To improve the physical fitness of college students, the government has implemented a series of measures, including the promotion of “Sunshine Sports” and physical fitness testing. This study investigates the usage of fitness and exercise apps among college students in Yunnan, explores their motivations for using these apps or their reasons for not using them, and identifies issues encountered by students in the process. Using methods such as a literature review, questionnaire surveys, and statistical analysis, this study surveyed 412 university students (from freshmen to seniors) at a university in Yunnan. The findings indicate a high adoption rate of fitness apps among students, who are primarily used for fitness improvement, weight loss, and exam preparation. However, most students engage in extracurricular sports activities infrequently; academic workload and lack of willpower are primary barriers to their participation in sports activities. Additionally, many students lack awareness of the importance of warm-up and cooldown routines. The most frequently used features include exercise planning, step counting, and GPS tracking. However, inaccuracies in GPS positioning and feedback data are common issues faced by students. This study suggests that universities should encourage students to engage in physical activities and that teachers can promote sports safety awareness and integrate fitness apps into physical education curricula. Students may learn to manage their time effectively to balance academics and exercise, and developers should enhance GPS reception and optimize app functionalities, incorporating more innovative features.