Strava Expands Training Tools with AI-Powered App Acquisitions

Strava, one of the most popular social fitness apps, has recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring two AI-driven training apps: The Breakaway, focused on cycling, and Runna, tailored for runners. These acquisitions reflect Strava’s strategic move to deepen its offerings in personalized training plans, enhancing the experience for athletes seeking tailored workout guidance.

The Breakaway, incubated in Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 class, uses artificial intelligence to create customized cycling training plans aimed at helping users meet specific goals. Similarly, Runna, a UK-based app backed by JamJar, offers personalized running plans. Both apps complement Strava’s core functionality of tracking workouts and sharing fitness activities socially.

Strava’s unique social component allows users to see where and how their friends exercise, fostering community and motivation. Additionally, Strava’s public API is widely used by athletes and developers to customize interactions with fitness data, with hundreds of third-party apps integrated into the ecosystem.

Despite acquiring these apps, Strava reassures users that it will maintain an open API, allowing athletes to continue using their preferred third-party training tools without disruption. The company has not yet detailed how features from The Breakaway and Runna will be integrated, but both apps are expected to remain available as standalone products.

Strava CEO Michael Martin highlighted the potential to streamline the user journey by reducing friction between planning routes, training with specialized apps, and sharing progress back on Strava. This integrated approach could significantly enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

Pricing for these premium training products remains unchanged for now, with Strava’s subscription at around $80 per year, Runna at $120, and The Breakaway at $70. Free versions will continue to be accessible, ensuring users have options regardless of their subscription status.

Strava’s acquisitions underscore a growing trend in fitness technology: integrating AI-driven personalization with social connectivity to create comprehensive training ecosystems. For developers and businesses in this space, the challenge and opportunity lie in balancing innovation with user autonomy and community engagement.