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Fitness · head to head

Gymdesk vs StrongLifts

Gymdesk logo

Gymdesk

Fitness

Gym management software priced by member count for billing and class booking

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: Gymdesk enterprise tier for 400+ members requires contacting sales; 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.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Gymdesk and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Gymdesk and StrongLifts differ
AttributeGymdeskStrongLifts
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree tier plus subscription
PlatformsWebiOS, Android

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 Gymdesk

Nothing recorded that StrongLifts does not also cover.

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.

Gymdesk

  • Reducing gym admin work from 30+ hours to 10 hours monthlynot StrongLifts
  • Processing automated member billing with multiple payment integrationsnot StrongLifts
  • Capturing leads and nurturing prospects through email and SMSnot StrongLifts
  • Providing attendance analytics and financial forecasting for gym ownersnot StrongLifts
  • Scheduling classes and managing facility access across locationsnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

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

Where each one falls short

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

Gymdesk

  • Enterprise tier for 400+ members requires contacting sales
  • Additional locations cost $50/month extra per location
  • Door access (beta) adds $100/month for up to 3 doors, $29 per additional door

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

Gymdesk

Free
  • Micro Gym$75/month
    • Up to 50 active members
    • Unlimited staff accounts
    • Responsive website
  • Small Gym$100/month
    • 51-100 active members
    • Unlimited staff accounts
    • Responsive website
  • Medium Gym$150/month
    • 101-200 active members
    • Unlimited staff accounts
    • Responsive website
  • Large Gym$200/month
    • 201-400 active members
    • Unlimited staff accounts
    • Responsive website

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 Gymdesk if

  • You want to start without paying.
Gymdesk 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 Gymdesk or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Gymdesk 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, Gymdesk or StrongLifts?
Gymdesk starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free.
Does Gymdesk or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Gymdesk runs on Web. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use Gymdesk for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Gymdesk best used for?
Gymdesk is most often used for reducing gym admin work from 30+ hours to 10 hours monthly, processing automated member billing with multiple payment integrations, capturing leads and nurturing prospects through email and sms, providing attendance analytics and financial forecasting for gym owners. Of those, reducing gym admin work from 30+ hours to 10 hours monthly and processing automated member billing with multiple payment integrations are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can Gymdesk do that StrongLifts cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Gymdesk: Is there a free trial for Gymdesk?

Yes, Gymdesk offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Gymdesk: How is Gymdesk priced?

Gymdesk uses member-based pricing: Micro Gym (up to 50 members) $75/month, Small (51-100) $100/month, Medium (101-200) $150/month, Large (201-400) $200/month. Billing is month-to-month with no contracts or setup fees.

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.

Gymdesk: What additional fees does Gymdesk charge?

Extra locations cost $50/month per location beyond the first. Door access (beta) is $100/month for up to 3 doors with $29 per additional door. Branded member app is $100/month (first month free).

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.

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