Comparison

Starting Strength (Legacy) vs GZCL Method Workout Logger

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Starting Strength (Legacy)

This app guides beginners through a proven strength training program with detailed instructions, video demonstrations, and interactive logging. It simplifies tracking progress and calculating weights for exercises like squats, presses, and deadlifts.

Highlights
  • Beginner barbell exercise instructions
  • Novice strength training program guidance
  • Interactive workout logging
  • Warmup and workset weight calculator
  • Exercise video and photo instructions
  • Cloud sync for training data
  • Customizable progression
Features
Read full description

Please note, this is the legacy version. An all new version of the Starting Strength App is on the store, search "Starting Strength Official" The Starting Strength Method is the fastest, most efficient and straightforward way to increase total body strength for complete beginners. ====== Here's some reviews from our users 5/5 "What do you get when you combine the best method to get stronger with detailed instructional videos, thorough explanations AND an actual day to day program? THIS APP! Finally! Perfect for both beginners and experienced lifters and worth much more than the price I paid for. Thank you Starting Strength! 5/5 "I've tried 2-3 other apps. I've kept paper logs. Nothing has been easier to use than this app. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't enter my warm up sets...its because you don't need to! You enter your work set weight and it tells you exactly what to load on the warmup-ups..." 5/5 "Wonderful, straight-forward way to keep DOING THE PROGRAM. A simple and clear way to apply the SS principles and track your work.” 5/5 "Like others, I was on the fence about buying this app to help kickstart my starting strength program. This app deserves it's high average rating, and you should pull the trigger if you are reading this.” 5/5 "I tried a few free apps before buying this app, this one is well worth the money. Best app out there for barbell training" ====== Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength" has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide and considered the most productive method in existence for anyone beginning a strength training program. "The best book ever written on strength training" - Jim Wendler, champion powerlifter. ++++++++++ Features: - Complete, easy-to-follow instructions for performing the basic barbell exercises: the squat, press, deadlift, bench press and power clean. - Walks you through the famous Starting Strength Novice Program -- shows you how to start, what weight to add and when to add extra exercises. - Enough programs to get you through the first year of training including accessory exercises of chinups and back extensions. - Designed for use at the gym with quick access to multiple angle videos and photo instructions of each exercise. - Lift instructions and diagrams from the Starting Strength Book by Mark Rippetoe. - Interactive logging tools journal your strength progression. - Warmup and workset calculator shows you exactly how many plates to put on each side of the bar. - Workset Rest Timer, customisable for each exercise. - Customise your progression for each exercise. - Add and save additional notes for each workout, and access previous notes easily. - Never lose your training data again! Cloud Sync backs up your training log data and restores it across multiple devices. - Download training log data as CSV (requires account) - Helpful hints and tutorials help you learn and progress safely. - How to program the basic exercises into the most effective program for long-term progress. - Metric (kgs) or Imperials (lbs), and change at any time. Have any comments, questions or suggestions? Please email us at hello@shabu.co Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/7754358

About

GZCL Method Workout Logger

This workout tracker simplifies strength training by automating calculations and progressions for popular GZCL programs. It eliminates the need for spreadsheets, providing a clear interface to log workouts, track stats, and focus on getting stronger.

Highlights
  • Preloaded GZCL programs
  • Automated progressions
  • Simple interface
  • Post workout stats
  • Exercise images
  • Support for Imperial/metric units
  • Rest timer
Features
Read full description

It's time to stop fumbling with spreadsheets. Start using this intuitive workout tracker built specifically for GZCL programs. Let the app hand the math so you can focus on the thing that matters, getting stronger. Preloaded with these programs: - GZCLP - Jacked and Tan 2.0 - Ultra High Frequency 5 Week - Ultra High Frequency 9 Week - Volume Dependent Intensity Progression - The Rippler The GZCL Method, created by Cody Lefever, is proven to get your stronger. But it is difficult to plan and track the programs using a spreadsheet. And you have to calculate your progressions. And you don't remember what weight you were supposed to lift in the gym. If only there was an easier way... BUT WAIT! There is! Download this app and hop on the easy train to gainsville. FEATURES: - Preloaded programs - Automated progressions - Simple interface - Post workout stats - Exercise images - Warm up, failure, and AMRAP (as many reps as possible) sets - Support for Imperial (lb) or metric (kg) - Workout notes and/or exercise specific notes - Rest timer customizable per exercise

Screenshots

Starting Strength (Legacy)4 screens
GZCL Method Workout Logger4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GZCL Method Workout Logger at Free against Starting Strength (Legacy)'s $14.99. GZCL Method Workout Logger also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). Starting Strength (Legacy)'s advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 63%) and ratings volume (2.6K vs 232). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GZCL Method Workout Logger is free to download; Starting Strength (Legacy) costs $14.99 up front. Starting Strength (Legacy) sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per 3 months and GZCL Method Workout Logger sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Starting Strength (Legacy) against 4.7 for GZCL Method Workout Logger. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starting Strength (Legacy) has 2.6K ratings behind it against 232, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Starting Strength (Legacy)'s written reviews are positive against 63% of GZCL Method Workout Logger's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Starting Strength (Legacy) ships an update every 5 weeks, GZCL Method Workout Logger fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Starting Strength (Legacy) versus GZCL Method Workout Logger: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStarting Strength (Legacy)GZCL Method Workout Logger
Price$14.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (2.6K ratings) — better4.7 (232 ratings)
Positive reviews82.9% of reviews — better63.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2.6K — better232
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size239 MB50 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperShabu Pty LtdStrongomatic, LLC

Customer experience

Starting Strength (Legacy)

All ratings2,550 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.4%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews240 reviews
Positive82.9%
Neutral7.9%
Negative9.2%

GZCL Method Workout Logger

All ratings230 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral4.8%
Negative3.5%
Written reviews54 reviews
Positive63.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative20.4%

User reviews

Starting Strength (Legacy)

From 2.6K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Helpful for tracking progress
  • 💡 Includes book excerpts and videos
  • 🔒 Stable and reliable
  • 🚀 Calculates warmup sets and plate loading

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Glitchy graphics and UI issues
  • 🔒 Lacks customization options
  • 🔒 Limited to the novice linear progression program
  • 🔒 No ability to modify exercises or programming

GZCL Method Workout Logger

From 232 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Straightforward and simple
  • 💪 Easy to make gains
  • ✨ Clean user interface
  • ⚙️ Highly customizable
  • ✅ Better than spreadsheets/other apps

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Doesn't handle progressions/failures
  • 🚫 Can't change to kg/units
  • 📉 Missing essential features
  • ⏳ No maintenance/updates
  • 🤷 Missing functionality listed

Bugs and requests

Starting Strength (Legacy)

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Frequent crashes and freezes
  • Issues with timer functionality
  • Problems with weight and plate tracking
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
  • Bugs when switching between exercises

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to modify exercises and programming
  • Implement advanced programming options beyond novice linear progression
  • Improve stability and reduce crashes
  • Add Apple Health integration
  • Enhance UI and user experience

GZCL Method Workout Logger

Reported bugs

21 issues
  • Doesn't naturally progress weights
  • Doesn't change sets/reps on failure
  • Can't change to kg
  • Settings menu for units doesn't work
  • Progressions don't work
Show 16 more
  • Rest timer difficult to change
  • Doesn't keep notes from previous sessions
  • Calculates weight wrong after failure/manual change
  • Value input keyboard placement issue
  • Previous stats don't carry over
  • Newest update broke LP (can't add new week)
  • App crashes when starting new workout
  • TM has stayed at 0% for nearly a year
  • Bug increases weight every time a day is opened
  • Checking off a set adds weight to the next
  • Can only select same weight increase for all exercises
  • Can't exit workout after starting (adds weight)
  • Program doesn't show weights lifted (clunky charts)
  • Doesn't support decimals in weights
  • Incorrect logic for automated progressions
  • Crashing when starting Jacked & Tan cycle

Requested features

23 requests
  • Reset everything to defaults
  • Alarm to play even if app is closed
  • Options to vary plans (heavy vs. cardio)
  • Add TM functionality
  • Easier exercise substitution options
Show 18 more
  • Login feature to save progress
  • Add new exercises easily
  • Customizable weight progressions
  • Add more T3s and customize them
  • Rest timer change for each workout section
  • Adjustable progression formula (for men/women)
  • Make previous exercises visible easily
  • Progression graph
  • Apple Health Integration
  • Warm up sets
  • Rep range customization
  • Add/remove exercises for customization
  • Graph to see progress over time
  • General Gainz workout option (custom template)
  • FAQ page about GZCL method
  • Total workout time feature
  • Support decimals in weights
  • Customizable progression logic

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Starting Strength (Legacy)

Subscriptions3
  • 3 Months Pro$19.993 Months
  • Pro Quaterly$19.993 Months
  • Annual Pro$39.991 Year
One-time5
  • Single Form Check$24.99
  • Unlock Pro Forever$59.99
  • 3 x Form Checks$69.99
Show 2 more
  • 10 Form Checks$209.99
  • 20 x Form Checks$399.99
2 purchases

GZCL Method Workout Logger

One-time2
  • GZCL Pro VersionFree
  • Pro Version$9.99

Questions

Is Starting Strength (Legacy) free?
Starting Strength (Legacy) costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is GZCL Method Workout Logger free?
GZCL Method Workout Logger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Starting Strength (Legacy) or GZCL Method Workout Logger?
Starting Strength (Legacy) is rated higher. Starting Strength (Legacy) averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.6K ratings, while GZCL Method Workout Logger averages 4.7 from 232 ratings.
Do Starting Strength (Legacy) or GZCL Method Workout Logger have ads?
Neither Starting Strength (Legacy) nor GZCL Method Workout Logger shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Starting Strength (Legacy) or GZCL Method Workout Logger?
Starting Strength (Legacy) ships an update every 5 weeks, and GZCL Method Workout Logger fortnightly. Most recently, Starting Strength (Legacy) was updated on October 26, 2026 and GZCL Method Workout Logger on October 24, 2026.

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