# 20 Pull Ups Trainer Challenge — user reviews > 65 indexed App Store user reviews of 20 Pull Ups Trainer Challenge by Zen Labs, rated 4.60/5 from 886 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/20-pull-ups-trainer-challenge/id848897098/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/20-pull-ups-trainer-challenge/id848897098.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 742 · 4★ 59 · 3★ 27 · 2★ 11 · 1★ 47 ## What do users think of 20 Pull Ups Trainer Challenge? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Easy to use - 🚀 Well-planned app - 💪 Helps improve pull-ups - 🎉 Great for military/fitness goals **Cons** - 💰 Subscription model change after purchase - 🔒 Locked out of paid features after update - 🤔 Unclear progression for beginners - ⏱️ Timer issues (stops when switching apps) **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes - Compatibility issues with older devices **Most requested features** - Ability to track incomplete workouts - Option to start at beginner, intermediate, or advanced level - Ability to combine multiple Zen apps (push-ups, squats, etc.) into circuits ## Newest reviews (16 of 65) ### 2/5 — Needs to deal better with incomplete workouts *2022-10-07* To the developers: if you are working this program, you are, inevitably, going to hit a sticking point and have to repeat a workout until you can complete it. The app needs to deal with this. I should be able to attempt a workout, record what I was able to do, have the app keep track, and not remind me the next day to workout again. In other words, there needs to be something between “I never even attempted this workout” and “I successfully completed all reps and all sets and I ready to move to the next day”. **Developer response:** Hi there! We are very sorry about what you have experienced and would love to help you with this issue. Would you mind sharing a little bit more info via contactus@zenlabsfitness.com. Hope to hear from you soon! ### 2/5 — Subscription won’t sync *2021-04-14* Started a Zen Unlimited subscription that is refusing to sync with any app other than the one through which I purchased it. Hopefully the issue will get resolved before I burn through the free workouts **Developer response:** Hi, we have fixed this issue in the latest updates. Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com if you're still having any issues. Apologize for any inconvenience! ### 1/5 — Paid for the app now asking me to pay for subscription! *2020-12-21, version 1.9.5* I paid for the app originally - now since the recent update everything is locked out and developer wants me to pay for a subscription that I don’t need!! ### 1/5 — Do not upgrade! Loses all premium features *2020-12-20, version 1.9.5* Do not upgrade as the latest version allows access to the full workout challenge only if you subscribe to their monthly plan. The “unlimited free access” wording is scam because it is only for a limited period. If you had bought the app for £2.99 you will lose the access to the programme beyond week 3-4. Rip off and zero warning this would happen. I am appalled!! ### 1/5 — I have to pay for a subscription to apps I already bought....? *2020-12-20, version 1.9.5* I already purchased the xxx push-ups/sit-ups/squats pack way back in the day and now you’re going to lock me out of the later weeks of an app I already paid for? If you want to move to a new payment style for new users, fine, but it seems like a real crock to not grandfather in users who already paid for the pack, even if there’s more “functionality” now. Good job on adding the ability to change music from inside the app, I guess? Not like I can’t just, ya know, play music from iTunes or Spotify and swipe down? I don’t even care if you just gave me the old app, or make the old app available for use instead of the new one. I don’t need the new one, it’s new color scheme, etc. I didn’t ask for this and don’t want it. ### 3/5 — Dishonest about Updates *2020-12-20* The app functions quite well and custom-fits programs based on your fitness level at the time you begin. I had been enjoying it and making gains and made the one-time purchase to access the pull-up application. In any case, this morning when I went to train, the app had been updated and I was essentially locked out and forced to pay again to a more expensive plan simply to continue. Despite what I felt was a dishonest move, I considered it, but the update is buggy and won’t even allow me to try the “free trial” of the latest version. I have reached an impasse with this app! ### 1/5 — Thieves *2020-12-20* I paid full price for the app but since the latest update I am locked out of about half of the workouts and I need to subscribe to access what I already paid for and had. 0/10 would never buy any app from this company again. Worked ok before except that timers stopped if you look at another app while resting between sets. Plenty of free alternatives. Garbage. No need for a subscription just a greedy move by the developers. ### 1/5 — Updated app then locked out of paid features. *2020-12-18, version 1.9.5* I purchased a few of their apps, in a package deal, a while ago to support them for all the help they’ve given me in the past and today (12/18/2020) they just updated them and now all four apps are telling me I need to subscribe to gain access to features I already unlocked after I paid for them. ### 1/5 — Extorting me for more money in a subscription after I already paid full price for whole unlocked app *2020-12-18* I already paid full price for this app for full functionality and they just updated it to block access to the apps functionality without a subscription. I ALREADY PAID FOR IT AND SHOULDNT NEES A SUBSCRIPTION! Their loss, I can find thousands of apps to replace them without being held to a subscription after I already forked out money for an unlocked version. ### 1/5 — Update removes your purchase *2020-12-18, version 1.9.5* 0 stars. Your iOS update today removed all access to the app after purchasing it a few months ago! I want my access back or I want a refund as I purchased push up/sit-up/pull-up challenges! ### 1/5 — Timer stops *2020-09-15* Timer really needs to run in the background while using other apps, especially the other Zen workout apps for circuits ### 2/5 — Beginner progressions are too high *2020-08-04* I was able to do 10 pull ups before using this app. Even I find the rate of progression too much, especially the last set. I think more volume per workout is needed with more sets like a typical BW program. ### 2/5 — No beginner level *2020-04-20* The style and workability of the app is fine— but the first week starts with 9 pull ups. Or, alternatively, they suggest you can do the “beginner program” and work up to that in two weeks by doing negative pull ups —starting with the same 9 but as negative. No way a beginner will be able to do 9 negative pull-ups or get to 9 pull-ups in two weeks. From the company that has the “couch to 5K” app, I certainly would have liked this program to have an option for those of us starting from zero. ### 3/5 — Starting Workouts Too High *2020-04-04, version 1.9.4* This is a great app especially the push-ups version, but, as a military veteran, I have to say, these beginning workouts on the pull-ups are too high. ### 4/5 — Good for basics *2020-02-20, version 1.9.4* I like this app and I use the Squats, push-ups and sit-ups too. I would find it more useful if you could add them together and use them as a circuits type app. I currently do chin-ups and sit ups one day and the next I’ll do push-ups and squats, which means alternating between apps. It would easier if there was a way to combine them. ### 1/5 — User interface much *2020-01-29* It was very unclear where to start and the sizing is definitely not for an iphone 7 or similar size. Could barely read anything and when I clicked something a timer started, for what? I don't know. I thought is was going to be a trainer for pull ups that takes you through some build ups like hangs, negatives, bicep curls, incremental hangs, etc. I saw none of that, but then I could barely read it. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Paid Customer Ignored and Asked to Subscribe Again *2026-06-15* I purchased this app years ago as part of a paid bundle and had full access to the features I paid for. After the latest update, the app no longer recognizes my previous purchases and is now prompting me to subscribe to access content I’ve already bought. I contacted customer support about this issue and never received a reply. I’ve tried restoring my purchases, but the app still fails to acknowledge them. It’s extremely disappointing to see loyal customers treated this way after supporting the app financially from the beginning. Existing customers should not lose access to their legitimate purchases or be pushed into a recurring subscription model to regain what they already paid for. Until previous purchases are honored and support actually responds to customers, I cannot recommend this app. 1 star. **Developer response:** We apologize for any frustration you may have experienced with the change to a subscription model. We understand that this can be difficult, and we want to assure you that we made this decision with the best interests of our users in mind. We've added many new features, including music streaming, which we believe enhances the overall user experience. Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com with your original download date receipt, and we’ll certainly do our best to work with you. Thank you for your understanding. ### 1/5 — Used to be free *2026-02-23, version 2.26* Used to be a free app on the last platform I used now they want you to sign up for premium after 2 weeks and lock the rest. ### 1/5 — Too many pull ups! *2023-07-27, version 2.20* What I love about all of your other apps is that I feel successful right from the beginning. This one is too difficult from the start and I need to cheat. ### 1/5 — Subscription after purchase? *2021-03-31, version 1.9.11* Purchased this app and now after the update I am being forced to subscribe.. no thanks ### 1/5 — Paid for the app, now they want a subscription fee *2020-12-28* To say I am unimpressed would be an understatement. I have no issue paying for an app but why was I not grandfathered into this? Maybe make a new app for your subscription service. What could possibly be gained from a subscription on an app that simply tells wen to perform the same exercise over and over? Would not recommend any Zen labs products, can’t trust they will stand by their you even when you spend the money. **Developer response:** The subscription allows us to add new apps to the network, add new features to existing apps, and pay a royalty to the composers, authors, publishers, artists, and copyright owners who create the music you love in our streaming services. Subscribers now have access to pro features across all Zen Labs apps and music streaming across them all. One subscription grants full pro access to all apps in our network! ### 1/5 — Subscription *2020-12-27, version 1.9.6* Another developer drops paid app for subscription. There are plenty of apps that don’t have subscriptions. Don’t fall for the trap. ### 1/5 — App revoked purchases *2020-12-24, version 1.9.6* I paid for this app and now this update removed all the features and wants a subscription. Your app developer license should be revoked. This is a huge scam ### 1/5 — They stole my money *2020-12-23, version 1.9.6* I paid full price for the set of these apps for full access now they have locked my apps and trying to charge me $4.99 a month for unlimited access. What a joke. Why did I have to pay for them in the first place ? ### 1/5 — Now they want me to pay extra? *2020-12-23, version 1.9.5* I purchased the app and it was working okay (a few bugs here and there, but you could get your workout done). Now they’ve locked my account and want me to pay a monthly fee. I’ll talk to Apple and see if I can get my money back. ### 1/5 — $ *2020-12-23, version 1.9.5* I paid a few bucks for this app years ago and have used it for years. It’s a glorified chart telling you how any sets of how many reps to do each day. It’s basic, nothing worth paying this surprise monthly subscription Zen labs is foisting upon us to double dip I into our pockets. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Pull-ups *2024-12-17* You do pull ups **Developer response:** Thank you for your 5-star review!! ### 5/5 — Wonderful *2024-04-16* Great 👍🏿!!! **Developer response:** Thank you so much for your 5-star review!! ### 5/5 — Rip-off! *2021-02-05, version 1.9.10* I tried the app for free, then bought the full feature option. Then they updated it so that you have to subscribe to get the full features. App Store won’t refund since I’ve owned it for 60 days (before the rip-off update), and @zenlabs tells me to go after apple since they cannot help me! Definition of fraud!!! ### 5/5 — Excellent apps! *2020-02-18* The zen apps are very well made. The programs are easy to follow and progressive. I’m a huge fan so far! I’m using C25K, the push-ups app, the pull-ups app, and the squat app. I’m going to try the 7 min workout app soon. It’s nice that zen labs has such diversity in the apps they offer. ### 5/5 — Great for Marines *2018-01-24* I used this app last year as a recruit awaiting Marine Corps boot camp. Went from 0 to 9 pull-ups in one month. Now I have to get it again since PFT season is here. Absolutely the best app to help increase your pull-ups! PS: (If you can’t do a single pull-up, do negatives) ### 5/5 — Good stuff *2017-08-17, version 1.6* I like it ### 5/5 — Love it! *2017-06-02* Great app. Well paced, great results. ### 5/5 — Very nice app with good progression *2017-05-18, version 1.6* Good app with nice warm up and progression. Would be nice to add music though. Otherwise, great lay out and it does what it says. ### 5/5 — Easy to use *2017-04-16* User-friendly interface. Works as advertised (so far). We'll see how long it takes for me to perform 20 pull-ups. ### 5/5 — There apps are great *2017-03-29, version 1.6* This apps will help you progress. All they need is a dip app just like there other apps. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-08.*