- Fitness apps are pretty popular around the world and are quickly gaining popularity in South Africa.
- A recent KLA YourView survey revealed the top four apps most South Africans are turning to keep up with their health goals.
- The survey also unpacked some of the reasons people use them.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
Fitness apps are changing the game and getting more popular every year. Countries like the United States, China, and India are leading the way, with many turning to these apps to keep fit.
In South Africa, fitness apps are also on the rise. Whether it’s for losing weight, staying fit, or watching what they eat, people are tracking their wellness journey.
KLA recently conducted a YourView survey with 898 participants who were all asked what motivates them to use fitness apps in their wellness journeys. The researchers did not enforce any specific demographic quotas and allowed the sample to naturally represent the population’s diversity.
Here are the top fitness apps South Africans love according to KLA who used data from a SimilarWeb top apps ranking:
MyFitnessPal: Most users rave about MyFitnessPal for its awesome calorie-counting skills. It also tracks your workouts, making it a perfect combo for keeping an eye on both your diet and exercise.
Strava: According to KLA, cyclists adore Strava. It offers detailed performance analytics and social networking features. You can track your routes, compare your progress, and connect with other fitness fans.
Nike Training Club: This app is packed with workout routines for all levels, from beginners to pros. The video content by fitness experts makes it super easy to follow along.
FitOn: FitOn has a huge library of on-demand workouts, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Its user-friendly interface and flexible scheduling are perfect for busy people.
Here’s why South Africans use fitness apps:
1. Improving health and well-being (25.3%): Most people use these apps to boost their overall health.
2. Setting and achieving fitness goals (15.3%): Fitness apps help users manage and reach their fitness dreams.
3. Tracking workouts and progress (12.9%): Users love seeing their daily activities and improvements, which keeps them motivated.
4. Variety of exercises (9.9%): The new exercises and routines keep workouts fun and diverse.
5. Convenience and flexibility (6.1%): Scheduling workouts around busy lives makes fitness more accessible.
Other great uses
Many of these fitness apps also sync seamlessly with wearable tech, like smartwatches and fitness bands, offering continuous health monitoring. They also track vital stats like heart rate, sleep patterns, and calories burned, giving users a full picture of their health.
These, plus other cool innovations like gamification and augmented reality (AR), are also making waves. Gamification adds fun by letting users earn rewards and complete challenges, while AR workouts offer immersive and interactive exercise experiences, making fitness more enjoyable and accessible.
Many of these apps also include a wellness element, which caters to mental health as well – making these apps a winner for many South Africans.
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