Fitness for Every Body
The Complete Guide to Strava Alternatives
Strava's great for serious cyclists and runners. But if you're anyone else - walkers, gym-goers, yogis, families, or casual exercisers - you deserve an app that actually values your fitness journey.
Why 73% of Strava Downloads Get Deleted Within 3 Months
The Strava Reality
Strava dominates fitness app conversations. It's the default recommendation. The "obvious" choice.
But here's what they don't tell you:
- It's built for 15% of exercisers (serious runners/cyclists)
- Ignores most activities (yoga, strength training, walking, HIIT, cleaning, etc.)
- Creates toxic comparison (your fitness journey becomes a public competition)
- Excludes families (kids under 13 can't join)
- Intimidates beginners (complex metrics, aggressive culture)
You're Not the Problem - The App Is
If Strava made you feel:
- Too slow
- Not serious enough
- Like your activities don't count
- Overwhelmed by metrics
- Discouraged by comparisons
You're not alone. You just need an app that matches YOUR fitness journey.
Quick Answer: Best Strava Alternative by User Type
Find Your Perfect Match
For Walkers → Motion or Pokemon GO
Your steps matter. These apps celebrate walking as real exercise, not a consolation prize.
For Strength Training → Motion + Strong/Hevy
Track your lifts in detail with Strong, get credit for gym time with Motion.
For Yoga → Motion + Down Dog
Practice with Down Dog, count your mat time equally with Motion.
For Gym Workouts → Motion or Garmin Connect
Everything counts - cardio, weights, classes. No GPS required.
For Families → Motion or Pokemon GO
All ages, all fitness levels, celebrating together instead of competing.
For Casual Fitness → Motion or Google Fit
Just want to be healthier? These apps celebrate consistency over performance.
For Beginners → Motion + Couch to 5K
Start where you are, progress at your pace, no intimidation.
Detailed Alternative Comparison
Garmin Connect
Best For: Multi-sport athletes with Garmin devices
Unique Features: Advanced metrics, training plans, recovery tracking
Why Switch: Better gym/strength support, private by default
Free? Yes (need Garmin device)
Nike Run Club
Best For: Runners who want coaching without competition
Unique Features: Audio guided runs, training plans, no social pressure
Why Switch: Free, supportive, no aggressive competition
Free? Completely free
Motion - The Inclusive Alternative
Best For: Everyone except serious cyclists
Unique Features: Virtual pets, effort-based goals, fair competitions
Why Switch: Values all movement equally, adaptive goals, supportive community
Free? Yes, with premium options
→ Full Motion vs Strava Comparison
Google Fit / Apple Fitness
Best For: Casual fitness, health tracking
Unique Features: Heart points, move minutes, health focus
Why Switch: Simple, inclusive, no athletic pressure
Free? Yes
Zombies, Run!
Best For: People who need motivation through fun
Unique Features: Story-based running, pace doesn't matter
Why Switch: Makes exercise fun, no competition
Free? Free version available
Pokemon GO
Best For: Families, walkers, reluctant exercisers
Unique Features: Gamification, exploration, all ages
Why Switch: Makes walking fun and social
Free? Free with in-app purchases
How to Switch from Strava
Making the Transition
Step 1: Identify Why Strava Isn't Working
- Too competitive? → Choose Motion or Nike Run Club
- Wrong activities? → Choose activity-specific apps
- Too complex? → Choose Google Fit or Apple Fitness
- Too public? → Choose Garmin or private tracking
Step 2: Don't Delete Strava Yet
- Export your data first (Settings → My Account → Download)
- Keep it for occasional outdoor runs/rides if needed
- Some alternatives can import Strava data
Step 3: Start Fresh with Realistic Goals
- Don't try to match your Strava metrics
- Set goals based on consistency, not performance
- Focus on how you feel, not how you rank
Step 4: Find Your People
- Motion: Join the Discord
- Local groups: Search Facebook for "[your city] walking group"
- Activity-specific: Join yoga studios, gym classes, running clubs
Plot Twist: You Can Use Multiple Apps
The Multi-App Strategy
Many successful exercisers use combinations:
The Gym Rat Combo
- Strong for lifting details
- Motion for overall goals
- Strava for occasional runs
The Family Fitness Pack
- Pokemon GO for family walks
- Motion for personal goals
- YouTube for home workouts
The Casual Athlete
- Strava for weekend bike rides
- Motion for daily activity
- Down Dog for yoga
When to Keep Strava
Keep Strava if you:
- Seriously cycle or run outdoors
- Love segments and competition
- Have friends who only use Strava
- Want detailed GPS tracking
Just don't let it be your ONLY app if you do other activities.
Frequently asked questions
If you have anything else you want to ask, reach out to us.
What's the best free Strava alternative?
Motion, Nike Run Club, and Google Fit are all free with no hidden costs. Motion has premium features but the free version is fully functional. Nike Run Club is 100% free with no ads. Google Fit is completely free if you have an Android phone.
Can I import my Strava data to alternatives?
Some apps can import Strava data (Garmin Connect, Runalyze), but most alternatives start fresh. This is actually good - you get a clean start without the baggage of old comparisons and metrics that weren't working for you.
Which alternative is most like Strava but less competitive?
Garmin Connect is closest to Strava's features but private by default. Motion has social features but bases competition on effort, not performance. Nike Run Club has the running focus without the aggressive competition.
What if I need Strava for cycling?
Keep it! Use Strava for cycling, then use Motion or another app for your other activities. Many cyclists use Strava for rides but prefer other apps for gym work, walking, or overall fitness tracking.
Which alternative has the best community?
Motion's community is notably supportive and inclusive. Pokemon GO has huge local communities. Peloton (if you have the equipment) has an amazing community. Choose based on your preferred activity and support style.
How do I know if I should leave Strava?
If Strava makes you feel bad about your fitness, if your main activities aren't running/cycling, if you feel pressured by the competition, or if you've stopped using it regularly - it's time to try alternatives. The right app should motivate, not intimidate you.
Your Fitness Journey Starts Here
Download Motion free and discover why this is the fitness app you'll actually keep using. Your future self (and your Motmot) will thank you.
