Gym accountability partner apps: how to pick one, and how Head to Head works

Four questions before you choose

1. 01

   What counts as a session?

   A photo, a tick, a tracker record or a gym check-in. The weaker the evidence, the more you rely on each other’s honesty.

2. 02

   Do you each have your own target?

   Two people rarely train the same amount. Check whether the app lets each of you be judged against the goal you agreed, and over what period.

3. 03

   What happens after a miss?

   A message, a forfeit you agreed, or money. Decide which kind of pressure will help without souring the friendship.

4. 04

   Can you both use it?

   Check the phone platforms, the trackers each of you owns and the price for two people before you start.

The main approaches

• Photo check-ins with a partner, such as SweatMates: quick and friendly; your partner decides what counts.
• Social trackers, such as Strava: you see each other’s recorded activity, with no consequence for a miss.
• Referee contracts, such as stickK: one of you, or someone else, confirms the other’s reports.
• Deposit-backed Bonds, such as FitBond Head to Head: the goal is verified from connected data and each person has a deposit in the Bond.

How FitBond Head to Head works

1. 01

   One goal, two people

   One of you creates the Bond and invites the other by link, or leaves it open for someone to accept. The Bond starts when both deposits are in; if the second person does not join by the start deadline, it is cancelled and refunded.

2. 02

   Verified, not reported

   Progress comes from the source you chose when creating it, such as Apple Health, Strava or a gym check-in by location, so neither of you has to judge the other.

3. 03

   Settlement

   At the end, the settled amount goes to the person who comes out ahead under the rules shown before joining, as Coupons, after the 15% platform fee. Tie and qualifying rules are shown before you join.