Fitness Apps to Get Boost as People Make New Year Fitness Goals

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Demand for fitness apps is projected to reach $7.03 billion by 2029, sustaining its market momentum since its 46% growth worldwide amid the strict COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. This, as gyms and fitness businesses leverage club management software and other ways to mitigate a growing exercise-at-home trend driven by fitness apps.

At the height of the lockdowns, fitness apps were touted as the next-best substitute for in-person classes at the gym. Now, they’re becoming the best thing for many. Analysts valued the global fitness app market at 1.10 billion in 2021. As people pursue their New Year fitness goals, fitness apps can only get more traction.

Last year, Statista’s Global Consumer Survey asked American adults about their New Year’s resolutions. More than half said they intend to exercise more (52%), while 50% want to eat healthier. Another 40% said they plan to lose weight, while 20% said they intend to reduce time spent on social media. Looking at these resolutions, it’s clear that getting fit and healthy is a priority.

Some driving factors behind the market growth include an increasing inclination to fitness and weight reduction, the spread of chronic diseases, and the popularity of wearable technology. More and more individuals are turning to fitness apps to access workout instructions and track their progress. Wearable technology like smartwatches, for instance, has also become a mainstream gadget for monitoring movement and combatting a sedentary lifestyle. That’s why fitness apps could be one of the best tools to use if you want to stick to your New Year’s fitness goals.

Advanced Features, Interactive Workouts

Virtual Reality Workouts

Most people eventually give up on their exercise routines out of boredom. Fitness app vendors are now trying to help users address this problem by introducing more advanced features. For example, immersive VR environments can make a monotonous workout more engaging. If you feel spinning away on stationary bikes is a chore, you can liven things up using VR headsets with an accompanying fitness app for your exercise machine.

But VR is not just for hyperenergetic workouts. If you’re looking to nurture your mental health, VR-guided meditations are also a hit. With a VR headset, you can enter relaxing virtual worlds and follow along with a meditation instructor. VR-guided meditation helps reduce stress and incorporate mindfulness into your fitness routine.

Live Stream Workout Sessions

Another way fitness apps could encourage you to stick to your fitness routine is through interactive workouts. Gym owners, fitness clubs, and even private fitness coaches can use fitness apps to live-stream workout sessions. Live sessions add to the social experience and create a sense of community and accountability, which could boost motivation.

Additionally, live workouts delivered online mean you don’t need to drive or prep for your trip to the gym. They’re easier to fit into your daily schedule, which increases the likelihood of completing your program and finally getting those six-pack abs.

Gamification

Fitness app developers also use gamification elements to keep users motivated. Gamification provides a sense of accomplishment and progress every time a user completes different levels or challenges. Together with VR capabilities, gamification elements add fun and entertainment to an otherwise repetitive workout. For instance, you can exercise and compete with friends or family, accomplish a workout program together, and compare points or milestones.

Apps also use virtual rewards and leaderboards that users can unlock every time they complete a fitness challenge or exceed their best exercise record. If you get excited about seeing your progress and enjoy competing with others, gamification in fitness apps could be an excellent way to add life to individual workout programs.