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What Reddit Users Really Think About Workout Planners

If you've spent any time browsing fitness subreddits like r/Fitness, r/bodybuilding, or r/weightroom, you've probably noticed something: people have strong opinions about workout planners. And unlike polished marketing copy, these opinions come from actual users who've tested these tools in real gyms, with real weights, over months or years.

The truth is, most workout planners fall into one of two camps. Either they're overcomplicated spreadsheets that require a degree in Excel to understand, or they're dumbed-down apps that treat you like you've never seen a barbell before. Reddit users have been vocal about what actually works—and what's just marketing fluff.

This guide breaks down the workout planners that consistently get recommended on Reddit, why they work, and which one might be right for your training style. We'll look at everything from free spreadsheet templates to AI-powered apps, based on thousands of real user experiences shared across fitness communities.

Why Reddit's Workout Planner Recommendations Matter

Reddit isn't like other review platforms. There's no affiliate marketing driving recommendations, no sponsored posts disguised as advice. When someone on r/Fitness says a workout planner changed their training, they're not getting paid to say it.

The fitness subreddits have a combined membership of over 15 million people, ranging from complete beginners to competitive powerlifters and bodybuilders. This diversity means you get perspectives from people at every training level, following every imaginable program—from Starting Strength to PPL splits to custom periodization schemes.

What makes these recommendations valuable is the context. Redditors don't just say "this app is good." They explain how they use it, what problems it solved, and where it falls short. You'll see comments like "great for tracking linear progression but terrible for deloads" or "perfect if you don't want to think, just follow the plan."

This real-world feedback has helped thousands of lifters find tools that actually fit their training style instead of forcing them to adapt to rigid systems.

The Most Recommended Workout Planners on Reddit

nSuns Spreadsheet: The Linear Progression Favorite

The nSuns program and its accompanying spreadsheet get mentioned constantly on Reddit, particularly in r/nSuns (which has over 100,000 members). This isn't technically a workout planner in the app sense—it's a Google Sheets template that calculates your training maxes and prescribes sets, reps, and weights for each session.

What Reddit loves: The program works. Users regularly report adding 50+ pounds to their bench press and 100+ pounds to their squat in six months. The spreadsheet automatically adjusts weights based on your performance, so you're always working at the right intensity.

What Reddit complains about: It's a lot of volume. The main days include 9 sets of your primary lift followed by 8 sets of a secondary lift, plus accessories. Recovery can be brutal, especially for natural lifters. Also, you need to manually input your completed sets, which some people find tedious during workouts.

Best for: Intermediate lifters who want aggressive linear progression and don't mind high volume. Not ideal for beginners or anyone with recovery issues.

Strong App: The Simple Tracking Champion

Strong gets recommended almost daily across fitness subreddits. It's a straightforward workout tracker that lets you log exercises, sets, reps, and weight. The interface is clean, the app is fast, and it doesn't try to do too much.

What Reddit loves: It just works. You can create custom workouts, track your progress over time, and see your personal records at a glance. The free version is genuinely useful (unlike many freemium apps that cripple basic features). Users appreciate that it doesn't force you into a specific program—you can run whatever routine you want.

What Reddit complains about: It's a tracker, not a planner. The app won't tell you what to do next or how to progress. You need to already have a program in mind. The premium version ($5/month or $30/year) is required for features like plate calculator and custom exercise creation, which some users find frustrating.

Best for: People who already know what program they're following and just need a reliable way to log their workouts. Great for tracking progressive overload.

GZCL Method Spreadsheets: For the Program Hoppers

GZCL (created by powerlifter Cody Lefever) is actually a training methodology rather than a single program, but the various GZCL spreadsheets get tons of love on Reddit. The approach uses a tier system: T1 for heavy compound lifts, T2 for moderate-weight compounds, and T3 for higher-rep accessories.

What Reddit loves: The flexibility. You can customize GZCL to fit your goals, schedule, and preferences while maintaining a proven structure. The progression scheme is logical and sustainable. Many users report running GZCL variations for years without stalling.

What Reddit complains about: The learning curve. Understanding the tier system and how to program it correctly takes time. The spreadsheets can be intimidating for beginners. Some people find the customization overwhelming—they want to be told exactly what to do.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced lifters who want a proven framework but like to customize their training. Not recommended for complete beginners.

Boostcamp: The Free Program Library

Boostcamp has gained serious traction on Reddit over the past couple years. It's a free app that includes dozens of proven programs from respected coaches—5/3/1, GZCLP, nSuns, Reddit PPL, and many others. You select a program, and the app guides you through each workout.

What Reddit loves: It's completely free with no premium tier. The program selection is excellent, featuring routines that actually work rather than generic templates. The app handles all the calculations and progression, so you just show up and lift. Progress tracking is solid, and the interface is clean.

What Reddit complains about: Limited customization. You're following the program as written, which is great for discipline but frustrating if you want to make adjustments. Some users report occasional bugs, though the developers are responsive to feedback.

Best for: Beginners to intermediate lifters who want to follow a proven program without thinking too much. Perfect if you're tired of program hopping and want structure.

AI-Powered Workout Planners: The New Frontier

Artificial intelligence has entered the workout planning space, and Reddit's response has been... mixed. Some users swear by AI-generated programs, while others remain skeptical.

What AI Planners Promise

AI workout planners claim to create personalized training programs based on your goals, experience level, available equipment, and schedule. Instead of following a cookie-cutter program, you get something tailored specifically to you.

The technology has improved significantly. Modern AI planners can account for muscle group frequency, progressive overload principles, and even deload weeks. Some can adjust your program based on how you're recovering or progressing.

Reddit's Verdict on AI Planners

The consensus on Reddit is cautiously optimistic but with important caveats. Users appreciate the personalization aspect—getting a program that fits their specific situation rather than trying to adapt a generic template. The convenience factor is huge; you can generate a complete program in minutes.

However, experienced lifters on Reddit point out that AI planners are only as good as their programming logic. Some generate programs that look good on paper but include questionable exercise selection or progression schemes. The recommendation is to use AI planners if you understand basic programming principles and can evaluate whether the output makes sense.

One app that's gained positive attention for its AI features is Setgraph, which combines AI workout generation with straightforward tracking. Users on r/Fitness have noted that it creates sensible programs while keeping the interface simple—you're not drowning in features you'll never use.

When AI Planners Make Sense

AI-generated programs work well for:

• People with unusual schedules or equipment limitations

• Lifters who want variety without program hopping

• Those who understand training principles but don't want to spend hours programming

• Beginners who need structure but don't know where to start

They're less ideal for:

• Complete novices who can't evaluate if the program is sound

• Advanced lifters with very specific periodization needs

• People who prefer following established, time-tested programs

Free vs. Paid: What Reddit Actually Recommends

This debate comes up constantly on Reddit, and the answer isn't what you might expect. The general consensus is that you don't need to pay for a workout planner to get results—but paid options can offer convenience that's worth the cost for some people.

The Case for Free Options

Reddit's fitness communities are big on free resources. The most commonly recommended free options include:

• Google Sheets templates: nSuns, GZCL, 5/3/1 calculators, and custom tracking sheets

• Boostcamp: Full programs, completely free

• Strong app (free version): Basic tracking without premium features

• FitNotes: Android app with solid free features

The argument for free tools is simple: proven programs like Starting Strength, 5/3/1, and PPL splits are available for free. You can track them in a spreadsheet or basic app. Why pay for something you can get for nothing?

Many Reddit users report making excellent progress with nothing but a Google Sheet and discipline. One popular comment from r/Fitness: "I added 200 pounds to my total using a free spreadsheet and a $10 notebook. The tool doesn't matter as much as showing up consistently."

When Paid Apps Are Worth It

That said, plenty of Redditors happily pay for workout apps. The reasons usually come down to:

Convenience: Not having to manually calculate percentages or track rest times. The app does the math, you do the lifting.

Better UX: Paid apps typically have cleaner interfaces, faster performance, and fewer bugs than free alternatives.

Advanced features: Plate calculators, detailed analytics, exercise videos, and customization options that free versions lack.

Supporting developers: Some users simply want to support apps they use regularly, especially from small development teams.

The most common price point Redditors find acceptable is $30-50 per year or a one-time payment under $100. Monthly subscriptions over $10 get criticized unless the app offers exceptional value.

What Makes a Workout Planner Actually Good (According to Reddit)

After analyzing hundreds of threads and thousands of comments, several criteria consistently emerge when Redditors evaluate workout planners:

Speed and Simplicity

The app needs to be fast. You're in the gym, between sets, possibly with a timer running. You don't want to navigate through five screens to log a set. The best planners let you record your workout in seconds.

Setgraph gets mentioned positively for this—users can swipe to log sets without even opening the full exercise screen. When you're doing high-volume training, those seconds add up.

Flexible But Not Overwhelming

Good planners accommodate different training styles without forcing you into a rigid structure. You should be able to track whatever program you're running, whether that's 5/3/1, PPL, or something custom.

At the same time, too many options paralyze users. The best apps find a balance: flexible enough for customization, structured enough to guide you.

Accurate Progress Tracking

You need to see your progress clearly. This means:

• Easy access to previous sets and weights

• Visual representation of strength gains over time

• Personal record tracking

• Volume calculations (if you care about that)

Many Redditors specifically mention wanting to see their last workout's numbers while planning their current session. If you did 225x5x5 on squats last week, you need that information immediately accessible.

No Forced Social Features

This comes up repeatedly: people don't want social media in their workout app. No feeds, no following, no sharing workouts with strangers. Just tracking and planning.

Apps that push social features get criticized heavily on Reddit. Users want tools, not social networks.

Reasonable Pricing

If an app charges money, the pricing needs to make sense. One-time purchases or annual subscriptions under $50 are generally accepted. Monthly subscriptions over $15 are viewed skeptically unless the app offers exceptional value.

Lifetime purchases get particular praise. Redditors appreciate knowing they won't face recurring charges or lose access if they cancel a subscription.

[INFOGRAPHIC: Comparison chart showing free vs. paid workout planner features, pricing models, and Reddit user satisfaction ratings]

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Workout Planner

Reddit users have made every mistake possible when selecting workout planners. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Choosing Based on Features Instead of Usability

The app with the most features isn't necessarily the best. In fact, feature bloat often makes apps harder to use. One highly upvoted comment from r/weightroom: "I tried an app that tracked everything—heart rate, calories, volume, intensity, fatigue scores. I spent more time managing the app than actually lifting."

Pick based on what you'll actually use, not what sounds impressive.

Not Matching the Planner to Your Program

Some planners work great for linear progression but terrible for percentage-based programs. Others excel at bodybuilding splits but struggle with powerlifting periodization.

Before choosing a planner, know what program you want to run. Then find a tool that supports that style of training.

Ignoring the Learning Curve

Complex planners can be powerful, but they require time investment to learn. If you're not willing to spend a few hours understanding how to use a tool properly, pick something simpler.

Many Redditors report abandoning sophisticated spreadsheets because they couldn't figure out how to customize them correctly.

Expecting the Planner to Do the Work

This is the biggest mistake: thinking a better app will somehow make you stronger. It won't. The planner is just a tool. Your results come from consistent training, progressive overload, proper nutrition, and adequate recovery.

As one r/Fitness moderator put it: "The best workout planner is the one you'll actually use consistently. A perfect program you abandon after two weeks is worthless."

How to Choose the Right Workout Planner for You

Here's a practical framework based on Reddit's collective wisdom:

If you're a complete beginner: Start with Boostcamp or a simple tracking app like Strong. Follow a proven beginner program (Starting Strength, GZCLP, Reddit PPL) without modifications. Focus on learning proper form and building the habit of consistent training.

If you're intermediate and want aggressive progression: Consider nSuns spreadsheet or a GZCL variant. These require more recovery and commitment but deliver results if you can handle the volume.

If you want maximum flexibility: Use Strong or a similar tracker that doesn't force you into a specific program. Create your own workouts or follow a program from a coach you trust.

If you want AI-generated personalization: Try an AI planner like Setgraph's workout generator, but make sure you understand basic programming principles so you can evaluate if the output makes sense.

If you're on a tight budget: Stick with free options. Google Sheets templates and Boostcamp will serve you well without spending a dollar.

If you value convenience and polish: Invest in a paid app with good reviews. The time saved and improved experience might be worth $30-50 per year.

The Bottom Line: What Reddit Gets Right About Workout Planners

After sifting through countless Reddit threads, the wisdom is clear: the workout planner matters far less than your consistency and effort. The difference between the "best" planner and a mediocre one is minimal compared to the difference between training consistently and skipping workouts.

That said, the right tool can make training more enjoyable and sustainable. If an app helps you stay consistent, track progress accurately, and avoid decision fatigue in the gym, it's doing its job.

Reddit's recommendations tend to favor simplicity, proven programs, and tools that respect your time. The community is skeptical of marketing hype and appreciates honest feedback from real users. This makes their collective advice valuable—you're getting unfiltered opinions from people who've actually used these tools for months or years.

Whether you choose a free spreadsheet, a simple tracker, or an AI-powered planner, the key is finding something that fits your training style and that you'll actually use. The best workout planner is the one that gets out of your way and lets you focus on what matters: progressive overload, consistent effort, and getting stronger over time.

If you're looking for a straightforward option that combines smart features with simplicity, check out Setgraph. It's designed specifically for lifters who want to track their progress without unnecessary complexity—exactly what Reddit users say they want in a workout planner.

The tool is just the beginning. Your results will come from showing up, working hard, and staying consistent. Pick a planner that supports those goals, then get to work.

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