Comparison

GymRec vs Strive

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

Head to head
About

GymRec

Features
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Build your training program from your 1RM — automatically. GymRec calculates evidence-based programs from your 1RM (one-rep max): Smolov Jr, Wendler 5/3/1, PPL, GZCL, nSuns, PHUL, PHAT, German Volume Training, and more. No more spreadsheets — every session tells you exactly what weight to lift and how many reps to hit. Perfect for you if: • You want to run 5/3/1 or PPL directly in an app • You're tired of managing a training spreadsheet • You want precise weights based on your 1RM every session • You want to see your progress on a graph • You want to keep each other going by sharing workouts with friends Programs Included — all auto-generated from your 1RM •Full Body (choose 2–3 days/week) •Upper/Lower split (upper body / lower body) •3-Day Split (Chest/Back/Legs) •5-Day Split • Smolov Jr — bench press / squat peaking specialist • Wendler 5/3/1 — classic strength program (BBB included) • PPL — 6-day push/pull/legs split • 5×5 — simple beginner strength routine • GZCL — T1/T2/T3 three-tier system • nSuns 5/3/1 — high-volume variation • PHUL — power & hypertrophy upper/lower split • PHAT — Layne Norton's high-frequency system • German Volume Training (GVT) — 10×10 hypertrophy • Texas Method — intermediate weekly PR system • Linear Progression — Starting Strength method Nutrition and recovery guides included with every program. Auto-optimized for your equipment (barbell, dumbbell, machine, cable, or bodyweight). Key Features Fast logging — log exercise, weight, reps, and sets in a few taps. Interval timer with sound and background notifications. Form animations & anatomy — watch each lift as an animation. See target muscles on an anatomy diagram; tap to switch muscle groups. Stats & charts — volume trends, muscle group balance, and frequency heatmap. Personal records & achievements — automatic PR detection and achievement badges to keep you motivated. Fatigue management — RPE input and per-muscle fatigue gauge to prevent overtraining. Progress photos — pose-guide camera for monthly same-angle comparison shots. Home screen widget — check today's routine without opening the app. Backup & data transfer supported. Train with Friends Swap friend codes and you can see each other's workouts. • Five leaderboards — BIG3 total, your max on any single lift, sessions, streak, and total volume • See exactly where you place, and how much is left to catch the person above you • Open a friend's workout set by set, warm-ups included, and see how it was built • Save one you like as your own menu and use it right away You choose whether your workouts are shared, and you can change your mind at any time. Turning sharing off also removes what you already shared. Log it. Build it. Analyze it. All in one app. Start with one set today. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Strive

Features
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Striveは、「昨日の自分を超え続ける」をコンセプトにしたワークアウト記録アプリです。 前回の重量・回数をすぐ確認できるため、ジムで迷わずトレーニングに集中できます。 PR更新、成長推移、月間ボリューム、ランキングによって、自分の積み上げを可視化。 ただ記録するだけではなく、“続けたくなる体験”を目指しました。 【主な機能】 ・前回の重量 / 回数を即表示 ・セットごとの記録 ・PR(自己ベスト)自動記録 ・インターバルタイマー ・トレーニング履歴 ・成長分析 / BIG3分析 ・月間ボリューム確認 ・フレンドランキング ・シンプルで高速な操作UI 筋トレ初心者から、本格的に記録したいユーザーまで、 日々の成長をサポートします。 Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

GymRec4 screens
Strive4 screens

Verdict

The call

GymRec and Strive are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. GymRec sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Strive sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GymRec ships an update every 2 days, Strive every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
GymRec versus Strive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGymRecStrive
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 3 days
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size93 MB83 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperKaira MurataTAGUCHI SHOGO

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GymRec

One-time2
  • Remove Ads$1.99
  • Remove Ads (50% Off — Limited Time)$5.99
2 purchases

Strive

Subscriptions2
  • Strive Pro Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Strive Pro Yearly7 Days trial$22.991 Year

Questions

Is GymRec free?
GymRec is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Strive free?
Strive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GymRec or Strive have ads?
Both GymRec and Strive show ads.
Which is updated more often, GymRec or Strive?
GymRec ships an update every 2 days, and Strive every 3 days. Most recently, GymRec was updated on October 28, 2026 and Strive on October 31, 2026.

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