Featured Image Source: Drazen Zigic & freepik
F
itness apps live or die by one thing: engagement. You can have the best workouts in the world, but if the interface feels clunky, overwhelming, or uninspiring, people simply won’t stick around.
That’s what makes fitness apps such an interesting space from a design perspective. They sit right at the intersection of behaviour, motivation, and usability. When done well, design doesn’t just look good, it actively shapes habits.
Let’s look at a few standout apps across different categories and unpack what they do well from a UI and graphic design perspective.
The All-Around Fitness App – Nike Training Club: Clean, structured, and accessible
Nike Training Club (NTC) is a great example of how simplicity can support consistency.
The interface is clean and structured, with a strong use of hierarchy. Workouts are easy to browse, filter, and understand at a glance. There’s no unnecessary clutter competing for attention.
What works well:
- Clear visual hierarchy: Large headings, strong typography, and clear categories help users navigate effortlessly
- Consistent branding: Nike’s identity flows through the app without overwhelming it
- Approachable layout: The design feels inclusive, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced
NTC doesn’t try to impress with complexity. Instead, it focuses on reducing friction, which is exactly what users need when motivation is already fragile.
The Running and Cycling App – Strava: Turning data into a social experience
Strava has built something quite unique. It’s not just a tracking tool, it’s a social platform for athletes.
The UI reflects that dual purpose. It balances performance data with community interaction in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
What works well:
- Minimalist data presentation: Clean graphs and maps that are easy to read and interpret
- Gamification elements: Segments, leaderboards, and achievements keep users engaged
- Social feed integration: Feels familiar, almost like a fitness-focused social network
Strava’s design shows how powerful it can be to combine clarity with motivation. Users aren’t just tracking progress, they’re sharing it, comparing it, and celebrating it.
The Strength and Gym App – SHRED: Bold, focused, and goal-driven
SHRED takes a very different approach. Where NTC is soft and approachable, SHRED is bold and directive.
The design leans heavily into a high-contrast, gym-oriented aesthetic with dark backgrounds, strong typography, and sharp visual cues.
What works well:
- Distinct visual identity: Black and white base with strategic use of colour (often green and red) to signal progress or effort
- Performance-focused UI: Every element is geared towards action and tracking
- Reward systems: Badges, streaks, and milestones reinforce commitment
This is a great example of designing for a specific audience. SHRED knows its users and reflects their mindset through design.
The Nutrition and Specialised App – MyFitnessPal: Data made manageable
Nutrition tracking could easily become overwhelming, but MyFitnessPal handles it with a surprisingly user-friendly interface.
The challenge here is density. There’s a lot of information to display, from calories to macros to meal breakdowns.
What works well:
- Structured layouts: Clear sections for meals, totals, and goals
- Readable data visualisation: Charts and summaries simplify complex information
- Familiar interactions: Logging food feels intuitive, almost routine
The app succeeds because it respects the user’s cognitive load. It organises complexity rather than removing it.
The Pilates Class – Alo Moves: Calm, immersive, and intentional
Alo Moves sits in a completely different emotional space. It’s less about performance and more about experience.
The design reflects that shift. Soft colour palettes, generous spacing, and high-quality visuals create a sense of calm from the moment you open the app.
What works well:
- Atmospheric design: Visuals and layout support mindfulness and focus
- Content-first approach: Videos are front and centre, with minimal distractions
- Consistent tone: Everything feels aligned with the brand’s wellness positioning
This is a reminder that design isn’t just functional. It also sets the emotional tone of the product.
What all great fitness apps have in common
Despite their differences, these apps share a few key design principles.
- They reduce friction
Users don’t want to think too much before starting a workout or logging a meal. The best apps make actions feel obvious and effortless. - They guide behaviour
Through layout, colour, and feedback systems, design nudges users towards consistency. Progress bars, streaks, and achievements are not just decorative, they’re behavioural tools. - They stay visually consistent
Strong style guides ensure that every screen feels cohesive. This builds trust and makes the experience feel polished. - They match their audience
A yoga app shouldn’t feel like a bodybuilding tracker, and vice versa. The most effective designs reflect the mindset of their users.
Designing for engagement, not just aesthetics
It’s tempting to focus on how an app looks, but in this space, how it works is just as important.
Good fitness app design sits at the crossroads of:
- Usability: Can users navigate without friction?
- Motivation: Does the design encourage action and consistency?
- Emotion: Does it feel aligned with the user’s goals and mindset?
When those three elements come together, the result is an experience people actually want to return to. And that’s the real measure of success.
Final thoughts
Great fitness apps don’t just track activity, they shape habits through thoughtful design.
If your digital product needs that same balance of clarity, engagement, and personality, Visual Targets can help you bring it to life.
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Marie Rene | LinkedIn
