First Strength vs GYM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
First Strength
Read full descriptionHide 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.
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.
- Browse gym members
- Send virtual Protein Shakes
- Check-in and build streaks
- View events and community feed
- Post workout content
- Anonymous mutual interest feature
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | First Strength | GYM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 94 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | First Strength LLC | Johnathan Smith |
In-app purchases
First Strength
No in-app purchases
GYM
- GymMeets Premium$19.991 Month
Questions
Is First Strength free?
Is GYM free?
Do First Strength or GYM have ads?
Which is updated more often, First Strength or GYM?
Other comparisons















