If there’s one thing the pandemic has made abundantly clear, it’s that staying fit and healthy is more important than ever. As stay-at-home orders forced gyms to close and many of us increasingly taking to exercise apps instead, the fitness app market has surged. As of 2021, an estimated 385 million unique users had downloaded a fitness app worldwide — and that number is only expected to continue growing.
The global fitness app market, which was valued at $5.87 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21.06 billion by 2030, is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to develop their own workout and training applications. But what does it cost to build a successful custom app? What should be considered when budgeting for a workout and training app?
This article will analyze the cost of creating a custom-made workout or training application, explain key features to consider, and compare costs between different types of apps. We’ll also discuss how pricing may vary depending on factors.
Read on for an in-depth look at the cost of creating a custom workout and training app.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Custom Workout and Training App?
As the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle accelerates in our society, many eyes have turned toward the development of custom workout and training applications. However, anyone considering app development should first consider the cost breakdown of such efforts.
The cost of developing a custom workout and training app will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the app itself, the development team’s hourly rate, and the platforms chosen for release. More on that later.
To lay the foundation, let’s first take a look at how much it will cost to develop a minimum viable product (MVP). This is the bare-bones version of your app that includes only the essential features.
A highly complex application with a broad range of features and functions could easily require 1,000 hours or more of development time.
The platform you choose to build your app for can also impact the total development cost. For example, releasing the app on Android will likely require a different cost breakdown than iOS or cross-platform apps.
Comparing Costs Between Different Types of Workout and Training Apps
Now that you have a better understanding of the cost of developing an MVP, let’s break down the different types of workout and training apps and explain why their development costs may vary.
The three most popular types of fitness applications are tracking guided exercise and instructional.
1. Tracking Apps
Tracking apps primarily log and monitor fitness activities. They are the simplest form of workout apps and typically include features like GPS tracking, step counting, and calorie burn estimation. As a result, they require fewer resources to develop. Expect an MVP for a tracking app to cost approximately $20,000 to $30,000.
2. Guided Exercise Apps
Guided exercise apps offer curated workout routines led by virtual coaches. They require a more interactive design and extensive content, such as video or audio guides. An MVP for a guided exercise app may cost between $35,000 to $50,000 due to the increased complexity.
3. Instructional Apps
Instructional apps serve as portable fitness manuals with detailed how-tos for various exercises. These require extensive content creation and a more sophisticated user interface. An MVP for an instructional app can range between $40,000 to $60,000, reflecting the higher content demands.
It’s important to note that these cost ranges are merely estimates. The final tally for your app can fluctuate based on a multitude of factors. While the type of app forms the groundwork for your cost estimate, there are other crucial aspects to consider when calculating the overall investment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Custom Workout and Training App Development
The cost of custom workout and training app development isn’t just a single figure on an invoice. Rather, it’s a complex sum of various components, each influenced by a multitude of factors.
To fully comprehend what goes into this cost, let’s delve into the key factors that can impact your overall budget and the outcome of your app.
1. Development Team
The selection of your development team is a substantial factor influencing the cost of your custom workout and training app. The team’s geographical location, expertise, and size play into the development cost.
In terms of geographical location, developers in different parts of the world have different hourly rates. For instance, developers in North America typically charge higher rates compared to their counterparts in Asia. This is due to the cost of living, market demand, and the availability of skilled professionals in these regions.
2. Type of Apps
The app type also plays a significant role in determining the cost. Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), Progressive Web Apps (PWA), or native Android and iOS apps each bring their own pricing models.
AMPs primarily focused on speed and readability, are typically cheaper to develop due to their less sophisticated functionality.
On the other hand, PWAs, web applications that function like native apps, fall in the mid-range of cost due to their hybrid nature.
Native apps, specifically built for Android or iOS, tend to be the costliest. They require a higher degree of expertise and more time to develop, given their advanced functionality and seamless user experience.
3. Features
The cost of your app will directly correlate with the complexity and number of features it possesses. Simple apps with a few basic features, such as workouts, timers, and tracking capabilities, will come with a lower price tag.
However, the cost will naturally rise if you wish to incorporate more advanced features, such as personalized training plans, dietary advice, social integration, or AR/VR functionality. These features require more intricate coding and extended development hours, contributing to a higher overall cost.
Build a Custom Workout and Training App with SynergyWorks
The fitness industry’s landscape is ever-evolving, creating promising opportunities for custom workout and training app development. To ensure you navigate this complex terrain successfully, you need a partner with the right expertise, skills, and experience.
This is where SynergyWorks steps in. We boast a proven track record in crafting high-end mobile apps tailored to your vision, ensuring you navigate this complex terrain with expertise and finesse.
Ready to transform your concept into a powerful fitness app? Contact us today, and let’s create an unmatched workout experience that stands out in the market!
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