From concept to an app with 200 concurrent users in just 6 weeks, BurnFriends is more than a fitness app; it’s a shared adventure. In this case study we reveal our journey, lessons, and the essence of BurnFriends. Discover how we work and kickstart your fitness journey with BurnFriends.
Challenge — Get The F*&k Off Localhost
An Idea is Hatched
One day, during my usual daily call with my best friend, David, I found myself reminiscing about the workout routine my dad and I had during the four months I spent back home due to the pandemic. It all started with simple daily walks. Soon enough, we added spin bikes into the mix. Before we knew it, we had a full-fledged routine — every morning, a spirited spin class followed by a brisk 6-mile walk, and evenings dedicated to riding while binge-watching the entire Marvel series in chronological order. It was incredible! Our motivation and commitment were unwavering.
But as the world slowly returned to “normal,” I moved back to San Francisco, and keeping up that same momentum became a challenge. We tried using our Apple Watches — sharing workouts, sending those auto-generated motivational messages, doing everything to keep the energy alive.
That’s when David shared his workout challenge with friends. Their goal was simple: “do a thing,” whether it was running a mile, cycling for three, or tackling some push-ups. There was something for everyone, and they tracked it all in a spreadsheet. They had a group chat where they held each other accountable, keeping the motivation high. It was fantastic, but managing everyone in the Google Sheet consistently turned into a logistical nightmare. Plus, David spent a lot of time creating different data summaries to keep things interesting.