The truth is that most people need better structure, not more workouts. If your goal is real muscle gain, not just sweating through a random circuit, the right workout app can make or break your progress.
As a strength coach who’s trained athletes, fighters, and regular lifters chasing their next 10 pounds of lean mass, I’ve tested dozens of these platforms.
I’ve also seen how the wrong app can waste months of effort while the right one can accelerate gains by keeping you consistent, progressing intelligently, and training with purpose.
We’re not looking at generic fitness apps or gamified step counters. We’re breaking down the best muscle-building workout apps for lifters who want results.
Whether you're a beginner just getting under the bar or an experienced athlete chasing that next PR, there’s something here that fits your style, goals, and training environment.
- Best Workout App For Muscle Gain: Lift Big Eat Big Underground Training App
- Best Workout App For Competitive Bodybuilders: RP Strength App
- Best Workout App With AI: Juggernaut AI
- Best Workout App With Variety For Muscle Gain: BoostCamp
- Best Workout App For Muscle Gain & Strength: Stronglifts 5x5
- Best Workout Tracking App For Muscle Gain: Hevy
Best Workout App For Muscle Gain
Lift Big Eat Big Underground Training App
The Lift Big Eat Big Underground Training App is the brainchild of James de Lacey (me), a professional strength and conditioning coach with experience training athletes across rugby, combat sports, and strength disciplines, and Mona de Lacey, a lifelong athlete and internationally decorated Olympic weightlifter.
Mona is a Commonwealth Games medallist and multiple-time national champion, while James brings a decade of coaching at the elite level and a deep understanding of program design.
Together, they’ve created a platform that blends evidence-based training, real-world athletic experience, and community support into one of the most well-rounded strength and muscle-building apps on the market.
From the jump, Underground gives you access to every LBEB program we’ve ever created under a single membership.
That includes Olympic lifting, strongman, hypertrophy, strength and size blocks, and even bodybuilding programs. This means lifters aren't locked into one approach but can pivot when goals or motivation shift.
One feature that is fundamental to LBEB is the curated community and coach access. As someone who's trained pro and amateur athletes across multiple sports, I'm active in the private Discord channel.
Users post videos of their lifts, ask programming questions, and Mona jumps in to help with Olympic technique and sports psychology questions.
Having that feedback loop is an enormous help and a big difference from only watching form videos and sets and reps numbers and having no one to answer your questions.
Quality-wise, the app delivers cohesive video demos for every exercise, plus deep-dive training courses. There are Mona’s Weightlifting Mastery, Strongman modules from Colm Woulfe, S&C tracks I built myself, and everything in between.
Pricing is straightforward: $37/month or $370/year with two free months. That unlocks all programs, community access, exercise demo videos, and video feedback from our coaching crew.
Considering most apps sell a single programming block for $100+, I’d say it’s excellent value, especially if you want expert feedback, not just tracking.
In my own time, I cycle through hypertrophy blocks and Olympic lifts, then swap in strongman prep depending on what my current goals are. The flexibility means you’ll never be bored and won’t need a new app if you want to tackle a new challenge.
The LBEB Underground isn’t just a collection of programs. It’s a living training ecosystem, coached by James, Mona, and Colm. For lifters who value variety, expert input, and deep programming, it’s the best app out there, in my opinion.
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Best Workout App For Competitive Bodybuilders
RP Strength App
If you’re a competitive bodybuilder or an advanced hypertrophy-focused lifter, the RP Strength Hypertrophy App is one of the most specialized tools on the market.
Created by the team at Renaissance Periodization, with programming based on the principles of Dr. Mike Israetel, it’s designed to help serious athletes maximize muscle growth through intelligent volume management and progressive overload.
The app operates entirely through your browser, meaning there's no native mobile app. But once you're in, the setup process is surprisingly customizable. You can select a pre-made template or build your own mesocycle based on your preferences for muscle groups, training days, and equipment access.
From there, the app guides you through each week of training, adjusting your volume and exercise selection based on how you rate soreness, fatigue, and pump. It’s one of the few platforms that incorporates real-time autoregulation based on user feedback.
With over 250 movement demos and clear technique guidance, even seasoned lifters will find helpful cues. That said, the interface leans technical, and terms like MV (minimum volume) and MRV (maximum recoverable volume) are part of the setup process, which may intimidate less experienced users.
In terms of performance, the RP Strength app excels at keeping training focused and productive. Users appreciate the methodical structure and adaptive training logic, but some do mention that the default volume recommendations can feel a bit excessive, especially during later mesocycle weeks. Recovery becomes a real factor, so you’ll need to monitor it closely.
As for pricing, the app is on the higher end. Monthly access is $34.99, with a discount for annual subscribers at $24.99 per month. It’s a significant investment compared to more generic apps, but the payoff is real if you’re committed to a long-term hypertrophy plan with precision-built progression.
Overall, the RP Strength Hypertrophy App isn’t for everyone, but for competitive bodybuilders who want structured, intelligent programming and don’t mind a little complexity, it’s one of the best options available.
Best Workout App With AI
Juggernaut AI
If you're into strength training with a tech twist, especially powerlifting or powerbuilding, the Juggernaut AI app is one of the best AI-powered tools in the game right now.
Brought to life by Chad Wesley Smith and the Juggernaut Training Systems crew, this app offers dynamic, data-driven programming that adapts as you train. I’ve tried the app pushing through a couple of cycles with it, and while I love the precision, it’s not without its quirks.
From the moment you start, Juggernaut AI asks for detailed inputs: your PRs, goals (powerlifting vs powerbuilding), weak points, recovery, and more. This sets the stage for truly personalized programming, which is far more tailored than most off-the-shelf apps. And yes, it really lives up to that promise once you're deep into a block.
There are three main tabs in the app: Dashboard, Workouts, and Exercises. The Dashboard gives you a smart view of weekly volume and training phase; the Workouts tab is where you run through each session; and the Exercises tab has a solid library of 300+ videos and coaching cues.
As someone who coaches technique in person and online, I appreciate the punchy cues and the ability to swap accessory work on the fly.
Where it really shines is the autoregulation. Each session you log your readiness—sleep, soreness, motivation—then track weights, sets, reps, RPE, and RIR. The app then adjusts your load and volume accordingly, sometimes even nixing a set if you hit RPE 10 early.
On the flip side, Juggernaut AI is geared toward lifters who train hard and often. Workouts can stretch 45–90 minutes, and with a subscription of $34.99/month (or $349.99/year), it's an investment.
If you're serious about strength, want intelligent programming, and can commit, Juggernaut AI is a top-tier choice. Just be ready for longer sessions, heavier loads, and the occasional tech hiccup.
Best Workout App With Variety For Muscle Gain
BoostCamp
From the start, BoostCamp delivers more than just a workout tracker. It offers over 70 professionally designed programs, including PHUL, PHAT, nSuns, Candito, Reddit PPL, and more, created by coaches such as Dr. Eric Helms, Alberto Núñez, and Alex Bromley.
That means whether you're prioritizing hypertrophy, strength, or a mix, there's something tailored to your goals, letting you switch it up easily when progress stalls.
The app is a true toolkit. You can follow a coach's predefined workout, customize it, or build your own multi-week routine. The built-in workout planner tracks RPE, 1RM percentages, volume, and reps.
Community feedback reflects what I found firsthand. In Reddit threads, users praise the “free version [being] good enough for most people, while others note that swapping lifts without the Pro version was previously restricted, although recent updates appear to have improved this.
On Google Play and the App Store, ratings hover around 4.7–4.8, with testimonials highlighting easy tracking, engaging variety, and robust program choices.
The premium tier (BoostCamp Pro) unlocks advanced program creation and coach-made routines, ranging from $15 to 80, depending on the current offers. For me, the rich free content was enough for a full training cycle, but upgrading adds flexibility to tailor programs more precisely.
There are minor rough edges, and users reported occasional bugs after updates, while the interface can be a bit overwhelming the first time you dive in . But in a few sessions, you’ll find it intuitive, and offline access is supported, which is a nice plus.
Best Workout App For Muscle Gain & Strength
Stronglifts 5x5
If you’re looking for a dead-simple, brutally effective way to build strength and muscle, StrongLifts 5×5 is one of the most time-tested programs out there. I’ve used it myself and often recommend it to beginners or anyone getting back to basics. It’s not flashy, but it works, especially if your priority is adding plates to the bar and building solid mass through compound lifts.
The app is centered around a classic 5×5 setup: three sessions per week, alternating two workouts. Workout A is Squat, Bench Press, and Barbell Row; Workout B is Squat, Overhead Press, and Deadlift. You perform five sets of five reps (one set of five for deadlifts), adding weight each time you successfully complete a session. It’s progressive overload in its purest form.
The interface is clean and stripped-down. You’re not distracted by bells and whistles, just your sets, your progress, and your rest timer. There’s even a built-in warm-up calculator, which can be helpful for beginners. The app tracks everything automatically and even adjusts for missed reps or stalls, prompting a deload or reattempt when needed.
In terms of results, the program can deliver consistent strength gains in squats and deadlifts within a few months. It also builds work capacity and ingrains good habits such as tracking, consistency, and recovery.
For muscle gain, it won’t give you the volume or isolation work of a hypertrophy-focused program, but it lays a strong foundation. You can always add accessories afterward if needed.
The core version of the app is free, and you can upgrade for around $19.99 per year if you want to customize workouts, unlock plate calculators, or integrate accessory movements. That price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The app doesn’t offer much in terms of variation, and advanced lifters will likely outgrow the linear progression model. But for beginners or for lifters coming off a long break, it’s one of the best ways to get back into strength training and start putting on quality size.
Best Workout Tracking App For Muscle Gain
Hevy
Few apps strike the right balance between simplicity, functionality, and community like Hevy, which consistently delivers an efficient and user-friendly experience.
From the moment you open Hevy, tracking feels instantly approachable. It’s free to start, and even that version lets you build unlimited routines, log sets, reps, weights, and use various set types (warm-ups, drops, failure), with easy-to-customize rest timers. The interface is clean and intuitive, and you're never distracted by ads or clutter.
Later, I upgraded to the Pro version (about $3–4/month), enabling even more customization. It unlocked personal notes, measurement history, extended stats, and unlimited custom exercises.
Real user feedback backs this up. Reviews on the App Store and Play Store sit around 4.8–4.9 stars with over 130k ratings, with many noting, "tracking my workouts with Hevy has taken my fitness to the next level… easy to use”.
Over on Reddit, users report that the paid version is “100 % worth it” because it “covers everything from sets to rest timing to workout analysis to tracking PRs” r.
The stats and analytics section is another highlight. Hevy tracks your 1RM, volume, and muscle groups over time and gives you clean graphs to monitor progression. I’ve used this data to tweak programming for my podcast guests and channel subscribers, and the visual feedback always helps keep the motivation strong.
On the downside, Hevy doesn’t offer programming or AI-generated workouts; it's only a log and planner. If you need guidance on what to train, it won’t help you. And occasionally, newer updates have introduced minor bugs like timer glitches or loading issues.
How To Pick The Best Workout App For Muscle Gain
Coaches
A program is only as good as the coach behind it. This is one of the most important and most overlooked elements when selecting a workout app.
You want to know that the programming was designed by someone with real-world experience, not just a random algorithm or a general fitness influencer.
Look for apps created or guided by certified coaches, experienced athletes, or professionals with a track record in strength, hypertrophy, or sports performance.
Platforms like the RP Strength App are rooted in exercise science and developed by PhDs and IFBB pros.
The Lift Big Eat Big Underground App is another standout, developed by James de Lacey, who is a seasoned S&C coach, and Mona de Lacey, a Commonwealth Games medallist and lifelong Weightlifter.
Their combined expertise shows up in the program structure, progressions, and the feedback you receive as a user.
When an app is built by people who have competed, coached and tested their methods over the years, it gives you a level of trust and confidence that’s hard to replicate with generic plans.
Program Variety
Muscle gain isn’t linear, and it definitely isn’t static. Your body adapts over time, and your training needs to evolve accordingly.
That’s why variety in programming isn’t just a bonus. An app that gives you only one “hypertrophy plan” may work for a few weeks, but what happens when you stall or get bored?
Look for apps that offer multiple training blocks or tracks: strength-based hypertrophy, volume-focused splits, specialization blocks, and even deload options.
BoostCamp is a perfect example with its 70+ free programs, from beginner to advanced, across a range of goals, including power building, PHUL/PHAT, and upper/lower splits.
Juggernaut AI is another strong contender with intelligent variation over time, adjusting based on your recovery and fatigue levels.
Whether you’re transitioning from a strength phase to a volume block or rotating lifts to overcome a plateau, program variety keeps your training fresh, your progress continuous, and your motivation intact.
Tracking Features
When it comes to hypertrophy, consistency, and progression are everything and that’s where tracking features become critical.
The best apps not only record your sets and reps but also give you insight into your long-term trends and help automate the progressive overload process.
Look for features like built-in progression tracking, 1RM estimators, volume summaries, rest timers, and visual graphs that highlight performance over time.
Hevy is one of the best pure tracking apps for this. It lets you create custom routines, tag intensity methods (like drop sets or failure), and compare volume across muscle groups week to week.
Good tracking features also reduce mental fatigue. You’re not wondering, “What weight did I use for incline dumbbell last week?” It’s all there logged, charted, and ready.
For coaches like me, this becomes a powerful tool when working with clients remotely. It allows for easy performance reviews and real-time adjustments.
If you’re not tracking, you’re guessing. And guessing won’t get you bigger.
Training Level
An often overlooked but crucial element when choosing a workout app is whether or not it fits your training level.
A beginner doesn’t need an autoregulated volume plan built around RIR adjustments, just like an advanced lifter will quickly outgrow a basic 3-day split that increases weight linearly.
Some apps, like StrongLifts 5×5, are ideal for beginners or lifters returning after a break. They focus on mastering the basics with structured, progressive routines.
Others, like RP Strength and Juggernaut AI, assume you’re already familiar with training terminology and require a bit more lifting maturity to get the most out of the system.
Lift Big Eat Big, on the other hand, arms you with programs across different disciplines and training levels so you can choose the most appropriate for your level.
When you’re evaluating an app, look for a clear indication of who it’s built for. The best platforms will either offer plans for different levels or guide you to an appropriate starting point based on your experience.
If the app throws you into a five-day push/pull/legs plan with no explanation or adaptation, you’ll likely end up frustrated or overtrained.
Equipment Access
This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how many apps assume access to a full gym or specific machines. If you train at home, in a minimalist garage gym, or while traveling, you need an app that can work with the tools you have.
The best apps allow you to filter or substitute exercises based on your available equipment.
For example, the RP Strength App lets you select from dumbbells only, machines, barbells, or full gym setups and then tailors your program accordingly.
BoostCamp also allows you to swap out movements easily, which makes it practical for hybrid or changing environments.
Make sure your app works with your environment or gives you the tools to make it work.
Community Features
Muscle gain is a long process, and staying consistent over months or years is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
That’s where community features come in. Whether it’s a forum, a chat group, or in-app comments, being part of a supportive environment makes a real difference.
Apps like Lift Big Eat Big Underground include direct access to coaches and other users within the app, which creates a tight-knit community that’s great for sharing progress, getting feedback, or just staying accountable.
Even simpler apps like Hevy allow users to follow each other’s workouts and give encouragement, which adds a nice layer of motivation and connection.
Lifting can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. A strong community adds value beyond sets and reps.
Price
Workout apps come with a wide range of pricing models, from free to premium subscriptions. What matters most isn’t just the cost but what you get for it.
Free apps like BoostCamp and Hevy are surprisingly robust, especially for lifters who already know how to program or follow a template. For others, the extra features and support that come with paid apps might be worth every cent.
For example, Juggernaut AI and RP Strength hover around $25–35/month, but they offer intelligent autoregulation, customization, and coaching-level logic that can rival a $100/month trainer.
Lift Big Eat Big Underground is priced at $37/month but includes all training programs, video demos, and community access.
When evaluating price, consider what kind of guidance, accountability, and features you actually need. If an app helps you stay consistent, progress faster, or avoid injury, the return on investment is often well worth it.
Frequently Asked Workout Apps For Muscle Gain Questions
What should I look for in a muscle-building workout app?
The most important features to look for are structured programming, progressive overload, and customization based on your goals and training level. A good app should provide a plan that builds over time, adapting to your progress and recovery.
Bonus points if it includes video demos, tracking tools, and access to a coach or community. Whether you’re bulking for the first time or trying to break through a plateau, structure is non-negotiable.
Are free workout apps good enough for building muscle?
Yes, if you know how to train, free apps like BoostCamp and Hevy can absolutely support muscle gain.
Many free platforms offer high-quality programs developed by reputable coaches, especially for beginners or intermediates.
However, free apps usually don’t include advanced features like AI-driven progression, real-time adjustments, or personalized feedback. If you’re newer to training or want a deeper level of guidance, investing in a paid app might be worth it.
Can workout apps replace personal trainers?
For many lifters, especially those with basic form and discipline in place, apps can effectively replace personal trainers.
Apps like Juggernaut AI or RP Strength offer detailed programming and autoregulation logic that rivals what you’d get from a coach.
That said, no app can correct your form in real time or spot subtle technique issues. For beginners or those returning from injury, working with a trainer, at least occasionally, is the best option.
How do muscle-building apps incorporate nutrition?
It varies. Some apps, like RP Strength, offer separate or integrated nutrition tracking tools based on macros and goals.
Others may provide nutrition guidelines or educational resources but don’t include full meal planning features.
If nutrition is a key priority, look for apps that either integrate with trackers like MyFitnessPal or offer bundled coaching. But remember, even the best workout plan will fall short without proper nutrition to support growth.
Which apps are best for beginners versus advanced lifters?
For beginners, apps like StrongLifts 5x5, BoostCamp, or Hevy offer simple, structured programs that build confidence and consistency. They’re easy to follow and focus on foundational lifts, which are essential early on.
For advanced lifters, apps like Juggernaut AI, RP Strength, or the Lift Big Eat Big Underground App provide more nuanced programming with autoregulation, volume adjustments, and specialization phases.
These are ideal for lifters who need more than just a basic split and want to optimize recovery and performance.
What role does tracking play in workout apps?
Tracking is essential. Whether you’re trying to add five pounds to your bench or stay consistent with accessory work, tracking helps you see what’s working, what’s not, and how far you’ve come.
All apps on this list offer powerful logging tools that go beyond sets and reps. Without tracking, progressive overload becomes a guessing game. With it, you’re building on a solid foundation of data.
Summary
The best workout apps for building muscle share a few key qualities: thoughtful programming, real progression, and tools that help you stay consistent over the long haul.
Whether you want structure (StrongLifts), flexibility (BoostCamp), smart autoregulation (Juggernaut AI), or expert guidance from real coaches (Lift Big Eat Big Underground), the best app for you will depend on your goals, experience level, and how you like to train.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the good news is that there’s never been a better time to find an app that suits you.
With the right tool in your pocket and a clear goal in mind, muscle gain stops being a guessing game and becomes something you can actually measure, track, and build week after week.