Best fitness apps for workout logging, nutrition tracking, and progress monitoring
Fitness tracking apps are essential tools for serious bodybuilders and strength athletes. They eliminate guesswork, provide accountability, and give you objective data to make informed decisions about your training and nutrition.
Key benefits of tracking apps:
Best for: Bodybuilders and powerlifters focused on progressive overload and tracking personal records.
Strong is the gold standard for workout logging with an incredibly intuitive interface. It excels at tracking weight, reps, sets, and rest times with minimal taps. The app automatically suggests weights based on previous workouts, making progressive overload effortless.
Best for: Lifters who want social features and community motivation alongside comprehensive tracking.
Hevy combines excellent workout tracking with social networking features. Follow friends, share workouts, and compete on leaderboards. The free version is surprisingly robust with unlimited workout creation.
Best for: Science-based training with built-in programs from experts like Greg Nuckols and Eric Helms.
StrengthLog offers both tracking and programming in one app. Access dozens of expert-designed programs or create your own. The app is developed by powerlifters and bodybuilders, so it understands serious lifters' needs.
Best for: Lifters who want AI-generated workouts that adapt to available equipment and recovery.
Fitbod uses AI to create personalized workouts based on your goals, equipment, and recovery status. Great for variety and avoiding plateaus, but requires subscription from day one.
Best for: Beginners and those wanting the largest food database with social features.
MyFitnessPal is the most popular nutrition tracking app with a massive food database (14+ million foods). The barcode scanner and restaurant database make logging easy. Free version is functional but ads and limited features push toward premium.
Best for: Serious bodybuilders and athletes who want accurate micronutrient tracking.
Cronometer focuses on accuracy over quantity. All foods are verified, and it tracks 84+ micronutrients—perfect for competitors and those optimizing health. Less user-friendly than MyFitnessPal but far more accurate.
Best for: Advanced lifters who want adaptive nutrition coaching based on actual results.
MacroFactor is the most scientifically advanced nutrition app. It adjusts your calorie and macro targets weekly based on your actual weight changes and food intake—no arbitrary formulas. Created by Greg Nuckols and the Stronger by Science team.
Best for: Bodybuilders and physique competitors who want coaching automation.
Carbon is like having a nutrition coach in your pocket. It adapts macros weekly based on your rate of progress toward goals (bulk, cut, maintain). Created by Dr. Layne Norton, it uses scientifically-validated algorithms.
| App | Type | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Workout | Free / $49.99/yr | Simple, fast workout logging | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| Hevy | Workout | Free / $89.99/yr | Social features + tracking | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| StrengthLog | Workout | Free / $59.99/yr | Built-in expert programs | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
| Fitbod | Workout | $79.99/yr | AI-generated workouts | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| MyFitnessPal | Nutrition | Free / $79.99/yr | Largest food database | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
| Cronometer | Nutrition | Free / $49.99/yr | Accurate micronutrient tracking | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| MacroFactor | Nutrition | $71.99/yr | Adaptive TDEE calculation | ⭐ 4.9/5 |
| Carbon | Nutrition | $99/yr | Automated coaching | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
Beginner Stack (Budget-Friendly):
Intermediate Stack (Best Value):
Advanced Stack (Serious Lifters):
Elite Stack (Competitors):
Start with free apps to build the habit, then upgrade if needed. Most lifters don't need premium features until they've been tracking consistently for 3-6 months.
For workout tracking: Start with Hevy (free) or Strong (free trial). Upgrade to Strong Premium once you have multiple programs and want unlimited workouts.
For nutrition tracking: MyFitnessPal works for most beginners. Switch to Cronometer for accuracy or MacroFactor/Carbon for adaptive coaching when you're serious about optimizing.
Remember: The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently. A simple app used daily beats a complex app used occasionally.