Comparison

5x5 Workout vs Training Programs

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

Head to head
About

5x5 Workout

This app simplifies strength training for beginners by focusing on essential compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. It offers a proven program that guides users through workouts, automatically calculates weights, and tracks progress. Get started with a free trial and build strength efficiently.

Highlights
  • Beginner-friendly strength program
  • Focus on compound movements
  • Automatic weight and rep calculation
  • Progress tracking graphs
  • Warm-up calculator
  • HealthKit integration
Features
Read full description

● Easiest program to help build strength for beginners! ● Focuses on key compound movements. Bench, Squat, Deadlift. ● Get started for free! Proven program that works! Just press start. Want to build strength and lift weights, but don't know where to start? Welcome to the 5x5 Workout by Zen Labs Fitness! Designed for first time lifters using 3 core compound movements. Squats, deadlifts, and bench press. This program includes your first 2 weeks for free! Getting started in weight training can be intimidating, but it shouldn't and it won't be with Zen Labs Fitness. There are many flavors of 3x5, 5x5, and other variations. At the very core of the these lifting programs, they share the same proven elements. Results have been proven time and time again for the past decades since the original 5x5 by Mark Berry in the 1930s, Reg Park in the 1950s, Bill Starr in the 1970s, and the many versions you see today. 5x5 Workout by Zen Labs Fitness includes the simplest versions to make getting started easy. 3 days a week, 8 weeks total, and only 45 minutes a day. Alternate between only 2 workouts. Guaranteed results. ≈ Only 2 Simple Workouts ≈ A. Squat, Bench Press, Barbell Row B. Squat, Overhead Press, Deadlift ≈ Starting is EASY ≈ 1. Enter your current 1RM (1 rep max) for Bench, Squat, Deadlifts. (or press beginner) 2. Our app will automatically calculate your program tailored you 3. Press start and start building strength! ≈ FEATURES ≈ ◉ First 2 weeks are free! Get started today! ◉ Both 3x5 and 5x5 workout programs ◉ Workout only 3 days a week. Rest in between days. ◉ Core program is only 2 different workouts that you alternate. Simple! We focus on compound movements for efficiency. ◉ Progress graph to keep track of your PRs (personal records) ◉ Multiple cycles. After you finish your 12 week program, start a new cycle! ◉ Warmup calculate to help you properly warm up and prevent injury. ◉ Weight and reps calculator ◉ Accessory workouts to add more volume for advanced users ◉ HealthKit integration ≈ NEW Zen Unlimited Pass - Try it for free! ≈ ◉ Award winning music curated from top DJ's! ◉ Scientifically proven to increase motivation by 35% ◉ Unlimited access to all pro features across ALL Zen Labs Fitness apps Questions/comments regarding the app? Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com or visit us at www.zenlabsfitness.com. ≈ Connect ≈ Facebook: @C25Kfree Twitter: @C25Kfree Instagram: @officialc25k Hashtag: #C25K https://forums.zenlabsfitness.com Subscription pricing and terms: The subscription will automatically renew unless turned off in your iTunes Account Settings at least 24 hours before current period ends. You can go to your iTunes Account settings to manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew. Your iTunes Account will be charged when the purchase is confirmed. If you subscribe before your free trial ends, the rest of your free trial period will be forfeited as soon as your purchase is confirmed. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use: https://www.zenlabsfitness.com/privacy-policy/ Legal Disclaimer This app and any information given by it or by Zen Labs LLC are for educational purposes only. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program.

About

Training Programs

This app generates personalized workout routines based on your maximum strength inputs. It offers popular programs like 5/3/1 and Smolov. The developer is actively seeking user suggestions for improvement.

Highlights
  • Personalized workout routines
  • Input max strength values
  • Popular program selections
  • 5/3/1 program
  • Smolov program
  • User feedback integration
Features
Read full description

In the Training Programs app there are multiple programs you can choose from. All you have to do is input your maxes and the program will fill out a routine for you. There are many selections from the popular routine of 5/3/1 to the intense popular program of Smolov. As this is a new app on the market I would like suggestions to improve the application. Thank you very much for the Download! My email is matt_kelly17@yahoo.ca

Screenshots

5x5 Workout4 screens
Training Programs4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 5x5 Workout at 53% against Training Programs's 0%. 5x5 Workout also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (1.6K vs 1). Training Programs's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads 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. 5x5 Workout sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Training Programs asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

5x5 Workout holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5x5 Workout has 1.6K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of 5x5 Workout's written reviews are positive against 0% of Training Programs's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

5x5 Workout ships an update every 2 months, Training Programs every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
5x5 Workout versus Training Programs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter5x5 WorkoutTraining Programs
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.6K ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews52.8% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.6K — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.09.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size203 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZen LabsMatt Kelly

Customer experience

5x5 Workout

All ratings1,632 ratings
Positive92.8%
Neutral4.5%
Negative2.6%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive52.8%
Neutral16.7%
Negative30.6%

Training Programs

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

5x5 Workout

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Settings cannot be changed
  • Lost progress due to app crashes
  • Paid features not unlocking properly

Requested features

3 requests
  • Allow changing weight for individual sets
  • Add a lower body/core focused workout
  • Include dumbbell exercises

Training Programs

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

5x5 Workout

Subscriptions3
  • Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Zen Power Playlist 3 Months7 Days trial$29.993 Months
  • Zen unlimited pass annual7 Days trial$74.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Features$8.99
None

Training Programs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 5x5 Workout free?
5x5 Workout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Training Programs free?
Training Programs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, 5x5 Workout or Training Programs?
5x5 Workout is rated higher. 5x5 Workout averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Training Programs averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do 5x5 Workout or Training Programs have ads?
Neither 5x5 Workout nor Training Programs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 5x5 Workout or Training Programs?
5x5 Workout ships an update every 2 months, and Training Programs every 3 days. Most recently, 5x5 Workout was updated on October 15, 2026 and Training Programs on September 19, 2026.

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