The Best Fitness Apps for Android, iOS and Apple Watch in 2025
December 18, 2025
If you want a strength app that actually helps you get stronger — not just one that looks pretty — Reddit is a great place to start. Community threads, long-term user reports, and honest before/after posts make Reddit especially useful for assessing real-world reliability, progress tracking, and developer responsiveness. This guide compiles the most recommended strength training apps discussed by lifters, beginners, and coaches on Reddit, plus practical criteria and tips to help you choose the one that fits your goals.
How Redditers evaluate strength-training apps
Reddit conversations around apps usually focus on a few repeat themes: accuracy of logging, simplicity of the UI, program support (pre-built or custom), flexibility with equipment, offline capability, exportable data, and pricing. Look for comments that mention long-term use — several months or years — and pay attention to replies from people who compare migration between apps.
Key signals to watch for in Reddit threads:
Specifics about logging (sets, reps, weight, rest, RPE)
Whether the app supports progressive overload or auto-adjusts loads
Community notes about bugs and developer updates
Export/import options and compatibility with wearables
With those criteria in mind, here are the top apps that consistently come up in Reddit discussions.
1) Strong (Strong Workout Tracker)
Strong is frequently recommended for its clean design and fast logging. It’s built around tracking sets, reps, and weight with simple workout templates and history graphs.
Best for: lifters who want a fast, no-friction tracker for gym sessions.
Key features: intuitive logging, preset exercises, personal PR tracking, simple volume charts.
Price: free tier with core features; premium for advanced metrics and cloud sync.
Reddit takeaway: users praise Strong for being quick during workouts and reliable for tracking progression. Complaints usually center on wanting more advanced programming features.
Pros: very easy to use, quick entry, solid history view.
Cons: limited built-in programming compared to some competitors.
2) Fitbod
Fitbod uses an algorithm to generate workouts based on your past logged sessions, available equipment, and muscle recovery. It’s popular among people who like automated programming tailored to their gym setup.
Best for: users who want auto-generated sessions and variety without planning each workout.
Key features: algorithmic programming, equipment-based customization, rep/weight suggestions.
Price: subscription model with trial options.
Reddit takeaway: many users enjoy Fitbod for travel or inconsistent gym equipment, though experienced lifters sometimes find it conservative or off for heavy strength-specific cycles.
Pros: saves time on programming, adjusts to equipment availability.
Cons: may not match specialized strength programs like 5x5 or LPs exactly.
3) StrongLifts 5x5
StrongLifts 5x5 is built around the classic beginner linear progression that focuses on three compound lifts across three weekly workouts. Reddit threads often point new lifters here because the program is straightforward and effective.
Best for: total beginners seeking a proven linear progression.
Key features: simple 5x5 programming, automatic weight increases, rest timer.
Price: free basics; pro features behind paywall.
Reddit takeaway: highly recommended for novices; common advice is to pair it with coaching on form and mobility to avoid stalling or injury.
Pros: extremely simple, evidence-backed for beginners.
Cons: limited exercise variety, not ideal after novice gains plateau.
4) Jefit
Jefit is a longstanding app with extensive exercise libraries and customizable routines. It’s a favorite for people who want to build or import specific programs and track accessory work.
Best for: lifters who like customizable plans, detailed logging, and analytics.
Key features: large exercise database, program creator, reports and analytics.
Price: free with ads; premium for advanced features.
Reddit takeaway: Redditors appreciate Jefit’s depth but sometimes criticize the UI and the learning curve for customization.
Pros: very flexible, good analytics.
Cons: can feel cluttered; setup takes time.
5) Hevy
Hevy is a community-oriented tracker with social features, simple logging, and a focus on free programs. It blends the quick logging of Strong with a friendly interface.
Best for: social motivation and straightforward session tracking.
Key features: nice UI, community feed, planned workouts and notes.
Price: free with premium options.
Reddit takeaway: users like the community feel; some powerlifters find it less detailed than other trackers for advanced programming.
Pros: friendly design, easy to pick up.
Cons: fewer advanced metrics for strength-periodization nerds.
6) FitNotes / Progression (Android-focused options)
FitNotes and Progression are popular on Reddit among Android users. FitNotes is a lightweight, free tracker; Progression is a paid app with deeper analytics and program support.
Best for: Android users who want reliability and local data control.
Key features: offline logging, easy templates, exportable CSV (FitNotes), advanced stats (Progression).
Price: FitNotes free; Progression often paid or freemium.
Reddit takeaway: FitNotes gets praise for simplicity and zero fuss; Progression is popular for more serious lifters who want analytics without subscription complexity.
Pros: lightweight, reliable, offline-first.
Cons: mobile-only, fewer social features.
7) StrengthLog
StrengthLog is geared toward strength athletes and powerlifters. It supports structured programs, autoregulation, and in-depth performance tracking.
Best for: intermediate to advanced lifters who follow detailed strength cycles.
Key features: program templates, autoregulation, percentage-based programming.
Price: subscription for full features.
Reddit takeaway: strength-focused subreddits often recommend StrengthLog for serious programming and tracking, though it's less popular among casual gym-goers.
Pros: powerful for percentage-based programs and peaking.
Cons: steeper learning curve; premium cost.
8) Start Strength Official / Starting Strength App
Starting Strength's app supports the barbell-focused method from Mark Rippetoe’s program. Reddit communities dedicated to barbell training frequently reference it for novice and intermediate programming.
Best for: lifters following the Starting Strength method.
Key features: program structure, logging consistent with the book’s recommendations.
Price: usually paid or tied to course content.
Reddit takeaway: enthusiasts of the method find it helpful; critics say it’s very narrow in scope if you want more conditioning or accessory variety.
Pros: aligns directly with a proven barbell program.
Cons: not flexible for non-barbell setups.
9) Tonal and Connected Strength Systems (hardware + app)
If you’re open to equipment investment, Tonal and similar connected systems combine digital programming with machine resistance and detailed tracking. Reddit threads often debate whether the price justifies the convenience and programming.
Best for: people who want guided, resistance-machine-style training at home and data integrated into the hardware.
Key features: guided workouts, machine-controlled resistance, built-in programs, performance metrics.
Price: high upfront cost, subscription for premium content.
Reddit takeaway: users who value convenience and feedback like Tonal; others prefer barbell training and criticize the cost and reliance on proprietary hardware.
Pros: guided programming and easy progressive overload.
Cons: expensive and less suited to classic barbell enthusiasts.
10) Setgraph (Workout Tracker / Gym Log App)
Setgraph is a workout tracker and gym log app designed to simplify tracking sets, reps, and workouts. It emphasizes a clean experience for logging and reviewing past sessions.
Best for: people who want a straightforward tracker with a clean interface.
Key features (verifiable): workout logging, set/rep tracking, session history.
Price: check the official site for current pricing and features.
Reddit takeaway: Setgraph is mentioned in some threads as a modern, simple tracker; for full community feedback, look at recent reviews.
Pros: clear and focused on logging.
Cons: may lack advanced programming features compared with specialized apps.
Learn more about Setgraph and what it offers at the official site: Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App and read user reviews at Setgraph App Reviews (2025): User Ratings for Tracking Sets, Reps & Workouts.
How to pick the best strength training app (Reddit-friendly checklist)
Use this practical checklist — it mirrors what people ask about in Reddit threads — to narrow your options:
What is your primary goal? (novice strength gains, hypertrophy, powerlifting, convenience)
Do you want program automation (Fitbod) or manual control (Strong, Jefit)?
Is offline use and local data important? If yes, prioritize apps like FitNotes or Progression.
Will you follow a named program (StrongLifts, Starting Strength)? Choose the app built for it.
Do you need exportable data or CSV access for long-term analysis? Check app settings.
Price tolerance: subscription vs one-time purchase vs free with limited features.
Community and reviews: search subreddits like r/Fitness, r/weightroom, and r/Powerlifting for recent experiences.
Actionable tip: Search Reddit with the app name plus keywords like "long-term", "sync", "export", or "bug" (for example: "Strong app long-term sync export") to find the most relevant discussions about stability and developer responsiveness.
How to use Reddit effectively when researching apps
Search subreddit archives: use site search or Google with site:reddit.com plus the app name.
Filter by "top" and set the time range to 6–12 months for recent impressions.
Look for follow-up posts from the same author — they often post updates after months of use.
Ask specific questions in an appropriate subreddit (e.g., r/Fitness for general, r/Powerlifting for specialized needs).
Practical tips to get the most from any strength app
Keep workouts consistent: log every set and note why you altered a weight.
Export or backup data regularly if your app supports it — that avoids losing months of progress when switching apps.
Pair the app with a simple spreadsheet or notes app for context (fatigue, sleep, diet) — apps rarely capture everything.
Use the app’s history charts to identify plateaus and adjust volume or intensity.
If you want guidance on programming and technique in addition to tracking, check out training resources like Core Principles & Techniques for Every Lifter - Setgraph and optimization tips at Optimize Your Training | Expert Tips and Workout Guides.
Final recommendations — which app to choose based on common Reddit recommendations
Pick Strong or Hevy if you want a minimal, fast logger for consistent sessions.
Choose StrongLifts 5x5 or Starting Strength if you're a beginner following a linear progression program.
Choose Fitbod if you want automated workouts that adapt to equipment and recovery.
Choose Jefit or StrengthLog if you need advanced customization and analytics for intermediate/advanced cycles.
Consider Tonal if you want a guided, hardware-backed home solution and are willing to invest.
If you prefer a modern, clean logging experience, consider Setgraph for tracking and session history: Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App.
Closing thoughts
The "best strength training app reddit" discussion rarely yields a single winner — it depends on your goals, equipment, and how much automation you want. Use Reddit to read long-term reviews and triangulate opinions across multiple threads. Start with a clear goal (get stronger, improve a lift, or track hypertrophy), try a 4–8 week trial of one app, and evaluate whether it helps you train more consistently and with progressive overload. If it does, you’ve likely found the right tool.
For more workout guidance and program ideas that pair well with tracking, see Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout and browse additional tips at Fitness & Workout Tips | Setgraph.
If you'd like, tell me your gym setup, training goals, and whether you prefer automation or hands-on programming — I can recommend the top 2 apps from this list for your exact situation.
Article created using Lovarank
Ready to track your progress?
Start logging your sets with Setgraph.
