Fitness apps are a dime a dozen, and new ones are released daily. You have got your basic workout and food loggers, as well as more sophisticated apps with built-in social features, program generation capabilities, analytics, and nutrition coaching.
So, it can be tempting to fall for shiny objects – new apps with more and better UI or features that promise a superior experience at a lower price.
The question is, should you switch from your current app to another? More importantly, what are some factors to consider when making such a significant change that may not seem like a big deal?
Let’s talk about it.
The Temptation to Switch From One App to Another
Most apps (and products, in general) are interesting, fun, and exciting at first. However, as the novelty fades, drawbacks become more apparent, and we soon find ourselves thinking, “Maybe this app is not that good. Should I find an alternative?”
Of course, that makes sense, especially when you are paying for a product. After all, you want to get your money’s worth.
But here is the thing:
While there will always be some rising star, be it a fitness app or a product in a different category, that easily grabs attention and impresses people, keeping people’s attention and pleasing everyone is a whole other ball game.
Sure, a new app can come to the market and stir some buzz in fitness communities, with many people testing and praising the features, interface, or something else. Often, this creates a craze, and people move over to the new product in droves.
As you will see in the following points, this can sometimes be a winning strategy, but there are some factors to consider before switching, especially from an app you’ve used for a long time.
Fitbod: An Example From Recent Times
Some apps come to the market and barely get noticed before fading into obscurity with a handful of mixed reviews. Other apps come around and make a good impression but inevitably fall to the side.
But then, there are the big players: apps that seemingly do everything right, make the best impressions, and stick around for a long time. Ask most people, and they will praise such apps and tell you they will continue using them for as long as possible.
One such app in the fitness sphere is Fitbod. The app generates training plans and is a great companion to keep you on track with your fitness even while traveling and dealing with a busy schedule, lack of exercise equipment, and other constraints.
However, we have recently noticed some dissatisfaction among Fitboders, with some labeling the app stale, buggy, and even slower to update. Such people have looked for alternatives, with some finding salvation in Gravl – an app that promises to take your workouts to the next level.
Some highlights people have noted include:
- Far better exercise variety
- More options for muscle groups
- Greater specificity to bring up weak areas
- Somewhat better machine selection (for instance, having more hamstring movements)
- More options for specialized training techniques, such as drop sets and pyramid sets
That said, while some are ready to jump from Fitbod to Gravl, others are still skeptical and point out some flaws and why they stick with Fitbod.
Strong: Another Case Worth Studying
Strong is a popular workout logger, if not the most famous one. According to this source, the app was released to the global market in 2011.
Over the following decade, it saw great success and grew its base to millions of users, averaging an impressive 4.9/5 rating on the App Store and 4.5/5 on Google Play. Users were happy with the app and willing to recommend it to friends and people online.
Unfortunately, the app took a turn and began to experience a gradual decline over the last couple of years. Many users claim that they have not seen any improvements and that some old bugs are still present. In other words, the app has not been developed for years.
This is quite different from other apps like Fitbod, Freeletics, and Hevy, where there is an ongoing commitment and financial investment in the product.
Factors to Consider Before Switching
1. Data Loss
As you use an app, you build a base of information, such as completed workouts and performance on logged exercises. If that is important, consider whether you can transfer your data to the new app you want to use.
For instance, Hevy supports importing data from Strong. So, if someone uses Strong, they can switch to Hevy with their complete training history.
2. App Development Roadmap
While tricky, you should investigate the app’s plans as much as possible, even if that means reaching out directly. Consider questions like:
- Is the development team committed to updating the app, fixing bugs, and adding new features?
- Does the company listen to its user base?
- Does the app have a clear history of consistent updates on the Apple App Store and Google Play?
- Are forum users happy with the app (and is there an active forum or subreddit related to it)?
- Does the app have an active website where you can see news and announcements?
- Is there a team of developers or is the app developed by one person as a side-gig?
3. Developer Support and Resources
Like the previous point, dive into the app as much as possible to determine the responsiveness and dedication of its developers and customer support.
First, read recent reviews and look for patterns: factors people praise, recurring bugs, and feature requests. See if people from the company respond to reviews (particularly negative ones) with promises and explanations. A lack of responses can be a red flag.
Second, see if the app’s social media accounts are active. While not always a given, active social media profiles, user engagement, and announcements bode well.
Third, test their customer support by submitting a ticket and observing how long it takes to respond (if at all) and how well they handle your issue.
4. Community and User Base
The next thing to research is the community’s engagement level and activity. An excellent product, be it an app or something else, gets people to engage with the brand by:
- Liking and commenting on social media posts
- Leaving reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play
- Having active discussions on the app’s subreddit and related forums
- Users helping other users solve issues
- Crowdsourced content inside the app (for example, a workout library users can contribute to)
5. Syncing With Other Software and Devices
While not detrimental, app compatibility should also be worth your consideration, especially if you use specific devices and software.
Good compatibility is a sign that the developers value user experience. It makes it easier for you to transition without data loss and ensures that you can continue to use the software and physical products you’ve bought.
For instance, let’s say you use a smartwatch to track your workouts because it’s more convenient, and you prefer to leave your phone in the gym locker room. In this case, make sure the new app is compatible with your device and works correctly.
Conclusion
Fitness apps are like buses: there is always another one coming. But while it can be motivating to make a switch, especially if you are not entirely happy with the app you are using now, do not rush the process. The grass is not greener on the other side…
Keep the above five factors into consideration and only make the switch if it makes sense from a user experience and financial standpoint.
