For smartphone users looking to improve their fitness routines, there's no shortage of digital tools promising to help them lose weight or keep in shape. There are around 40,000 fitness apps available just on the Google Play store, each essentially offering the same thing: the promise to help users meet their fitness, weight, or workout goals.

In such a competitive market saturated with similar products, can a newly released app stand out? It may seem unlikely: although fitness app downloads are on the rise, there are already more than enough solutions to meet the growing customer demand ahead of time. And yet, one app proves that even in the most competitive market, there's always room to offer users something unique. 

Introducing OctaZone: Workouts by Khabib Nurmagomedov

OctaZone entered the Apple App Store in Q4 2020 and has since been steadily gaining traction with a global audience. The app's appeal quickly expanded beyond the initial following in Russia, with the U.S. now home to its second-fastest growing userbase.

OctaZone is unique among fitness apps in that it features real techniques and exercises used by the legendary mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Rated by Fight Matrix as the best lightweight of all time, Nurmagomedov is the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, with 29 wins and no losses. Having retired in 2020, he decided to devote his time and attention to sharing his workout techniques and training routines with others.

OctaZone is the result of close collaboration between Nurmagomedov and a brand-new mobile app development startup headed by its Cofounder & CEO Arsen Ibragimov. Nurmagomedov lent his expertise in designing personalized workout plans for users looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply keep in shape. In addition, every exercise included in the app is accompanied by a training video starring Nurmagomedov himself, so users can feel as if they're virtually working out with a UFC Champion.

While not the first fitness app to feature a household name in the sports industry, OctaZone is the only one to offer direct access to instructions, tips, and techniques from an incredibly accomplished athlete. Direct competitors - such as Conor McGregor's FAST mobile app - merely leverage the branding and popularity of well-known sports personalities for marketing purposes, with little to no involvement in the development process.

How does it work?

To begin working out with Khabib, the user needs to download the OctaZone app and input their weight, height, and body type. New users are also asked to pick a primary goal, choosing from weight loss, muscle gain, or maintaining current physical shape. Based on this information, the app generates a personalized workout plan, utilizing techniques, exercises, and tips provided by Nurmagomedov.

Khabib is the ideal expert for advising on achieving all three of these goals. As a professional martial artist, he's had to lose weight quickly and safely countless times to fit into the desired weight category. Building muscle and keeping in shape have been equally instrumental in staying in top form.

Once a custom workout plan has been created in the OctaZone app, the user can begin their training. Daily workout sessions consist of a series of no-equipment exercises, which the user can watch Nurmagomedov complete on professionally recorded videos. This ensures that each exercise is done correctly and safely, and gives the user a feeling of being personally guided through the session by the UFC Champion.

A monthly subscription is required to take full advantage of the app. But here's a quick pro tip: it's possible to buy a lifetime subscription for a one-time payment of $129. Many users miss out on this option since it doesn't appear as an in-app purchase. To take advantage of the offer, users need to navigate to their iPhone's subscription settings and choose OctaZone to see a full list of payment plans.

Advantages over other workout apps

Personal workout plans and exclusive training videos from a UFC Champion are not the only elements of OctaZone that give the app an edge over the competition. Another major advantage of the app is its simplicity: the exercises are quick and compact, with no equipment needed.

OctaZone keeps fitness simple and efficient, ensuring users get the most out of each session. The app's interface is equally minimalistic, with a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate and not overcrowded with unnecessary features.

Octazone: Workouts by Khabib Nurmagomedov is already available on iOS, with Android functionality coming early Spring 2021.