Predictors of long-term resistance exercise adherence: evidence from a large cohort of mobile app users of various experience levels

BackgroundDigital fitness applications offer unprecedented access to structured training programs, yet the behavioral factors that predict sustained engagement in real-world settings remain incompletely understood.MethodsThis observational study analyzed data from 389,481 adult digital fitness app users (mean age: 34.7 ± 9.9) of various experience levels followed for twelve months from their first recorded workout. Long-term adherence was defined as completing at least one workout per week, allowing up to six missed weeks. Adherence trajectories were examined, along with associations between early training behaviors (training frequency, workout duration, exercise composition, equipment diversity), demographic factors, and time to dropout. Effect modifications by sex, workout duration, and training experience were also investigated.ResultsAdherence declined steadily over time, with 10.1% of beginner users remaining adherent at 12 months (i.e., 52 weeks). The median dropout time was 19 weeks. Higher sustained participation was observed in older vs. younger (51+: 13.3%; 18–40: 8.4%), male vs. female (M: 11.4%; F: 7.9%), and more experienced users (intermediate: 18.3%; advanced: 25.8%). Training consistency during the first 28 days was the strongest predictor of adherence and exhibited a protective association that attenuated over time. Greater diversity in equipment use and higher emphasis on resistance exercise were also associated with lower dropout risk. Longer workout duration was associated with improved adherence among users who trained more frequently, particularly early in follow-up.ConclusionsEarly consistency and structured training behaviors were strongly associated with long-term app-recorded exercise adherence among beginners, with relatively modest differences based on age and sex. These findings suggest that frequent training sessions and engagement with resistance-based exercise during the initial stages of exercise adoption may be relevant behavioral correlates of sustained engagement.