How to Build a Fitness App MVP: Start Small, Scale Smart

You don't need a $50,000 app to launch your fitness business. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test your idea, get users, and iterate based on real feedback. Here's what your v1 should include.

What is an MVP?

An MVP is the simplest version of your app that solves the core problem for your users. It's not feature-complete— it's focused. The goal: get your app in users' hands fast, learn what they actually need, then build from there.

Core Features for a Fitness App MVP

Your v1 fitness app needs simple email/password user accounts, a curated workout library with instructions and videos, and the ability to log completed workouts. Add a basic progress view showing stats like workouts completed and streaks, plus push notifications to remind users to work out.

That's it. No AI trainers. No social features. No payment processing yet. Build the core loop first.

What to Skip in v1

Skip social features, custom workout builders, and advanced analytics for v1. Use Stripe checkout links instead of in-app subscriptions, skip wearable integrations (Apple Watch, Fitbit), and use YouTube embeds instead of custom video streaming. These features are expensive to build and maintain—wait until you have users who are asking for them.

Start With Web or Mobile?

Build a React Native mobile app first. Fitness users expect a mobile-first experience, push notifications are essential for engagement, and React Native gives you iOS + Android with one codebase. You can always add a web version later.

How Long Does It Take?

A solid fitness MVP typically takes 6-8 weeks to build:

Week 1-2: Design screens, set up infrastructure
Week 3-4: Build auth, workout library, and tracking
Week 5-6: Add notifications, progress views, polish UI
Week 7-8: Testing, bug fixes, App Store submission

What Does a Fitness MVP Cost?

Expect to invest $7,000-$12,000 for a solid MVP with user accounts, a workout library with videos, progress tracking, push notifications, and both iOS and Android apps.

This is far cheaper than hiring a team or agency ($30,000+) and gets you to market faster.

Launch Fast, Learn Fast

The biggest mistake founders make: building too much before launching. Your MVP should feel slightly incomplete—that's the point. Launch to 10 beta testers first, collect feedback via in-app surveys or interviews, then iterate based on what users ask for most. Don't build features no one requested.

Real MVP Example: Workout Tracker App

One of our clients launched a simple workout tracker MVP with 15 pre-built bodyweight workouts, a progress dashboard, and daily reminder notifications. Cost: $8,500. Timeline: 7 weeks.

After 100 users, they added custom workout builders and subscription payments based on user requests. Now they're at 1,000+ paying users.

Ready to Build Your Fitness MVP?

We specialize in building lean, focused MVPs that get you to market fast. View our services and pricing →