What it does
MOVES by Madeline is a straightforward fitness application focused on helping users build, log, and track their own custom workouts. The core function is to provide a flexible tool for users to select from a list of exercises, assemble them into a routine, and then track their completion. The app saves workout history to a calendar, allowing users to monitor their activity over time.
Where it shines
The app's primary strength is its low-friction approach to workout creation and logging. Instead of a multi-step process to build, save, and then start a routine, MOVES combines these into one fluid motion. At 00:34, a user can start creating a workout and immediately begin logging it without leaving the screen. Another strong moment is the post-workout summary at 01:14. It uses a simple emoji-based rating system to capture feedback and then cleverly prompts the user to save the routine to their favorites, encouraging the creation of a personalized workout library.
UX highlights
- Calendar-centric home screen: The main dashboard is a calendar, which immediately grounds the user's experience in tracking and consistency.
- Quick-add exercises: The plus icon next to each exercise in the library (00:55) makes building a workout fast and intuitive.
- In-line workout notes: The ability to add notes to a completed workout (02:12) provides a simple way to record feelings, weights, or modifications for future reference.
- Editable workout names: Users can rename their custom workouts from a generic title to something more descriptive like "my workout" (02:30), enhancing personalization.
- Clear workout history: Completed workouts are clearly marked on the calendar (01:28), providing a quick visual reference of past activity.
- Direct navigation: The app's structure is simple, with clear paths to creating workouts and viewing history, avoiding complex navigation menus.
Monetization & growth
No direct monetization methods like subscriptions or paywalls are visible in this user journey. The app appears to be fully accessible after the initial sign-up. However, a growth mechanic is introduced at 04:10 with a screen titled "Win $500 & Year of Moves!". This feature encourages users to share an invite link with friends, suggesting a referral-based growth strategy tied to community challenges or leaderboards.
Who it’s for
This app is best suited for individuals who are comfortable creating their own workout plans and need a simple, no-frills tool to log and track their efforts. It's for the user who finds pre-built programs too restrictive and prefers the flexibility of building routines from scratch based on available equipment or personal goals. It appeals to those who value utility and speed over guided content and personalization quizzes.
Notes & opportunities
The onboarding is extremely minimal, consisting of only a sign-up and a notification prompt. While this gets users into the app quickly, it's a missed opportunity to showcase key features or explain the value proposition. Additionally, some content areas, like the 'Resources' tab (04:17), appear empty, which could lead to user confusion or a perception that the app is incomplete. Adding some introductory content or hiding empty states would improve the new user experience.