The study is real, the author list is accurate, and the sample size matches. The observational study analyzed data from 389,481 adult digital fitness app users (mean age 34.7 ± 9.9) of various experience levels followed for twelve months from their first recorded workout, with long-term adherence defined as completing at least one workout per week, allowing up to six missed weeks. Adherence declined steadily over time, with 10.1% of beginner users remaining adherent at 12 months; higher sustained participation was seen in older versus younger users (51+: 13.3%; 18-40: 8.4%), male versus female (11.4% vs 7.9%), and more experienced users (intermediate 18.3%; advanced 25.8%). Training consistency during the first 28 days was the strongest predictor of adherence and showed a protective association that attenuated over time. Greater diversity in equipment use and higher emphasis on resistance exercise were also associated with lower dropout risk.

Critically for this claim: longer workout duration was associated with improved adherence among users who trained more frequently, particularly early in follow-up. The authors conclude that early consistency and structured training behaviors were strongly associated with long-term app-recorded exercise adherence, with relatively modest differences based on age and sex. The preprint version states the same directional finding, and adds that a greater number of active training days during onboarding was consistently associated with a substantially lower risk of dropout.