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Whether you're a beginner or an advanced weightlifter, planning your workout takes time and energy. Some people have no plan, or they mimic basic moves that they see other people doing. If that's you, you're not alone. By using the best weightlifting app, you can already have a plan in place that you're committed to following, eliminating the guesswork so you can focus on getting stronger and healthier. In fact, 72% of fitness app users said that using an exercise-based app helped them stay motivated to accomplish their fitness goals.(1)
The Best Weightlifting Apps - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Future
- Best Beginners: Caliber
- Best for Home Workouts: Tonal
- Best for HIIT: Tempo Move
- Best for Learning New Exercises: Alo Moves
- Best for Advanced Weightlifters: Strong
- Best Free: Hevy
With everything from workouts for beginners to advanced lifts, the best weightlifting apps can help you take your fitness game to the next level. Not to mention, lifting weights is a great way to boost your metabolism by building lean muscle, as well as strengthen your bone density.(2)
In this guide, I'll break down key factors to keep in mind when searching for the best weightlifting app like skill level, equipment, and goals. I’ll also cover my favorite weightlifting apps based on research and experience. Let's take a look!
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Weightlifting App Overall - Future
SPECS
- Price: $199/month
- Free version: No
- iOS rating: 4.9
- Android rating: 4
- Personalization: 1-on-1 coaching, in-app messaging, blog
Why I Picked It
If you're looking to get the most out of a weightlifting app, then Future is the program for you. Future pairs you with a real personal trainer based on your preferences and your goals. With Future’s app, you’re in the driver's seat and your coach is a real person who works to hold you accountable to your goals.
"I have never felt healthier and more comfortable in my own skin and I owe it all to the Future app." Laura (5 months on Future)
Plus, because you will be connected with a real personal trainer, your workouts and goals are customized to you. Your coach will develop a program based on your available equipment, your experience level, and desired goals. And for a limited time, you can try the first month of Future for 50% off.
Read our in-depth Future App review.
What I Like
- Full-service personal trainer
- Customized workouts based on what equipment you have
- Strong accountability with a real coach
- Ability to swap coaches as desired
What I Don't Like
- Expensive
- Trainers can't adjust form in real-time
Best Weightlifting App for Beginners - Caliber
SPECS
- Price: $217/month ($7/day for first 3 months)
- Free version: Yes
- iOS rating: 4.9
- Android rating: 4.7
- Personalization: 1-on-1 coaching, video calls and in-app messaging, lessons and dashboard
Why I Picked It
Touted as the "only online coaching program that guarantees results," Caliber is an excellent starting point for beginners because this app uses a scientific approach to training. Rather than promising a quick-fix transformation that is often unsustainable, Caliber's expert coaches aim to guide you toward your goals for lasting results. Your coach will be there every step of the way to help you stay motivated and on track and adjust your training plan as needed since fitness isn't one-size-fits-all.
"If you're looking for help getting started working out or need help being held accountable I highly recommend Caliber’s coaching service." - MiaGood41
A coach who can commit to personalization and customization is an integral part of any fitness program, especially for beginners, as you discover together what works best for you with your nutrition and training program. Equally important is Caliber's data-driven model, which uses your training metrics to determine the ideal path for accomplishing your weight loss or muscle gain goals with minimal guesswork. The Caliber App also uses technology to make training more fun by presenting progress as a motivational game using Strength Scores for goal completion and rewards.
What I Like
- Beginner-friendly
- Science-and-tech-based approach to fitness
- 1-on-1 coaching
- 24/7 access
- Lessons on fitness and nutrition fundamentals
What I Don't Like
- Expensive for full app/coach access
- Customer support only through email
Best Weightlifting App for Home Workouts - Tonal
SPECS
- Price: Tonal - $49/month subscription, $3,995 touchscreen
- Free version: Yes, app
- iOS rating: 4.8
- Android rating: 4.9
- Personalization: Syncs to Tonal system, tracks training metrics, Tonal community access
Why I Picked It
If you already have the Tonal smart gym system for your at-home weight lifting, you're going to want the Tonal app so you can sync your progress, create custom workouts, and connect with the Tonal community for increased motivation. Studies have shown that community participation and accountability can provide a larger incentive for accomplishing your fitness goals.(3)
"This app gives you all the information you need to choose your workout ahead of time and log into Tonal." - CruRyan
If you're unfamiliar with Tonal, let us break down this dynamic smart home gym for you and why you should consider it for yourself. Tonal features an interactive touchscreen that mounts to your wall with adjustable arms that take the place of your regular dumbbells, barbells, and plates for up to 200 pounds of full-body resistance training. Tonal is a fantastic option for lifters with limited space and has available accessories like a smart bar, triceps rope, and exercise bench. You'll also be getting access to thousands of classes for when you need a break from strength exercises and want to indulge in a yoga session or active recovery.
Read our in-depth Tonal review.
What I Like
- Tonal app syncs to system for better customization and tracking
- Thousands of workouts available
- Smaller footprint than other home gyms
- Financing available
What I Don't like
- App works best with full Tonal system
- Expensive
Best Weightlifting App for HIIT - Tempo Move
SPECS
- Price: Tempo Move - $39/month subscription, $395 starter kit
- Free version: 30-day free trial of Tempo Move, free app
- iOS rating: 4.7
- Android rating: 4.1
- Personalization: Syncs to Tempo system, virtual leaderboard, metrics tracking, on-screen coaching
Why I Picked It
When HIIT workouts are the bulk of your exercise, there is one thing to keep in mind; injury prevention. At home, it can be difficult to know if your form—especially when performing movements at a higher intensity—is correct and how to stay motivated with no external pressure. Many people who work out from home without a HIIT class or trainer are experienced lifters who can work out solo, but that doesn't mean beginners or intermediate lifters can't do the same when the gym isn't accessible.
"This device has been so nice to have. It has tons of workouts to choose from so I never feel bored and I can choose workouts that are at my current level." - mel2390
Tempo Move, and its integrated Tempo Home Fitness app, addresses injury prevention with technology, making home workouts very accessible. You do have to pay up front for the equipment, but in turn you will receive real-time feedback on your form and intensity for each HIIT workout. It can also sync with your apple watch or Bluetooth health monitor to give you a full picture of your progress. Additionally, if you're competitive like me, you’ll enjoy Tempo's virtual leaderboard.
For a limited time, you can get $100 off the Tempo Move system.
What I Like
- Real-time feedback on your form
- Syncs with apple watch and other heart rate monitors
- Virtual leaderboards so you can compete against other users
- Goal-based programs and 2,000+ classes
What I Don't Like
- Requires a TV with HDMI
- Monthly subscription requires 12-month commitment
Best Weightlifting App for Learning New Exercises - Alo Moves
SPECS
- Price: $20/month subscription, $199/year
- Free version: 14-day free trial, free app
- iOS rating: 4.9
- Android rating: 4.2
- Personalization: Unlimited classes, personalized recommendations, daily meditations and affirmations, offline downloads
Why I Picked It
Alo Moves is more than just an app for yoga and meditation; it also has strength, HIIT, and core training available with its beginner-friendly programming. So, if you came to Alo for low-impact exercise and stretching but want to incorporate some new moves into your fitness routine, or vice versa, I believe Alo Moves could be the best app for you.
"I love Alo moves, [I've] been [it] using it for years. I love the options, the teachers, and everything." -littykitt
Alo Moves offers several strength programs for lifters, such as "4-Week Strength Starter" with Roxie Jones and "8-Week Burn & Build" with Giorgio Merlino. These are just a couple of the world-class instructors that can help take you to the next level of your fitness journey. Similarly, if learning new exercises means a departure from full-time heavy lifting, yoga, Pilates, and Mindfulness classes are available for a change in pace and intensity. Lastly, Alo Moves can travel with you regardless of your WiFi connection thanks to offline downloads.
Read our in-depth Alo Moves app review.
What I Like
- Different fitness categories and programs
- 70+ instructors
- Offline access
- Free trial
What I Don't Like
- Doesn't track workouts
- No live classes
Best Weightlifting App for Advanced Weightlifters - Strong
SPECS
- Price: $20/month subscription, $199/year
- Free version: 30-day free trial, free app
- iOS rating: 4.9
- Android rating: 4.7
- Personalization: Training schedule and progress tracking, calculators and measurements, built-in exercises and tutorials
Why I Picked It
If you're a seasoned lifter or bodybuilder, I'm going to assume that you are either following a program or have enough experience with programs that you can put together the workouts you need. What I landed on for the best weightlifting app for advanced weightlifters is one with state-of-the-art stat tracking to help you fine-tune your training.
"The simplicity of the app makes it perfect. I just want to track my weight-lifting progress data and this app lets me focus on just that without all the extra advice bloat." - Nathaniel M.
For this, Strong is the best app out there. Strong syncs with apple watch and other Bluetooth fitness trackers to give you the most in-depth look at how your body is performing. For example, you can store your body measurements but you'll also get a rate of perceived exertion estimate based on specific exercises and loads that you add to your workout. If you want to get your training gains organized, Strong is the way to go.
What We Like
- Advanced statistic tracking
- Lifetime subscription available
- Syncs with Apple watch and other devices
- Free trial
What We Don't Like
- No pre-made workouts
- Not beginner friendly
Best Free Weightlifting App - Hevy
SPECS
- Price: Basic version is free. Pro - $3.99/month ($23.99/year) or $74.99 for lifetime access.
- Free version: Yes
- iOS rating: 4.9
- Android rating: 4.9
- Personalization: Track workouts and progress, calculate one-rep max, share workouts with friends
Why I Picked It
Hevy is an excellent tool for new and advanced weightlifters who want to track their workouts or make steady progress by calculating their one-rep max for all their foundational exercises. One of the coolest features of the Hevy app, in my opinion, is the ability to share your workouts with friends for feedback and motivation. The basic version of Hevy is completely free for iOS and Android users (and doesn't have intrusive ads). You can also log in from your desktop.
"It's nice to be able to see what friends are doing as well as be able to take suggestions from their workouts." - niko.ridge
That said, the free version isn't without limitations, as you can only store about four workouts and minimal custom exercises to your routine. If you choose to upgrade to the Pro version of Hevy, it's a budget-friendly $3.99 per month or unlimited access for $74.99.
What I Like
- Free version has a lot of features
- Paid version is budget-friendly
- Ability to share routines with friends
- Calculators and workout tracking
What I Don't Like
- Free version only saves up to 4 workouts
- Not as interactive
What Are Weightlifting Apps?
Weight lifting apps can be downloaded onto your phone and contain guided workouts or programs based on weightlifting. Typically, you’ll find directives for which exercises to perform including the number of sets and reps. Many weightlifting apps also provide you with a workout split, such as three lower body days and two upper body days or days entirely dedicated to one muscle group like shoulders.
You can also find a place to log and track your progress with most weightlifting apps. Because a successful weightlifting program requires you to keep track of your weight and frequency overtime (so you can perform what’s known as progressive overload), a weightlifting app can be a helpful tool for recording progress.
Weightlifting vs. Strength Training
You may be wondering—what’s the difference between weightlifting and strength training? To put it simply, weightlifting is a form of strength training. Strength training is an umbrella term that refers to any activity dedicated to building mass and growing stronger.
How I Chose the Best Weightlifting Apps
As a certified personal trainer (CPT), I looked at weightlifting apps for each category with impressive features and high user ratings that I would feel confident recommending to clients or friends. I also considered factors like accessibility, overall cost, and brand reputation.
How to Choose the Best Weightlifting App for You
Skill Level
Some weightlifting apps are for the advanced lifter. You've been going to the gym for years and you have your plan so all you need are the tools to help you be successful. Other apps are geared toward beginners who need to start slow with a lot of coaching. There are also apps for every skill level between, so make sure you get an app that you feel comfortable with.
Available Equipment
If you have a commercial gym then you likely have all the equipment you'll need to make the most from a weightlifting app, but if you go to a smaller gym or workout at home then you may want to inventory what you have to help you find the right app for you.
Goals
Most weightlifting apps let you set your goals, but some are better at certain goals than others. Read reviews and do your research to make sure your goals are an app's specialty so that you can maximize your workout time.
FAQs About Weightlifting Apps
Do workout apps actually work?
Apps can't do the work for you. There is no magic formula to getting fit, but what apps can offer is a support system that ranges from a full service personal trainer to progress tracking to help you get there.
Who should try a weightlifting app?
Weightlifting apps are for anyone who wants to use resistance training (weights) to get fit. Beginners and advanced users can find an app that will help them stay organized and on track during their workout.
Can weightlifting apps build muscle?
The best weightlifting apps typically have workouts designed by certified personal trainers, so yes you can build muscle using a weightlifting app. However, building muscle is a long process that also relies on factors like sound nutrition (eating enough food) and making time for quality rest and recovery.(4)
How many times a week should you lift weights?
How many times per week you should lift weights depends on your goals and skill level. If you're a bodybuilder, then you'll likely workout five to six times per week because you're focusing on muscle isolation and don't need as much recovery time. If you're trying to improve your general fitness, you'll probably be okay to start your training at three times per week.
My Final Takeaway
Like the best weightlifting program, the best weightlifting app is going to be the one that you engage with regularly. Whether that's due to community involvement, ample programming, or personalization is up to you and the type of fuel that keeps you motivated to train. I hope one of the apps on this list can be your ticket to achieving your next big lifting PR.
Our Experts
- Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, nutritionist and fitness expert
- Roger Lockridge, 20 year fitness industry expert
- Ali Nolan, marathon runner
- David J. Sautter, NASM CPT, FNS, PES; ACE SES, personal trainer and fitness expert
- Cory Kessler, CPT, FNC, health and wellness writer
- Daniel Preiato, RD, CSCS, sports nutrition expert
- Erin Chancer, CNC, expert health and wellness writer
- Katie Simpson, CPT, health and wellness writer
- Dr. Jacob Wilson, PhD, CSCS*D, training expert
- Lindsay Boyers, functional nutritionist
- Elspeth Huyett, cycling expert
- Gaby McPherson, nutrition expert
- Krisitne Golden, triathlete
- Lindsey Cooke, CNT, nutrition therapist
- Karla Tafra, nutritionist and yoga instructor
- Rachael Gonzalez, health and wellness writer
- Sosha Lewis, certified sleep coach, health and wellness writer, CrossFit veteran
- Frieda Johnson, expert health and wellness editor
References
- Valcarce-Torrente M, Javaloyes V, Gallardo L, García-Fernández J, Planas-Anzano A. Influence of Fitness Apps on Sports Habits, Satisfaction, and Intentions to Stay in Fitness Center Users: An Experimental Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 2;18(19):10393. doi: 10.3390/ijerph181910393. PMID: 34639692; PMCID: PMC8507994.
- Westcott WL. Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2012 Jul-Aug;11(4):209-16. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8. PMID: 22777332.
- Gallé F, Di Onofrio V, Miele A, Belfiore P, Liguori G. Effects of a community-based exercise and motivational intervention on physical fitness of subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Public Health. 2019 Apr 1;29(2):281-286. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/cky140. PMID: 30052924.
- Krzysztofik M, Wilk M, Wojdała G, Gołaś A. Maximizing Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review of Advanced Resistance Training Techniques and Methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 4;16(24):4897. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16244897. PMID: 31817252; PMCID: PMC6950543.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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