Get Paid to Work Out – 25 Fitness Apps That Actually Pay You

Let’s be real—sticking to a workout plan is hard. Like, “I’d rather reorganize my sock drawer” hard. One day you’re pumped, the next you’re avoiding eye contact with your running shoes. But hey, what if your workouts didn’t just tone your legs but also pad your wallet? Sounds dreamy, right?

Well, welcome to the world of fitness reward apps. These little digital motivators pay you (yep, actual money or rewards) to get up, move around, and be healthier. Whether it’s walking, cycling, or just not being a couch potato, these apps have turned sweat into a side hustle. Sort of.

Participants in weight reduction programs who got financial incentives were more likely to stick with their program and lose more weight than those who did not, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Compared to 62% of those who received cash to lose weight, only 26% of the group that had not received an incentive did so.

In this guide, we’ll dig into the best apps that pay you to work out, explain how they work, and give you the scoop on whether they’re really worth the hype. Spoiler: some are awesome. Some… not so much.

How Do These Fitness Money-Makers Work Anyway?

So here’s the deal: most of these apps use the sensors in your phone or smartwatch to track your activity. Walk a few thousand steps? Great. Go for a jog to lose weight? Even better. Do yoga in your pajamas? Yep, that counts too on some platforms.

In return, you earn points, coins, or digital currency that can be traded in for:

• Cold, hard cash (okay, usually PayPal deposits)
• Gift cards to your favorite places (hello, Starbucks)
• Crypto (for the tech-savvy folks)
• Donations to charity (if you’re feeling noble)

Some apps make it fun with competitions, while others just quietly reward you in the background for being consistent. One catch, though, don’t expect to make rent money. These apps are more “extra coffee money” than “quit your job” money.

Read: Best Side Hustle Apps to Earn Extra Cash

Before You Jump In: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

A quick reality check:

• Privacy stuff: These apps collect a LOT of your data. Read the fine print (or at least skim it).
• Tech compatibility: Got a Fitbit? Awesome. No tracker at all? Some apps may not vibe with your phone.
• Slow grind: Many of them require you to reach a certain threshold before you get any payout. It might take weeks or months.
• Location limits: Some only work in certain countries. Ugh, I know.
• App life span: Let’s face it, some of these apps don’t last long. Stick with ones with a solid rep.

Alright, now let’s get to the fun part.

🏆 Top 25 Apps That Pay You to Work Out

1. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin is a fitness rewards app that converts your steps into a digital currency (Sweatcoins). You can redeem these coins for goods, services, or even donate them to charities.

• Earn by walking outdoors
• 1,000 steps ≈ 0.95 Sweatcoins
• Redeem for gadgets, gift cards, or fitness gear
• Option to donate coins to causes
• Premium version increases earnings

2. HealthyWage

HealthyWage lets you place a bet on your own weight loss goals. Meet your target, and you win real money.

• Wager-based weight loss challenges
• Customized prize calculator
• Individual and team challenges
• Payouts range from $100 to $10,000+
• Proven success stories

3. StepBet

With StepBet, you join challenges that require you to hit daily step goals. If you succeed, you split the pot with other winners.

• An entry fee is required to join the challenges
• Based on personal activity history
• Most games last 6 weeks
• Win back your bet and more
• Integrates with fitness trackers

4. DietBet

Like StepBet but focused on weight loss, DietBet allows users to bet on hitting specific weight loss goals in a set time frame.

• Weight verified via photo check-ins
• Social group motivation
• Games range from 4 weeks to 6 months
• Win money by hitting targets
• Community accountability feature

5. Paceline

Paceline rewards users for hitting weekly activity streaks (e.g., 150 minutes of elevated heart rate per week) with gift cards and cashback.

• Must link to Apple Watch or Fitbit
• Hit weekly fitness goals to unlock rewards
• Get up to $5/week in gift cards
• Offers the Paceline Visa card with bonus rewards
• Personalized health offers

6. Achievement

Achievement pays users for tracking healthy habits, like steps, sleep, food, and even social media surveys.

• Earn points for multiple activities
• Redeem 10,000 points for $10 via PayPal
• Passive income for fitness lovers
• Connects with 20+ apps (Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, etc.)
• Slow earner but consistent

7. Evidation

Previously known as Achievement, Evidation is a refined version that rewards users for health data sharing and surveys.

• Earn from steps, workouts, and health surveys
• Can donate or cash out rewards
• Medical research integration
• Up to $10 every few months
• Simple interface

8. Fit For Bucks

A lesser-known app that rewards you with local business deals and small perks for every step you take.

• Rewards vary by location (yoga, massages, coffee)
• Encourages local partnerships
• Steps tracked via Apple Health
• No cash rewards—perks only
• Great for LA-area users

9. FitPotato

With FitPotato, you bet on your workout consistency. Hit your goals for a week, and you’ll split the pot with others.

• Weekly commitment to walking, running, or gym
• Must complete 3 sessions/week
• iOS-only (as of now)
• Stakes are small but motivating
• Simple and social

10. Charity Miles

This app doesn’t pay you in cash—but sponsors donate to a charity of your choice for every mile you move.

• Supports over 40 charities
• Earn via walking, running, or biking
• Great for socially conscious users
• Corporate sponsors match activity
• Great team functionality

11. Runtopia

Runtopia lets users earn Sports Coins by walking, running, and completing workouts. Coins can be exchanged for gear or premium features.

• Personalized training plans
• Real-time audio coaching
• Earn coins by logging workouts
• Redeem coins for products or discounts
• Built-in social fitness feed

12. SweatPals

SweatPals is a social fitness app that incentivizes group workouts and challenges.

• Focuses on local meetups & workouts
• Earn points for attendance and activity
• Redeem for merch and deals
• Encourages fitness accountability
• More community-driven than cash-based

13. MyWalgreens Health Goals

Walgreens users can participate in the MyWalgreens Health Goals program to earn points for healthy activities.

• Points for walking, weight logging, and more
• Integrates with Apple Health and Fitbit
• Convert points into store rewards
• Limited to Walgreens customers
• Great for casual fitness enthusiasts

14. AARP Rewards

AARP Rewards offers points for learning about health and tracking physical activity. Great for older adults.

• Ideal for 50+ demographic
• Earn via fitness tracking and quizzes
• Redeem for sweepstakes, discounts, and gift cards
• Part of broader AARP membership benefits

15. WinWalk

WinWalk is a pedometer app that rewards you with coins for every step, which you can convert into gift cards.

• Android-only
• 100 coins per 10,000 steps
• Redeem for Amazon, Starbucks, etc.
• Fun and simple interface
• Max cap per day

16. PaidWorkout

As the name suggests, PaidWorkout pays users real cash for logging physical activity and engaging with app content.

• Supports walking, gym sessions, yoga, etc.
• Payouts via PayPal
• Daily bonuses for activity streaks
• Includes fitness videos and a blog
• Gamified experience

17. SweatEarn

SweatEarn is a newer app using crypto tokens to reward fitness tracking, especially running and walking.

• Rewards in crypto (STE tokens)
• Available on Android and iOS
• Daily step targets
• Redeem via wallet integration
• Watch for market volatility

18. Lifecoin

Lifecoin turns your outdoor steps into tokens that can be redeemed for prizes and services.

• Similar to Sweatcoin
• Only counts outdoor activity via GPS
• Redeem tokens for headphones, gift cards, etc.
• Max step limit per day
• iOS and Android compatible

19. Runister

Runister adds a gaming element to running. Join daily or weekly missions and earn real-world rewards.

• Fitness meets mobile gaming
• Compete in leaderboard challenges
• Win points exchangeable for cash or prizes
• Targets younger audiences
• Ongoing updates & missions

20. PK Rewards

PK Rewards lets you earn points based on effort rather than just steps. It’s perfect for all types of workouts.

• Tracks workout intensity
• Earn effort-based points (Effort Score)
• Redeem for headphones, gear, and more
• Works with Apple Watch and iPhone
• Weekly reward challenges

21. Fit For Bucks

Fit For Bucks is a wellness app that gives you tangible rewards—like coffee, smoothies, fitness classes, or massages—just for walking. It’s ideal for casual walkers who want something back for their daily activity.

• Earn points for walking and other activities
• Exchange points for local deals and products
• Focus on small, local businesses in the US
• Integrates with Apple Health
• Easy-to-use interface

22. EarthMiles

EarthMiles gamifies your healthy habits and rewards you with EarthMiles that can be exchanged for discounts on health and fitness products. From yoga to cycling, almost all forms of movement count.

• Syncs with wearables like Fitbit, Garmin, and Strava
• Earn EarthMiles for various physical activities
• Redeem EarthMiles for health-related rewards
• Fun challenges and community features
• Free to use

23. Optimity

Optimity is a micro-learning and wellness app that rewards users for completing quick health quizzes, walking, and practicing mindfulness. It promotes holistic wellness and offers gift cards as rewards.

• Daily step tracking with health tips
• Points for micro-learning and health tasks
• Redeem for gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
• iOS and Android compatible
• Also offers corporate wellness programs

24. RunCoin

RunCoin is designed for runners and walkers who want to earn digital tokens that can be used in the RunCoin marketplace or donated to charity. It makes your every step count—literally.

• Earn coins by walking or running outdoors
• Redeem tokens for fitness gear or donate to causes
• Encourages community impact through movement
• Simple interface focused on real-world exercise
• Available on Android and iOS

25. MoveSpring

MoveSpring is used primarily by employers for corporate wellness challenges, but individuals can join group challenges too. It rewards movement, fosters friendly competition, and boosts motivation.

• Syncs with most wearables and step trackers
• Group challenges, leaderboards, and streaks
• Rewards through employer or group programs
• Focus on community and team motivation
• Customizable challenge formats

How to Make the Most Out of These Apps

• Stack ’em: No law says you can only use one. Use 2-3 together to rack up more rewards.
• Track smart: Invest in a good fitness tracker or smartwatch. They’re way more accurate.
• Invite your crew: A lot of these apps offer referral bonuses. Why not earn from your friends’ steps too?
• Consistency is key: Logging every day, even a little, goes a long way.
• Look out for promos: Some apps run challenges or bonuses. Don’t miss ’em.

So… Is This the Future of Fitness Motivation?

Okay, let’s not oversell it. You’re not paying your rent with these apps. But if you’re already making the effort to be healthy, why not earn a few bucks or a free smoothie while you’re at it?

Apps like HealthyWage and StepBet crank up the pressure—and sometimes that’s what you need. Others like Charity Miles let you do good while you do you.

The key is using these apps as tools. They won’t replace a personal trainer or overhaul your finances, but they will give you that extra nudge when Netflix is calling.

Read: Best Money-Making Apps

Final Thoughts: Walk, Run, Sweat… Repeat

If you’re someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to squeeze more value out of everyday activities, these fitness reward apps are worth a shot. The rewards are small, sure. But the motivation? That can be big.

So go ahead. Download a couple. Move more. Earn a little. And maybe, just maybe, enjoy that next workout a bit more knowing it’s giving you something back.