Fitbod vs Strong Weight Lifting Apps: Brutal Review and Comparison for 2023
How good are Fitbod’s workouts? Is Strong more than just a simple log? Which weight lifting app is the best for you? Read on to find out
You’ve decided to use a workout app to help you unlock the next level at the gym.
That’s is probably the easiest part.
When you open the app store, you realize there are way too many apps with good reviews.
Time-consuming and frustrating, right?
To help you make a better choice, I wrote an honest, sometimes brutal review of two of the most popular apps (Fitbod and Strong). In short:
- Fitbod says it generates personalized workouts for you. But how good are they, really?
- Strong lets you log your workouts with an easy-to-use interface. Is there anything more to it?
- Discover a brutal, contrarian take (there’s a better option you need to know about)
Read more to find out which app is the best for you.
Fitbod vs Strong comparison
There are a few key differences between Fitbod and Strong. Fitbod’s user interface is more user-friendly and streamlined, while Strong is geared more towards people who already have a workout routine in mind and just need a digital log. Additionally, Strong won’t automatically generate a workout for you like Fitbod will. Let’s dig into it
What happens when you open both app for the first time
When you open Fitbod for the first time, it will ask you a series of questions about your fitness goals, the equipment you have available, and your experience level. You also have the option to sync the app with Apple Health in order to access data like your bodyweight. If you don’t want to fill out the questionnaire, you can simply generate a workout.
Once you create an account, Fitbod will design a workout specifically for you based on rested muscle groups and available equipment.You can easily edit or replace any exercises or muscle groups within the app, as it is responsive and has a great user interface. You will only have limited time access to the app before needing to subscribe; after the trial there is no free version.
Strong app requires you to opt-in before giving you a one-time offer of a free 60-day unlock or a 39.99 yearly auto-renewal. Once you’re in, the app gives you basic instructions on how to navigate it and create a workout. The user interface is customizable but not very intuitive, so you’ll need to take some time to learn how to use it. Overall, it feels like a digital gym log– nothing more.
Fitbod app review
Fitbod Screenshots here
Fitbod is candy good. Not much effort needed to get a workout, everything feels good and looks good. If I didn’t care much about what i’m doing and only wanted to organize myself around something, i’d use fitbod. There is some Rate of Perceived Exertion training elements in there but fitbod won’t go as far as calculating optimal workload for you and this where it goes wrong.
It’s just like going to McDonald’s and ordering your food from the panel. You’ll get served the same thing as everybody else everytime. People striving for excellence, athletes, experienced lifters, and those looking to optimize their workouts need something better.
Overall, Fitbod is a good option for novice or someone working out casually; the app works great and feels great. However, advanced lifters and people wanting to optimize their workout should look for something else.
Learn more in our full review of Fitbod and in our review of Fitbod for bodybuilding (with user results and photos).
Strong app review
Strong Screenshots here
As there is no workout to talk about with Strong the focus here will be on user interface, the user experience and utility. The user interface is pretty simple, but the user experience feels more… complicated. There is a learning curve that you need to be willing to take to get this app working but once you get the hang of it it’s good at what it does.
Strong can be a great gym companion and progress tracker for those with advanced exercise science knowledge. Those looking for different auto-generated workouts, however, won’t find them in Strong. It is always a good idea to track and record everything you do in order to get an accurate idea of your progress and where you need to improve.
It’s a good tool but it’s like trying to make a cake without a recipe. You may have all the ingredients but you are probably going to need 10-20-30 attemps to find the right portions, the right cooking times and the right temperatures.
Learn more in our full review of the Strong app.
What are users saying about both weight lifting apps?
App store reviews of Fitbod
Over 4.5 stars
Based on reviews in the app store, it seems that users are quite happy with Fitbod! This app is praised for its way to keep users motivated and many said it to be very effective in helping users achieve their strength training goals. Additionally, users appreciate how the app allows them to target specific muscle groups during their workouts. It’s a great option for novice users looking for help to build a new routine. The apple watch version gets a most of the bad reviews for the app so you might want to skip this if you don’t like to carry your phone in the gym
App store reviews of Strong
Over 4.5 stars
Overall, users are really enjoying the Strong app. They love how it allows them to track their workouts and see their progress over time. They also appreciate the large exercise database and the ability to create custom workouts.
However, there are a few complaints. Some users find the interface to be confusing and not very user-friendly. Others have had issues with the app crashing or freezing. Overall, though, users are happy with Strong and find it to be a helpful tool for their bodybuilding journey. Apple watch does not seem to be a good option either as some people are giving bad reviews and mentioning issues.
How much do Fitbod and Strong’s subscriptions cost?
FitBod is the most costly of the 2 with a subscription cost of $ 12.99 per month, or $ 79.99 per year. A free trial is available for new users for only a few sessions, then you have to pay to have access to what you did.
A Strong subscription costs $ 4.99 per month, or $ 29.99 per year. A free trial is available for new users but there’s a limit to how many custom routines you can create
If you are looking for a free gym logger, Strong is the best option. If money is not important and you need an app that makes workouts Fitbod is the right choice.
Workout creation mecanisms for both apps and why does it matter
Both these apps will not give you the in-depth knowledge of exercise science that you need to take your training to the next level. Strong requires you to already have a strong understanding of workouts and be able to input them yourself. FitBod uses basic parameters to decide what your next workout will be. For example, neither of these apps could turn you into a competitive athlete.
They might help you beat some personal records on certain reps and sets but after investing time and money, it could be frustrating to end up with a program that’s easy and that you could find in the free version of another app. After a while, to reach your fitness goals, to gain muscle, gain strength and to improve your body measurements, you need a fine-tuned program using, new exercises, precise weight suggestions for the right sets depending on the type of strength training you are doing.
Contrarian take: Fitbod and Strong are just gym weightlifting planners
Do you need to get started or to get to the next level?
If you’re hoping to bulk up by lifting weights at the gym, you’ll need a weightlifting routine planner to help you stay on track. This type of planner can help you map out your workouts, set goals, and track your results. Seeing your progress over time can be a great motivator. However, what are you really trying to do? Develop a routine or find a personalized training plan that is more advanced?
There are many apps available that can help you form the habit of going to the gym, such as Fitbod and Strong. These apps can be useful, but they may not provide a workout that is tailored specifically for you. Later on, you will read that Strong does not even create workouts – you have to input your own workout data. Fitbod, however, does create workouts.
The exercises in fitbod are relatively straightforward and help new users get started as if they had a personal trainer keeping track of past workouts but for anyone looking for routines that will help them perform at their best, it will not be it.
Advanced users won’t find what they need to get to the next level as the type of workout they need to improve have to be calibrated to their level. After a while every variable is important so novice and advanced users can’t work out the same. Novice users need to learn the basics of how to use the equipment and do the exercises properly. Advanced users need to be challenged in a specific way to see results. This is why it’s important to have different workout routines for different levels of fitness.
Which app should you use?
Strong app vs fitbod, which app should you use?
It depends. Both have unique features and strengths. Fitbod main strength is to adapt to available gym equipment and create a weight training workout. If you are only getting started and need something easy to follow to help you get the habit to go to the gym Fitbod app would be the best between the two. Strong is more an app that allows you to track everything in a way a trainer would do it with a pen and paper. It’s really a digital gym logger, it’s not a digital coach. In the end none of these two workout app are a complete solution, both lack the crucial advanced training algorithm that understands your strength-training ability and studies your past workouts to create precisely the workout you need to improve as much as you can every reps, every set, every workout.
That one workout app that has the best of Fitbod and Strong
There is one app out there that will really help you get your best possible shape faster than any other app out there. It’s as easy to use as fitbod and it’s like you’d put a 110 IQ brain into Strong. The app creates workouts with the right exercises, sets, reps and weights automatically for you every session.
Be ready to make new records, and get your best shape faster on autopilot with the best possible workout personalized for you, that app is Dr Muscle. Imagine having a professional athlete trainer using state of the art science to create programs for you.
The best is that it will adapt your next workout every single time you give it new data. It’s probably better than 90% of live coaches out there that will lazily stick to a plan for a few month before reassessing your condition. Without a doubt you want to give this app a try.
FAQ
Who is Strong app best for?
Strong is best for experienced lifter looking for nothing else than a gym log. The app is easy to use after you learned it and has a clean interface, making it a good choice for to replace pen and paper Strong also offers a variety of features that can be customized to fit each user’s individual needs, such as the ability to log multiple types of workouts, set goals, and track progress with graphs and charts.
Who is Strong app not for?
The Strong app is not for people who are looking for a quick workout. The app is designed for people who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn to use the app and already have a workout they want to do . Using the app might feel clunky for some as we saw in the review section
Who is Fitbod best for?
Fitbod is a strength training app that is perfect for novice users who are trying to get into shape and improve their overall health. The app provides users with a digital planner who will help them create a simple workout routine that is easy to follow. If you are new to lifting and working out casually, but want to build muscle mass or improve your overall fitness, Fitbod is a great option.
Who is Fitbod not for?
Fitbod is not for people who are looking for a tailored workout experience. The app provides generic workouts that may not be suitable for advanced users. The type of person who is looking to optimize every workout will lose their time and money after a few months.
Fitbod and Strong alternatives?
I work for Dr. Muscle, so I’m biased.
But if I work here, it’s because I believe in the app. To me, Dr. Muscle is not just the best alternative: it’s the only alternative.
Fitbod and Strong might be good to get you motivated but are aimed at entry level users. If you don’t mind paying for many apps you could be using them as a starting point and then upgrading to something more advanced once you get the hang of things.
Dr. Muscle app, is the only app which provides a variety of workouts designed by exercise science doctor and taking advantage of artificial intelligence to optimize every workout and every set you do.
What you are paying for using Dr. Muscle is the application of Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) in a program. RPE is a way to measure intensity by using your own perception and DUP is a technique which alters the load and volume of exercises every session (for a given movement day) as a means to mitigate fatigue and allow continual growth. In other words, you program will be adjusted Unless you know exactly how to integrate these parameters in your workouts yourself you won’t progress as fast as you could do using Dr Muscle.