Comparison

HST Log vs IBEX Training

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

Head to head
About

HST Log

This app guides users through a scientifically proven training program designed to maximize muscle growth. It follows a structured eight-week cycle with progressive loading and strategic deconditioning to optimize results for intermediate to advanced weightlifters.

Highlights
  • Scientifically proven training principles
  • Eight-week structured program
  • Progressive load increases
  • Strategic deconditioning periods
  • Focus on mechanical load stimulus
  • Frequent exposure to growth stimulus
Features
Read full description

Hypertrophy Specific Training (HST) is a scientifically proven set of training principles designed to optimize training for muscle size. Hypertrophy Specific Training is a bodybuilding program based on physiological principles of muscular growth discovered through science. Based on recent research, Hypertrophy Specific Training is the most scientifically valid way to train for muscle size and growth. In its most basic form Hypertrophy Specific Training consists of an eight week program broken up into four consecutive two week blocks. The first two weeks are spent doing 15 rep sets, starting out at a percentage of your 15 rep max the first day and progressing the load used over the course of two weeks until on the final day of those two weeks you are lifting your 15 rep max. Your muscles will become conditioned to loads and it will eventually become ineffective at causing growth, so we don't want to spend a long period of time using the same load. After a proper deload your muscles should be receptive to the lighter loads of the early 15s and should respond with growth. The point is not to lift your absolute max each workout, the point is to get growth all throughout the cycle by raising the weight consistently. Hypertrophy Specific Training operates from 4 main principles: 1. Mechanical Load - Mechanical load is the primary growth stimulus. 2. Acute vs. Chronic Stimuli - Muscle must be exposed to the growth stimulus frequently. 3. Progressive Load - Muscle tissue will adapt to the load as you continue to train. 4. Strategic Deconditioning - When progress stops or growth plateaus, it is necessary to take a break from training. Hypertrophy Specific Training is intended for intermediate to advanced weightlifters. If you are unfamiliar with weight lifting you should start with an easier program before running a Hypertrophy Specific Training cycle. Please note: The Hypertrophy Specific Training program was developed by Bryan Haycock. This is not an official HST app and may deviate from information found elsewhere.

About

IBEX Training

Achieve your fitness goals with personalized training programs and resources designed for all ages and fitness levels. Track progress, join community challenges, and access a growing educational library to transform your physique and performance.

Highlights
  • 22+ training programs
  • Aesthetics and Hyrox focus
  • Lift/Run Hybrid training
  • Community challenges
  • Run plans (5K to marathon)
  • Progress tracking
  • Customizable workout plans
Features
Read full description

If you want to change the way you look, feel, & perform... It’s time to change the way you train. We have the programs and the resources you need to reach your goals. This is true no matter what age, weight, or shape you are in now. ● 22 programs and growing ● Aesthetics focused programs ● Lift/Run Hybrid, Strength, Hyrox training ● Community challenges ● Run plans (5K → marathon) ● Track PRs, %s, leaderboard ● Built-in movement swaps for every session ● Clear training block roadmaps & coach written warm-ups ● Constantly growing education library ● Community, accountability, and real world results Your fitness journey is unique, and we understand that. Personalize your workout plan with in app movement swaps, and a customizable training calendar so you never miss a workout. Join the community on a mission to get leaner, stronger and fitter.

Screenshots

HST Log4 screens
IBEX Training4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IBEX Training at 82% against HST Log's 13%. IBEX Training also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). HST Log's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, monetization model 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

Both are free to download. HST Log sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. IBEX Training asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IBEX Training holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 36 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of HST Log's written reviews are positive against 82% of IBEX Training's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HST Log ships an update monthly, IBEX Training every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
HST Log versus IBEX Training: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHST LogIBEX Training
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (11 ratings)4.4 (36 ratings) — better
Positive reviews12.5% of reviews82.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1136 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB43 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCharles VanderhoffIBEX Training

Customer experience

HST Log

All ratings11 ratings
Positive36.4%
Neutral36.4%
Negative27.3%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive12.5%
Neutral18.8%
Negative68.8%

IBEX Training

All ratings35 ratings
Positive88.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive82.4%
Neutral11.8%
Negative5.9%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HST Log

One-time1
  • HST Pro$4.99
None

IBEX Training

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HST Log free?
HST Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IBEX Training free?
IBEX Training is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, HST Log or IBEX Training?
IBEX Training is rated higher. HST Log averages 3.1 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while IBEX Training averages 4.4 from 36 ratings.
Do HST Log or IBEX Training have ads?
Neither HST Log nor IBEX Training shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HST Log or IBEX Training?
HST Log ships an update monthly, and IBEX Training every 3 months. Most recently, HST Log was updated on October 24, 2026 and IBEX Training on October 24, 2026.

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