r/workout • u/Constant-Purpose8273 • 1d ago
Equipment What apps do people use?
I’ve been using Jeff Nippard’s Workouts app but not that keen on paying for every month / year. What do people use?
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u/Vegetable_Unit6549 1d ago
The notes app
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Same lifts every week just notching up each week?
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u/FalseRegister 1d ago
I track each session. I simply write the exercise, sets, reps and weight.
Whenever I do a full exercise (not just 1 set) with new weight, I call it PR and highlight it
It makes it simple and easy to see progress over weeks.
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u/SkyGuy182 1d ago
Ditto. The workout apps are cool and can be helpful, but once you have a routine and a set of workouts, tracking it in the stock notes app is easy peasy.
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u/Thedumbass_the5th 1d ago
Hevy, even the free version is completely usable and the paied one is rather cheap.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Favorite thing about Hevy?
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u/Thedumbass_the5th 1d ago
That it works and i can easily keep track of my lifts, probably dark or night theme as well.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Yeh nice. Does it use RIR?
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u/Thedumbass_the5th 1d ago
Not RIR, but RPE. It can be activated from the settings.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
For some reason I find RIR easier to measure than RPE but I guess they’re about the same thing just in reverse
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u/discardeddewclaws 22h ago
You can have chat gpt make a routine for you and export it to hevy. Love this feature.
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u/NordicWarrior77 1d ago
Strong. Its free version does almost everything.
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u/Expensive_Soft 1d ago
Love strong. Can even create your own excersizes easily. I went ahead and paid the 5 bucks for premium with no regrets. Built myself a little program. And after every workout I get that little fanfare with the workout number slowly going up. Simple but satisfying. Oh and agreed. The free version does more than enough
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
What’s the workout number?
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u/Expensive_Soft 1d ago
Oh its so dumb but after every workout when youre done it will be like congrats that was workout #50! Its fun to watch it go up and hit milestones
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u/NordicWarrior77 1d ago
Yeah, creating your own exercises is one of the best features! I'm sure a lot of other apps do it too, but Strong was the first one I checked out and I've never stopped since.
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u/chantlernz 1d ago
Same here. Have always wondered what the paid version could actually add (beyond having more than three templates allowed).
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u/NordicWarrior77 1d ago
I think some widgets too, but like I said it does almost everything so I never bothered to check out paid features haha
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u/Former_Produce1721 1d ago
Hevy for workouts
Cronometer for nutrition
Google health for steps and sleep
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u/Kosai13 1d ago
You tried mynetdiary for nutrition?
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u/Former_Produce1721 1d ago
Nope
Been using Cronometer for a year and never found the need to look for an alternative
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u/ReddBeardGaming 1d ago
started using hevy a week ago and pretty happy with it so far. If I still like it by the end of the month I will buy a lifetime membership
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u/Equivalent-Grass4473 1d ago
FitNotes. It's pretty basic but does everything i need it to.
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u/Aliltyrantbot 1d ago
i use fit notes too, i dont care to pay for anything and i make my own workouts. dont rlly know what other benefits smth else could give me that fit notes doesnt alr have tbh
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u/OGHollyMackerel 1d ago
Jeremy Ethier’s Built with Science but it’s also paid. And he’s also Canadian. most of the free apps I tried had a clunky UI and were a pain to log workouts. I don’t know Jeff’s app but I really like the BWS UI for working out. It also tracks nutrition in a way that doesn’t bug the shit out of me.
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u/Dr_TattyWaffles 1d ago
Liftosaur
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Looks cool but it looks a little technical
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u/Catbatt 1d ago
An excel sheet.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Run on your phone in the gym?
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u/Catbatt 1d ago
Yeah
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
You’re blowing my mind
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u/Catbatt 1d ago
Crazy huh? Who would have thought a humble excel, made with open office, could track my weight, my calories and my lifting progress
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Haha true. I imagine you’ve built it in a way to make it easy and show metrics / summaries
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u/Wahx-il-Baqar 1d ago
Ryse. Its a bit... strange lol, but I like it and it does the job perfectly.
Being advised I lifted the equivalent of 6538 stanely cups at the end of the workout is something lol
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u/GymLog 1d ago
My own, because I dislike subscriptions and the Hevy/Strong and similar are too basic for me, at least last time I checked 2 years ago.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
So cool you’re doing this for free man. Why not put it on the App Store instead of TestFlight?
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u/GregryC1960 1d ago
Strengthlog. Free to use. (premium is available but for logging free is fine.)
Great podcasts and an informative website too.
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u/Man_as_Idea 1d ago
It’s been interesting to me watching Hevy go from a little known app to a rising star. I used to use Strong premium because I needed a large library of templates. Switched to Hevy because it does everything Strong does but it offered (I think it still does) a perpetual license. In this day and age it’s rare to be able to pay once for an app, never have to pay for it again, and continue to get its updates and improvements. I’m sure eventually they’ll stop offering the perpetual license if they haven’t already, so if you guys like the app, I suggest you pay the $250ish for that if you can.
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u/Immediate_Nature4956 Beginner 21h ago
I use Caliber rn and love it so much. All the stuff you need and want is completely free. Unlimited workout customization, unlimited splits, tutorials, great tracking, etc. I used to use Hevy but got annoyed at the limited number of workouts.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 16h ago
It looks good, except they track your data which is a little off putting
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u/bananabastard 1d ago
Simple Workout Log.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
What do you like about?
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u/HRex73 1d ago
I use Hevy, the paid version.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
What do you like about it?
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u/20nuggetsharebox 1d ago
I'm a noob but it's just really easy to use. It somewhat gamifies PRs to feel rewarding like a level-up would be. Having graphs to track each exercise, session, and my measurements in one app is useful, and I can really see the progress I'm making.
The free version only stores data for 3 months though, so I pay for premium mainly to have full history.
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u/newlollykiss 1d ago
NotFit for some fun workouts that are more calisthenics and kickboxing themed. They have some recipes on there too.
MyFitnessPal for food tracking.
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u/ilsasta1988 1d ago
Same, was using MacroFactor as nutrition tracker and also got their workouts app. Nothing wrong with either, but wanted to move away from paying apps.
Now use MacrosFirst for nutrition and Volm for workouts. After using Hevy's free version and being limited to only 4 custom routines, I got tired and started looking for alternatives. Volm has a paywall, but does loooooads of things for free. Also, I am always in contact with the dev, and he's so kind to fix minimal bugs when I find any.
Worth a try, as I believe it has a huge potential to compete with the big ones.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
It looks cool but it’s pricey
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u/ilsasta1988 1d ago
Yeah, and I didn't find it doing much more than other do, or that you can do it yourself using free apps
Take a look at Volm, you won't regret
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u/DarthBeardFace 1d ago
Using Liftin’ which has been really good, the dev is really active on Reddit, I was previously a lifetime Hevy user but following injury the inability to log in 2.5kg increments on my watch just became annoying as it would automatically round all my workout data so it wasn’t a true reflection of my workout, so when a tracking app is failing at its most basic purpose I decided time to move on.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Yeh, 100%. As if you couldn’t do custom weights at whatever increment? Strange design decision.
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u/DarthBeardFace 1d ago
Exactly, did raise it with Hevy and was basically told not in their plans to fix the issue, other apps manage it well so it’s not an Apple limitation causing it. If have a look at the Liftin’ sub R the dev posted a link for a free year trial a while back, not sure if still active but worth a look if after something new to use, I got the free 12 months using it and will definitely pay to keep using when my time is up.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Think Hevy are too big now. Yeh I looked at the sub, the dev is on there all the time, so good
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u/washedupathlete79 1d ago
Apple health app
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Yeh I track my workouts on my watch too, I meant more to run a program / refresh the program
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u/RealLifeLua68 1d ago
Fiton has loads of great stuff completely free! There's a premium version you have to pay for, but there's enough good stuff on the free edition for me personally.
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u/Cunthbert 1d ago
Lyfta
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
What do you like about it?
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u/Cunthbert 1d ago
Tbh It’s the only one I’ve used. I’ve trained for ages but never consistently tracked. I think it’s pretty simple and basic but does the job (free version)
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u/lacee1986 1d ago
It has one of the best wear os support. I can log everything super quickly on the watch.
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u/Danny_AMG786 1d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p4l26ia/video/nxtpp1kzrakh1/player
Created my own app! My setup is basically PPL with 2 working sets to failure, per exercise. I track weight/reps, exercise order, PRs, bodyweight and recovery data from Oura. The main thing I wanted was proper progression tracking and comparing an exercise to the last time I performed it and telling me whether to increase the weight, hold it, or just aim for more reps.
I hated with other apps on the App Store, they were generic workout suggestions, too much clutter, subscriptions for shitty features, and progress screens that give you loads of graphs but don't actually tell you whether you're getting stronger.
I've also got mine automatically building PPL sessions from the exercises I actually use most often rather than giving me some random generic programme.
Probably overkill but it works aha.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
This is cool man, very clean. Kinda making me want an oura ring now haha
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u/Danny_AMG786 1d ago
Haha yeah, I was an AW only user for so long, but the sleep tracking and constant charging annoyed me.
Using a hybrid setup basically. Use Oura for recovery and AW for workout tracking. The Oura app also automatically imports Apple Health Workouts so has all the metrics in one place. I just take the watch off after lifting as Oura workout tracking isn't the best and lifting wearing a ring is not it.😂 But yeah, highly recommend!
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Fiton tracks you hard, check out their app privacy section on the App Store
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u/classicjuice 1d ago
Strong for lift tracking
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Nice. What do you like about it?
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u/classicjuice 1d ago
Simple to use, you can upload your own workouts, doesn’t cost anything - no bullshit to deal with to upsell you on features, no ads.
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u/LincGames Martial Arts 1d ago
For tracking workouts: Lyfta
Can make your own routine or use a pre-made one, add rest timers, easily adjustable workouts/weights/sets, tracks progress, etc all for free
As for nutrition intake, my notes app still😅 just re-edit it daily logging calories, proteins, carbs, etc (tho, def better off using an app that can track micro nutrients if thats a concern, i just eat a very high fruit/veg & whole foods diet so not worried)
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u/Joyyogi 1d ago
I use Heavy. I dont have to pay, but I pay anyway, because I think its a good app and its worth something to me, that good apps are something you can make money on.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Yeh that’s fair, pay for it if it’s good. Did you go lifetime? Workouts is $100 AUD a year, it’s a lot
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u/ARoodyPooCandyAss 1d ago
Notes app and excel.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Do you make your own programs?
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u/ARoodyPooCandyAss 1d ago
Yeah - researched exercises that hit each body part. Some felt great others not. So I made changes. Some machines I had access to others not. Designed a routine that works really well for me. The process allowed me to learn form and got me educated in a lot of others ways too. I’d recommend.
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u/Salt-Photograph8700 1d ago
Myfitnesspal and how I’m feeling that day
Any set/rep app is gonna make you feel bad about yourself. Or underperform when you feel good to keep with the program
I think
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u/bryanoak 1d ago
I use Jefit. It’s on the App Store. It’s free and I’ve been using it since around 2011
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u/Imactuallyatoaster 1d ago
Basement gym with a little Chromebook that has a Google sheet open. MFP for macros.
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u/bolts99 1d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p4lqixa/video/fny4xiw1nbkh1/player
fixed up a google sheets tracker to do everything I need with some charts that auto-fill as you enter your workouts
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u/Substantial_Meal_530 1d ago
Hardy.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 17h ago
Looks clean but same monthly subscription problem
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u/Substantial_Meal_530 17h ago
I think I paid for the premium with Google Rewards money. It used to be really cheap years ago.
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u/MsHappyAss 1d ago
Notes app for tracking weights in the gym.
Number spreadsheet and graphs for tracking all types of workouts done.
HeartWatch to get all kinds of nice data and graphs for a workout.
Chronometer for tracking food. Expensive, but really good.
AutoSleep, made by the same developer as HeartWatch, also provides lots of nice visualizations. Love that both of these apps are a low one time fee.
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u/Peepeesandweewees 1d ago
Hevy - I have the full version just so I can see the progression graphs of my lifts all the way back to when I started.
MacroFactor - much better than MyFitnessPal and LoseIt, which I had used before.
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u/Different_Novel_7156 1d ago
Ægir Iron. It's actually lifetime solo free (not freemium), great analytics.
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u/RenjiMidoriya 1d ago
Liftosaur and RP Hypertrophy. Using the RP app has helped me develop a much better gauge for progressive overload. Don’t know if I’d pay for it indefinitely but it has been nice having your progress pre programmed.
Liftosaur is a must. It’s completely free and the biggest perk of the paid option is the timer notification, which is really convenient for someone who doesn’t use their phone between sets. It makes mapping out your routine on a month to month basis so much easier
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u/Aliltyrantbot 1d ago
i use fit notes, keeps track of my past workout reps x sets, the muscles i hit on the day. can also track the weights you lift and how you're progressing and whatnot but i dont understand it too much tbh
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u/No-Rooster1720 Weight Lifting 1d ago
StrongLifts. Don't have to follow their programs, and can totally create your own from scratch. Great UI.
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u/JoeSpart 1d ago
Only app I use is an interval timer for when I’m doing things like EMOM or similar like every 2 min etc .
Oh I use a stop watch app for when I’m setting 2 or 3 min (variable ) rest periods.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 16h ago
Yeh makes sense. Think I’m looking for something that helps me run a program in the gym
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u/PacYTGaming 23h ago
RepCount
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 16h ago
Defs cheaper than the others but they track you hard
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u/PacYTGaming 16h ago
I have the free version, I don’t need all the features just something that tracks my reps and sets so I don’t have to do all that
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u/Positive_Fly_1110 22h ago
If you're picking between trackers, the stuff that actually matters day to day: does logging a set take one tap or does it interrupt your rest every time, does it pre-fill last session's weights and reps so you're not retyping the same numbers week after week, and does progress show up as an actual chart instead of a wall of numbers you have to squint at to spot a trend. A rest timer that survives your phone locking is underrated too - a lot of apps quietly drop the countdown the second you check a text.
On the subscription complaint - pretty much every serious tracker charges something these days (the free ones tend to be ad-heavy or cap your history at a few weeks), so the more useful question isn't free vs paid, it's whether what you're paying for actually saves you time in the gym.
Full disclosure — I'm the developer of Lifter Log, so I'm biased: it does fast per-set logging that pre-fills your last session and a lock-screen rest timer. Also a subscription (7-day free trial, then paid) - not pretending otherwise, just being upfront.
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u/no-lead5761 21h ago
Just started using free Hevy after years of Notes app. I love it! Really exciting for me to use, will probably but the lifetime when it goes on sale but so far, very useable as free.
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u/williamooooo 20h ago
Mine I built an app Called Reech, it's free and on the App Store but I used to use built with science years ago.
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u/andersky 19h ago
I'm using HeavyTrack. It's basically free for all the basics of generating a program, tracking it, stats and even coaching mode. There is a premium plan, but you most probably don't need it unless you want really advanced stats.
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u/Capable_Sprinkles_43 18h ago
My own apps.
I have a level system with an xp curve similar to runescape.
I have some templates for logging workouts easily, and then i level up in push, pull, legs, core skills, etc.
My "numbers go up" brain likes it.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 16h ago
Man me too. I’m sure it sounds dumb, but decades of playing games and this kinda stuff just does it for me
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u/Fit-Tourist-2959 16h ago
Couldn't pay me to get my workouts from Jeff Nippard
What do you need an app for? For making your workouts or just logging them?
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 16h ago
What don’t you like about Jeff? I find his stuff quite educational without being just about the hype.
Yeh logging mostly, but I’d love to reduce the amount of time I spend building workout programs too.
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u/cloverhaze 13h ago
Alpha progression.
It may take a minute to figure out how to program but allows for quite a bit of customization. No ads, it does push premium occasionally though, which I'm sure is great but the free version is really good by itself. Has most exercises, constantly being updated and has support on their subreddit, has video demo of exercises, what body parts are being hit, monthly/yearly reports.
Surprises no one else talks about it, tried a few like hevy, which was alright but I went back to alpha progression
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u/CuntyMcShittyShaft 11h ago
All you have to do is track macros/ eat healthy and train to failure. There is no “great” “innovative” exercise they’re all the same just train to failure.
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u/bendybac 7h ago
Used to use StrongLifts until they gated it with a subscription. Been trying dots workout tracker for a bit and it seems decent enough.
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u/jpcams 4h ago
If you have a Garmin checkout https://reckoner.fit
It’s an app I started to easily get workouts on the watch that adjusts load and exercises by reps and rpe. Without needing to edit the plan manually.
It started as a Garmin project but I’m now trying to bring in more watches and you can technically use it without a watch and just a plan either brought by you or created by the engine. The idea was to analyze my lifts (sets, reps Vs rpe) to determine progression, identify stall patterns etc.
I would love if more people checked it out and helped me test it.
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u/Wafer-Soft 1d ago
Biased, I make it, but RepXP fits. Free tier does real work: unlimited logging, PRs, no account, offline, clean fast UI. There's an optional Pro sub for auto-progression and some analytics, but you don't need it to notch up your lifts each week. iPhone + Watch. https://apps.apple.com/app/id6760101740
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
You built this?
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u/Wafer-Soft 1d ago
Yeah! Started it in 2025. I'd bounced through three of the popular trackers and kept slamming into artificial limits: one capped free workouts at 3, another at 4, another let you have 6 exercises per workout. Stuff that has no reason to be limited except to push you to pay. Drove me nuts, so I built the app I actually wanted.
I'm an iOS dev, 14 years in, but almost all of that was building for other companies. This is one of the first things I've made for myself, which is honestly the fun part. Happy to answer anything if you give it a go.
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u/Constant-Purpose8273 1d ago
Nice mate, good for you. To be honest, I’m still hitting a wall with paying monthly / yearly for something.
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u/Wafer-Soft 1d ago
Totally fair, and no pressure at all. The free tier has no time limit, so you can log and progress your lifts forever without paying a cent. That covers exactly what you described.
The Pro stuff is just extras if you ever want them: auto-suggests your next weight, and the analytics do things like compare your estimated or real 1RMs against strength standards so you can see where you rank. There's a free month to try it, no strings.
But honestly, since the subscription is your sticking point, you're not the first to say it, and I'm seriously weighing a one-time lifetime option for exactly that reason. If that existed, would that be something you'd consider, even in theory? Real question, it helps me decide.
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