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

What Reddit Really Says About Workout Tracker Apps

If you've spent any time browsing fitness subreddits, you know that Redditors don't hold back. They'll call out bloated apps with unnecessary features, praise simple solutions that just work, and share brutally honest reviews based on months of actual gym use.

I've combed through hundreds of threads across r/Fitness, r/weightroom, r/bodybuilding, and r/naturalbodybuilding to find out which workout tracker apps lifters genuinely recommend. The results might surprise you—the most popular apps aren't always the ones with the flashiest marketing or the most features.

What matters to the Reddit fitness community? Speed, simplicity, and the ability to track progressive overload without getting in the way of your actual workout. Let's break down what real users are saying about the best workout tracker apps in 2025.

Why Reddit's Opinion on Fitness Apps Actually Matters

Reddit's fitness communities have a combined membership of over 15 million users. These aren't casual gym-goers posting New Year's resolution content—many are serious lifters who've been tracking workouts for years.

The platform's upvote system naturally filters out promotional content and highlights genuine user experiences. When someone recommends an app on Reddit, they're not getting paid for it. They're sharing what actually works in their training.

Plus, Reddit discussions reveal the nuances that app store reviews miss. You'll find detailed comparisons, specific use cases, and honest discussions about what features matter versus what's just marketing fluff.

The Most Recommended Workout Trackers on Reddit

Strong App: The Community Favorite

Strong consistently appears in Reddit threads as the go-to recommendation. Users praise its clean interface and straightforward approach to tracking sets and reps. The free version offers solid functionality, though many Redditors note that the lifetime subscription (around $120) is worth it for serious lifters.

What Reddit users love:

• Quick set logging without unnecessary taps

• Plate calculator that shows exactly what to load

• Rest timer with notifications

• Detailed workout history and graphs

Common complaints:

• The free version limits workout templates

• Some users find the subscription pricing steep

• Limited customization for non-standard exercises

Hevy: The Rising Star

Hevy has gained serious traction on Reddit over the past year. It offers a generous free tier that includes most features lifters actually need, which resonates with the budget-conscious Reddit crowd.

Redditors appreciate:

• Completely free core features

• Social features for sharing workouts (optional)

• Clean, modern interface

• Regular updates based on user feedback

Drawbacks mentioned:

• Newer app with occasional bugs

• Some advanced features require premium

• Less established than competitors

FitNotes: The Minimalist's Choice

FitNotes gets recommended frequently in threads where users ask for "no-frills" tracking. It's Android-only, completely free, and hasn't been updated in years—yet it maintains a loyal following.

Why Redditors stick with it:

• Zero cost, no ads, no subscriptions

• Simple, fast interface

• Reliable data export

• Works offline without issues

Limitations:

• Android only

• No iOS version

• Dated interface

• No cloud sync

Setgraph: The Speed-Focused Option

Setgraph appears in discussions where users prioritize workout speed and flexibility. Reddit users mention it as a solid choice for lifters who don't want to pre-plan every workout or deal with rigid templates.

What makes it stand out according to users:

• Fast set logging with swipe gestures

• No requirement to create workouts upfront

• Exercise-centric approach (track what matters to you)

• AI workout generator for those who need structure

The app's philosophy aligns with how many Redditors actually train—they don't always follow a strict program, but they want to track progressive overload on key lifts. You can learn more about optimizing your training approach regardless of which app you choose.

[INFOGRAPHIC: Comparison table of top Reddit-recommended apps showing key features, pricing, and platform availability]

What Features Reddit Users Actually Care About

Progressive Overload Tracking

This comes up in virtually every thread. Lifters want to see their previous sets instantly when they approach a machine or rack. The ability to quickly reference "I did 225 for 5 reps last week" matters more than fancy graphs or social features.

The best apps show your last workout's numbers right when you need them, without requiring multiple taps or scrolling.

Speed and Simplicity

Redditors consistently complain about apps that require too many steps to log a set. When you're in the middle of a workout, you don't want to navigate through multiple screens or wait for animations.

The most praised apps let you log a set in 2-3 taps maximum. Some even offer swipe gestures or notification-based logging for repeat sets.

Plate Calculator

This feature gets mentioned surprisingly often. When you're loading a barbell, having the app tell you exactly which plates to add saves mental energy. It's a small feature that makes a real difference during heavy compound lifts.

If you're wondering about how much the bar itself weighs, that's another common question that comes up in these discussions.

Rest Timer

A good rest timer needs to:

• Start automatically after logging a set (optional)

• Send notifications when time's up

• Allow quick adjustments (add 30 seconds, etc.)

• Work reliably in the background

Redditors hate timers that don't send notifications or that reset when you switch apps.

Data Ownership and Export

The Reddit crowd is particularly vocal about this. They want to own their workout data and be able to export it if they switch apps. Apps that lock data behind paywalls or make export difficult get criticized heavily.

Features Reddit Users Don't Care About

Social Features

While some users enjoy sharing workouts, the majority of Reddit fitness enthusiasts view social features as bloat. They're training for themselves, not for likes or followers.

Apps that push social features too aggressively get negative feedback. The consensus: make it optional and easy to ignore.

Excessive Gamification

Streaks, badges, and achievement systems rarely get mentioned positively. Serious lifters are motivated by actual strength gains, not virtual rewards.

Some light gamification is fine, but apps that go overboard with notifications about streaks or achievements annoy the Reddit demographic.

Built-in Workout Programs

This one's nuanced. Beginners appreciate having programs included, but experienced lifters often have their own routines or follow programs from specific coaches.

What works better: the ability to easily input your own program rather than being forced to choose from pre-made templates. If you need help creating a program, consider exploring popular training splits like Push/Pull/Legs.

Nutrition Tracking

Most Redditors prefer separate apps for nutrition and workout tracking. They want their workout app to do one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to be an all-in-one solution.

Apps like MyFitnessPal handle nutrition better, so workout apps that try to compete in that space often get criticized for doing both things poorly.

How to Choose the Right App for Your Training Style

If You Follow a Structured Program

Look for apps that make it easy to input your program once and follow it consistently. You want:

• Clear workout templates

• Easy program switching (for periodization)

• Notes fields for program-specific instructions

• The ability to see your whole week at a glance

Strong and Hevy both excel here. You can set up your program on Sunday and just follow it throughout the week.

If You Train Intuitively

Some lifters don't follow rigid programs. They might do upper/lower splits but choose exercises based on how they feel or what equipment's available.

For this style, you need:

• Quick access to all exercises

• No requirement to pre-plan workouts

• Easy exercise search or favorites

• Flexible set logging

Setgraph and FitNotes work well for intuitive training. You're not locked into a specific structure, but you can still track everything that matters.

If You're a Beginner

New lifters benefit from more guidance. Look for:

• Built-in programs or AI-generated plans

• Exercise demonstrations

• Form tips and cues

• Clear progression guidelines

Many apps offer AI workout generators now. Getting a custom workout plan can help you start with proper structure while you learn the basics.

If You're a Powerlifter or Strength Athlete

Powerlifters have specific needs:

• Percentage-based programming support

• 1RM tracking and calculations

• Detailed set notes (RPE, bar speed, etc.)

• Long-term progress tracking

Strong's premium version handles this well. Some lifters also use spreadsheets alongside their tracking app for detailed programming.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Workout App

Choosing Based on Features Lists

More features don't equal a better app. Reddit users consistently warn against this trap. An app with 50 features you'll never use is worse than one with 10 features that work perfectly.

Focus on your actual needs. If you're doing basic strength training, you probably need: set logging, rest timer, and progress tracking. That's it.

Not Testing the Free Version First

Many apps offer free trials or limited free versions. Use them for at least a week before committing to a subscription. What looks good in screenshots might feel clunky during an actual workout.

Pay attention to:

• How many taps it takes to log a set

• Whether the interface makes sense when you're tired

• If the app slows down your workout

• Whether you actually use the premium features

Ignoring Data Export Options

You might use an app for years and accumulate valuable training data. Before committing, check:

• Can you export your data?

• What format does it export to?

• Is export locked behind a paywall?

• How easy is it to switch apps if needed?

Reddit is full of frustrated users who lost years of data because they didn't check this upfront.

Overlooking Platform Compatibility

If you might switch from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), choose an app available on both platforms with cloud sync. FitNotes is excellent, but being Android-only is a dealbreaker for some users.

The Verdict: What Actually Works

After analyzing hundreds of Reddit discussions, a clear pattern emerges. The best workout tracker app isn't the one with the most features or the slickest marketing. It's the one that:

1. Gets out of your way - Logging sets should be fast and intuitive

2. Shows you what matters - Previous performance, rest time, and progress

3. Respects your data - Easy export and no artificial limitations

4. Matches your training style - Whether structured or flexible

5. Works reliably - No crashes, no lost data, no frustration

For most lifters, Strong, Hevy, or Setgraph will check these boxes. FitNotes remains the best free option for Android users who want zero frills.

The app you'll actually use consistently beats the "perfect" app you abandon after two weeks. Start with a free version, test it for a few workouts, and see if it fits your flow.

Making Your Workout Tracking More Effective

Regardless of which app you choose, here's how to get the most value:

Track consistently, not perfectly. You don't need to log every single set of every exercise. Focus on tracking your main compound lifts and exercises where progressive overload matters most.

Review your data regularly. Spend 5 minutes each week looking at your progress. Are you adding weight or reps? If not, why? This reflection matters more than the tracking itself.

Use notes strategically. When you have a great workout or figure out a form cue that helps, write it down. Future you will appreciate the context.

Don't let tracking slow you down. If logging sets is making your workouts drag on, you're doing it wrong. The app should speed things up by eliminating guesswork.

Keep it simple. You can always add complexity later. Start by tracking the basics and add features as you need them.

Ready to Start Tracking Your Progress?

The Reddit fitness community has spoken: the best workout tracker is the one you'll actually use. Whether that's a feature-rich app like Strong, a minimalist option like FitNotes, or a speed-focused solution like Setgraph, what matters is consistent tracking and progressive overload.

If you're looking for a workout tracker that prioritizes speed and flexibility without forcing you into rigid templates, check out Setgraph. It's designed for lifters who want to track what matters without the bloat—exactly what Reddit users say they're looking for.

The best time to start tracking was your first workout. The second best time is today. Pick an app, log your next session, and start building the data that will drive your progress for years to come.

Article created using Lovarank