What kind of app should a personal trainer build in 2025?
In 2025, a personal trainer should build an app that offers a mix of on-demand workouts, personalised training plans, community engagement, and even AI-driven insights to stay on the cutting edge.
The fitness industry is evolving fast, and so are client expectations. I’m often asked about the “must-haves” for a trainer’s app today. Simply put, your app should feel like a complete fitness studio in your client’s pocket. It’s not just a repository of workout videos; it’s a dynamic tool that adapts to your clients’ needs, fosters a community, and leverages new tech (like AI or wearables) to enhance the training experience.
Key Features for a 2025 Training App
On-Demand Workout Library: By 2025, clients expect a Netflix-style library of workouts. As a personal trainer, your app should have a well-organised library of videos (or audio workouts if you do running/cycling) categorised by workout type, body part, duration, and difficulty. People love the freedom of doing a session on their own schedule. Make sure your videos are high quality and varied: strength, cardio, mobility, etc., to cater to different needs.
Personalised Training Plans: Even with on-demand content, personalisation is king. Your app should allow users to follow structured programs (e.g., a 4-week Muscle Gain plan or a 30-day Fat Loss challenge). Better yet, consider adding basic AI or algorithmic personalisation: for example, the app could suggest a workout plan for a user based on a questionnaire (fitness level, goals, available equipment). In 2025, users will gravitate toward apps that feel tailored to them. If you’re using Sudor’s platform, you can set up multiple programs and guide users on which to choose. It’s not “true AI,” but it does give a personal touch by offering the right program for the right person.
Community and Social Features: One big thing that sets an app apart from just watching YouTube is the community aspect. Include a section in your app where members can post updates, share their progress, or even just chat. For example, a group forum or feed where people doing your 30-day challenge can encourage each other. In 2025, fitness is as social as ever. Clients are looking for belonging. If your app has a thriving community, it increases motivation and retention. I’d also recommend you as the trainer pop in to comment and cheer people on; your presence will be a huge motivator.
Live Classes or Q&A Sessions: Pre-recorded videos are great, but live interaction is a bonus. Hosting weekly live workout classes or Q&A sessions within your app can simulate the feel of in-person training. It doesn’t have to be daily - even once a week live stretch session or a “Monday Motivation” live chat adds a lot of value. Plus, it keeps people opening the app at a specific time, which builds habit. Sudor’s platform, for instance, supports live streaming, making it easy to schedule these events.
Integration with Wearables/Tracking: By now, many of your clients probably have a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Your app should ideally integrate or at least allow manual input for tracking metrics like steps, runs, heart rate, or PRs in lifting. For example, linking with Apple Health or Google Fit to pull basic activity data can enrich the user experience. If someone sees all their workouts logged in one place, along with calories burned or distance run (from their watch), your app becomes a fitness hub for them. Even simple tracking features like a workout streak counter or personal best log can tap into that motivational data-driven side.
Nutrition and Wellness Extras: The best fitness apps in 2025 aren’t just workouts. Consider including a section for nutrition guidance or meal plans, if that’s within your expertise. Recovery and mental health are big now too. Maybe add guided meditations or yoga for active recovery days. Essentially, think of your client’s whole journey: exercise, nutrition, recovery, mindset. The more of those you can cover (without stretching beyond your credibility), the more indispensable your app will be to them.
Adapting to the 2025 Landscape
What kind of app to build also means staying current with industry shifts: AI is increasingly used to analyse form or suggest workouts. While you might not build a fancy AI yourself, be aware of these trends. For example, you can incorporate quizzes or check-ins that feel interactive, or use the data from users to give them feedback (“You completed 10 workouts this month, awesome! Here’s a recommended next goal...”). Clients will appreciate forward-thinking touches like that. Also, gamification is huge! Consider adding challenges, badges, or points for consistency. In 2025, many people are used to apps that reward them (think Duolingo for language or Apple’s rings for activity). A personal trainer app that employs some gamification can boost engagement dramatically.
Examples of 2025-Ready Trainer Apps
To illustrate, a trainer named Natalie launched an app called Savage Fitness last year on our platform. She combined strength workouts, mindset coaching, and even a habit-tracking feature for daily steps and water intake. Her app feels like a complete lifestyle coach. Users raved that it replaced them needing multiple apps (one for workouts, one for habit tracking, etc.). Another trainer, Jay, built an app specifically for his bootcamp clients that not only has workout videos but a weekly live leaderboard for a fun challenge (who did the most workout minutes each week). These kinds of apps go beyond just “here are some videos”. They create an immersive fitness experience. That’s what you should aim for in 2025.
Build the App Your Future Clients Expect
As a personal trainer, adapting and innovating is part of the job, and your app is a big extension of that. The good news is you don’t have to code these features yourself; platforms like Sudor give you many of these capabilities out-of-the-box. If you’re ready to build a 2025-ready app, let’s get started. We can help you include all the elements that will make your app stand out. Book a free call with us and we’ll brainstorm the perfect feature set for your niche, and get you on the path to launching an app that truly wows your clients. The future of fitness is happening now, and your app can lead the way!