# Progressive Workouts vs Simple Calisthenics

The clearest difference is ads: Simple Calisthenics at none against Progressive Workouts's shown. Simple Calisthenics also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (205 vs 19). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Progressive Workouts sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Simple Calisthenics sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Progressive Workouts against 4.8 for Simple Calisthenics. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Calisthenics has 205 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Progressive Workouts's written reviews are positive against 95% of Simple Calisthenics's.

Progressive Workouts ships an update every 3 months, Simple Calisthenics every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Progressive Workouts | Simple Calisthenics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/progressive-workouts/id1551617282/reviews) | [4.8 (205 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-calisthenics/id1634986201/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **205** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 94.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 262 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Dieter Janzen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1551617284) | [Jonas Wallmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489145519) |

## What reviewers say

### Progressive Workouts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/progressive-workouts/id1551617282)

This app offers bodyweight training programs designed by experts, focusing on progressive overload to build strength and muscle. It includes video demonstrations and detailed exercise descriptions to ensure proper form. Users can track their progress and customize their routines.

**Highlights:** Level-up bodyweight exercises, Log reps, time, or weight, Video and text exercise guides, Track completed sessions, Create custom workouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $5.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $5.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $19.99 | one-time |


### Simple Calisthenics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-calisthenics/id1634986201)

This app provides personalized calisthenics workout programs tailored to your fitness level, goals, and schedule. It offers interactive workout guidance, a comprehensive exercise library, and detailed progress tracking to help you build muscle, gain strength, and master calisthenics skills.

**Highlights:** Personalized workout programs, Interactive workout player, Audio and video instructions, Extensive exercise library, Detailed exercise guides, Workout builder, Training statistics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Membership | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Membership | $9.99 | per month |
| 3 Month Premium Membership | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual Premium Membership | $69.99 | per year |
| Premium Membership | $89.99 | per year |
| Simple Calisthenics Lifetime | $109.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Comprehensive exercise library
- ✨ Highly customizable programs
- 📈 Effective progression system
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 📱 Clear exercise instructions (videos/text)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- ❓ Interface can be complex initially
- 🔄 Progressions sometimes reset
- ⚠️ Some exercises lack easier starting points
- 🎵 No music playback during workouts

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to move from one workout to the next
- Progression resets frequently
- Preview videos are faulty and incomplete
- Exercise doesn't always switch to the next one
- Cannot save workouts or update plan

**Requested features**

- Add more preview images for next exercise
- Apple Watch app integration
- Easier starting points/progressions for some moves
- Ability to go back within an exercise
- Automate weight increases weekly


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Progressive Workouts free?

Progressive Workouts is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Simple Calisthenics free?

Simple Calisthenics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Progressive Workouts or Simple Calisthenics?

Progressive Workouts and Simple Calisthenics are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 19 and 205 ratings respectively.

### Do Progressive Workouts or Simple Calisthenics have ads?

Progressive Workouts shows ads; Simple Calisthenics does not.

### Which is updated more often, Progressive Workouts or Simple Calisthenics?

Progressive Workouts ships an update every 3 months, and Simple Calisthenics every 5 days. Most recently, Progressive Workouts was updated on September 6, 2026 and Simple Calisthenics on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*