Imagine earning cryptocurrency just for walking, working out, or going for a run. Sounds like the future? It’s already here. The Move-to-Earn (M2E) model combines blockchain technology with physical activity and proves that a healthy lifestyle can literally pay off.
What Is Move-to-Earn?
Move-to-Earn is a trend born at the intersection of Web3, gaming, and fitness apps. Simply put – users get rewarded with tokens for real-life movement, such as walking, jogging, or exercising. The apps use GPS to track activity and pay out crypto tokens in return. These tokens can then be traded or exchanged for other cryptocurrencies.
Although the concept sounds attractive, most M2E apps require an upfront investment – usually in the form of buying NFT sneakers or characters. More on that below.
Pros and Cons of Move-to-Earn
Pros:
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Motivates users to stay active
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Combines health with real earning potential
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A hands-on way to enter the Web3 space
Cons:
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High entry barrier (NFT purchase required)
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Token price volatility can affect earnings
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Heavily dependent on the success of individual apps
Most Popular Move-to-Earn Apps (as of June 2025)
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STEPN (GMT and GST)
Runs on the Solana blockchain. Users buy NFT sneakers and earn tokens by walking or running. As of June 2025, STEPN has 6.2 million registered users. Seasonal “Ocean Marathon” challenges and a limited-edition “Sky Runners” skin system reward the most active players. -
MetaGym (MGNC)
Web3 fitness with NFT avatars. Biometric data monitoring customizes workout difficulty. The new “MetaCoach” AI virtual trainer module and an NFT equipment marketplace let users rent and trade gear. -
Sweatcoin (SWEAT)
Rewards users for counted steps. SWEAT can now be staked for bonuses and discounts with partnered fitness brands. A loyalty tier system and weekly NFT prize tournaments motivate top steppers. -
Step App (FITFI and KCAL)
Metaverse competition with team-based sports gear. FITFI tokens are earned for activity and KCAL is used to mint and upgrade NFT sneakers. Official regional leagues and weekly team tournaments with a 50 000 FITFI prize pool launched in June. -
Calo (CALO)
Individual and group challenge modes promote healthy living. A new NFT‐sneaker breeding feature with dynamic genetic traits was added. Integration with Apple Health and Google Fit improves activity tracking accuracy. -
OliveX (DOSE)
Metaverse fitness platform featuring Dustland Runner and Rider games. DOSE tokens are earned for varied activities and spent on upgrades and NFT items. The new “Battle Run” real-time PvP races and the “FitFi Heroes” weekly rewards program launched in June. -
Genopets (GENE)
Digital pets that level up based on your movement. The AI-driven “Sky Islands” adventure mode and the Qubits:GENE staking system with ecosystem treasure hunts were introduced. -
Dotmoovs (MOOV)
AI-judged competitions in dance, freestyle football, and acrobatics. MOOV tokens buy virtual costumes and motion animations. Version 3.0 of the AI body-tracking engine and a global online championship with a 100 000 MOOV prize pool debuted in June.
Summary
Move-to-Earn is a promising development in the crypto world, merging wellness, technology, and finance. While it’s not yet as widespread as Play-to-Earn gaming, it’s gaining ground alongside the global push for healthier lifestyles.
The main hurdle remains the high entry cost – NFTs or special gear may be too expensive for many users. Still, as the trend matures, we’re likely to see more affordable models and broader adoption. It’s definitely a space to watch.
