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Fitness · head to head

Gymshark Training vs StrongLifts

Gymshark Training logo

Gymshark Training

Fitness

Train with Gymshark athletes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

5x5 barbell strength training app built around a fixed beginner programme, sold as a subscription

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Gymshark Training minimal personalization: setup only asks for age and gender without considering specific fitness goals; StrongLifts it is built around one specific programme, so once a lifter progresses beyond what 5x5 is designed for and stalls, the app's core structure no longer fits their needs and they typically need a different programme entirely.
  • They diverge on capability: Gymshark Training covers Athlete-led programs, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Gymshark Training and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Gymshark Training and StrongLifts differ
AttributeGymshark TrainingStrongLifts
Pricing modelfreemiumFree tier plus subscription
PlatformsiOSiOS, Android
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Fitness).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Gymshark Training

  • Athlete-led programs
  • Video demonstrations
  • Progress tracking
  • Workout logging
  • Training plans
  • Apple Health
  • Apple Watch
  • Ios support

Only in StrongLifts

  • 5x5 programme tracking
  • Automatic progression
  • Plate calculator
  • Rest timer
  • Form videos
  • Workout history

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Gymshark Training

  • Workout trackingnot StrongLifts
  • Nutrition managementnot StrongLifts
  • Health monitoringnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Wellness improvementnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

  • A beginner lifter wanting a structured, proven barbell programme rather than designing their ownnot Gymshark Training
  • Someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increasesnot Gymshark Training
  • A lifter wanting a plate calculator to avoid mental maths loading a barbellnot Gymshark Training
  • Someone following 5x5 specifically who wants form videos built into the tracking appnot Gymshark Training

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Gymshark Training

  • Minimal personalization: setup only asks for age and gender without considering specific fitness goals
  • Cannot modify workouts: no ability to add supersets, drop sets, or substitute exercises for individual preferences
  • Poor progress tracking: lacks robust systems for monitoring fitness advancement over time
  • No community features: no leaderboards, forums, or social motivation elements unlike competitors
  • Limited exercise library: workout selection is shallow compared to premium alternatives

StrongLifts

  • It is built around one specific programme, so once a lifter progresses beyond what 5x5 is designed for and stalls, the app's core structure no longer fits their needs and they typically need a different programme entirely.
  • Full functionality requires a paid subscription, and the free tier is limited enough that serious use of the programme effectively requires paying.
  • It offers little flexibility for customising exercises or set schemes compared with general-purpose workout loggers, since flexibility is not the point of the product.
  • 5x5 as a method is not suited to every body or goal, for example it is not designed for hypertrophy-focused or advanced lifters, and the app does not steer users away from it once it stops being appropriate.
  • Subscription billing continues after a user has outgrown the programme unless actively cancelled, which is a common pattern across fitness app subscriptions generally.

Pricing, plan by plan

Gymshark Training

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic workouts
    • Exercise library
  • Premium$9.99/month
    • Full programs
    • Athlete content
    • Progress tracking

StrongLifts

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited programme access and logging
  • StrongLifts Premium$undefined/month
    • Full 5x5 programme access
    • Custom plate settings
    • Expanded workout history and stats

Which should you pick?

Choose Gymshark Training if

  • You need athlete-led programs.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS.
  • You also want video demonstrations.
Gymshark Training review

Choose StrongLifts if

  • You need 5x5 programme tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want automatic progression.
StrongLifts review

Questions people ask

Is Gymshark Training or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Gymshark Training starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Gymshark Training or StrongLifts?
Gymshark Training starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free.
Does Gymshark Training or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Gymshark Training runs on iOS. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use Gymshark Training for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Gymshark Training best used for?
Gymshark Training is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can Gymshark Training do that StrongLifts cannot?
Gymshark Training covers Athlete-led programs, Video demonstrations, Progress tracking, Workout logging. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Gymshark Training: Is Gymshark Training completely free?

Yes, Gymshark Training is completely free with no premium tier or subscription required. The app provides over 450 free workouts and personalized training plans with no paywall.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

There is a free tier with limited access; full programme features require a paid subscription.

Gymshark Training: Can you use Gymshark Training offline?

You can use workouts offline without needing WiFi or data to follow the instructions. However, internet access is required to preview and stream exercise video demonstrations.

Source
StrongLifts: Is this the same as the Strong app?

No, Strong is a general-purpose workout logger for any routine; StrongLifts is built specifically around the 5x5 programme.

Gymshark Training: What equipment options does Gymshark Training support?

The app supports gym-based training, home workouts with minimal equipment, and bodyweight-only sessions. Workouts can be filtered by available equipment and environment.

Source
StrongLifts: Who is 5x5 suited for?

Primarily beginner to early-intermediate lifters building a strength base; it is not designed as a long-term or advanced programme.

Gymshark Training: Is the Gymshark Training app still being updated?

No, the app is no longer receiving updates or new features for iOS or Android. It will no longer be available to download on Android, though existing users can continue using the app.

Source
Gymshark Training: Where is Gymshark Training available worldwide?

The app is available through the Apple App Store worldwide in English only, with previous availability through Google Play for Android users before being delisted.

Source
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