Apple Watch Integration

The Apple Watch integration feature is another amazing feature you will need to incorporate into your fitness app if you want to build an app like Peloton. Generally, the user can track their heart rate and calories burnt during a workout session, and start, pause, or end a workout session through their Apple Watch. This is a great feature if you want your app to also be a fitness tracking app.

4 Steps to Build a Workout App Like Peloton

You need to know the steps involved in building a fitness on demand app like Peloton. Below are the important steps you will need to follow to ensure that you build a successful workout app of your own.

1. Determine Niché

The first thing you will need to do when trying to build an app like Peloton is to determine the niche of your app. Would you like to focus on a particular sport or workout routine? What kind of audience are you focusing on? Will the application be for a specific audience, or will it be curated for a specific demographic?

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine your fitness app’s niche. Determining your niche will be beneficial to you in the long run, as it will make it easier for you to choose what features you will be implementing into your app.

2. Design Your Workout App

After you have determined what niche you will be, the next stage is working out the design of your app. This is where you choose your branding, the style you would like your app to have, the color scheme, the theme, and the logo.

You should design your app based on its required features while adding your brand’s touch. It’s best practice to first create a wireframe that will outline the functionality of your app to see what the overall design will look like before you carry out the design on your app.

3. Develop Your App

The next stage is the development stage. This is the most crucial stage because you must pay attention to every detail; however, if you do not know about app development, you should leave it to the professionals.

You will need to hire an expert app developer to ensure your app becomes exactly what you envisioned. Before you invest in mobile app design and development services, it is important to research the app development team thoroughly to ensure that they are the best fit for your brand.

Additionally, you should check out their portfolio to see if their previous work is relevant to your needs and verify that they offer post-release support.

4. Deliver Your Peloton-Like App

The final stage of the workout app-building process is delivering your finished application to the app stores. You can make your app available to the public by delivering it to Google Play and Apple App Store, making it accessible for Android and IOS users.

After your app has been delivered to the public, you should continue to check user reviews, monitor the app for bugs so they can be fixed, and regularly release updates to keep users intrigued.

Marketing Considerations

Marketing your GPS fitness tracker app is another essential component for ensuring that users find your app. Here are a few marketing strategies to build your app’s growth.

App Store Optimization

App Store Optimization (ASO) is aimed at improving your app’s user appeal and visibility in the app stores and increasing your app’s conversion rates in order to get more downloads. To rank high, you have to find a way to convince people to click and download your app when they see it.

App Store Optimization works similarly to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for websites, as SEO also focuses on improving a site’s visibility by optimizing the website’s technical configuration, link popularity, and content relevance.

Google Search Ads

Pay-per-click (PPC) ads are a type of online advertising technique that includes the compensation of a publisher every time a user clicks on the link being advertised on their page. You can place ads for your workout app on Google search results to drive traffic to your app’s store page. Generally, this is a great exposure strategy to gain more users.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is when businesses pay social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to promote their material with particular new target groups that are likely to be interested. This can be done either by boosting original content or by creating original adverts. You can also use free content posts, photographs, videos, memes, and stories, on your page to advertise your app in an organic way.

Monetizing Your App

Now that you have built a user base through marketing, you can begin monetizing your app. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as offering paid workouts or an upgraded subscription.

Paid Workouts

You can charge users to unlock new workouts after they have had a taste of them through the free trial option. If they enjoyed the workout session after their free trial, the users would pay to get access to new workouts.

Subscription Model

You could also employ the SaaS business model, which allows users free access to the app, but withholds certain features unless a fee is paid. This is a great monetization option, as users typically want access to other exclusive features that will benefit them.

Idea Maker’s Experience In Mobile App Development

At Idea Maker, we have built many successful custom applications, including I Am Available and Quick Friends. Our designers and developers are dedicated to listening to our client’s needs and navigating them through the entire process. Schedule a call with us today to learn more about how we can help bring your mobile app vision to life.

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What are the most important considerations when developing a fitness app like Peloton?

There are several important considerations when developing a fitness app like Peloton:

  • User experience: A key factor in the success of a fitness app is the user experience. The app should be easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface and a wide variety of workouts and classes that cater to different fitness levels and goals.
  • Personalization: A fitness app should be able to personalize workouts and recommendations based on the user’s fitness level, goals, and preferences. This may involve tracking progress and providing tailored recommendations based on the user’s data.
  • Integration with fitness equipment: If the app includes workouts that require specialized equipment, it’s important to ensure that the app integrates seamlessly with the equipment. This may involve providing instructions and tracking progress for workouts that use the equipment.
  • Motivation and engagement: A successful fitness app should provide motivation and engagement to keep users coming back for more. This may involve providing progress tracking, challenges, and social features that encourage users to stay engaged with the app.
  • Connected ecosystem: A fitness app should be part of a larger connected ecosystem that includes other fitness-related products and services. This may involve integrating with wearable fitness devices or offering access to fitness classes and other content through the app.
  • Security and privacy: As with any app that collects personal data, it’s important to ensure that the app is secure and that user privacy is protected. This may involve using encryption and other security measures to protect user data.

What are the common pitfalls to avoid when building a fitness app like Peloton?

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when building a fitness app like Peloton:

  • Poor user experience: A poorly designed app with a confusing interface or limited features is likely to turn off users and lead to low engagement and retention.
  • Lack of personalization: An app that doesn’t offer personalized workouts or recommendations based on the user’s data is likely to be less effective in helping users achieve their fitness goals.
  • Limited integration with fitness equipment: If the app includes workouts that require specialized equipment, it’s important to ensure that the app integrates seamlessly with the equipment. Otherwise, users may become frustrated and look for alternatives.
  • Lack of motivation and engagement: An app that fails to provide motivation and engagement is likely to be abandoned by users. It’s important to provide progress tracking, challenges, and social features to keep users coming back for more.
  • Disconnected ecosystem: An app that is not part of a larger connected ecosystem may struggle to attract and retain users. It’s important to consider how the app fits into a larger fitness ecosystem, including other products and services.
  • Security and privacy concerns: An app that doesn’t prioritize security and privacy is likely to struggle with user trust and may face regulatory issues. It’s important to ensure that user data is protected and that the app complies with relevant laws and regulations.

What are the trends and future outlook for the fitness app industry?

The fitness app industry has grown significantly in recent years, with many people turning to apps to help them achieve their fitness goals. Here are some trends and future outlook for the fitness app industry:

  • Personalization: Fitness apps are increasingly using artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize workouts and recommendations based on the user’s data. This trend is expected to continue in the future as fitness apps become more sophisticated in their ability to tailor workouts to the individual user.
  • Wearable Integration: Many fitness apps are integrating with wearable fitness devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to provide a more comprehensive view of the user’s activity and progress. This trend is expected to continue as the use of wearable fitness devices becomes more widespread.
  • Virtual reality and augmented reality: Some fitness apps are starting to experiment with virtual reality and augmented reality to provide immersive, interactive workouts. This trend is expected to grow in the future as technology advances and becomes more accessible.
  • Social features: Fitness apps are starting to incorporate more social features, such as challenges and community forums, to provide motivation and engagement. This trend is expected to continue as apps look for ways to keep users coming back for more.
  • Subscription-based models: Many fitness apps are moving away from one-time purchase models and toward subscription-based models, which provide access to a wider range of content and features. This trend is expected to continue as apps look for ways to monetize and provide value to users.

How much time does it take to build an app like Peloton?

The amount of time it takes to build an app like Peloton will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the app, the platform you choose to build it on, and your own level of technical expertise.

Developing a fitness app involves several tasks, such as designing the user interface, developing the features and functionality, testing the app, and launching it to the public. It’s not uncommon for it to take several months to a year or more to build a fully-featured app from scratch.

That being said, the exact time it takes to build an app like Peloton will depend on your specific needs and goals. It’s a good idea to plan and allow enough time for all the necessary tasks, including testing and debugging, before launching the app to the public.

How do you handle data privacy and security in a fitness app?

Data privacy and security are important considerations when developing a fitness app. Here are some steps you can take to handle data privacy and security in a fitness app:

  1. Use secure servers and hosting: Use secure servers and hosting providers to store and process user data. This may involve using SSL certificates, firewalls, and other security measures to protect user data.
  2. Implement encryption: Use encryption to protect user data when transmitted over the Internet. This may involve using SSL/TLS or other encryption protocols.
  3. Use secure authentication: Implement secure authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, to protect user accounts and data.
  4. Follow data protection laws and regulations: Make sure to follow relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), to ensure that you are handling user data legally and responsibly.
  5. Be transparent about data collection and use: Be transparent about what data you collect and how you use it. This may involve providing a privacy policy that explains your data collection and use practices.
  6. Obtain user consent: Obtain user consent before collecting or using personal data. This may involve providing clear explanations and obtaining explicit consent through opt-in forms or other methods.

What technologies and tools are needed to build a fitness app?

There are a variety of technologies and tools that may be needed to build a fitness app, depending on the specific features and functionality you want to include. Some common technologies and tools used to build fitness apps include:

  • Mobile app development platform: To build a fitness app, you’ll need to choose a mobile app development platform, such as iOS, Android, or a cross-platform solution like Flutter or React Native.
  • Backend server: Many fitness apps rely on a backend server to store and process user data, as well as to handle tasks like sending push notifications and updating content. You may need to use a server-side programming language, such as PHP or Node.js, to develop the backend of your app.
  • Database: A database is often used to store user data and other information in a structured way. Popular database technologies include MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL.
  • Cloud storage: Cloud storage solutions, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), can be used to store and manage user data and other app assets.
  • Integration with fitness equipment: If your app includes workouts that require specialized equipment, you may need to integrate with the equipment’s API to provide instructions and track progress.
  • Analytics and tracking tools: To monitor and analyze user behavior and app performance, you may want to use tools such as Google Analytics or Firebase.
  • Push notification service: To send push notifications to users, you may want to use a service like OneSignal or Firebase Cloud Messaging.
  • Social media integration: If your app includes social features, you may want to integrate with social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

How much does it cost to make an app like Peloton?

The cost of making an app like Peloton will depend on various factors, including the app’s complexity, the platform you choose to build it on, and the resources you have available.

Developing a fully-featured fitness app from scratch can be a complex and time-consuming process, involving tasks such as designing the user interface, developing the features and functionality, testing the app, and launching it to the public. As a result, the cost of making an app like Peloton can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars or more.

That being said, the exact cost of making an app like Peloton will depend on your specific needs and goals. It’s a good idea to research and compare the costs of different development platforms and resources to determine the best option for your budget

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