Reverse-Engineering Prehab: How a Niche App Banks $45K Monthly

Cracking the Onboarding Code

Prehab understands first impressions are critical. Their onboarding isn't just about collecting info; it's about immediate personalization and value framing.

The flow starts with a clear value proposition: "Take control of your health with [P]rehab." Account creation is streamlined – simple fields for name, email, password, plus social login options (Google, Facebook, Apple) reduce friction. Crucially, agreement to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy is mandatory via checkbox before signup.

But the real magic happens post-signup. Prehab immediately shifts into personalization mode:

• Goal Setting: "What area would you like to improve mobility in?" (Shoulder, Mid back, Hip, etc.)
• Contextualization: "What is your equipment preference?" (Traditional Gym, Home, Both, New to Fitness)

This isn't just data collection; it’s the foundation for a tailored experience, making users feel understood from minute one. This seamless 7-step process (as indicated by backend data) leads directly into program recommendations, instantly demonstrating relevance.

The Soft Paywall Playbook 💰

Prehab employs a classic "Free Trial - Soft Paywall" strategy, presented after initial personalization and account creation. This builds investment before asking for commitment.

The paywall screen itself is a masterclass in value stacking:

• Membership Includes: Clearly lists benefits (55+ Programs, 100+ Classes, 4000+ Demos, Cancel anytime) using expandable sections.
• Social Proof: Includes "What Our Members Say" with video testimonials.
• Clear Options: Presents Annual (with significant savings highlighted) and Monthly plans.
• Trust Building: The subsequent screen reiterates the trial structure (Full access today, Email reminder on Day 5, Subscription starts Day 7 unless cancelled). It emphasizes immediate access, expert advice ("93% Get Out of pain"), and tangible results ("91% Improve Mobility").

The commitment itself is handled via the native App Store subscription flow, offering a 1-week free trial before the annual charge ($199.99/year shown). This approach feels secure, transparent, and leverages platform trust. It delays the payment ask until value is established and personalization has begun.

Delivering Personalized Rehab Journeys

The initial onboarding questions directly feed into program recommendations, like "Full Body Mobility." This immediately connects user input to tangible solutions.

Once a program is selected, the structure is clear and motivating:

• Program Overview: Details duration (e.g., 8 weeks), frequency (4 days/week), time per session (30 mins/day), member count (social proof!), and equipment needs.
• Weekly Breakdown: Users progress week-by-week, with sessions clearly laid out. Locked future sessions create anticipation.
• Session Structure: Workouts are broken down into circuits (e.g., "Get Things Moving," "Free It Up") with specific exercises, sets, reps, or time durations. Video demos, text instructions ("HOW," "FEEL," "COMPENSATION"), and rest timers guide the user precisely.

This structured, guided approach demystifies physical therapy and makes complex routines accessible.

Engineering Engagement & Retention ✨

Prehab integrates several mechanics to keep users engaged:

• Streaks: A flame icon tracks consecutive sessions, tapping into habit formation psychology. 🔥
• Progress Tracking: Completed sessions are clearly marked with checkmarks within the weekly view. The app celebrates milestones ("Well done! You just completed Week 1 Day 1...").
• Reminders: Users can set specific days and times for workout notifications, promoting consistency.
• Educational Content: Pop-ups suggest watching educational videos during cooldowns, adding value beyond just the exercises. Text descriptions for each exercise deepen understanding.
• Feedback Loops: Prompts ask users to rate the app ("Enjoying Prehab?"), gathering feedback and encouraging App Store reviews.
• Customization & Saving: Users can save favorite programs and exercises (via bookmark icons) and even build custom workouts, fostering ownership. Video playback settings (Rest screen time, Auto Play, Timer Sound, Data Saver) allow personalization of the workout experience itself.

Content Discovery and Breadth 🗺️

Beyond initial recommendations, Prehab offers robust content discovery:

• Programs Tab: Features sections like Featured, Recommended For You, By Body Region (Lower Back, Foot/Ankle, etc.), and by Goal (Rehab, Performance). A search bar allows direct lookup.
• Workouts Tab: Offers standalone workouts categorized (All, Strength, Warm Up, Mobility, Custom). Powerful filtering options allow users to narrow by Class Style, Completed status, Body Region, Time, Difficulty, Type (Mobility, Strength, Warm Up), Home/Gym, and Equipment.
• Custom Workout Builder: Users can name a workout, search for specific exercises (e.g., "squat"), add them, and define sets/reps/time, creating truly personalized routines.

This extensive library and filtering system ensures users can always find relevant content, catering to evolving needs and preventing content fatigue.

UI/UX: Clean, Focused, Functional

The app utilizes a dark theme with strong red accents, creating a focused, premium feel appropriate for a health/fitness product. Navigation is standard and intuitive via a bottom tab bar (Home, Programs, Workouts, Profile). Visual hierarchy is clear, guiding the user through complex information like workout structures effectively. Loading indicators are themed, maintaining brand consistency. Overall, the interface is functional and supports the core user journey without unnecessary clutter.

Decoding the $45k/Month Mystery 🔑

Generating $45k monthly revenue is impressive, especially if public download numbers seem low. This suggests several possibilities: high conversion rates from other channels (like their strong social media presence or website), effective paid advertising campaigns (confirmed by "Running ads: Yes"), high customer lifetime value driven by the annual subscription model, or perhaps B2B partnerships.

The key takeaway is that Prehab's success isn't accidental. It’s built on:

1. Deep Personalization: Tailoring the experience from the very start.
2. Trust-Based Monetization: A soft paywall that emphasizes value and transparency.
3. Guided Structure: Making complex rehab programs easy to follow.
4. Robust Engagement Loops: Features designed to build habits and retain users.
5. Extensive Content Library: Catering to diverse and evolving user needs.

Prehab demonstrates how understanding user psychology, nailing the onboarding flow, and offering a clear, valuable service can build a thriving subscription business, even in a specialized market. Analyzing these patterns reveals the blueprints for mobile success.