Best Weightlifting Apps in 2024, According to the Experts

Track your strength training with the top weightlifting apps. Our guide compares programs for monitoring progress, planning workouts and achieving your muscle goals.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; we may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. You can learn more about our review process here.

In the modern world of fitness, weightlifting apps have taken center stage, revolutionizing how we approach strength training. These apps, emerging as vital tools for novices and seasoned fitness enthusiasts, signify a notable shift from traditional workout methods. They offer the convenience of a gym in your space, with personalized routines and guidance that cater to various fitness goals and levels.

Their rise in popularity reflects a broader trend toward integrating technology in health and fitness. These apps do more than guide workouts; they provide a comprehensive approach to wellness by incorporating advanced tracking, goal setting, and educational resources. This makes them not just a digital coach but a holistic fitness companion, adaptable to individual needs and preferences.

This evolution in fitness technology illustrates how weightlifting apps are making strength training more accessible and engaging. As we delve deeper into the best weightlifting apps, we’ll explore their transformative impact and the benefits they bring to our daily fitness routines.

How We Selected the Best Weightlifting Apps

When identifying the best weightlifting apps, we focused on three pivotal criteria: user experience, comprehensive features, and adaptability to a wide range of users. These criteria served as the foundation for selecting weightlifting apps that provide a seamless and effective fitness experience, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of users at various fitness levels. Now, let’s delve into each criterion to understand how these factors collectively shape our top picks in weightlifting apps.

User Experience

The cornerstone of any top weightlifting app is its user experience. We looked for apps that were not only easy to navigate but also engaging. The best weightlifting tracking app should be intuitive, ensuring users, from beginners to advanced, find it straightforward to log exercises, track progress, and plan workouts. We also considered the inclusivity of the app, ensuring it caters to diverse groups, including the best weight lifting app for women and beginners.

Comprehensive Features

An ideal strength training app should be feature-rich, offering more than basic tracking. We explored the depth of workout libraries, the variety of strength training routines, and the inclusion of educational content. The best powerlifting apps, for example, provide specialized training programs, while the best apps for weight training offer a blend of strength-building routines. Integration with other devices and apps for seamless fitness tracking was also a key aspect.

Adaptability

The best free weightlifting app or premium version should adapt to the user’s changing fitness levels and goals. Whether it’s for someone seeking the best weightlifting app for beginners or an experienced athlete needing advanced metrics, adaptability is crucial. This includes personalized workout recommendations, scalability of exercise difficulty, and the ability to track various types of strength training exercises.

Best Weightlifting Apps

Best Weightlifting App Overall:
Future Fitness App

Best Weightlifting App for Beginners:
Caliber Fitness App

Best Weightlifting App for Learning New Exercises:
JeFit

Best Weightlifting App for Advanced Weightlifters:
Strong

Best Weightlifting App for Bodybuilders:
BodyFit: A Comprehensive Solution for Strength Training

Our Top Picks

#1 Future Fitness App

Key Feature

  • Price: $199/month
  • Free trial: No, but 50% off for the first month
  • Equipment requirements: Customizable to your needs
  • Platform availability: Android and iOS.

What we love:

  • User-friendly interface: The Future Fitness app is lauded for its incredible user interface, which is not only well-designed but also intuitive.
  • Choice of coach: The app allows you to choose your coach based on your personal preferences and goals, providing a highly personalized workout experience.
  • Workout variety: Future offers a plethora of workout varieties to keep you engaged and challenged.

What to consider:

  • Absence of real-time coaching: Although you get to choose your coach, real-time coaching from your trainer is unavailable.
  • Pricing: The membership cost stands at a hefty $199 per month, which may not be affordable for everyone.

Why we choose the Future Fitness App:

We chose Future Fitness for our online training needs due to its unique combination of personalized human coaching support and digital workout programming. Staffed by expert trainers, it provides the structure and motivation of a gym without the physical location requirement.

Overview

Future Fitness App, a robust and value-packed fitness solution, offers a unique blend of personalized coaching and a user-friendly interface. Its standout features include the ability to select a coach based on personal preferences and goals, ensuring a tailored fitness experience.

With a wide range of diverse workout routines, users can find the perfect regimen to achieve their fitness objectives. What sets Future Fitness App apart is its commitment to individualized fitness programming.

Despite the lack of real-time coaching, the app’s excellent coaching and comprehensive programming make it a top recommendation for fitness enthusiasts. Priced at $199 per month, it offers a premium experience that is well worth the investment. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, Future Fitness App is accessible to a wide range of users.

#2 Caliber Fitness App

Key Features

  • Price: Free version; $19 per month (Pro); $200+ per month (Premium)
  • Free trial: Free-forever version
  • Equipment requirements: Bodyweight, home gym, or commercial gym options
  • Platform availability: Android and iOS.

What we love:

    • Offers scientifically-backed training plans
    • Provides individualized coaching for both fitness and nutrition with paid subscriptions
    • Features an expansive library of curated workout plans in the free version
    • Renowned for its user-friendly interface

What to consider:

  • Personalized macronutrient goals are only available with paid versions

Why we choose the Caliber Fitness App:

Caliber is an excellent fitness app for beginners and seasoned weightlifters alike. Boasting three different versions at varying price points, Caliber focuses on strength training but presents it in a manner that suits various lifters who need different levels of guidance—or who may have different budgets.

Overview

Caliber is an excellent fitness app for beginners and seasoned weightlifters alike. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and track progress. However, some features are only available in the paid versions of the app, such as personalized macronutrient goals. We recommend the Caliber Fitness App for its comprehensive approach to strength training. With three different

Pricing varies based on the level of instruction. The Pro version is $19 per month, whereas the Premium version can exceed $200 monthly.

Caliber offers varied levels of coaching, making it an ideal place for a new lifter to kick off their strength training journey. Those are CPT, CNC, CES, and CF-L1, the level of instruction on the premium version may be worth the cost.

The app provides a vast exercise library with clear directions and instructional videos, earning Caliber’s 5 out of 5 rating. Caliber utilizes research-backed data and follows the principle of progressive overload in strength training for consistent progress. Caliber suggests integrating other fitness trackers like Garmin, in addition to the Apple Watch.

#3 JeFit

Key Features

  • Price: Free version; $12.99/month or $69.99/year (Elite)
  • Free trial period: Free-forever version
  • Equipment requirements: Bodyweight, home gym, or commercial gym options
  • Platform availability: Android and iOS.

What we love:

  • Extensive library of over 1,400 exercises, offering a wide range of workout options.
  • Every exercise in the library is accompanied by a video demonstration, aiding users in performing the correct form.
  • The free version includes basic workout tracking and a selection of smaller workout plans.
  • The JeFit app syncs with the Apple Watch, ensuring seamless progress monitoring.
  • Free-forever version allows users to sample the app without any financial commitment.

What to consider:

  • Free version is ad-supported; an Elite membership is required for an ad-free experience.
  • Limited cardio options may not cater to everyone’s training preferences.
  • Progress monitoring tools such as exercise cueing during workouts are behind a paywall.
  • Additional cost for personal training options, starting at $80 a month.
  • Absence of interactive features such as messaging systems or trainer interaction unless a personal trainer is hired.

Why we choose JeFit:

JeFit is a comprehensive workout tracking platform with professionally designed routines and progress monitoring tools. The free version offers a wide range of exercises for a variety of strength training. The Elite version takes it further with premium plans and advanced metric tracking. JeFit is the go-to weightlifting app for learning new exercises and tracking fitness progress.

Overview

JeFit, a highly effective weightlifting app, offers a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for effortlessly tracking workouts and discovering new exercises. With over 1,400 exercises in its library, users can enjoy diverse training routines tailored to their goals.

While it excels in strength training, the app currently lacks cardio options, which may limit those seeking a well-rounded fitness regimen. To enhance your JeFit experience, you have the option to upgrade to the Elite membership, which costs $12.99 per month or $69.99 per year.

By subscribing to the Elite membership, you not only eliminate annoying ads but also gain access to advanced metric tracking and enhanced functionality, empowering you to optimize your training sessions and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

For those seeking guidance and personalized support, JeFit offers the option to connect with a personal trainer at an additional cost. Starting at $80/month, you’ll receive expert guidance, customized workout plans, and ongoing motivation.

Despite some drawbacks, JeFit remains a robust tool for strength training enthusiasts dedicated to tracking their progress. With a user-friendly interface, extensive exercise library, and optional upgrades, JeFit enhances your fitness journey.

#4 Strong

Key Specifications

  • Price: $4.99/month or $29.99/year
  • Free trial period: Free version
  • Equipment requirements: Dependent on the equipment available
  • Platform availability: Android and iOS.

What we love:

  • Advanced workout tracker tailored for serious lifters
  • Allows input of daily workouts by sets and reps
  • Automatic calculations of total training volume
  • Highlights personal records to keep you motivated
  • Saves common workout templates for future use
  • Tracks key metrics including body weight, body fat percentage, and caloric intake
  • Compatible with Apple Watch

What to consider:

  • Offers limited guidance, ranking only 3 out of 5 in terms of instruction
  • Reports of workouts being lost
  • May be too complex for beginners
  • Free version limits saved routines to three

Why we choose Strong:

Strong stands out for its simplicity and depth. It’s a dedicated workout tracker that does an exceptional job of logging workouts, records, and measurements for advanced lifters. Though it offers little instruction, its ability to save workout templates and highlight personal records provides an element of convenience and motivation.

Overview

Strong is a highly robust and feature-packed workout tracker that offers exceptional value for its price. Priced at $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year, it provides a comprehensive range of tracking options to cater to your fitness goals.

The free version of Strong enables you to effortlessly track body weight, body fat percentage, and caloric intake, allowing you to monitor your progress and make informed decisions. However, the premium version takes it a step further, offering additional tracking capabilities such as specific body part measurements, allowing you to fine-tune your training routine.

While there have been some reported issues with losing workouts, Strong remains a reliable choice for dedicated lifters. Its availability on both Android and iOS platforms ensures that you can seamlessly integrate it into your preferred workout routine, regardless of your equipment setup.

With Strong, you can take your fitness journey to new heights, backed by its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, Strong is designed to empower you on your path to success.

#5 BodyFit: A Comprehensive Solution for Strength Training

Key Specifications

  • Price: $9.99/month
  • Free trial period: 7 days
  • Equipment requirements: Depends on the program, but ranges from minimal equipment to commercial gym machines
  • Platform availability: Android and iOS.

What we love:

  • Tailored for diverse fitness levels
  • Over 100 fitness plans designed by expert trainers
  • Affordable and provides value for money
  • Offers sought-after benefits like discounts and free shipping on Bodybuilding.com’s supplements

What to consider:

  • No free version available
  • Users have reported inconsistencies in data tracking
  • Some have had issues accessing the free shipping benefit

Why we choose BodyFit:

BodyFit, the weightlifting app from Bodybuilding.com, is highly recommended for bodybuilders. With customized workout plans, a workout tracker, and an extensive exercise library, it offers great value. While some programs lack detail and certain exercises have confusing names, the app still provides a wide array of bodybuilding programs and membership benefits. Though accountability features are limited, BodyFit remains a worthwhile choice for gym enthusiasts.

Overview

The BodyFit app, a product of Bodybuilding.com, offers a comprehensive platform for fitness enthusiasts, particularly bodybuilders. With a monthly subscription of $9.99, the application brings a slew of tailored fitness plans designed by expert trainers, attracting users of varying fitness levels.

The app’s standout feature is its extensive list of over 100 workout plans, catering to different goals and providing a clear path for strength training. BodyFit lets users carry their gym in their pockets, with easy access to an extensive exercise library and a reliable workout tracker.

It offers great value with benefits like discounts and free shipping on Bodybuilding.com’s supplements. Recommended by fitness experts, this user-friendly app is perfect for strength training beginners. However, occasional data tracking inconsistencies and potential issues with accessing free shipping may occur.

The application offers a 7-day free trial, but there is no permanent free version. Some programs lack detail and have exercises with confusing names. Expert’s review and rates the app 3.8 out of 5 for instruction and 1.5 out of 5 for accountability, indicating room for improvement.

However, despite these drawbacks, BodyFit’s robust features and benefits make it a worthy contender for gym lovers. BodyFit is available on Android and iOS, with equipment requirements based on the selected program.

Key Features to Look For in a Weightlifting App

In the digital age, the best weightlifting apps stand out by offering key features that cater to the evolving needs of fitness enthusiasts. When selecting an app, there are three essential features: customizable routines, progress tracking, and community engagement. These features are at the core of what makes a weightlifting app effective and user-friendly, ensuring that your fitness journey is both personalized and motivating. Let’s explore these features in more detail to understand how they enhance your workout experience.

Customizable Routines

The heart of any effective weightlifting app is its ability to provide customizable workout plans. Whether you’re a beginner using a free weightlifting app or an experienced lifter seeking the best powerlifting app, the ability to tailor workouts to your specific goals is crucial. This includes adjustable difficulty levels, varied exercise selections, and adaptability to different training styles, from strength training to powerlifting. The best strength training apps offer a wide range of routines, ensuring users can find the best weight training routine designed to promote healthier living.

Progress Tracking

A key feature of the best weightlifting tracking app is its ability to monitor progress comprehensively. This goes beyond just counting reps or tracking the weight lifted. It includes detailed analytics on performance improvement, strength gains, and recovery times. The best weightlifting app provides insights that help users understand their progress, set realistic goals, and stay motivated. For those into powerlifting, the best powerlifting apps offer advanced metrics tailored to their specific training requirements.

Community Engagement

Fitness journeys are often more successful with support and motivation from like-minded individuals. The best lifting app fosters community engagement, allowing users to connect, share experiences, and compete. Whether it’s a free weightlifting app or a premium version, features like community challenges, leaderboards, and social sharing can significantly enhance the workout experience. This aspect is especially important in apps like the best weightlifting app for women or beginners, where a supportive community can be a key factor in maintaining motivation and consistency.

The Pros and Cons of Free vs. Premium Apps

In weightlifting apps, users often decide between opting for free versions or investing in premium ones. Each type has its distinct advantages and drawbacks, which are crucial to understanding for anyone searching for the best weightlifting app to suit their needs. Now, let’s explore these pros and cons to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your fitness journey and budget.

Pros of Free Weightlifting Apps

  • Cost-Effective
    The most obvious advantage of free weight lifting apps is that they’re cost-free, making them accessible to a broader audience, including those just starting with weight training.
  • Basic Features
    Many free weightlifting apps offer essential features like basic workout routines, simple progress tracking, and sometimes even community forums. These are particularly appealing for beginners or casual lifters.
  • Trial Opportunities
    Free versions can serve as a trial, helping users decide to invest in a more comprehensive app. This is especially beneficial for those seeking the best weightlifting app for beginners.

Cons of Free Weightlifting Apps

  • Limited Features
    Free apps often come with limitations in features and customization. Advanced lifters might find these apps lacking, especially if they seek sophisticated tracking or specialized workouts.
  • Ads and Upsells
    Many free weight training app include ads or constant upsells to premium versions, which can detract from the user experience.

Pros of Premium Weightlifting Apps

  • Advanced Features
    Premium apps usually offer a broader range of features, including detailed progress analytics, personalized workout plans, and, in some cases, access to professional coaching. These features make them contenders for the title of the best strength training app or best powerlifting app.
  • Customization and Support
    With options for tailored workouts and sometimes one-on-one coaching, these apps cater more effectively to individual needs for general strength training, weightlifting, or specific goals like powerlifting.
  • Ad-Free Experience
    A premium app typically provides an ad-free experience, aiding a more focused and uninterrupted workout.

Cons of Premium Weightlifting Apps

  • Cost
    The most significant downside is the cost. Users must assess whether the benefits justify the investment, especially when free alternatives are available.
  • Commitment
    Purchasing a premium app often requires a commitment, either through a subscription or a one-time payment, which might deter those still exploring different workout styles.

How To Choose the Right App for Your Fitness Journey

Selecting the perfect weightlifting app requires aligning the app’s features with your personal fitness goals and preferences. Whether a beginner or an experienced lifter, the right app can significantly enhance your training experience.

Here are some tips to help you find the best weightlifting, strength training, or weightlifting app that suits your needs. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice and select an app that aligns seamlessly with your fitness journey, ensuring a tailored and effective workout experience.

Assess Your Fitness Level and Goals

There is a need to carry out an assessment of your fitness level. Here are different levels of fitness as categorized by experts:

Beginners
If you’re new to weightlifting, look for apps labeled as the best for beginners or the best weight lifting app for beginners. These should offer introductory guides, basic strength training routines, and easy-to-follow instructions.

Intermediate to Advanced
These are lifters with more experience. In this category, you need to consider apps offering advanced features like detailed analytics, customizable workouts, and specific routines like the best weight lifting tracker or best strength training apps.

Consider Your Training Style

It is equally important to consider your training style while choosing a weightlifting app. Here are a few things to consider:

General Fitness vs. Specialized Training
If your focus is general fitness, a versatile weightlifting app with various workout plans might be ideal. However, if you have specific goals like powerlifting, the best weightlifting tracking app would be more appropriate.

Solo vs. Community-Oriented
Decide if you prefer working out alone or are motivated by community support. Apps like the best weight lifting app for women often include robust community features.

Evaluate App Features

It is also important to carry out an evaluation for each integrated feature. Here are a few things to have in mind:

Customization and Flexibility
You may need to look for apps that allow you to customize workouts to your needs, whether a free weight workout app or a premium one. The best weightlifting apps offer flexibility in gym workout planning.

Progress Tracking
Choose an app that offers comprehensive progress tracking, essential for monitoring your improvement over time.

Device Compatibility

Ensure the app is compatible with your device, whether you’re looking for the best weight lifting app Android users can download or one for other platforms. The best weight training app should seamlessly integrate with your device and other fitness tracking tools.

Trial and Feedback

Lastly, it is important to integrate feedback and trials into your decision-making process. You then should consider these:

Free Trials
Many premium apps offer free trials, allowing you to test their features before committing. This can be your perfect option to identify the right app for you.

User Reviews
Read reviews and ratings to gauge user satisfaction. This can provide insights into the app’s performance and reliability.

final-sec verdictConclusion

In exploring the best weightlifting apps, we’ve covered crucial factors like user experience, features, adaptability, and the unique needs of different users, such as beginners, women, and advanced lifters. The right app can be a game-changer in your fitness journey, offering personalized routines, progress tracking, and community support to keep you motivated and on track. Whether you’re drawn to the best free weightlifting app for a cost-effective start or a premium app for its advanced features, each has unique advantages.

It’s essential to align the app with your fitness goals and preferences. Consider your training level, whether you seek general fitness or specialized training like powerlifting, and the importance of community engagement in your workout regimen. Device compatibility and user reviews are also key factors to guide your choice.

We encourage you to explore the diverse world of weightlifting apps. With so many options available, there’s an app that perfectly matches your fitness journey. Experiment with different apps, take advantage of free trials, and find the one that best supports your goals and lifestyle. The right weightlifting app can be a powerful tool in achieving your fitness aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the benefits of using a weightlifting app?
A. Weightlifting apps provide benefits such as customized workout routines, progress tracking, and access to instructional videos, enhancing your fitness experience.

Q. Can I use weightlifting apps if I’m a beginner?
A. Absolutely, many weightlifting apps cater to beginners with beginner-friendly workouts and step-by-step guidance.

Q. Do I need special equipment or a gym membership to use these apps?
A. Not necessarily. Some weightlifting apps offer home workout options or routines that require minimal equipment, making them suitable for various setups.

Q. Can weightlifting apps help me set and achieve fitness goals?
A. Yes, most weightlifting apps allow you to set specific fitness goals, track your progress, and adjust your workouts accordingly, helping you achieve your objectives.

Q. What is the best app to record weight training?
A. There are several excellent apps for recording weight training sessions. Some popular options allow you to track your lifts, sets, and reps efficiently. Apps that made our recommendations are considered most suitable for all levels of lifters.

Q. What is the best weightlifting program?
A. The best weightlifting program can vary depending on your goals and experience level. Some well-regarded programs include Starting Strength, StrongLifts 5×5, and the Wendler 5/3/1 program. It’s essential to choose one that aligns with your specific objectives, whether it’s strength, muscle building, or overall fitness.

Q. What is the best app for building muscles?
A. Several apps can help with muscle building. The best apps will offer workout routines, nutritional guidance, and progress tracking to support your muscle-building goals. Choose the one that suits your preferences and integrates seamlessly with your fitness journey.

4 Sources

BodybuildingReviews avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in BodybuildingReviews, you can read more about the editorial process here.

  1. Understanding the Role of Healthy Eating and Fitness Mobile Apps in the Formation of Maladaptive Eating and Exercise Behaviors in Young People: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6604512/
  2. Mobile physical activity planning and tracking: a brief overview of current options and desiderata for future solutions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7882264/
  3. Exercise, physical activity, and self-determination theory: A systematic review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3441783/
  4. How Virtual Reality Technology Has Changed Our Lives: An Overview of the Current and Potential Applications and Limitations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517547/

Heather Black, CPT

Heather Black, CPT is a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, & a Precision Nutrition Certified Coach.
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