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Canadian fitness app faces regulatory hurdles for rewards

Canadian Fitness App Faces Regulatory Hurdles | Users Rally for Support

By

David O'Neill

Jan 22, 2026, 02:01 AM

Edited By

Fatima Javed

Updated

Jan 22, 2026, 01:54 PM

2 minutes to read

A person doing a micro-workout while holding a smartphone that shows the fitness app, surrounded by workout gear and motivational items.

A Canadian developer has launched a fitness app that rewards short workouts but is facing significant regulatory challenges. Users are increasingly engaged, offering supportive messages as compliance issues threaten to derail the project.

Background on the Fitness App

The fitness app aims to motivate people to stay active by providing rewards like gift cards and potential cryptocurrency. It targets the common challenge of maintaining consistent exercise routines, particularly for busy individuals.

Compliance Woes

The developer is encountering substantial hurdles due to Canadian regulations, raising concerns about tax implications and compliance with Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) guidelines. According to a local blockchain engineer, adherence to KYC/AML regulations is non-negotiable if they issue financial instruments.

"You can’t just build an app that pays people. That’s not how any of this works," they stated.

In a recent call for advice, the developer urged the community for strategies to navigate the complex legal landscape, especially regarding registration and compliance issues.

Community Support and Sentiments

Comments from internet forums reveal a supportive atmosphere, with users expressing excitement over the app. One user encouraged the developer, saying, "Thank you for building despite the current struggles!" Another noted their efforts to connect with local fitness enthusiasts, stating, "I have added a few spots on wenano to try getting people to get active and visit parks."

Key Points from User Feedback

  • πŸ’ͺ Unified Community Support: Users share enthusiasm and readiness to assist the project.

  • πŸ” Regulatory Compliance Concerns: Industry experts emphasize the necessity for rigorous KYC/AML compliance.

  • πŸ“ˆ Expansion Questions: Some users wonder if the app will eventually reach Europe, expanding its audience.

Future Directions for the Developer

The developer is exploring alternative options, like offering "100% coupons" that could be redeemable for Nano on third-party platforms. As they maneuver through regulatory challenges, the sustained backing of the fitness community will play a vital role in the app's success.

Implications for the Fitness Landscape

The potential of this app to reshape fitness motivation hinges on overcoming regulatory barriers. If successful, it might set precedents for integrating cryptocurrency with traditional rewards systems, appealing to a broader audience. Experts project that with the right legal advice, compliance could be secured within six months.

Lessons from Prior Tech Revolutions

Interestingly, the challenges this fitness app faces are reminiscent of early online payment platforms that also battled regulatory issues. As these pioneers showcased, community backing can be pivotal in overcoming such obstacles. Just as those past solutions emerged, today’s fitness app finds itself at a crucial crossroads, where community resilience could unlock new potential.