Comparison

GZCL Method Workout Logger vs Starting Strength Official

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

Head to head
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

About

Starting Strength Official

This app guides beginners through the proven barbell training program, offering step-by-step instructions, guided workouts, and progress tracking. It supports novice linear progression and allows for custom routines with optional paid form checks.

Highlights
  • Novice Linear Progression workouts
  • Step-by-step lifting instructions
  • Progress charts
  • Searchable training history
  • Built-in training guide
  • Optional paid form checks
Features
Read full description

Meet your AI Coach: ask training questions, log or adjust workouts by chat, and build your own program — right in the app. New: Texas Method and Heavy Light Medium (HLM) for when novice progression runs out, save your own variation of any template, and train straight from your Apple Watch. JUST SHOW UP AND LIFT • Novice Linear Progression with automatic weight increases every session • The app calculates your work weights, warm-ups, and plate math for you • Automatic stall detection with smart deload recommendations • A/B workout rotation handled for you PROGRAMS FOR WHEN YOU STOP ADDING WEIGHT • Texas Method and Heavy Light Medium (HLM) built in for post-novice lifters, weights worked out for every session automatically • Build your OWN program just by chatting with the AI Coach — "give me the Texas Method with rack pulls instead of deadlifts", "make my squats 5×5", "add chin-ups on day two" — it builds the whole week and tracks your progress from then on • Save your own variation of any template and switch back any time AI COACH (Pro) • Ask anything about the method and get an instant, on-point answer • Coming back after time off? Get the right weight for your first session back • It reads your training log and gives you personalized advice • Every change is shown to you first — nothing is logged or edited without a tap to confirm APPLE WATCH COMPANION (Pro) • Run your workout from your wrist — current weight, reps and per-side plates on one card, rest countdown on the next • Log Made/Missed and advance warmups without touching your phone • Rest alerts buzz your wrist even while you're looking at it APPLE HEALTH • Save your workouts and body weight to Apple Health • Weigh in on your scale or another Health app and your profile stays up to date on its own • Off until you switch it on in Settings; your data stays on your device GET BACK ON TRACK ON ANY PHONE • Sign in when you set up a new phone and your workouts, settings and programs come back automatically — no re-entering starting weights FORM CHECK FROM A REAL COACH (Pro) • Send a video and a real Starting Strength coach reviews your technique • Pay with Apple Pay or card TRACK EVERYTHING • Full training log with searchable notes • Plate math — see exactly which plates to load per side • Rest timer with notifications so you never miss your next set • Progress charts for PRs, volume trends, and projected gains LEARN PROPER TECHNIQUE • Step-by-step form guides for Squat, Press, Bench Press, Deadlift and Power Clean • Coach-verified cues and 50+ FAQs on programming, nutrition and recovery FLEXIBLE TRAINING • Free Log mode for lifters beyond novice programming • Custom plate setup for any gym • Imperial and metric units • Cloud backup so you never lose your training history Find certified Starting Strength Coaches and Gyms near you, right from the app. PRICING • Monthly: $14.99/mo • Yearly: $89.99/yr • Lifetime: $179.99 one-time Free features cover core novice programming and tracking; AI Coach, post-novice programs, custom programs, Apple Watch and form check require Pro (marked above). Subscriptions can be managed in your Apple ID settings. Starting Strength is the official mobile companion to the world's most trusted barbell program, built for lifters following Mark Rippetoe's methodology. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://ss-app-legal.netlify.app/privacy.html

Screenshots

GZCL Method Workout Logger4 screens
Starting Strength Official4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: GZCL Method Workout Logger at 232 against Starting Strength Official's 49. GZCL Method Workout Logger also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). Starting Strength Official's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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. GZCL Method Workout Logger sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Starting Strength Official sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GZCL Method Workout Logger holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 232 and 49 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of GZCL Method Workout Logger's written reviews are positive against 58% of Starting Strength Official's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
GZCL Method Workout Logger versus Starting Strength Official: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGZCL Method Workout LoggerStarting Strength Official
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (232 ratings) — better4.5 (49 ratings)
Positive reviews63.0% of reviews — better58.3% of reviews
Number of ratings232 — better49
Update frequencyFortnightlyFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB137 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperStrongomatic, LLCShabu Pty Ltd

Customer experience

GZCL Method Workout Logger

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

Starting Strength Official

All ratings45 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral2.2%
Negative8.9%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive58.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

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

Starting Strength Official

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GZCL Method Workout Logger

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

Starting Strength Official

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Monthly7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Pro Quarterly$29.993 Months
  • Pro Yearly$89.991 Year
One-time4
  • 1 Priority Form Check$24.99
  • 3 Form Check Credits$69.99
  • Pro Lifetime$179.99
Show 1 more
  • 10 Form Check Credits$219.99

Questions

Is GZCL Method Workout Logger free?
GZCL Method Workout Logger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Starting Strength Official free?
Starting Strength Official is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, GZCL Method Workout Logger or Starting Strength Official?
GZCL Method Workout Logger is rated higher. GZCL Method Workout Logger averages 4.7 out of 5 from 232 ratings, while Starting Strength Official averages 4.5 from 49 ratings.
Do GZCL Method Workout Logger or Starting Strength Official have ads?
Neither GZCL Method Workout Logger nor Starting Strength Official shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GZCL Method Workout Logger or Starting Strength Official?
GZCL Method Workout Logger ships an update fortnightly, and Starting Strength Official fortnightly. Most recently, GZCL Method Workout Logger was updated on October 24, 2026 and Starting Strength Official on October 24, 2026.

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