Fitness Gear Apps, Classes, and Memberships Strength for Beginners Guide Strength for Beginners Guide Overview Getting Started Benefits Frequency What to Know Safety Types of Strength Training Muscle Growth Power Toning Muscular Endurance Beginner Strength Workouts Arm Day Leg Day Back/Chest Day Abs Day Full Body Gear & Apps What You Need What to Buy: Dumbbells What to Buy: Ankle Weights What to Buy: Lifting Chalk What to Buy: Barbells Weightlifting Apps Motivation Creating Routine Tracking Progress Inspiring Instagram Accounts Inspiring Testimonials Best Weightlifting Apps Fitness Point is the best overall weightlifting app By Amanda Capritto, ACE-CPT, INHC Amanda Capritto, ACE-CPT, INHC Facebook LinkedIn Amanda Capritto, ACE-CPT, INHC, is an advocate for simple health and wellness. She writes about nutrition, exercise and overall well-being. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 12, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Weightlifting is an effective way to burn fat, improve physical performance and cognitive abilities, increase self-esteem, and improve overall health. Keeping track of your workouts and gains in the gym can help you improve strength because it gives you a benchmark to work from and allows you to see your progression. This is especially true for beginners, who benefit from learning an extensive array of exercises with body weight, like squats, lunges, and burpees, as well as exercises that use equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, and kettlebells. The best weightlifting apps make it easy to build workouts and improve form and fitness. Weightlifting apps allow you to log exercises, the weight you used, reps, sets, and more. The best apps also come with videos, routines, and tips to keep you on track. Plus, the exercise libraries on some platforms are so extensive that you won't need a second fitness app to create routines. Of course, the best weightlifting apps are the ones that, ultimately, work for you. That's why we've included several platform options ranging from simple and easy-to-use to complex and loaded with helpful graphs and charts. With that in mind, here are the best weightlifting apps to help you maximize gains and get fit. Best Weightlifting Apps of 2023 Best Overall: Fitness Point Best for Simple Workout Tracking: Simple Workout Log Best for Learning New Exercises: Jefit Best for Veteran Weightlifters: Strong Best for Detailed Workout Logging: Gymaholic Best for Minimal Equipment Workouts: Sworkit Best for Beginners: Fitbod Best for Bodybuilding: BodyFit Getty Images Best Weightlifting Apps View All Best Weightlifting Apps Our Top Picks Fitness Point Simple Workout Log Jefit Strong Gymaholic Sworkit Fitbod BodyFit See More (5) Final Verdict Choosing the Best Weightlifting Apps FAQ Methodology Best Overall : Fitness Point Fitness Point Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download and use; about $5 per month for premium subscription Platforms: iOS and Android Free trial: No (free version or pay to upgrade) Why We Chose It We chose Fitness Point for its in-depth content, tracking features, and comprehensive workout log. Pros & Cons Pros Settings include 19 different languages Logs exercises, weight, reps, calories Includes workout timer Option to purchase over 400 additional routines Cons Need to upgrade to the premium version to access several features Does not come with training videos Free version is ad-supported Overview Fitness Point goes deep into details. The free and pro versions of this app boast expansive exercise libraries, complete with images, text descriptions, and explanations of how each exercise affects your muscles. The more common exercises include video animations to ensure you lift with good form. Tracking-wise, Fitness Point offers a comprehensive workout log feature where you can add weights, reps, sets, rest intervals, the date, and notes. The notes section is extra helpful for logging things like “only slept six hours” or “had a couple of drinks last night” so you can look back and understand the patterns behind your workout performance. Fitness Point also supports workout building, so you can set up routines to use when convenient. Another big bonus: You can get Fitness Point for Apple Watch, so you don’t even need your phone during workouts (if you use an iPhone). Best for Simple Workout Tracking : Simple Workout Log Simple Workout Log Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download and usePlatforms: Android and web-basedFree trial: N/A Why We Chose It The Simple Workout Log is user-friendly and comes with all the features you need for basic tracking. Pros & Cons Pros Easy to use Ability to export information and metrics to Excel Only takes a few steps to create and add a routine Cons Only available on Google Play (iOS is currently in development) Basic charts and graphics Lacks tips and information about working out Overview Do you want the simplicity of pen and paper with the mobility and convenience of a smartphone app? If so, you’ll be excited to learn about Simple Workout Log, which, like its name suggests, offers a straightforward yet functional way to track your weightlifting workouts. Simple Workout Log is perfect for the weightlifter who wants to spend more time lifting and less time fiddling with an app. This app features exactly what you might expect: Its minimalistic approach allows you to enter your exercise, the weight you used, and how many reps and sets. You can organize your exercises by adding them to categories or creating routines. The routine feature is extra helpful if you often do the same workouts, such as a basic powerlifting session. Currently, Simple Workout Log is available on the Google Play store and desktops, but the iOS version of the app is coming soon. Hold tight, iPhone users! In the meantime, iPhone users can access Simple Workout Log on their mobile web browser. Best for Learning New Exercises : Jefit Jefit Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download and use; about $13 per month for Elite subscriptionPlatforms: iOS and AndroidFree trial: No (free version or pay to upgrade) Why We Chose It Jefit provides users with several tools to track workouts and includes an extensive library of exercise photos and videos. Pros & Cons Pros Over 1,400 exercises demonstrated Only takes one click to record training logs Access to a huge workout community (over 10 million people) Cons Requires paid upgrade to access several features Features many workout plans which may be a distraction if tracking workouts is your main goal Free version is ad-supported Overview Jefit is excellent for people who like a visual refresher of exercises. This app features a robust exercise library with photos and videos of real people performing the exercises. With more than 1,400 exercises in the library, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you need when you feel unsure about a movement. Jefit also has a routine-planning feature to help you build your workout routines for a week and beyond. There are also pre-built lifting routines if you don’t feel like making your own (because, let’s be honest, programming workouts is hard work). In the realm of tracking your workouts, Jefit offers a tracking feature that allows you to log exercises, reps, sets, and weights, as well as a workout timer that will keep you on track by counting down until your next set. Best for Veteran Weightlifters : Strong Strong Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download and use; about $5 per month for a premium subscription Platforms: iOS and Android Free trial: No (free version or pay to upgrade) Why We Chose It Strong gives veteran weightlifters an extra push in the gym by providing an app that allows them to chart progress, customize rest timers, and find new exercises to stave off boredom. Pros & Cons Pros Log workouts and track body stats in one place User-friendly interface Comes with a comprehensive range of cardio and strength exercises with the ability to add your own Cons Requires upgrade to pro version for many premium features Might be too complex for beginners Focused more on traditional gym exercises Overview Strong helps long-time weightlifters with an impressive suite of features: You can discover new exercises (because it’s easy to get stuck in a rut); watch instructional videos (because even the pros need refreshers); customize rest timers so you stay on track (because by now, you’ve made plenty of friends at the gym and might get distracted); and save any workout as a template to complete again (because no one wants to fiddle with numbers over and over). On top of all that, you can also chart your weightlifting progress over any custom date range for any exercise and track your body weight, body composition, and other body measurements you choose to log. Strong supports weightlifters who enjoy varied workouts and offers tracking features that allow you to log multiple types of exercise. From assisted bodyweight to compound to isolation, you can track with accuracy. You can also tag sets as warm-up, failure, or drop sets. Best for Detailed Workout Logging : Gymaholic Gymaholic Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download and use; about $4-5 per month for different levels of premium content Platforms: iOSFree trial: Yes; seven-day free trial Why We Chose It Gymaholic is a great choice if you’re an Apple user and want an app that provides detailed workout logging. Pros & Cons Pros 3D-animated exercise demonstrations Log any type of training including supersets, tri-sets, giant sets, and more Track of exercise calories, 1RM, personal records, and more Cons Only available on iOS Paid upgrade required to access certain features Exercise and training library not as extensive as other apps Overview Gymaholic is a no-frills, yet somehow incredibly detailed, app for tracking weightlifting workouts. You can track any type of workout set, including supersets, tri-sets, drop sets, sets to failure, pyramid sets, and more. You can also tag your weightlifting workouts by types, such as bodybuilding, TRX, and strength. A must-have for serious weightlifters, Gymaholic supports tracking your one-rep max, other personal records, body measurements, body composition, heart rate during workouts, and much more. Gymaholic integrates with Apple Watch and the Apple Health app, so all your data shows up wherever you need it. The optional augmented reality (AR) feature allows you to see an animated version of yourself (as far as stats like body weight and height) performing your chosen exercises. And if you don’t feel like lifting one day, no worries—Gymaholic also supports HIIT and cardio training. Best for Minimal Equipment Workouts : Sworkit Sworkit Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download for 7 days; about $10 per month for a premium subscription (all kids' content is 100% free)Platforms: iOS, Android, and web-based Free trial: Yes Why We Chose It When resistance training equipment is sparse and you need to work out, Sworkit is the app to download. Pros & Cons Pros 500+ pre-designed resistance training workouts and 900 exercises requiring minimal equipment Customized workout time to get the routines that fit your schedule Exercises and workouts appropriate for all fitness levels Cons Requires a paid subscription after 7-day trial Minimal information on food tracking and nutritional guidance Does not support tracking metrics as well as other apps Overview One of the top fitness apps for iPhone, Sworkit, is there for you when you're in an overcrowded gym (hello, New Year), a hotel fitness center that lacks equipment, or any other scenario when you find yourself unable to complete your usual routine. It's also great for busy professionals with little time, parents who need at-home options, and travelers who often have limited space. With Sworkit, you get pre-designed strength training workouts that use minimal equipment, so this app is super for getting in shape when all you have (or want) is a pair of dumbbells or a kettlebell. Sworkit workouts combine light weightlifting exercises with bodyweight resistance exercises, such as push-ups and air squats, for a super sweaty lifting session. In the Sworkit app, you can filter workouts by time, goals, and level of difficulty. If you're feeling creative, pull from the app's exercise library to create your own workout. Best for Beginners : Fitbod Fitbod Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: Free to download for trial; about $13 per month for a premium subscriptionPlatforms: iOS and Android Free trial: Yes; 3 workouts Why We Chose It If you’re new to strength training, Fitbod’s algorithm makes getting started and staying on track a lot easier. Pros & Cons Pros Algorithm builds personalized workout plans to match strength ability Automatically adapts reps, sets, and weights as you get stronger Routines for equipment and no equipment Cons AI is not always correct More experienced gym-goers might find the app too simplistic Requires a monthly subscription after free trial Overview First, Fitbod collects your weight, height, abilities, goals, and more. Then, it uses a super-smart algorithm to build a custom weight training program for you based on strength training best practices and the information you input. Over time, as you log more and more workouts, the algorithm gets smarter. Adapting much as your body adapts to strength training, Fitbod creates workouts designed to push you harder. Fitbod literally fills in the reps, sets, and lifting schemes you need to perform to see results, removing any uncertainty and any possibility of confusion (no more walking into a gym and not knowing what to do). You’ll never be at a loss for what to do next. Fitbod tells you exactly what exercises to do, how many reps to perform, what weights to use, and how long to rest. It’s truly the equivalent of a digital personal trainer. Best for Bodybuilding : BodyFit Bodybuilding.com Sign Up Now Key Specs Pricing: About $10 per month Platforms: iOS and Android Free trial: No Why We Chose It Hardcore bodybuilders will appreciate the comprehensive library of routines and expert tips from the creators of the BodyFit app. Pros & Cons Pros Accurate information about bodybuilding backed by science Workout routines and programs from top bodybuilders Ability to track exercise, reps, and weight Cons Not a good fit for someone looking for an overall fitness app Requires a paid subscription Overview With more than 90 training plans from big-name bodybuilders like Jamie Eason and Jim Stoppani, BodyFit’s All Access app is any bodybuilder’s dream. You can search programs by goal; whether you’re looking to build muscle mass, lose fat, or gain strength, there’s a program for you. With a subscription, access to the 90 training programs is unlimited—you can revisit any of them whenever you like. Other app features include step-by-step exercise instructions, expert advice, workout tracking, meal planning, nutrition resources, supplement recommendations, and more. BodyFit’s All Access app focuses on fine-tuning your nutrition to support your training, so each training program comes with educational material to help you make the best choices. Final Verdict Weightlifting apps are a convenient way to track workouts, optimize your routine, and find new exercises to try at the gym. And when it comes to getting things done efficiently, it’s hard to beat Fitness Point with its comprehensive content and workout log. However, if you need some motivation, new exercises, or full weightlifting routines, then Jefit or Strong are great places to start. Both are equipped with tracking features and exercise libraries and have affordable monthly upgrades. Guide for Choosing the Best Weightlifting Apps Finding the best weightlifting app for your personal goals, budget, and preferences is key. Here are some factors to consider to choose the best weightlifting app. Price Figuring out what your budget is for a weightlifting app is step one. Many apps offer free trials, but if you know you can't afford the price going forward, you might be better served to start with apps within your budget. Many apps offer the option to pay monthly or on an annual basis, and you usually can save a little money if you pay for the year upfront. The apps discussed here range from $4 to $13 per month. Equipment Do you want a bodyweight-only workout? Do you have a fully outfitted weight bench? Or are you somewhere in between, with access to some resistance bands, kettlebells, or dumbbells? Which app you will benefit from the most will depend on whether you have access to the equipment their routines rely on. Use free trials or more basic versions of apps to find an app that offers programs that use equipment you have and enjoy. Skill Level If you are a beginner weightlifter, make sure the app you choose has lots of exercise programs that focus on proper form and safety. Conversely, if you are an experienced weight lifter, you want to make sure you are being challenged by the programs offered on various apps. Goals Perhaps most importantly, the app you choose must align with your goals. An app with many features relating to body composition or heart rate monitoring might not be best for someone looking to improve overall strength to make everyday activities more manageable. Take a moment to reflect on what you hope to accomplish with your weightlifting practice, and then look for features that will help you reach those goals. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Weightlifting Apps? Weightlifting apps can be downloaded to your phone, tablet, and/or smartwatch (depending on the app) and are designed to assist anyone who is interested in weightlifting. Each app has its own platform and format; some offer simple workout logging capabilities, while others provide comprehensive training information including tips, workouts, and connecting with online communities. How Many Times a Week Should You Lift Weights? While you may think the more workouts you can get in, the quicker you will see results, it’s actually beneficial for you to take recovery breaks when weightlifting. The optimum frequency for each person varies by fitness goals and experience level, but in general, three days of weightlifting per week is a good target. How Can You Track Your Weightlifting Progress? There are a couple of ways to track your weightlifting progress. First, you can measure yourself and keep a record of those measurements over time to get a sense of whether or not you are trimming down or bulking up (or both!). Another way to track progress is by using a weightlifting app to log your workouts. As you continue to train, you’ll be able to look back and compare where you are now to where you started. You’ll likely see that you are lifting heavier weights or that you are able to do more reps or sets in a workout. How Long Until You See Results from Weightlifting? The answer to this question depends on what “results” you’re looking for. Increased strength or endurance? Weight loss? Trimming down or bulking up? It also depends on your workout routine, your diet, and your starting point. To find out how long it will be until you see results from weightlifting, it’s a good idea to consult with a trainer. Is There a Free Weightlifting App? Several weightlifting apps have either a free trial period or basic content that is free. Most have additional features and content that costs a monthly fee. Apps that offer free content are Fitness Point, Simple Workout Log, Jefit, Strong, and Gymaholic. Sworkit offers all of its content for kids for free. Methodology To curate this list of best weightlifting apps, we started by comparing the free version of each app to the premium or paid subscription option. Most apps require an upgrade to avoid ads and access premium features, but affordability and how price matched what you get were considered. We searched to find the best apps that addressed all desirable features, such as training tools, tracking abilities, and the exercise library. Finally, we gave kudos to apps that focus on community support, challenges, and ways to connect virtually with friends. Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Westcott WL. Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2012;11(4):209-216. doi:10.1249/jsr.0b013e31825dabb8 By Amanda Capritto, ACE-CPT, INHC Amanda Capritto, ACE-CPT, INHC, is an advocate for simple health and wellness. She writes about nutrition, exercise and overall well-being. Edited by Olivia Campbell Olivia Campbell Olivia Campbell is a health editor for performance marketing at Verywell. She is author of the New York Times best-selling book “Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine.” Learn about our editorial process and Ally Hirschlag Ally Hirschlag Ally is a senior editor for Verywell, who covers topics in the health, wellness, and lifestyle spaces. She has written for The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Guardian, BBC Future, and more. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit