Comparison

First Strength vs GYM

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

Head to head
About

First Strength

Features
Read full description

Download the First Strength app to easily book classes and manage your fitness experience - anytime, anywhere. Make a reservation, get added to a wait list, check your profile and membership status, and more – all from your device. Visit https://www.trainfirststrength.com to learn more.

About

GYM

Discover and connect with gym members based on their status and interests. Send virtual 'Protein Shakes' to initiate connections and explore community events. Premium features unlock direct messaging and exclusive perks.

Highlights
  • Browse gym members
  • Send virtual Protein Shakes
  • Check-in and build streaks
  • View events and community feed
  • Post workout content
  • Anonymous mutual interest feature
Features
Read full description

GymMeets is free to download. GymMeets Premium is a separate auto-renewing in-app subscription ($19.99/month) — it is NOT included with the free download. Any feature marked "Premium required" needs a separate paid purchase. INCLUDED FREE WITH DOWNLOAD • Browse members at your gym and send Protein Shakes (5 per day) • Check in, build streaks, and status bracelets (Single, Networking, Here to Vibe) • Live gym map — see who's checked in near you (map privacy controls) • View events, community feed, and featured gym highlights • Post workout content, photos, and videos to the feed • Gym Crush (anonymous mutual interest) • Join community fitness challenges and track progress • Browse the GymMeets Shop catalog • Push notifications for shakes, posts, check-ins, and activity GYMMEETS PREMIUM — SEPARATE PURCHASE ($19.99/MONTH) Not included in the free download: • Messaging with mutually connected (Unlocked) members • See who viewed your profile (unblurred) • Partner perks and discounts (MaxMuscle, Protein House, and more) • RSVP to member-only events • Weekly leaderboards and achievement badges Payment is charged to your Apple ID. Subscription renews monthly unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Cancel anytime in Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions. FIND YOUR FIT (FREE) Filter by status and see who's checking in today. Single, Networking, or Here to Vibe — connect with people who share your energy. FUEL-TO-UNLOCK (FREE) Send a Protein Shake to connect. When they send one back, you're both Unlocked. Messaging after unlock requires Premium ($19.99/month). LIVE GYM MAP (FREE) Check in at your gym and appear on the live roster. Control visibility in Map Privacy settings. COMMUNITY CHALLENGES (FREE) Join gym-wide fitness challenges, log progress, and compete toward shared goals. YOUR FITNESS FEED (FREE) Share workout moments, PRs, photos, and videos. Comment, react, and stay connected with your gym community. GYM CRUSH (FREE) Anonymous interest, mutual magic. When two members both hit Gym Crush, you both find out. LIVE GYM EVENTS Browse upcoming events and highlights for free. Member-only RSVP requires Premium. PAID EVENT TICKETS — STRIPE (SEPARATE PURCHASE, NOT SUBSCRIPTION) Some events require a paid ticket. Checkout is processed securely through Stripe — separate from your Apple ID subscription. GymMeets does not store your full card number; Stripe handles payment processing. GYMMEETS SHOP — STRIPE & WALLET (SEPARATE PURCHASE, NOT SUBSCRIPTION) Official GymMeets apparel and seasonal drops sold in-app. Separate purchase — NOT included in Premium or the free download: • Pay with Stripe (secure card checkout) • Or pay with GymMeets Wallet balance Order history and shipping updates in-app. Gift orders for unlocked connections use the same Stripe or Wallet flow. GYMMEETS WALLET (OPTIONAL) Add funds for faster shop checkout. Wallet top-ups are separate from Premium. DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD (PREMIUM) Premium members get a digital GymMeets card with QR code for partner gym verification and perks. Screenshots may show Premium-only features (messaging, profile viewers, partner perks, member-only RSVP, Subscribe screen) — separate $19.99/month purchase not included in the free download. Screenshots may show Shop items, paid event tickets, or Wallet checkout — separate Stripe or Wallet purchases, not included in the free download or Premium. REAL PEOPLE. REAL CONNECTIONS. REAL RESULTS. Privacy Policy: https://gymmeets.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

First Strength4 screens
GYM3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: First Strength at none against GYM's 1. GYM's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. GYM sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per month. First Strength asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

First Strength ships an update every 6 weeks, GYM every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
First Strength versus GYM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFirst StrengthGYM
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB94 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFirst Strength LLCJohnathan Smith

In-app purchases

None

First Strength

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

GYM

Subscriptions1
  • GymMeets Premium$19.991 Month

Questions

Is First Strength free?
First Strength is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GYM free?
GYM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do First Strength or GYM have ads?
Neither First Strength nor GYM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, First Strength or GYM?
First Strength ships an update every 6 weeks, and GYM every 6 days. Most recently, First Strength was updated on October 16, 2026 and GYM on October 18, 2026.

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