Cost of Building an AI-Powered Fitness App Like Fitbod

Last Updated on February 5, 2025

Want to build an AI fitness app like Fitbod? Here’s the thing—AI-driven fitness apps are totally changing the way we approach fitness. Imagine having personalized workout plans that adjust based on your goals and progress. Plus, real-time feedback and full health tracking make the whole experience even more tailored to you.

With health and fitness becoming a bigger deal than ever, the fitness app market is booming. People are craving apps that offer custom workouts and detailed health tracking. Fitbod, with over 100k downloads and solid $1M revenue, is showing us what’s possible with the right mix of tech and innovation. 

But here’s the real question—how much does it actually cost to build something like this? Developing an app like Fitbod can range anywhere from $50,000 to $300,000. Why such a big difference? It all comes down to features, complexity, and the tech you choose.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about creating an AI fitness app—like the features to include, how much it might cost, and the steps involved. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Fitbod Overview

Before diving into the process of creating an AI-powered fitness app like Fitbod, it’s essential to understand how this app works and what it offers. Fitbod is a comprehensive fitness app that uses AI to craft personalized exercise plans designed to push users towards their fitness goals. The app is ideal for anyone looking to improve their health and strength, whether they’re beginners or experienced fitness enthusiasts.

How It Works and What It Offers

The core functionality of Fitbod revolves around creating personalized workout plans. The app collects data from the user, such as fitness goals, workout history, and available equipment, to generate a customized fitness routine. AI is central to this process, as it adapts the workout plan based on user progress, ensuring that each workout is tailored for optimal results. The app also includes tracking features that allow users to monitor their progress over time, offering insights into their performance.

Beyond just creating workout plans, Fitbod also integrates with popular wearable devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch, making it easy for users to track their activities in real time. This integration provides more precise data, helping the AI to refine workout plans and provide ongoing feedback.

The combination of personalized workout planning, real-time feedback, tracking, and wearable device integration has made Fitbod a leader in the AI-based fitness app market.

Also Read: How to build an AI Model

Cost to Build an AI-Based Fitness App Like Fitbod

The development of an AI-powered fitness app like Fitbod is an ambitious project that involves a combination of advanced technologies, skilled professionals, and significant investment. On average, the cost to develop an AI fitness app can range anywhere from $50,000 to $300,000. This broad price range reflects multiple factors that influence the development cost, such as the complexity of features, the technology stack, platform choices, and even the geographical location of the development team. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and business goals.

Factors Influencing the Development Cost

Complexity of Features

The complexity of the features you plan to include in your fitness app is one of the primary factors affecting its development cost. A basic fitness app with simple features such as workout tracking and progress monitoring may cost significantly less. However, incorporating advanced features like AI-driven recommendations, real-time feedback, voice recognition, and detailed analytics will increase the cost substantially.

One of the most expensive and sophisticated features is the AI and machine learning integration, which analyzes large sets of user data and customizes workout plans accordingly. The AI algorithms behind such features require constant refinement, data collection, and processing, all of which add to the development cost. The overall complexity and functionality of the app will dictate whether you need a more experienced development team, increasing the cost further.

According to a Grand view Research, the global fitness app market size is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.08% from 2024 to 2030, with AI-based apps accounting for a significant portion of this increase. With AI-powered fitness apps proving to be a highly engaging and valuable tool for users, integrating cutting-edge features can help ensure long-term user retention.

Platform Selection

When building an AI-based fitness app like Fitbod, you have two main choices for platform development: cross-platform or native app development. Each choice has its advantages and cost implications.

• Cross-Platform Development: Cross-platform apps are built using a single codebase to work on both iOS and Android platforms. This approach saves time and money compared to developing separate apps for each platform. However, it can come with certain limitations in performance and customization. Cross-platform development is generally more cost-effective, with some estimates suggesting it can save up to 30%-40% in development costs compared to native app development.
• Native App Development: Native apps are built separately for each platform, offering better performance and a more tailored user experience. Native apps tend to be more expensive and time-consuming to develop, as each platform requires its own codebase. For a high-performing fitness app, native development may be the best option to ensure smooth performance and a seamless user interface.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design

A well-designed UI/UX is essential for attracting and retaining users. An intuitive, easy-to-navigate design not only enhances the user experience but also plays a significant role in user retention. High-quality design, including custom animations, branding, and responsive features, can boost the overall success of the app.

According to an article, apps with superior UI/UX design tend to see a 200% higher conversion rate. While it might cost more initially, investing in an attractive and user-friendly design can lead to better user engagement, positive reviews, and overall app success. Expect to allocate $10,000 to $30,000 for a strong UI/UX design depending on complexity and customization.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

Integrating AI and machine learning into your fitness app is one of the most complex and costly aspects of the development process. AI algorithms require large datasets to function accurately and continuously improve. Developing and fine-tuning these algorithms requires collaboration between AI engineers and data scientists.

The development of a recommendation engine that provides personalized workouts and fitness plans requires significant data collection and processing. Machine learning models must be trained on vast amounts of data, and these models need to be updated and improved regularly. The cost of AI and machine learning integration typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the algorithms and the scale of the app.

In fact, the AI-powered recommendation system is one of the most significant advantages of fitness apps like Fitbod. The integration of AI into fitness apps helps enhance user retention by 30%, according to studies by Appsflyer. AI’s ability to adapt to user needs in real time provides a level of personalization that traditional fitness apps cannot offer.

Development Team Size and Expertise

Building a high-quality AI fitness app requires a diverse and specialized development team. You will need to hire professionals with expertise in various areas, including:

• AI Engineers: To create and refine machine learning models and recommendation engines.
• Backend Developers: To handle servers, databases, and APIs that enable smooth app functionality.
• Mobile App Developers: To create the iOS and Android versions of the app.
• UI/UX Designers: To ensure the app is visually appealing and user-friendly.
• Quality Assurance Testers: To rigorously test the app for bugs, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities.

The larger and more experienced your development team, the higher the cost will be. For example, a team of highly experienced professionals in AI, backend development, and mobile app creation can cost between $50,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the scope of the app.

Location of Development

The cost of development can also vary depending on where your development team is located. Hiring developers in countries with lower labor costs, such as India, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia, can significantly reduce expenses. However, this might introduce challenges in communication, project management, and time zone differences.

On the other hand, working with development teams from North America or Western Europe might increase costs but often ensures better quality, closer collaboration, and fewer project management challenges. Ultimately, the location of your team impacts both the budget and the timeline for the development process.

Legal and Administrative Expenses

There are also legal and administrative costs involved in building an AI-powered fitness app. These include:

• Securing Patents: If you have unique features or technology, patents may be necessary to protect intellectual property.
• Licensing: Depending on your app’s features and the markets you intend to serve, you may need licenses for specific technologies or functionalities.
• Compliance: With increasing concerns around data privacy, it is essential to comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other privacy laws. This might involve legal consultations to ensure that your app is fully compliant.

Legal costs can range anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the complexity of the app and the regulations you need to comply with.

Maintenance and Updates

Once the app is launched, ongoing maintenance and updates are necessary to ensure it stays functional and competitive in the market. Regular bug fixes, improvements to AI algorithms, and feature updates are crucial for retaining users. As AI models need to learn from ongoing user data, regular updates to the models are necessary to keep them accurate and relevant.

Maintenance and updates can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the scale of the app and the frequency of updates.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

To provide a clearer picture of the expected costs, here’s an estimated breakdown for building an AI-powered fitness app like Fitbod:

Factor	Details	Estimated Cost Range
App Platform	Android, iOS, or both	$15,000 – $50,000+
AI/ML Features	Recommendation engine, analytics, tracking	$20,000 – $100,000+
App Design	UI/UX design, branding, responsiveness	$10,000 – $30,000+
Database & Backend	Cloud storage, user profiles, analytics	$15,000 – $50,000+
Integrations	Wearables (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch), APIs	$5,000 – $20,000+
Development Team	Programmers, designers, testers	$50,000 – $150,000+
Marketing & Launch	Promotions, app store optimization	$10,000 – $30,000+

Steps to Develop an AI-Based Fitness App

Developing an AI-based fitness app like Fitbod involves a series of strategic steps that ensure its functionality, appeal, and success. Here’s an in-depth look at the process, with the incorporation of relevant statistics to make it even more insightful:

Market Research and Analysis

Before diving into development, it’s essential to understand your target audience and the competitive landscape. Fitness apps are in high demand, with over 400 million fitness app downloads globally as of 2023. Analyzing this data helps to identify user preferences, discover market gaps, and assess the features users appreciate in apps like Fitbod.

Over 60% of users of fitness apps are interested in personalized workout plans and performance tracking, making it essential to integrate such features into your app. Market research will guide you in designing a unique value proposition that can set your app apart in a competitive space.

Define Features and Functionalities

Once you’ve conducted market research, it’s time to define the core features of your app. Essential functionalities might include:

• Personalized Workout Recommendations: Use AI to offer personalized workout routines that adapt based on user progress and goals.
• Progress Tracking and Analytics: Provide users with data on their performance, helping them visualize their fitness journey. With 88% of fitness app users interested in tracking their progress, this is an essential feature.
• Integration with Wearables: Sync your app with popular wearables like Fitbit and Apple Watch, enhancing user experience with real-time data from wearable devices. Over 60 million fitness trackers are in use, indicating the demand for such integrations.
• AI-Driven Real-Time Feedback: Offer real-time feedback on workouts using AI to help users maintain the correct form, a key feature that many fitness apps use to engage users more deeply.

By defining the right features based on your audience’s needs, you ensure your app provides real value and keeps users coming back.

Choose the Technology Stack

Selecting the right technology stack is essential for building a robust, scalable AI-powered fitness app. Popular technologies include:

• AI and Machine Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn are the go-to tools for integrating AI and machine learning. These frameworks are capable of building the predictive models required for personalized recommendations and feedback.
• Backend Technologies: Firebase and AWS are commonly used for managing databases, user authentication, and other backend functionalities.
• Cross-Platform Development: For broader reach, consider Flutter for cross-platform app development. Cross-platform apps are typically 30-40% cheaper to develop than native apps, making them a cost-effective option for startups.

Choosing the right technology stack based on your app’s requirements ensures its long-term scalability and performance.

UI/UX Design

The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design of your app directly influence user retention. Research shows that 94% of users say they would leave an app due to poor design. A clean, intuitive, and visually appealing design will encourage users to engage with the app regularly.

Investing in top-notch UI/UX design can increase user satisfaction, while also boosting retention rates. Custom animations, personalized elements, and responsive designs will help make the app more engaging. Mobile-first design is critical, as over 90% of fitness app usage occurs on mobile devices.

Develop and Test

Once your technology stack and design are set, the next phase is development. This process includes building out the front end (what users interact with) and the back end (servers, databases). During development, regular testing is critical to ensure the app functions smoothly, is secure, and delivers a seamless user experience.

Testing will help uncover bugs, performance issues, and other obstacles that could impede app functionality. Apps with an average of 4.5+ stars on app stores typically invest more in rigorous testing before launch.

Launch and Market

With your app developed and tested, it’s time to launch it on app stores. Ensuring your app gets visibility is essential for its success, which is where App Store Optimization (ASO) comes in. This process helps increase your app’s discoverability through optimized keywords, descriptions, and icons.

In 2023, apps with strong marketing efforts typically see a 50-100% increase in downloads within the first few weeks after launch. For your AI-powered fitness app, invest in targeted marketing campaigns on social media, fitness blogs, and influencer partnerships to reach a wider audience.

Maintenance and Updates

After the launch, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your app running smoothly. User feedback, bug fixes, and feature updates should be incorporated regularly.

AI-driven features, like personalized recommendations, must be constantly improved by collecting user data, refining models, and ensuring that the app remains relevant. 

Over 60% of users expect apps to receive updates every 1-2 months, so consistent improvement is essential to maintain user engagement and satisfaction.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Build AI Agents

Features to Add in an AI-Based Fitness App Like Fitbod

When building an AI-powered fitness app like Fitbod, there are key features that can greatly enhance user experience and engagement. Below are some features that can make your app stand out:

AI-Powered Recommendations

Personalization is at the heart of a successful fitness app. AI-driven algorithms can create personalized workout and diet plans based on user goals, fitness levels, and preferences. By tailoring fitness experiences to individual needs, you can build user loyalty and improve engagement.

Activity Tracking

Fitness app users demand comprehensive tracking features. Activity tracking allows users to monitor their workouts, steps, calories burned, heart rate, and other metrics. This feature is vital for providing users with tangible progress reports and helping them stay motivated. Including accurate data visualization and reports can also enhance user satisfaction, encouraging regular app usage.

Wearable Integration

As fitness technology continues to evolve, wearable devices like Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin play an essential role in fitness tracking. Integrating your app with wearables enhances its appeal, as 50% of fitness app users also use wearable devices to track their activities. By syncing your app with these devices, users can have a seamless fitness experience, receiving real-time data and progress updates. This feature is especially beneficial for users who already own fitness trackers, increasing your app’s value proposition.

Real-Time Feedback

One of the biggest challenges in fitness apps is ensuring that users perform exercises correctly. Real-time AI-driven feedback can help users adjust their form and technique during workouts, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing the effectiveness of their exercise routines. This feature not only adds value but also helps users achieve better results.

Social Features

Social engagement plays a key role in fitness app usage. Features that allow users to share their progress, challenge friends, or join fitness communities can increase user retention. A 2023 survey found that 59% of users believe social interaction is crucial to keeping them motivated on their fitness journey. Incorporating social elements, such as fitness challenges, leaderboards, or the ability to share achievements on social media, can help create a sense of community and competition, further boosting user engagement.

Gamification

Gamification has become a powerful tool in enhancing user motivation and engagement. By integrating features like badges, rewards, and fitness challenges, you can turn working out into a more interactive and enjoyable experience. Research from Invesp shows that 40% of fitness app users are more motivated when apps incorporate gamified features. Whether it’s completing a set number of workouts, earning rewards for consistency, or achieving fitness milestones, gamification can keep users engaged and encourage them to use the app regularly.

Offline Mode

One of the challenges with fitness apps is that users may not always have access to the internet, especially when traveling or in areas with limited connectivity. Offering offline access to workout plans ensures that users can continue their fitness journey without interruptions. This feature is particularly important for users who want to access their workout plans in gyms without Wi-Fi or for those in rural areas with unreliable internet. By allowing users to access essential features offline, you ensure broader accessibility and better user satisfaction.

Build an AI Fitness App with Oyelabs

At Oyelabs, we specialize in creating innovative AI-powered fitness apps that cater to your specific needs. Our expertise in AI, machine learning, and app development ensures that your fitness app will stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re looking to replicate the success of Fitbod or introduce unique features that meet the evolving needs of users, we are here to help turn your vision into reality.

Our team can guide you through every step of the development process, from ideation and design to launch and beyond. With cutting-edge technology stacks, deep knowledge of user-centered design, and experience integrating AI into fitness solutions, we ensure your app is not just functional but provides long-term value to users.

Conclusion

Developing an AI-based fitness app like Fitbod offers an exciting opportunity to tap into a rapidly growing market. By incorporating the right features, such as personalized workout plans, real-time feedback, activity tracking, and social elements, you can create an app that resonates with users and keeps them coming back.

Understanding the factors that influence development costs, choosing the right technology, and executing a structured approach to app creation are key to building a successful app. With the right features, technology, and marketing strategies, your AI-powered fitness app can make a significant impact on the fitness industry. Let Oyelabs be your trusted partner in bringing your app to life. Together, we can build a fitness app that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s fitness enthusiasts.