The Rise of Online Fitness

The first fitness apps were launched around 2010, marking the integration of smartphone technology with promoting physical fitness. Since then, the number of online fitness apps has increased exponentially. Smartphones ' motion trackers and GPS systems permit them to monitor travel distances and estimate energy expenditure with a fair degree of accuracy. Integrating embedded instructional videos allows users to carry a virtual fitness coach wherever they go. All told smartphone fitness apps provide a convenient adjunct to workouts.

The Benefits of Online Fitness: Flexibility and Accessibility

Online fitness apps do offer some concrete user benefits. Portable, on-demand instructional videos on proper exercise techniques allow users to perform exercises with the correct form. Motion tracking and energy expenditure estimates provide metrics that may motivate users to strive for new goals and exercise more intensely. 

Some research supports the motivational value of smartphone apps. For example, one 12-week intervention of regular users found using a fitness app led to participants exercising with greater intensity and achieving a higher level of satisfaction. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies of cardiac rehabilitation patients found greater fitness improvements when patients used a fitness app in combination with their cardiac rehabilitation program versus following the cardiac rehabilitation program alone. This is very meaningful in this population, as improvements in fitness are a key predictor of a lower mortality rate.

The Drawbacks of Online Fitness: Self-Motivation and Accountability

Research shows that fitness apps don’t always lead to better outcomes. For example, a 10-week study of overweight and obese adolescents found no improvements in exercise adherence or fitness outcomes from using a mobile fitness app. 

More pressingly, there is a concern that using mobile fitness apps can exacerbate disordered eating, body image, and compulsive exercise. A 2025 meta-analysis found correlations between fitness app use and disordered eating. Qualitative notes from this paper documented the unintended consequences of fitness app use, which can lead to pressure to meet fitness goals and guilt.  Individuals with preexisting body image, eating, or exercise may use fitness apps as a tool with the unintended consequence of reinforcing unhealthy behaviors. 

Are Fitness Apps for You?

As you can see, fitness apps have positive and negative aspects. Whether fitness apps are right for you is a matter that is entirely up to you. Properly used, the right fitness app can provide some extra motivation to keep you on track with your fitness plan. Some apps are available that can also give you a sense of community, such as comparing your workout performances with those of an online group.

However, individuals with a history of body image issues, disordered eating, or compulsion to exercise should perhaps avoid the potential for added stress that has been linked to fitness app use. Consultation with a mental health professional is the most healthful strategy in this case.

Many fitness apps are available to appeal to a wide range of users. If you think you could benefit from a little external motivation, try a few different apps and see if you like one!

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5. _{Pierucci, A., de Almeida, N. S., Lemes, Í. R., Milanez, V. F., Oliveira, C. B., Kretli Winkelströter, L., de Abreu, M. A. M. M., Nakagaki, W. R., & Toledo, A. C. C. G. (2024). M-health with cardiac rehabilitation improves functional capacity: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Computer methods and programs in biomedicine, 260, 108551. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108551}