Strength Cycle vs OwnLift
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Strength Cycle
This app meticulously implements popular strength training programs like 5/3/1, 3x5 Strength, and Texas Method with full methodology fidelity. It provides exact prescribed percentages, automatic e1RM calculations, and detailed workout history tracking. An in-app assistant offers guidance on program-specific questions.
- Full methodology fidelity for 5/3/1, 3x5, and Texas Method
- Exact prescribed percentages, no rounding
- AMRAP top set logging with e1RM calculation
- Training Max progression tracking
- Automatic deload week handling
- Filterable workout history
- In-app assistant for program guidance
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Built for serious lifters running structured strength programs. Strength Cycle handles 5/3/1, 3x5 Strength, and Texas Method with the rigor each methodology demands. No generic templates. No bolted-on assumptions. Every program implemented with full methodology fidelity: - 5/3/1 — Wendler's percentage-based system with proper Training Max management, AMRAP top set logging, and complete 4-week cycle phases (5/5/5, 3/3/3, 5/3/1, deload). - 3x5 Strength — Linear progression for intermediate strength building, with smart deload triggers when progress stalls. - Texas Method — Volume/recovery/intensity weekly progression with PR-driven Training Max updates. MORE PROGRAMS COMING Strength Cycle is built program-first. More proven strength programs are in active development — each implemented with the same methodology fidelity as the three above. No half-baked templates, no generic "add your own program" placeholders. WHAT YOU GET - Exact prescribed percentages, never rounded into uselessness - AMRAP top set logging with automatic e1RM calculation (Epley formula) - Training Max progression tracked across cycles, with full phase context - Deload weeks handled with proper percentages — not skipped, not faked - Workout history filterable by lift, cycle, and phase - e1RM trend charts per lift across all cycles - Ask Coach — in-app assistant for AMRAP interpretation, TM management, assistance work selection, deload decisions, and program-specific programming questions BUILT BY A LIFTER Strength Cycle was built by a 30+ year lifter who got tired of programming apps that misunderstand the programs they claim to support. If you've ever rolled your eyes at an app rounding 67.5% to "70% — close enough" or skipping deloads entirely, this is the one that gets it right. FREE, NO SUBSCRIPTIONS, NO ADS Strength Cycle is free to download and use. No subscription tiers. No paywalled programs. No ads. Just the programs, done right.
OwnLift
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OwnLift is a focused program runner for lifters using 5/3/1-style barbell training. Set your training maxes, units, rounding, and cycle increases. OwnLift generates the next workout, calculates prescribed weights, and lets you log each set with as little friction as possible. Key features: - 5/3/1 Classic 4-week cycle - Training Max management for squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press - kg/lb units with configurable rounding - Optional warm-up sets - Today view for the next incomplete session - Prescribed work sets with weight and rep targets - AMRAP top-set logging - Automatic rest timer after completed work sets - Workout history and session details - e1RM trend, recent volume, and progress summaries - Backup export and import files - Offline-first local storage, with no account required OwnLift is built for the moment between sets: large numbers, clear actions, and a quiet interface that keeps the next lift obvious. Completed prescriptions are saved as snapshots, so past workouts stay consistent even if you later change your settings. OwnLift is an independent training log and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the creator or publisher of the 5/3/1 program.
Screenshots
Verdict
Strength Cycle and OwnLift are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Strength Cycle | OwnLift |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 61 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Strength Cycle Studios, LLC | Myungwoo Yang |
In-app purchases
Strength Cycle
No in-app purchases
OwnLift
No in-app purchases








