If you’re looking for the best fitness app to download onto your Android phone, you’re probably sick of having people recommend to you Strava. The social run app is ubiquitous, but if you’re not keen to overshare your workouts or don’t base your personality around your weekly 5k jog, you’ll want something different.

Different is what you’ll find in this app. I’ve listed seven apps for runners, gym goers and general health buffs that will help you transform your workout or your fitness. Not all of these are by definition fitness apps, but I wanted to look outside the box to find you more interesting options.

The New Nerd Economy

Once upon a time, being a nerd meant trading Pokémon cards at recess or arguing over which superhero would win in a fight. Fast forward to now, and nerd culture is leading the digital frontier—fueling innovation across gaming, collectibles, entertainment, and even tech startups. The “nerd” identity has gone mainstream, and the skills that once helped fans dominate high scores are now being applied to venture capital, crypto, and digital business models.

Whether it’s building a gaming app, launching a collectibles marketplace, or riding the NFT wave, fans who were once obsessed with lore and levels are now cashing in on passion-driven tech.

How Nerd Culture Is Driving Business Innovation

Today’s entrepreneurs aren’t always suits and ties. Often, they’re cosplayers, fan-fiction writers, streamers, and coders who decided to channel their fandom into a business. Pop culture fans bring a unique edge to startups—they deeply understand audience engagement, aesthetics, loyalty systems, and most importantly, community.

These are some of the biggest business wins stemming from nerd-centric minds:

• Fan-powered crowdfunding campaigns (Kickstarter for board games or comics)
• Tech platforms for indie creators (like Patreon, Webtoon, or Itch.io)
• Gamified investment platforms for younger, digitally native audiences
• Crypto-based entertainment ecosystems where fans are stakeholders

In this landscape, what sets startups apart isn’t just innovation—it’s storytelling. And nobody tells stories better than nerds.

Gamification + Tech = Real World XP

At the heart of many successful startups today is gamification—a design concept straight out of RPGs and mobile games. Think badges, levels, leaderboards, and daily streaks. These mechanics are not just fun; they’re effective at keeping users engaged.

Enter platforms like Foxygold, which apply game logic to online interaction and financial incentives. Foxygold bridges the worlds of tech and play by creating an experience that feels less like a chore and more like an achievement system. For users familiar with the dopamine hit of unlocking new skins or reaching platinum rank, this crossover is intuitive—and highly motivating.

What’s brilliant about these models is they don’t just entertain—they teach users how to think critically about risk, strategy, and timing. It’s business with a boss level.

Table: Key Pop Culture Concepts Inspiring Tech Startups

The Rise of the Fan-Founder

What’s especially exciting is how fans are no longer just consumers—they’re creators, investors, and entrepreneurs. Armed with internet savvy and a deep understanding of online culture, today’s “fan-founders” are:

• Launching niche apps that solve hyper-specific problems (like LFG tools for MMO players)
• Creating merch brands that cater to microfandoms
• Building VR or AR environments rooted in classic geek lore
• Developing platforms that reward creativity and contribution

This new generation isn’t waiting for big studios to validate their ideas—they’re building them from scratch, using digital tools, crowdfunding, and their communities as launchpads.

Bullet Points: Why Nerds Make Great Entrepreneurs

• Analytical Thinkers: Years of breaking down storylines, character arcs, and game stats make for sharp business minds.
• Creative Storytellers: Nerds know how to pitch an idea with emotion and imagination.
• Tech Literate: Most have grown up alongside the internet, forums, and digital tools.
• Resilient: Rejected fan theories and lost game nights build emotional endurance.
• Passion-Driven: Fandom is a fire that doesn’t burn out easily—essential for startup grit.

Embracing the Business of Play

The line between entertainment and entrepreneurship has officially blurred. Whether you’re a developer who cut their teeth modding Skyrim, a fan artist selling enamel pins, or a gamer with a head for market analysis, you’re part of a wave of innovation reshaping how we interact, invest, and grow.

Tech is no longer just for the traditionally trained. It’s for the imaginative, the curious, and yes—the nerdy. Because sometimes, the best business ideas come from those who spent their weekends raiding dungeons and binge-watching anime.

Do You Want to Know More?

The Galaxy Watch 7 is one of the best smartwatches around at the moment, but the problem with it being so good is that it costs more than most people are prepared to pay. That’s why we’re glad to tell you about Samsung’s newest deal on the popular smartwatch.

For a limited time only, you can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for $199.99 (was $299.99) at the official Samsung site. That’s a match for the record low price, and if it’s not cheap enough, you can instead trade in an old device and get it for as little as $124.99!

Note that the trade-in requires an eligible smartwatch from Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, or Garmin. The biggest $175 saving is given for the Watch6 Classic and Watch5 Pro, however, so you may prefer to simply opt for the upfront discount if your watch is a little older.

Today’s best Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 deal

We love the signature, sleek, bezel-free circular design that you find with the Galaxy Watch 7. The smartwatch has a beautiful AMOLED display and a newer, more powerful Exynos chip than its predecessor, which keeps everything moving smoothly.

In addition, the Galaxy Watch 7 features personalized suggestions to improve your health and an AI-calculated energy score based on your metrics from the day before at the start of each day. These metrics give fitness nerds more information to work with and help those still learning on their fitness journey get even closer to their goals.

Read all this and more in our comprehensive Galaxy Watch 7 review.

We have guides to the best smartwatches for the iPhone and the best Android smartwatches so you can decide which is best for you. If you’d like a device more suited to tracking exercise, then you might like one of our best fitness trackers instead.

Huawei wearable devices Surpassed 200 Million Cumulative Shipments

SHENZHEN, China, June 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker data, Huawei ascended to the top position in the global wrist-worn device market in Q1 2025, while maintaining robust growth momentum and retaining its leadership in shipment volume within China. Additionally, as of 5 June 2025, Huawei’s cumulative global wearable shipments have exceeded 200 million units.

Five Product Series Catering to Global Users’ Diverse Scenario Needs

Huawei wearables integrate fashionable design, professional and comprehensive sports and health features, and efficient, practical smart experiences. Tailored to different user needs, Huawei has developed five product series to fulfil the diverse scenario requirements of all user groups—spanning smart living, scientific exercise, and health management.

The HUAWEI WATCH Series incorporates cutting-edge smart technology, featuring standalone calling capabilities and smart vehicle control functions to enable an efficient, intelligent lifestyle. The newly launched HUAWEI WATCH 5 delivers enhanced intelligence, efficiency and convenience. Equipped with the innovative multi-sensing X-TAP technology, it unlocks new dimensions in health monitoring and tactile interaction. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT Series fulfils lightweight wear needs through its slim design and extensive sports functions, allowing users to fully enjoy daily life. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series combines exceptional battery life with fashionable aesthetics and professional sports health features, serving as a comprehensive wrist-worn fitness coach.

For users who push boundaries and challenge extremes, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Series delivers ultimate reliability with its rugged construction, advanced sports modes including 100-metre professional diving and outdoor expedition features, as well as advanced golf course mode, to bring cater to users’ needs.

Additionally, addressing hypertension management challenges, Huawei innovatively broke through wrist-based blood pressure technology to launch the HUAWEI WATCH D Series. Through its breakthrough 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring function, it helps users measure and manage blood pressure anytime, anywhere, integrating professional-grade blood pressure health guardianship into daily life.

Technological Innovation Driving Breakthroughs in Sports Health Technology

Behind the satisfaction of users’ sports health management needs lies Huawei wearables’ continuous innovation investment. Huawei has established three Health Labs globally, leveraging capabilities from over ten Huawei research institutes to relentlessly explore the frontiers of sports health technology.

In 2024, Huawei launched its new digital health & fitness paradigm—TruSense System—achieving higher accuracy and speed in vital sign data monitoring. In 2025, the TruSense System was upgraded again, fusing the advantages of fingertip and wrist detection to deliver a fuller, more accurate, and faster health monitoring experience, including 10-second fingertip blood oxygen readings and an increase in micro-body measurement indicators to 17 items.

In the field of blood pressure management, Huawei pioneered the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH D, a wrist-based blood pressure monitor that obtained Class II medical device registration certification in China.  Now this innovation included in the “Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension (2024 revision)”.

As of now, Huawei wearable devices have obtained 7 domestic medical certifications and medical device certificates in 13 overseas countries/regions, with nearly 1000 patent applications in the smart wearables field.

Huawei has collaborated with over 160 global professional institutions, conducted 300+ health research projects, and attracted over 17 million users to participate in health studies.

Active Rings: Where Huawei and Users Unite to build Sports Health Lifestyles

Huawei accompanies global users to build sports health lifestyles together. In September 2023, Huawei initiated the “Light Up Your Rings” campaign, which has seen over 6 million global users participate, lighting up rings over 300 million times. In 2025, the fully upgraded “Active Rings” initiative was introduced, inspiring global users to move joyfully anytime, anywhere with Huawei wearables.

The Active Rings campaign has already been held in Germany, Spain, and China, and beyond, where consumers jointly enjoyed active moments. It will progressively launch in APAC, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions in the future.

SOURCE HUAWEI

Gen Z’s interest in fitness should grow the overall market for high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms in the years ahead, analysts say

The Gen Z fitness boom is here, and low-price gyms figure to be among the biggest beneficiaries. 

According to a research note from TD Cowen, Gen Z is expected to expand the market for high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms in the years ahead, leading to even more growth for the red-hot category. 

Personal training is also likely to drive growth for HVLPs – again, thanks in part to Gen Z.

Gen Z Loves Gyms, Especially HVLPs

Gen Z might not be the most active generation of all time, but the Gen Z-ers who are active tend to love going to the gym, data has shown. 

“Longer-term, Gen-Z’s focus on fitness should grow the addressable market despite greater competition,” TD Cowen analysts Max Rakhlenko and Amanuel Seife wrote in a research note that was based on a panel discussion featuring executives from HVLP chain YouFit Gyms and CR Fitness, the top franchisee in the Crunch Fitness system.

“Both operators pointed to a study which cited that 38% of Gen-Z have a gym membership vs. 25% for all age groups,” Rakhlenko and Seife noted. 

To win over Gen Z consumers, HVLPs are investing in adding strength training equipment, turf areas, group fitness classes and recovery modalities, all of which are highly popular with young gym-goers. 

According to TD Cowen, YouFit president and chief operating officer Josh Rider estimated that the cardio mix at YouFit clubs is now under 40%, with strength taking the lead. Other HVLP gym brands are making similar moves, including category leader Planet Fitness, which has made a big push to add more strength equipment.

“Importantly, shifting to strength and functional training is economically advantageous as it is cheaper,” the analysts wrote. 

Small Group Classes, Personal Training On the Rise

Personal training is also on the rise at HVLP gyms. Here again, operators might want to thank Gen Z, at least in part. Gen Z is highly interested in small group fitness classes, which could serve as a gateway to personal training. 

“Small group workouts remain a growing part of new gym models as younger gym goers look for community in their fitness experience,” the TD Cowen analysts wrote. 

As more and more Gen Z-ers engage in small group classes, there’s hope that they’ll decide to also purchase personal packages, which is a key revenue driver for clubs. 

YouFit reported that it’s seen a 10% conversion rate from group classes to personal training, according to TD Cowen. Overall, both YouFit and CR Fitness reported that they’re seeing a strong year-over-year growth in new sign-ups for personal training (so much so that YouFit has removed childcare rooms and converted them into personal training facilities).

“The growth is attributed to strong execution anchored on proper compensation structures for staff, diligent assessments bookings, and less ‘sales-y’ tactics,” the analysts wrote. 

See Also

If Congress passes the PHIT Act, which would allow Americans to use pre-tax HSA and FSA funds on fitness expenses, personal training sales could really blow up. 

“Having specific funds available for personal training would be the next catalyst for growth,” Rakhlenko and Seife wrote. 

What the Rise of HLVPs Means for the Gym Industry

The TD Cowen report is the latest bit of good news for HVLP gyms, which offer everything from saunas to group fitness classes to massage equipment for prices that typically range between $10 and $30/month, making them attractive to young fitness consumers, especially amid recession fears 

Private equity firms are betting big on the future of HVLPs: in April, Leonard Green & Partners acquired a majority stake in Crunch Fitness, a fast-growing HVLP brand with over 500 locations. The value of that deal wasn’t disclosed, but reports said Crunch was being valued at around $1.5 billion. 

Last month, TSG Consumer Partners acquired EoS Fitness, an HVLP chain with over 175 locations open or in the pipeline. That deal came on the heels of a report that EoS had been exploring a sale valuing the company at around $1 billion, including debt

The rise of HVLPs isn’t good for the entire gym industry, though. Mid-priced gyms, which typically charge between  $40 and $70/month for a membership, are finding it increasingly hard to differentiate themselves from HVLPs in terms of equipment, amenities and overall member experience. As a result, experts expect to see some mid-priced clubs get swallowed up by HVLPs in the years to come as the fitness industry consolidates around fewer, but larger, gym brands.

Apple unveiled Workout Buddy, a major new fitness feature powered by AI in the upcoming watchOS 26, at WWDC 2025. Tailored to enhance everyday workouts—like running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training—it brings a virtual fitness coach directly to your wrist.

Real‑Time Spoken Motivation

Utilizes heart rate, pace, distance, and workout history to deliver timely audio insights—celebrating achievements like “Your last mile was your fastest yet!”

Authentic Trainer Voices

Employs voice profiles modeled on Apple Fitness+ trainers, giving a natural, human feel to your workout guidance

Milestone Alerts & Summaries

Announces real‑time progress (e.g., splits, reps), and offers end‑session summaries like pace, heart rate, and whether goals were hit.

Seamless Music Integration

The Workout app now offers quick-access buttons for music control, with Apple Music suggesting personalized playlists matched to your workout and tastes

Privacy‑Focused On‑Device AI

All data processing happens on the watch, ensuring your heart rate, pace, and fitness history stay private.

Fresh User Interface & Gestures

watchOS 26 debuts the “Liquid Glass” redesign, improved Smart Stack intelligence, and a wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications without breakpointing your flow.

Release Timing: Public beta in July, full release expected this fall.

Supported Devices: Apple Watch Series 6 or newer (including SE and Ultra) paired with iPhone 11 or later. Wrestling with AI features requires Series 9 or newer with Apple Intelligence on iPhone.

Language Support: English at launch, with workout type coverage expected to expand over time.

Workout Buddy elevates the Apple Watch from a passive fitness tracker to an active coaching companion. Whether you’re a casual exerciser or training for milestones like a 10K run, having real-time encouragement, milestones-based feedback, and workout recaps can significantly boost motivation and adherence. Operated privately and powered by advanced AI, it reflects Apple’s strategy to integrate intelligence deeply across its devices.

With Workout Buddy, Apple Watch brings a smart, privacy-first personal trainer right to your wrist—pushing, praising, and tracking you through every stride, rep, and beat. Alongside refreshed UI, gestures, and Apple Music integration, watchOS 26 proves to be a robust fitness and lifestyle update.