Ultimate Guide to Fitness Dating Apps
Ultimate Guide to Fitness Dating Apps
Finding someone who shares your passion for fitness can be challenging. While traditional dating apps might match you with someone who claims to "love the gym," there's a big difference between casual gym-goers and those who genuinely prioritize an active lifestyle.
According to recent data from SSRS, 53% of Americans have used a dating app or site at some point, with younger adults leading adoption rates. But for fitness enthusiasts, mainstream apps often fall short in connecting people who understand the dedication required for a fitness-focused lifestyle.
This guide reviews the top fitness dating apps available today, based on analysis of thousands of user reviews. We'll help you find the best platform to meet singles who share your commitment to health and fitness.
How We Evaluated These Apps
We assessed each fitness dating app based on:
- User base size: Can you actually find matches in your area?
- Authenticity: How many real users vs. fake profiles?
- Features: What tools help you connect over fitness?
- Pricing: Is it worth the cost?
- User reviews: What do actual users say?
The Apps: Detailed Reviews
Fitafy
https://fitafy.com/
Available on: iOS & Android
Fitafy is a niche dating app focused on connecting fitness enthusiasts and active individuals. While the concept is praised for targeting people with shared lifestyle interests, the app struggles with a small user base and monetization approach that limits core functionality behind a paywall.
Pros:
- Matches based on specific fitness interests and dietary preferences
- Clean, modern interface with verification system
- Good for finding workout partners and gym buddies as well as dates
- Success stories of couples meeting through shared fitness interests
Cons:
- Very small user base outside major cities - matches often hundreds of miles away
- Core features (messaging, seeing likes) locked behind expensive subscription
- Significant fake/scam profiles despite verification
- Basic features like location-based matching need improvement
Verdict: Fitafy shows promise as a concept but currently appears too limited by its small user base to be a primary dating app option. It might work better in major metropolitan areas or as a supplement to other dating apps for fitness enthusiasts.
Datefit
Datefit is a niche dating app focused on connecting fitness enthusiasts. While the concept is promising and fills a clear market need, the execution appears problematic. The app even organizes fitness-related events in some cities, creating opportunities to make friends at the gym.
Pros:
- Has both dating and friendship modes
- Includes features for sharing fitness goals and interests
- Organizes fitness-related events in some cities
Cons:
- Extensive fake profiles/bots to entice users to pay
- Aggressive monetization with most basic features paywalled
- Sends persistent spam even after unsubscribing or deleting account
- Limited user base with matches typically hundreds of miles away
- Uses deceptive tactics like showing fake messages
Verdict: While the concept of connecting fitness-focused singles is valuable, the current implementation prioritizes monetization through questionable tactics over providing genuine value. Users would be better served using mainstream dating apps and filtering for fitness-minded matches.
FITFCK
FITFCK is a dating and social networking app specifically designed for fitness enthusiasts in the UK. It aims to connect people who share a passion for fitness, with regular events perfect for active fitness date ideas.
Pros:
- Active community with regular in-person fitness events and social gatherings
- Strong focus on building fitness community beyond just dating
- Option to find both romantic partners and workout buddies
- Particularly active in London and Manchester areas
Cons:
- Limited to UK only with small user base outside major cities
- Some users want more premium features and faith/religious preferences
- Account management features could be more comprehensive
Verdict: FITFCK fills a specific niche by catering exclusively to fitness enthusiasts who struggle to find partners understanding their lifestyle commitments. The community aspect with regular events sets it apart from traditional dating apps.
Lunge - Dating & Friends
Lunge is a dating app designed specifically for connecting people who go to the gym. While users widely praise the concept as innovative and potentially valuable for meeting fitness-minded partners, the app currently suffers from a fundamental challenge: a limited user base.
Pros:
- Well-received concept of connecting gym-goers
- Offers potential for both dating and finding workout partners
- Creates more natural context for meeting than traditional apps
Cons:
- Extremely sparse user base, even in major cities
- Only 3 free likes per day severely limits usage
- Matches often very far away due to low user numbers
- Paid subscription offers little value with so few active users
Verdict: Caught in a classic chicken-and-egg problem, Lunge needs critical mass to be effective but struggles to retain users due to limited profiles. Great concept that needs significant user base growth.
Ateam
Ateam is a fitness-focused dating and social app that combines workout interests with matchmaking. Perfect for those too busy to date traditionally, it helps fitness enthusiasts find partners who understand their lifestyle.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with flexibility for dating or workout partners
- Option to earn free credits by inviting friends
- Particularly valuable during gym closures or for meeting new workout partners
Cons:
- Limited user base in many areas resulting in distant matches
- Application review/approval process can be lengthy
- Some features like photo management need refinement
Verdict: Ateam fills a specific market gap by going beyond just mentioning fitness as an interest. It's particularly valuable for those who prioritize an active lifestyle in their relationships and friendships.
Fitness Singles
https://www.fitness-singles.com/
One of the oldest fitness dating sites (since 2003), Fitness Singles operates as a web-based platform claiming over 2 million members across US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Pros:
- Large claimed user base across multiple countries
- Detailed fitness preference matching
- Web-based platform works on all devices
Cons:
- Terrible 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating with reports of 97% fake profiles
- Expensive at $39.99/month with difficult cancellation
- Outdated interface described as "DOS before Windows 3.1"
- Multiple BBB complaints about billing practices
Verdict: Despite being established, user reviews strongly suggest avoiding this platform due to fake profiles and billing issues. The poor user experience and trust issues outweigh any potential benefits.
GymBuddy
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gymbuddy-connect-workout/id6446038725
Available on: iOS only
Created by UC Davis students in 2023, GymBuddy focuses on connecting college students for workouts, currently available at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis.
Pros:
- Over 1,000 successful gym buddy pairings
- "Quick Pair" feature for finding partners within an hour
- Requires .edu email verification for safety
- Strong community within supported universities
Cons:
- Limited to only 3 universities currently
- Not available to non-students
- Geographic restrictions even within universities
Verdict: Excellent for students at supported universities. The targeted approach works well, creating genuine connections within campus communities.
RacketPal
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/racketpal-find-sport-partners/id1453817491
Available on: iOS & Android
RacketPal specializes in finding partners for racket sports including tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and padel.
Pros:
- 4+ star ratings with active user base
- AI-powered skill level matching based on match results
- Covers multiple racket sports with court booking features
- Users report finding partners "same day I joined"
Cons:
- Limited to racket sports only
- Premium features cost $4.49-5.49/month
- Smaller user base in some regions
Verdict: The best option for racket sport enthusiasts. Its focused approach and skill-based matching solve a real problem effectively.
Brocnbells
https://brocnbells.com/
Available on: Web-based (no app yet)
We have to include ourselves in here of course! We take a different approach as a web-based platform focusing on genuine connections without paywalls. Understanding how crucial first impressions and trust are in online dating, we've built something different.
Pros:
- Completely free access - no paywall restrictions
- Fresh approach to fitness dating
- Growing community of genuine fitness enthusiasts
Cons:
- No mobile app yet (web-based only)
- Newer platform still building user base
- Currently most active in Singapore & Hong Kong
5F - Find Fit Friends
https://app5f.com/
Available on: iOS
5F offers matching for over 100 activities across 4 skill levels, explicitly positioning itself as NOT a dating app but purely for fitness connections.
Pros:
- Completely free with no hidden charges
- 100+ activities including "Want to try" option for beginners
- Clear non-dating focus reduces awkwardness
- Built-in safety features like blocking/reporting
Cons:
- Limited user reviews available
- Smaller user base compared to mainstream apps
- No premium features for enhanced matching
Verdict: Worth trying for those seeking genuine workout partners without dating pressure. The broad activity selection and free model make it low-risk to test.
Playo
https://playo.co/
Available on: iOS & Android
Playo dominates the Indian market with 4+ million users, focusing on team sports, venue booking, and building sports communities.
Pros:
- Massive user base in major Indian cities
- Comprehensive platform with venue booking and coach connections
- Karma points reward system for active users
- Equipment discounts and organized events
Cons:
- Primarily focused on Indian market
- More complex than simple partner-finding apps
- Limited presence outside major cities
Verdict: Essential for sports enthusiasts in India. The comprehensive community approach creates real value beyond basic matching.
Key Takeaways
Which app should you download?
First, check if the app has users in your area! Most fitness dating apps struggle with small user bases outside major cities. Download and check for local matches before paying for any subscriptions.
- For finding gym dates: Try Lunge (iOS) or Fitafy (iOS/Android) - but expect limited matches outside major US/UK cities
- For workout partners (not dating): 5F (iOS) explicitly avoids dating pressure - check if active in your area first
- For racket sports: RacketPal (iOS/Android) has the best reviews but mainly active in UK/Europe
- In the UK only: FITFCK (iOS/Android) - strongest in London and Manchester
- In India only: Playo (iOS/Android) with 4M+ users - essential for Indian cities
- Limited to 3 US universities: GymBuddy only works at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis
- International but small: Brocnbells (free, web) - most active in Singapore & Hong Kong
Reality check: Unlike mainstream dating apps, these fitness apps often have fewer than 100 active users in most cities. Many users report matches being hundreds of miles away. Start with free options to test your local user base before considering paid subscriptions.
Pro tip: Use mainstream dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge) and filter for fitness interests - they'll likely have more fitness-minded singles in your area than specialized apps.
