Why Use Apps for Tracking?
Apps make tracking effortless. Instead of fumbling with notebooks and spreadsheets, you can log workouts, track body weight, monitor nutrition, and analyze progress all from your phone. The best apps sync across devices, back up your data, and provide insights impossible with pen and paper.
Key benefits of app-based tracking:
- Log workouts between sets (no forgetting what you did)
- Automatic calculations (volume, 1RM estimates, calories)
- Progress charts and graphs (visualize trends)
- Cloud backup (never lose years of data)
- Rest timers built-in (optimize recovery)
- Exercise databases (proper form videos and descriptions)
💡 What to Look For in a Tracking App
Ease of use: Should log workouts in seconds, not minutes
Data ownership: Export your data, not held hostage by the app
Reliability: Stable, no crashes, data syncs properly
Cost: Free version should cover basics, premium worth the price
Features: Matches your tracking needs (workouts, nutrition, body weight)
Best Workout Logging Apps
MOST RECOMMENDED
Strong App (iOS/Android)
Best for: Most people. Clean interface, simple logging, excellent free version.
Key features:
- Fast workout logging (log sets between rest periods)
- Exercise library with videos and instructions
- Rest timer with notifications
- Progress charts and graphs
- Cloud backup and sync
- Routine templates for quick workout setup
- Personal record tracking
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly interface
- Free version is excellent (no ads)
- Reliable and stable
- Works offline
- Clean design, no clutter
Cons:
- Limited exercise database in free version
- Some advanced features require premium ($99.99/year)
- No built-in nutrition tracking
Ease of Use: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Price: Free (Premium $99.99/year)
StrengthLog (iOS/Android)
Best for: Lifters who want more detailed analytics and completely free features.
Key features:
- 450+ exercise library with demos
- Detailed stats and graphs
- Built-in training programs
- 1RM calculations
- Personal records for every exercise
- Completely ad-free
- Customizable home screen
Pros:
- 100% free with no ads
- More detailed analytics than Strong
- Excellent exercise database
- Built-in programs from quality coaches
Cons:
- Interface slightly less polished than Strong
- Premium features ($10/month) for advanced programs
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Features: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: Free (Premium $10/month)
Hevy (iOS/Android)
Best for: Lifters who want social features and workout sharing.
Key features:
- Social feed (follow friends, share workouts)
- Routine builder with community templates
- Exercise library with form videos
- Progress tracking and PR notifications
- Rest timer
- Export data to CSV
Pros:
- Great community features (motivating)
- Clean, modern interface
- Free version very capable
- Can import routines from other users
Cons:
- Social features may be distracting for some
- Premium required for advanced analytics ($79.99/year)
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Features: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Price: Free (Premium $79.99/year)
BUDGET OPTION
FitNotes (Android Only)
Best for: Android users who want simple, completely free tracking.
Key features:
- Simple workout logging
- Basic stats and graphs
- Exercise database (customizable)
- Backup and restore
- Calendar view
- Export to CSV
Pros:
- Completely free, no premium version
- Lightweight and fast
- No account required
- Works offline
- Simple interface (no bloat)
Cons:
- Android only
- No cloud sync (local backup only)
- Basic interface (dated design)
- No rest timer
Ease of Use: 4/5
Features: 3.5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: Free (Always)
PREMIUM OPTION
Fitbod (iOS/Android)
Best for: People who want AI-generated workouts based on available equipment and recovery.
Key features:
- AI workout generator (adapts to your progress)
- Equipment customization
- Recovery tracking (muscle group fatigue)
- Exercise videos and instructions
- Progress tracking
- Apple Health and Fitbit integration
Pros:
- Automatically creates workouts (no planning needed)
- Considers recovery and equipment availability
- Great for beginners unsure what to do
- Polished interface
Cons:
- Expensive ($79.99/year or $12.99/month)
- AI workouts may not suit everyone's preferences
- Better for beginners than advanced lifters
Ease of Use: 5/5
Features: 5/5
Value: 3.5/5
Price: $79.99/year or $12.99/month
Best Nutrition Tracking Apps
MOST RECOMMENDED
MyFitnessPal (iOS/Android)
Best for: Comprehensive nutrition tracking with largest food database.
Key features:
- 14+ million food database
- Barcode scanner (Premium only as of 2025)
- Recipe builder
- Macronutrient tracking
- Restaurant meals database
- Weight tracking
- Basic workout logging
Pros:
- Most comprehensive food database
- User-friendly interface
- Free version covers basics
- Syncs with many fitness apps
Cons:
- Free version has ads
- Barcode scanner requires Premium ($79.99/year)
- User-submitted data can be inaccurate
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Features: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: Free (Premium $79.99/year)
Cronometer (iOS/Android)
Best for: People who want accurate micronutrient tracking.
Key features:
- Highly accurate food database (verified nutrition data)
- Micronutrient tracking (vitamins, minerals)
- Barcode scanner
- Recipe builder
- Biometric tracking (weight, measurements)
- No ads (even in free version)
Pros:
- Most accurate nutrition data
- Tracks micronutrients (health-focused)
- No ads
- Clean interface
Cons:
- Smaller food database than MyFitnessPal
- Slightly more complex for beginners
- Premium required for full features ($49.99/year)
Ease of Use: 4/5
Features: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Price: Free (Premium $49.99/year)
Best Body Weight & Progress Apps
Happy Scale (iOS) / Libra (Android)
Best for: Smoothing out daily weight fluctuations to see real trends.
Key features:
- Weight trend smoothing (moving average)
- Predictions and milestones
- Charts and graphs
- Apple Health integration
- Simple, focused interface
Pros:
- Free and ad-free
- Shows weight trends, not daily noise
- Motivating milestone system
- Simple and clean
Cons:
- Only tracks weight (no measurements)
- iOS and Android are separate apps (Libra for Android)
Ease of Use: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Price: Free
Progress - Body Tracker (iOS/Android)
Best for: Tracking measurements and progress photos in one place.
Key features:
- Body measurement tracking (chest, arms, waist, etc.)
- Progress photo comparison
- Weight tracking
- Charts and graphs
- Cloud backup
Pros:
- All progress tracking in one app
- Photo comparison is excellent
- Clean interface
Cons:
- Premium required for unlimited photos ($3.99/month)
- Some features limited in free version
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Features: 4.5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: Free (Premium $3.99/month)
Recommended App Combinations
The Minimalist Stack (All Free)
- Workouts: Strong (free version)
- Weight: Happy Scale / Libra
- Nutrition: MyFitnessPal (free version)
- Measurements: Google Sheets or Notes app
Total cost: $0/year. Covers all essential tracking needs.
The Serious Lifter Stack
- Workouts: Strong Premium ($99.99/year)
- Weight: Happy Scale / Libra (free)
- Nutrition: MyFitnessPal Premium ($79.99/year)
- Progress: Progress app (free or $3.99/month)
Total cost: ~$180-$230/year. Worth it for serious trainees.
The All-In-One Approach
- Everything: MyFitnessPal Premium (workouts + nutrition + weight in one app)
Total cost: $79.99/year. Less feature-rich than specialized apps but convenient.
Summary: Choosing Your Tracking Apps
✅ Quick Recommendations
Best workout logger: Strong App (free version excellent, premium adds features)
Best nutrition tracker: MyFitnessPal (largest food database) or Cronometer (most accurate)
Best weight tracker: Happy Scale (iOS) or Libra (Android) for trend smoothing
Best progress tracker: Progress app for measurements and photos
Budget pick: FitNotes (Android) for workouts, free versions of everything else
Premium pick: Strong Premium + MyFitnessPal Premium for serious lifters
Bottom line: Start with free versions. Upgrade to premium only if you use the app daily and free features feel limiting. Don't pay for features you won't use.
