El Método Funcional vs Step Friend
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
El Método Funcional
Safely return to training and transform your body with evidence-based programs guided by specialists. Heal aches and pains or build strength and mobility, all from home or the gym. Access a supportive community and expert advice.
- Progressive programs for pain relief
- Strength, mobility, and cardio workouts
- Direct chat with physiotherapists
- Live guided classes
- Home and gym workouts
- Daily mobility routines
- Nutrition guides and recipes
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Try it FREE for 7 days – cancel anytime. El Método Funcional is the ultimate app to return to training safely and without pain — heal your aches and transform your body — whether you’re at home or in the gym. Here, you don’t follow random routines. You train with progressive, evidence-based programs, guided step by step by rehabilitation and performance specialists. If you have back, knee, neck, or shoulder pain… this is where your healing journey begins. If you’re already pain-free, you move on to strength, mobility, and conditioning programs to get in shape without risk. All included in one single membership. Train better. Move better. Live pain-free. Download today and start your 7-day free trial. KEY FEATURES Programs to heal your pain Progressive routines for back, knee, neck, shoulder pain, and more Clear explanations so you can train safely and within your limits Direct chat with physiotherapists to ask questions or send videos for corrections Workouts to transform your body Strength, mobility, cardio, and hybrid training programs Designed for all levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced Live guided classes led by Julien Lepretre, osteopath and trainer Train wherever you want Workouts you can do at home with minimal equipment or at the gym Classes from 10 to 45 minutes to fit your schedule Ideal if you’re short on time or struggle with consistency No decisions, just results The app tells you exactly what to train each day based on your goal Track your progress week by week Access all programs with a single subscription Real support, you’re not alone Chat with Método Funcional physiotherapists A motivated community training alongside you Tips, variations, and adjustments for every level ALSO INCLUDES Daily mobility routines Nutrition guides and healthy recipes Educational videos on biomechanics, posture, and performance Your body is capable of more than you think. It just needs the right method. Start your 7-day free trial today. Training without pain is possible. Note regarding Apple Health: The app integrates with Apple Health to show your daily activity - distance, steps, active energy, and flights to help you better achieve your goals. App also uses Apple Health to track energy burned and heart rate during a workout session, if an Apple Watch is used. Workout metrics are shared with the coach to better design your workout schedule. DISCLAIMER: Users should seek a doctor’s advice before using this app and making any medical decisions.
Step Friend
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Step Friend turns your everyday steps into a game. Adopt your axolotl from the lake of Xochimilco. Every step you take in the real world feeds your axolotl, earns you coins and pushes your streak forward. Walk enough days in a row and your axolotl levels up — unlocking new outfits, accessories and mini-pet companions. FEATURES • Friends & challenges — add friends, take on step challenges and climb group leaderboards. • Step tracking — connects to Apple Health, or uses your phone's built-in pedometer. Your choice. • Workouts — import runs, walks, cycling, strength sessions and more. • Axolotl care — keep its happiness up, dress it and decorate its lake. • Streaks & levels — daily goals reward you with coins and unlocks. • Shop — earn outfits and accessories through play. • PRO courses (subscription) — nutrition, training and habit lessons made for everyday exercisers. • Coaching (optional) — request a quote for real 1:1 human coaching. PRIVACY FIRST • No ads. No tracking. No third-party analytics SDKs. • Health data stays on your device unless you create an account and choose to sync. • Play 100% offline as a guest if you prefer. STEP FRIEND PRO A monthly or yearly subscription that unlocks the full outfit catalog, PRO courses, full stats and no limit workout imports. Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://stepfriend.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://stepfriend.app/terms Support: support@stepfriend.app
Screenshots
Verdict
El Método Funcional and Step Friend are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. El Método Funcional sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month and Step Friend sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | El Método Funcional | Step Friend |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (9 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 138 MB | 52 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Julien Lepretre | ALEJANDRO SANCHEZ SAUCEDO |
Bugs and requests
El Método Funcional
Reported bugs
3 issues- Charged after cancellation
- Cannot find cancellation option
- No response to customer inquiries
Requested features
2 requests- Adapt app format for tablets/iPads
- Allow combining multiple training plans
Step Friend
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
El Método Funcional
- Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Month
- 6-Monthly Subscription$119.996 Months
- Yearly Subscription$199.991 Year
Step Friend
- Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
- Pro Annual$24.991 Year









