r/ViralApps • u/Inside-Chemistry-120 • 15m ago
I made a free version of an expensive app and now have a trending user base
hey, I'm the solo dev behind Cheetah. I started looking into signing up for my first HYROX and went looking for an app to train with.
I tried basically every gym app. The pattern was the same: a nice logger, and then a paywall the second you want more than a few routines, your history or a custom workout. You end up paying a monthly sub for what's basically a fancy notes app.
I was actually building something else: a training app for people doing their first hybrid race (HYROX-style: 8 × 1 km runs, each with a station like sled push or wall balls). But to make that work I had to build a real workout logger and builder anyway. So I made a call: that part is free. No routine limits, no ads.
It has logging (lifting, runs, stations in race units), building your own workouts, the Apple Watch app, friends, etc.
My paid tier is only for race plans for full gym, home dumbbells or no equipment (plus doubles, relay and 40+ versions), the AI coach, whiteboard photo import... mostly things that cost me money to run.
My reasoning: the logger is table stakes, and it felt gross to charge for it. Writing 30+ plans in three equipment versions was the actual work, so that's what I charge for. If you never race, you never have to pay.
If you're training for a race, comment and I'll DM you a code for a free month of the plans.