The Best Fitness Apps for Android, iOS and Apple Watch in 2025

If you've ever typed "best gym app reddit" into search because you want a real-world opinion, you're in the right place. Reddit threads often cut through marketing noise to show which apps actually help people stay consistent, track progress, and hit goals. This guide gathers the apps most frequently recommended by lifters and gym-goers on Reddit, plus practical advice for choosing and using a gym app that fits your training style.

How Redditors evaluate the best gym app reddit

Reddit discussions tend to stress a few consistent criteria when naming the best gym app reddit: reliability (does it log properly?), simplicity (can you record sets quickly between exercises?), customization (can you build or edit programs?), and long-term tracking (does it show progress over months?). Users also weigh price, offline capability, and how well an app supports structured programs like SS/5x5, PPL, or custom hypertrophy work.

A few community nuances to consider:

• Lightweight and fast matters: many Redditors prefer apps that minimize time tapping between sets.

• Exportable data is a plus: being able to export CSVs or sync to other services helps serious lifters analyze progress.

• Free tier vs. paid features: the best app for a hobbyist might differ from what a competitive lifter needs.

Now, onto the apps that show up most often on Reddit threads and why people like them.

12 gym apps Redditors recommend (in no particular order)

Strong — Best for simple, fast logging

Strong is one of the most commonly recommended apps on Reddit for logging barbell and machine-based workouts. Users praise its clean interface and fast set entry — crucial when you're resting between heavy sets.

• Key features: quick set logging, superset timers, exercise library, built-in progress charts.

• Pros: Very fast to use, well-designed UI, reliable history and PR tracking.

• Cons: Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

• Best for: Lifters who want a no-fuss app focused on strength training and progress tracking.

FitNotes — Best free option for lifters who want simplicity

FitNotes keeps things intentionally basic: a no-frills workout log with straightforward set and rep tracking. Redditors who prefer open-ended tracking and a free tool often recommend it.

• Key features: customizable routines, simple history, no mandatory cloud account.

• Pros: Free, small app size, very customizable templates.

• Cons: Minimal bells and whistles; interface feels dated to some.

• Best for: Budget-conscious users and those who want offline, private logging.

Jefit — Best if you want a big exercise database and templates

Jefit offers an extensive exercise library and a library of programs. Redditors who like ready-made routines or visual exercise guidance tend to recommend it.

• Key features: exercise videos, community programs, rest timers, analytics.

• Pros: Huge exercise list, structured programs, strong community features.

• Cons: Ads on free tier and a steeper learning curve.

• Best for: Beginners wanting guided programs and users who enjoy community-created routines.

Fitbod — Best for AI-driven workout suggestions

Fitbod uses algorithms to suggest workouts based on your past sessions, available equipment, and fatigue. Many Reddit threads praise its smart programming for helping people progress without planning every workout.

• Key features: AI-generated workouts, equipment-aware plans, recovery-aware recommendations.

• Pros: Tailors workouts intelligently, great for limited-equipment days.

• Cons: Paid subscription required for full functionality.

• Best for: People who want automated planning and personalized daily workouts.

MyFitnessPal — Best for combined macro and workout tracking

MyFitnessPal is widely recommended on Reddit when diet tracking matters as much as training. Linking nutrition to workouts helps users manage calorie and macro goals alongside gym sessions.

• Key features: food log, macro tracking, exercise entries, large food database.

• Pros: Excellent food database and tracking features, integrates with many apps.

• Cons: Workout logging is more basic than dedicated gym apps.

• Best for: People focused on body composition who need unified diet and exercise tracking.

StrongLifts 5x5 — Best for beginners following a simple strength program

StrongLifts 5x5 is a program-first app that guides users through a proven progression scheme. Redditors frequently recommend it to beginners who want a clear, effective strength template.

• Key features: guided 5x5 program, automatic weight progression, timers.

• Pros: Extremely straightforward progression, suitable for new lifters.

• Cons: Limited versatility if you want hypertrophy-focused or accessory-heavy programs.

• Best for: Novice lifters aiming to build foundational strength.

Hevy — Social and friendly logging

Hevy combines simple logging with social features. It’s often mentioned on Reddit for its friendly design, easy logging, and community sharing.

• Key features: workout log, progress photos, community feed, exercise library.

• Pros: Great for motivation and sharing progress; clean UI.

• Cons: Some features gated behind a subscription.

• Best for: Users who like community accountability along with their logs.

Strava — Best for cardio and overall activity tracking

While Strava is known for cycling and running, many Redditors who mix cardio with gym sessions still recommend it for its activity tracking and social elements.

• Key features: GPS-based workouts, segments, social feed, activity analysis.

• Pros: Excellent for outdoor training and endurance metrics.

• Cons: Not specialized for lifting logs.

• Best for: Runners, cyclists, and triathletes who want a robust social tracker.

Nike Training Club — Best for guided bodyweight and conditioning sessions

Nike Training Club offers a library of guided workouts and programs, often praised in Reddit threads for free high-quality sessions led by trainers.

• Key features: guided workouts, video instruction, structured programs.

• Pros: High production value, many workouts free.

• Cons: Less focused on heavy barbell programming.

• Best for: People wanting guided conditioning, mobility, and bodyweight work.

Freeletics — Best for high-intensity bodyweight training

Freeletics is a high-intensity training app with scalable workouts. Redditors who favor intense, time-efficient sessions often bring it up.

• Key features: HIIT routines, bodyweight workouts, coaching plans.

• Pros: Intense, adaptable workouts; mobile-first experience.

• Cons: Can be repetitive; most coaching features are paid.

• Best for: Users who prefer bodyweight conditioning and short, intense sessions.

FitNotes vs. Strong vs. Hevy — picking between the heavy-hitters

On Reddit, debates between FitNotes, Strong, and Hevy come down to a few trade-offs: FitNotes for absolute simplicity and privacy, Strong for speed and modern UX, and Hevy for social features. Each has its vocal supporters depending on how they train.

• FitNotes: minimal, free, private.

• Strong: fast logging, clean charts.

• Hevy: social and motivational.

How to choose the best gym app reddit users will actually like

Selecting the best gym app reddit recommends will still depend on your personal training style. Use this short checklist to narrow your options:

1. Purpose: Do you need a workout log, a program coach, or nutrition tracking?

2. Speed: Can you log sets quickly between reps? Try demo modes or free tiers.

3. Customization: Can you add your own exercises and rest periods?

4. Data access: Can you export history for long-term analysis?

5. Price: Does the paid tier add meaningful value for your goals?

If you want a quick way to compare, write down your "must-have" features and try two apps for a month each. Most Redditors say that a short trial period is the best way to settle the debate.

Tips from Reddit to get the most out of any gym app

Here are actionable tips you’ll see in the top Reddit threads about gym apps:

• Keep logging simple: create templates for your main sessions so you don’t have to build them from scratch every time.

• Use timers wisely: set rest timers to encourage consistent intensity and better recovery between sets.

• Backup or export data regularly: some users report losing history when switching devices—exporting CSVs avoids that risk.

• Combine tools: use a tracking app (like Strong or FitNotes) with a nutrition app (like MyFitnessPal) for a full picture.

• Be wary of auto-suggestions: AI-generated workouts (Fitbod, for example) are useful, but check that they match your actual recovery and equipment.

If you want to dive deeper into technique and programming while using an app, there are helpful guides and training resources that complement logging tools. For example, the Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout provides useful programming advice that pairs well with a logging app.

Managing privacy, syncing, and switching apps

Reddit conversations often show users hesitating to create cloud accounts for privacy reasons. If privacy matters to you:

• Choose apps with local-only logging or clear privacy policies.

• Before switching apps, export your workout history (CSV or JSON) so you can import or reference it later.

• Check which apps sync with wearables if you want heart rate or rep-counting integration.

For users looking for an all-in-one experience, some platforms tie logging, analytics, and guidance together. If you’re curious about a dedicated tracker focused on logging sets and reps, consider reviewing community feedback like the Setgraph App Reviews (2025): User Ratings for Tracking Sets, Reps & Workouts to compare real user experiences.

Quick FAQ from Reddit threads

Which app do powerlifters on Reddit prefer?

Powerlifters often choose apps that are fast and reliable for heavy set logging — Strong and FitNotes are popular picks because they minimize tap time and record PRs clearly.

Are AI workout apps worth it?

AI apps like Fitbod can be very helpful for programming variety and matching workouts to available equipment, but many Redditors recommend using them as assistants rather than unquestioned coaches.

What's best for tracking long-term progress?

Apps that offer exportable data and clear charts (Strong, Jefit, or the paid tiers of other trackers) are best for long-term analysis.

Final verdict and next steps

If you're searching for the "best gym app reddit" debates, start by defining what you actually need: a lightweight logger, a guided program, or nutrition integration. For most lifters who want quick logging and reliable progression tracking, Strong and FitNotes are excellent starting points. If you want AI-driven daily workouts, Fitbod is the most commonly endorsed option. For nutrition plus exercise, MyFitnessPal remains a community favorite.

To make the choice stick:

• Try two apps for a month each and measure which one you actually use consistently.

• Export your data before switching.

• Combine a dedicated tracker with training guides — resources like Optimize Your Training | Expert Tips and Workout Guides and general fitness articles at Fitness & Workout Tips | Setgraph can help you build a program that pairs well with your chosen app.

If you prefer a simple, purpose-built workout tracker, you can learn more about dedicated logging tools at the official Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App page or browse user impressions on the Setgraph App Reviews page.

Good luck — the best gym app reddit users recommend is the one you actually open and use consistently. Pick one, stick with it for a few months, and let the data show your progress.

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