Developing a Live Workout App for Women like Obe Fitness

The women’s fitness app market is growing, driven by demand for convenient and community-focused workout solutions. A survey found that women represented 46.22% of all users and 56.25% of fitness app users, showing the active engagement in digital fitness platforms. Apps like Obe Fitness, Peloton, and P.volve have transformed fitness experiences with live and on-demand sessions for various skill levels.  With the rise of at-home workouts post-global shift to digital fitness, entrepreneurs can seize this expanding market.

Obe Fitness is a leading women’s fitness app offering live and pre-recorded classes, interactive coaching, and a vibrant community. It merges technology and fitness into a subscription model that keeps users motivated. The demand for real-time workouts rises as users seek personalized training, social interaction, and AI recommendations. Fitness enthusiasts expect high-quality content, seamless streaming, and compatible wearable device integration for progress tracking.

In this blog, we will talk about the process of developing a live workout app like Obe Fitness. It covers essential features, the ideal tech stack, costs, and monetization strategies to create a successful fitness platform. Whether someone wants to launch this type of product, this article offers insights to help you launch a quality workout app for women.

What is Obe Fitness?

Obe Fitness (Our Body Electric) is a women-centric digital fitness platform offering live and on-demand workouts in strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, and dance. It features high-energy sessions led by expert trainers, focusing on short, effective workouts ranging from 10 to 45 minutes for busy schedules. Accessible via mobile apps, smart TVs, and web browsers, it provides unlimited access to live classes, an extensive workout library, and personalized fitness programs through a subscription-based model.

These are the key features of the Obe Fitness App:

• Users can join live fitness classes with expert trainers or access a vast on-demand workout library, offering flexibility to exercise anytime and anywhere according to their schedule.
  
• The app offers various workouts, including strength training, HIIT, pilates, barre, yoga, dance cardio, and recovery, providing both high-intensity and low-impact options tailored to user needs.
  
• AI-powered recommendations curate personalized workout plans based on fitness levels, goals, and activity history, ensuring workouts remain both challenging and achievable for consistent progress.
  
• Compatible with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and other fitness trackers, allowing users to monitor heart rate, calorie burn, and activity levels in real time for a data-driven approach to fitness tracking.
  
• Available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and web browsers, enabling seamless streaming across devices and making it easier to transition between home and on-the-go workouts.
  
• Offers structured fitness plans such as prenatal/postnatal workouts, weight loss regimens, muscle-building programs, and flexibility training, helping users achieve their specific fitness goals.
  
• Gamification elements like streaks, achievement badges, and rewards encourage consistency, making workouts feel more like engaging challenges rather than repetitive routines.

Why Obe Fitness Succeeded?

Obe Fitness has achieved notable success in the digital fitness industry by implementing several strategic initiatives:

1. Engaging and Entertaining Content

Obe distinguishes itself by merging fitness with entertainment, a concept they term “entertrainment.” Co-founders Ashley Mills and Mark Mullett, leveraging their backgrounds as former talent agents, have designed classes to be engaging and enjoyable, aiming to eliminate the monotony often associated with exercise. This approach includes producing classes with vibrant visuals and dynamic performances, making workouts feel more like engaging shows. 

2. Diverse and Accessible Class Offerings

The platform provides a wide array of classes across various categories such as cardio, strength training, yoga, and recovery. With options ranging from 5 to 60 minutes, users can select workouts that fit their schedules and fitness levels. Additionally, Obe offers 22 live classes daily and maintains an extensive on-demand library, ensuring accessibility and variety for its members. 

3. Community Engagement and Accountability

Obe builds community among users, promoting accountability and motivation. Features like “Streaks” track workout consistency, encouraging regular engagement. The platform highlights social connections, urging users to find accountability partners and join group challenges to boost commitment. 

4. Strategic Partnerships and Media Integration

The company has formed partnerships with prominent media entities like HBO and Disney, creating customized content that enhances its visibility and appeal. These collaborations have allowed it to integrate popular culture into its fitness offerings, attracting a broader audience.

5. Adaptation to Market Demands

In response to the increased demand for at-home fitness solutions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Obe expanded its class offerings to include sessions for children and seniors, as well as meditation classes to support mental health. This adaptability has enabled the company to cater to a wider demographic and address evolving user needs.

Why Invest in a Women-Centric Live Workout App? 

The digital fitness industry is booming, and women’s fitness apps are at the forefront of this evolution. With the increasing demand for accessible, engaging, and personalized workout experiences, investing in a live workout app for women presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs.

The Growing Demand for Women’s Fitness Apps

The global fitness app market was valued at approximately $4.85 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 17.8% from 2024 to 2030. This rapid growth is fueled by factors such as the shift toward home-based workouts, wearable technology integration, and AI-powered fitness coaching.

A key trend in the industry is the integration of artificial intelligence for personalized strength training. For example, Tonal uses artificial intelligence to optimize weight resistance in real time, ensuring that users lift the right amount for their strength level. It tracks performance automatically, providing personalized weekly targets and insights into reps, power, and total volume lifted. By analyzing movement data, Tonal predicts optimal weight settings and offers coaching cues for safe and effective training.

Obe Fitness: A Case Study in Success

Obe Fitness is a prime example of a successful women-centric fitness app, generating an annual revenue of $15 million as of April 2024. With over 104 employees spanning four continents, the company has positioned itself as a global leader in live and on-demand fitness content.

In July 2021, Obe Fitness secured $15 million in a Series A funding round from notable investors such as Athleta, Samsung NEXT, and WeightWatchers, valuing the company at approximately $190 million. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform saw a tenfold increase in memberships, demonstrating the growing preference for at-home fitness solutions. Today, Obe Fitness continues to evolve by offering personalized, outcome-driven programs that cater to various fitness levels and goals.

Target Audience: Women Seeking Convenience & Engagement

A women-focused fitness app primarily caters to women aged 18-45 who seek flexible, engaging, and expert-led workouts. Many users are busy professionals, mothers, and fitness enthusiasts looking for:

• Live and on-demand workout sessions tailored to their schedules
  
• Community-driven experiences that provide motivation and support
  
• Personalized workout plans based on fitness levels and goals
  
• Wearable tech integration to track progress in real time

Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest?

With the growing demand for personalized, tech-driven fitness solutions, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to create a highly profitable women-centric fitness app. By integrating AI, live streaming, and a strong community-driven approach, a new platform can compete with established players like Obe Fitness and Peloton while catering to the evolving preferences of modern fitness enthusiasts.

Must-Have Features of a Live Workout App

To develop a successful live workout app like Obe Fitness, the platform must include a robust set of core and advanced features that enhance user engagement, ensure smooth functionality, and provide a competitive edge.

A. Core Features

A well-rounded fitness app consists of three key components: User App, Trainer/Instructor Panel, and Admin Panel. Each of these plays a crucial role in delivering a seamless experience.

User App Features

• Live & On-Demand Workout Sessions: Users should be able to stream live fitness classes in real time and access a library of pre-recorded workouts across various categories like strength training, yoga, pilates, and dance.
  
• Personalized Workout Plans: AI-powered fitness plans should tailor recommendations based on user preferences, fitness levels, and goals, ensuring a customized workout experience.
  
• Progress Tracking: The app must provide detailed calorie tracking, streak monitoring, and achievement badges, motivating users to stay consistent with their fitness journey.
  
• Community & Social Features: Features like leaderboards, group challenges, and social sharing help users stay engaged by fostering a sense of competition and support.
  
• Wearable Integration: The app should sync with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and other fitness trackers to track heart rate, calories burned, and workout performance in real time.

Trainer/Instructor Panel

• Class Scheduling & Live Streaming: Trainers should be able to schedule, start, and manage live workout sessions, ensuring users receive high-quality, structured fitness classes.
  
• Performance Analytics: The platform should offer trainers insights into user engagement, class attendance, and workout effectiveness, allowing them to optimize sessions.
  
• Payment Tracking: A built-in system to track trainer payments, earnings, and commissions ensures smooth financial management.

Admin Panel

• User & Content Management: Admins should have full control over user accounts, workout content, and trainer profiles, ensuring smooth platform operations.
  
• Subscription & Payment Handling: A secure subscription management system must be in place, offering multiple payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.
  
• Analytics & Reporting: The admin panel should provide detailed reports on user engagement, revenue generation, and content performance, helping to optimize business strategies.

B. Advanced Features for Competitive Edge

To stand out in the crowded fitness app market, integrating cutting-edge technologies can significantly enhance user experience and engagement.

• AI-Based Recommendations: AI-driven algorithms can analyze user activity, preferences, and fitness goals to provide personalized workout suggestions, improving retention.
  
• AR/VR Workouts: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality workouts can create immersive fitness experiences, making workouts more engaging and interactive.
  
• Multi-Language & Localization Support: To expand globally, the app should support multiple languages and region-specific workout programs, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
  
• Offline Mode for On-Demand Workouts: Allowing users to download workout videos and access them without an internet connection ensures uninterrupted fitness routines, even in low-connectivity areas.

Final Thoughts

A successful live workout app requires a feature-rich ecosystem that enhances user experience, ensures seamless trainer and admin operations, and integrates advanced technologies for long-term scalability. By incorporating these core and competitive features, businesses can create a high-value fitness platform that competes with industry leaders like Obe Fitness, Peloton, FORME, etc.

Step-by-Step Development Process of a Live Workout App

Building a live workout app for women like Obe Fitness requires a strategic approach, covering everything from market research to post-launch strategies. Below is a detailed step-by-step breakdown, including essential tech stacks to ensure a seamless development process.

1. Consult & Market Research

The first step in developing a fitness app is to consult reputed companies like IdeaUsher’s experienced developers and market researchers who can help you to conduct market research to identify industry trends, user preferences, and competitor strengths and weaknesses.

Key Considerations:

• Competitor Analysis: Analyze platforms like Obe Fitness, Peloton, FORME, Tonal, P.volve, and other emerging apps to identify market gaps.
  
• Target Audience Research: Understand the needs of women users, such as postpartum workouts, busy mom-friendly exercises, and beginner-friendly programs.
  
• Legal Compliance: Implement OneTrust and Termly for GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA compliance, ensuring secure handling of health data, proper instructor contracts, and music licensing.

2. UI/UX Design

A women-centric fitness app must have an intuitive, engaging, and accessible design that enhances user motivation and ease of navigation.

Key UI/UX Principles:

• Minimalist and Intuitive Navigation: Use Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch to create wireframes that ensure a clean, user-friendly experience.
  
• Motivational Design Elements: Integrate Lottie animations and Framer Motion for celebratory milestones, progress badges, and achievement streaks.
  
• Accessibility: Implement dark mode, adjustable font sizes, and voice-assisted navigation using React Native Accessibility API.

3. Frontend Development

Choosing between cross-platform development (faster, cost-effective) and native development (better performance, smooth UI) depends on the project scope and budget.

Key Considerations:

• Cross-Platform Development: Use React Native or Flutter for a unified codebase, reducing development time and costs.
  
• Native Development: Implement Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) for optimized user experience and deep system integration.
  
• Animation & UI Components: Utilize Lottie for smooth transitions and Material UI or Tailwind CSS for responsive designs.

4. Backend Development

The backend is responsible for handling user data, workouts, subscriptions, and live streaming infrastructure. It must be scalable and secure to accommodate high traffic.

Key Considerations:

• Database Architecture: Store user profiles, workout history, and payments using PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Firebase.
  
• API Integrations: Connect with Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for seamless transactions and use Google Fit & Apple Health APIs for wearable integration.
  
• Scalability & Security: Deploy on AWS (EC2, Lambda), Google Cloud, or Azure to ensure reliable performance during peak traffic hours.

5. Live Streaming Integration

Live streaming is the core feature of a workout app, and latency, scalability, and quality control must be prioritized.

Key Considerations:

• Streaming Protocols: Use WebRTC, Agora, or Mux for low-latency video streaming, ensuring smooth real-time sessions.
  
• Bandwidth Optimization: Implement adaptive bitrate streaming with AWS IVS or Cloudflare CDN to adjust video quality based on user connectivity.
  
• Moderation Tools: Integrate AI-based content filtering and real-time chat moderation using TensorFlow for AI-powered content moderation.

6. Testing

A fitness app must undergo rigorous testing to ensure stability, security, and compatibility across different devices and network conditions.

Key Considerations:

• Load Testing: Use JMeter and Locust to simulate 10,000+ concurrent users, ensuring backend scalability.
  
• Device Compatibility: Test across multiple devices using Selenium, Appium, XCTest (iOS), and Espresso (Android).
  
• User Acceptance Testing: Recruit real users and gather feedback via TestFlight (iOS) and Firebase App Distribution (Android) before launching.

7. Launch & Post-Launch Strategy

A well-planned launch strategy ensures strong user adoption and engagement, while post-launch updates help retain users.

Key Considerations:

• Soft Launch & Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with fitness influencers and run beta tests via TestFairy or Firebase A/B Testing to gather early feedback.
  
• App Store Optimization (ASO): Improve search rankings using AppTweak, Sensor Tower, and MobileAction for keyword analysis.
  
• Retention Strategies: Implement push notifications with OneSignal, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), and Mixpanel analytics to track user engagement and retention rates.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Build?

Developing a live workout app like Obe Fitness requires careful budget planning, as costs vary based on features, app complexity, and the technology stack used.

Estimated Cost Range

App Complexity	Estimated Cost	Key Features Included
Basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product)	$10,000 – $30,000	Live & on-demand workouts, user registration, basic UI/UX, subscription model, payment gateway integration (Stripe/PayPal), workout library, admin panel.
Moderate	$40,000 – $70,000	AI-based personalized workout plans, community & social features (leaderboards, challenges), progress tracking, wearable integration (Apple Watch, Fitbit), multi-device accessibility (mobile, web, smart TV).
Advanced	$80,000 – $100,000+	AR/VR workouts, advanced gamification (streaks, rewards, badges), multilingual support, offline mode for on-demand workouts, real-time performance analytics for trainers, advanced AI-based recommendations.

Factors Affecting Development Costs

• Feature Complexity: A basic app with live and on-demand workouts costs significantly less than an advanced app with AI-driven recommendations, AR/VR integration, and wearable support.
  
• Technology Stack: Choosing cross-platform development (React Native, Flutter) reduces costs compared to native development (Swift/Kotlin). Live streaming tools like Agora and WebRTC also add to the budget.
  
• UI/UX Design: A well-optimized, engaging interface requires expert designers, adding to the total expense.
  
• Third-Party Integrations: APIs for payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), wearable sync (Apple Health, Google Fit), and analytics (Mixpanel, Firebase) contribute to recurring costs.
  
• Maintenance & Updates: Regular bug fixes, server maintenance, and feature updates require an ongoing budget.

How to Monetize Your Fitness App?

A well-structured monetization strategy is essential to ensure long-term profitability for your fitness app. Here are the most effective revenue models:

1. Subscription Models

The subscription-based model is the most popular monetization strategy, offering users unlimited access to live and on-demand workouts for a recurring fee. You can implement:

• Tiered subscriptions (Basic, Premium, VIP) with different features.
  
• Monthly or annual billing with discounts for long-term plans.
  
• Free trial periods to attract users before they commit.

2. One-Time Purchases

Users may be willing to pay once for exclusive fitness programs, such as:

• Personalized training plans such as postpartum workouts, weight loss challenges, etc.
  
• Premium content, like celebrity-led fitness routines.
  
• Exclusive access to masterclasses with top trainers.

3. Sponsorships & Partnerships

Collaborating with fitness brands, apparel companies, or health product providers can generate revenue while offering value to users.

• Branded workout challenges featuring sponsored fitness gear.
  
• Affiliate marketing for products like supplements, yoga mats, and smartwatches.
  
• Exclusive discount codes from partner brands for app users.

4. In-App Ads

Ads can be a revenue source if implemented without disrupting user experience.

• Non-intrusive banner ads or short sponsored videos between workouts.
  
• Sponsored content in the form of healthy recipes, fitness tips, or gear reviews.
  
• Reward-based ads, where users earn discounts or perks by watching ads.

Conclusion

Building a live workout app for women like Obe Fitness requires a strategic approach, from market research and UI/UX design to backend development and live streaming integration. A seamless user experience, strong community features, and scalable technology are key to long-term success.

Monetization models like subscriptions, one-time purchases, and sponsorships ensure profitability, while AI-driven recommendations, gamification, and multi-device access enhance engagement. Choosing the right tech stack and cloud solutions ensures smooth performance, even during peak usage.

By prioritizing user needs, innovation, and scalability, you can create a successful, community-driven fitness app that stands out in the growing market.

Build a Live Workout App for Women with IdeaUsher!

Our team of expert engineers specializes in AI, machine learning, and mobile app development to create advanced live workout apps tailored for women. IdeaUsher is a leader in developing interactive fitness solutions, delivering seamless live-streaming capabilities, real-time workout tracking, and AI-powered personalization for a truly engaging experience.

With experienced ex-MAANG/FAANG engineers, we integrate cutting-edge features such as AI-driven workout recommendations, real-time form correction, and live coaching sessions. Our solutions ensure scalability, high-performance streaming, and seamless API integrations with leading fitness platforms and wearable devices.

Partner with IdeaUsher to build an innovative, AI-powered live workout app for women that enhances engagement, promotes community-driven fitness, and transforms the digital fitness space.

FAQs

Q.1. What are the essential features to include in a live workout app for women?

A live workout app for women should include essential features such as live and on-demand classes, personalized recommendations based on fitness goals, and cycle-syncing workouts that adapt to menstrual cycles. Community engagement through forums and challenges, along with progress-tracking tools, helps users stay motivated.

Q.2. How can I monetize a live workout app for women?

Monetization options include subscription models offering premium content, a freemium model with paid advanced features, and in-app purchases for specialized programs or coaching. Additionally, affiliate marketing partnerships with fitness brands can generate extra revenue.

Q.3. What technology stack is recommended for developing a live workout app?

The recommended tech stack for development includes React Native or Flutter for frontend, Node.js or Django for backend, and Wowza or Agora for live streaming. PostgreSQL or MongoDB ensures secure data storage, while AI-driven personalization using TensorFlow enhances the user experience.

Q.4. How can I ensure user engagement and retention in my fitness app?

To boost engagement and retention, features like gamification, regular content updates, personalized experiences, and push notifications are crucial. Building a strong in-app community encourages participation, while leaderboards, rewards, and challenges keep users motivated and committed to their fitness journey.