One such app that marries the two themes is Beyond the Whiteboard. This workout app gives users access to challenging programs, along with a strong community that competes with each other to help stay motivated.

Is this app for you and your training? In this Beyond the Whiteboard review, we’ll take a deep dive into the app, looking at the workout and metric tracking available, the training programs on the app, as well as the community within the app, all to see if this app is worth your time and money. If you’re a CrossFit lover, read on to learn more about this app.

We’ve An Expert Track Record on Expert Testing

Our team at Garage Gym Reviews goes beyond simply testing the best workout apps and home gym essentials. Our product testers learn their expertise through their careers as certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and competitive athletes. We bring our expertise to the table when testing these products to help take the guesswork out of your next home gym purchase.

As a former CrossFit gym owner, I have a lot of experience with CrossFit exercises and programming, so I was eager to try out Beyond the Whiteboard for myself. Even in my competitive career as an Olympic weightlifter, I know of Team USA athletes using the app as a workout log; I had to see what the hype was about. While testing out the app, I looked at features according to our testing methodology, like:

• Trial period and pricing
• App setup and ease of use
• Level of instruction
• Interactive features
• Accountability
• Equipment demands
• Workout variety
• Overall value

Beyond the Whiteboard

Beyond the Whiteboard

GGR Score: 4.39

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Product Highlights

• Individual and gym subscriptions available 
• Plan, track, and analyze workouts in one place 
• Features macro tracking, movement volume tracking, muscle imbalance analysis, fitness level, calendars, workout briefs, movement demos, and instructions
• Connect with others via activity feeds 
• Preprogrammed plans available that target different goals such as mastering a strict pull  or barbell mobility

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-in-one fitness tracking program
• Affordable
• Connect with other athletes
• Programs available for one-time purchase

Cons

• Reportedly not ideal for smaller gyms
• A few users report it to be overwhelming the first few times used

Bottom Line

Beyond the Whiteboard is a comprehensive workout planning, tracking, and analysis fitness platform which includes preprogrammed plans. It offers both individual and gym subscription options but may not be well-suited for smaller establishments.

A Quick Look at Beyond the Whiteboard

Beyond the Whiteboard, or BTWB, started in 2007 as an idea between CrossFit friends and web developers to simplify keeping track of gym members’ workout results. The concept was to literally go beyond a whiteboard, which could only chart daily results of CrossFit exercises and was wiped clean each day. 

After setting it up for their own gym, CrossFit Kinnick, they decided to offer the program to other CrossFit affiliates with a beta site in 2009. The site has turned into the BTWB app that you see today, which is a hub to log workouts, follow gym programming, and interact with the CrossFit community.

Not only is the app free for members of a gym that programs through BTWB, but you can also get programming through other gyms and top athletes: CrossFit Games champions like Tia-Clair Toomey and Mat Fraser have their programs available on the app, for example. You also have access to mobility-, strength-, and gymnastics-focused programs.

Before You Buy

• Are you a member of a CrossFit gym? If you are, check if your CrossFit box uses the BTWB app, as members get free access to their gym’s program through the app.
• The app is relatively inexpensive to use at $7.99 per month, but many programs available have an additional one-time or monthly cost to them.

Is Beyond the Whiteboard Worth It?

At first glance, the BTWB app is pretty cheap compared to other fitness apps, costing only $7.99 per month. However, if you don’t have a program you’re already following, finding an additional program will cost extra—anywhere between $10 and $40 extra each month, depending on the program.

Although that starts to add to the cost, many of these programs are made by top CrossFit athletes and coaches, making them great programs to follow. If you’re looking for top-tier programs for metcons and high-intensity functional training, then the extra cost may be worth it.

With its ease of use and a badge system to earn while you progress in classic CrossFit WODs and strength benchmarks, Beyond the Whiteboard can be a great tool for logging your own individual workouts, as well.

Beyond the Whiteboard Specs

Using the Beyond the Whiteboard App

There are a lot of options on how to use the Beyond the Whiteboard app, adding to its functionality. For one, CrossFit gym members can use the app to log and record each workout of the day—so long as their gym uses the app as well. Individual gym goers can also use the app for both logging and tracking their workouts, or signing up for one of many programs offered on the app.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for CrossFit

If you’re not looking to spend money on a program, BTWB has free workout programs, called “tracks,” from CrossFit’s main site, as well as beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs from Varied Not Random (VNR). If you’re new to CrossFit, these varied difficulties in tracks are great for any fitness level.

You can also track metrics, such as your macros or body weight, or more advanced tracking, such as your sleep or heart rate. For those of you interested in getting the most out of your training, Beyond the Whiteboard can be your one stop to measure your training, nutrition, and recovery.

I used the Beyond the Whiteboard app over a two-week span, logging my Olympic weightlifting workouts and exploring the programs and options available through the app. Here’s a look at how the app works.

Trial and Pricing

The BTWB app’s price will ultimately depend on the training programs you sign up for. Its base price of $7.99 per month is inexpensive, but programs can be a one-time cost or another monthly subscription. Prices generally vary from $10 to $40, depending on the type and length of the program. Because the training programs are behind another paywall, I docked the pricing to a rating of 4 out of 5.

Beyond the Whiteboard gets a 5 out of 5 for its trial period, which is a 30-day free trial—much longer than most comparable apps. Training programs that you add will also have trial periods, but the trial period varies from a few days to two weeks.

App Setup and Ease of Use

It’s pretty easy to set up Beyond the Whiteboard on your Android or Apple phone, earning it a 5 out of 5 in the app setup category. Simply create your account, and then the app will prompt you to enter some information on your fitness goals and personal bests in the gym—deadlifts, squats, or your best Fran time—and then you’re good to go. It took me just a few minutes to get through this initial assessment.

I rated the ease of use for the app a 4.5 out of 5, only taking a slight penalty due to the amount you can do on the app; it was a little overwhelming at first. Logging workouts is fairly easy, although my one complaint is that you can only log one strength exercise per workout. 

As I typically do between three and five exercises each workout, I had to log five separate workouts each day, instead of adding a new exercise to the workout. This makes sense, though, as typical CrossFit programming has strength exercises done as one workout. For most users, especially CrossFit athletes preparing for the CrossFit Open, this won’t be an issue.

RELATED: How to Squat Heavier

Instruction

You can log your own workouts, of course, but Beyond the Whiteboard offers training programs. The level of instruction for each program, whether a free track or a paid program, is pretty good, leading me to rate the instruction a 4 out of 5. There are written, in-depth instructions for each workout and exercise, as well as GIFs to show the movements visually. There’s no access to a personal coach, but the workouts are thoroughly explained.

RELATED: The 9 Best Online Personal Trainers

Workout Variety

I rate the workout variety on BTWB a 4 out of 5, as there are a variety of workouts, geared toward CrossFit, weight training, gymnastics skills, and gym programs. The workouts available are varied, but since this is primarily a CrossFit app, there will be a lot of high-intensity workouts and metcons. Still, there are programs for specific skills, or mobility exercises to help with muscular imbalances or stretching.

Equipment Demands

With a decent amount of varied programs on the Beyond the Whiteboard app, there’s plenty to do on the app. However, the variety may require different demands of equipment. With most CrossFit workouts, you’ll be fine with an Olympic barbell, weight plates, dumbbells, and kettlebells, but home gym users might also need a squat rack—particularly one with a pull-up bar. Bodyweight programming is available, but you’ll have to search for it.

RELATED: Pull-up Variations

Interactive Features and Accountability

There are a lot of interactive features in the BTWB app. Users can use the app similarly to social media, sharing workouts and commenting, liking, and sending emojis to others’ workouts and metcons. With notifications that can be set up as reminders, this app helps keep users accountable.

Because major tracks are done by many people, you can submit your workout scores to a leaderboard each day to compare your results with others. One of my favorite aspects of CrossFit gyms is that a whiteboard of results helps members have friendly competition between each other, motivating them to improve. Beyond the Whiteboard brings that aspect to their app.

RELATED: 28 CrossFit Girl WODs

Along with this, BTWB has a badges system, where logging workouts can earn you badges, either from posting consistently or from improving your scores or personal bests. The in-app community and interactive badges help keep you invested, leading me to rate the interactive features a 4.5 out of 5.

Beyond the Whiteboard vs SugarWOD

SugarWOD

SugarWOD

GGR Score: 4.39

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Product Highlights

• App used for independent athletes and CrossFit gyms
• Free to athletes and coaches
• Monthly subscription price for CrossFit gyms based on total membership
• Access to CrossFit main site workouts
• Robust community of independent athletes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free to athletes and coaches
• Can compare WOD results with community
• Built-in workout timer

Cons

• Logging workouts can be clunky if not doing CrossFit WODs
• User interface can be confusing at first

Bottom Line

SugarWOD is a mobile app that gives you access to daily CrossFit workouts, but it can also connect you to a CrossFit gym—if you’re a member. It’s free to athletes, and in addition to following WODs, you can log your own workouts as well. It has a robust community as well, with people able to compare WOD scores and like and share workouts.

One of the biggest competitors to Beyond the Whiteboard is SugarWOD, another app I was able to test out. An app that also connects gyms or programs to their members, SugarWOD is set up similarly to BTWB, with the ability to log and track workouts. Additionally, there’s a SugarWOD marketplace to download and purchase individual training programs.

While SugarWOD has a robust in-app community and interactions that rival Beyond the Whiteboard, I felt its navigation in the app was a little clunky at times. Exercise explanations are on the app, but a bit difficult to find outside of the workout. Outside of the interface, the app is pretty robust, and also has a built-in timer for WODs.

Customer Experience 

The website for Beyond the Whiteboard has an email and FAQ section for help, but I had difficulty locating this in the app itself. You can cancel within the app, however, and it’s as easy as managing your subscriptions. Just remember that you’ll need to individually cancel any training program you sign up for, though.

Ordering Beyond the Whiteboard

You can download the Beyond the Whiteboard app in the Google Play Store, or the Apple Store, and begin your 30-day trial once signed up. You’ll have to put payment information into the app, but so long as you cancel before the end of the trial period, you won’t be charged. The same applies to training programs: just cancel before the end of the trial if you don’t want to continue further with the program.

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, the Beyond the Whiteboard app has a customer rating of 4.5 on Google Play out of over 1,400 reviews, and 4.6 in the Apple Store out of 131 reviews. Most of the positive reviews enjoy the tracking features and the analyze feature, which helps determine how your fitness level has improved and notes any imbalances in your training. One user in particular claims to have switched back to BTWB after their gym went to another app for tracking members’ performances.

Most of the negative reviews deal with trouble on the user interface, some saying that logging workouts could be easier, or others simply stating that the text used is a bit small.

Final Verdict of Our Beyond the Whiteboard Review

Beyond the Whiteboard has grown into a fantastic workout and metric tracker for most people. However, you’ll get the most benefit from this app if you prefer CrossFit training and similar methods of training. The workout tracker is set up best for metcons and CrossFit workouts, and the app’s available programs are mostly ideal for CrossFitters.

That said, the app is still used by weightlifters and strength athletes for logging workouts and tracking personal records, so if you need a robust app for tracking your progress, Beyond the Whiteboard is worth the look.

Full Rating

Beyond the Whitboard

Beyond the Whiteboard is a comprehensive workout planning, tracking, and analysis fitness platform which includes preprogrammed plans. It offers both individual and gym subscription options but may not be well-suited for smaller establishments.

Product Brand: Beyond the Whitboard

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 7.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.39

Beyond the Whiteboard: FAQs

With so many fitness apps out there, it’s important to choose one that supports your goals. While Strava is a fantastic app for a variety of purposes and training styles, it’s not the best fit for every single person. In this in-depth Strava Fitness App review, I’m going to share our expert testing notes along with my own experience as a new Strava user to help you decide if this is the right app to help you reach your fitness goals.

Expert-Tested by a Certified Personal Trainer

Here at GGR, each of our reviews is based on hands-on testing from our team of experts, which includes certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, gym owners, Olympians, and fitness enthusiasts who regularly participate in all different kinds of exercise. 

For this review, Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and former GGR staff writer, shared her experience with Strava. While I’m still quite new to the world of running and endurance training, I also downloaded Strava and tried it out for this review, so I can share what the Strava experience is like as a new user. 

Our team has tested over 50 workout apps, and we rate them using our testing methodology, which specifically looks at things like:

• Trial period and pricing
• App setup
• Ease of use
• Accountability and interactive features
• Level of instruction
• Equipment demands and workout variety

Strava Fitness App

Strava App

GGR Score: 4.06

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Product Highlights

• Activity tracking app: track over 30 sports 
• Turns phone into a running/cycling computer 
• Free and subscription options 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks variety of workouts
• Beacon live tracking available on free tier
• Provides lots of data
• Compatible with thousands of devices

Cons

• Many fan-favorite features behind paywall
• Some users wished the auto-pause feature was more sensitive
• Have to visit website on desktop to use some features like adding a new pair of shoes

Bottom Line

Strava’s tracking app allows you to track 30 different sports and, with a subscription, provides a wide variety of statistics to analyze your workouts.

A Quick Look at the Strava Fitness App

Strava is a fitness tracking app that allows you to track over 30 kinds of workouts and see your data and trends over time. While the app can be used for nearly any type of activity, it’s mostly geared toward endurance athletes, with plenty of features for runners, hikers, cyclists, swimmers, and more.

You can use your phone or sync your Strava account with many different activity trackers and apps, like an Apple Watch, Garmin, FitBit, Wahoo, Polar, and more, with additional integrations added regularly. If you’ve got any type of running watch, heart rate monitor, or fitness tracker, Strava can probably connect with it. 

The free version of Strava is packed with features, but for those who love tracking data, the best features are only found behind a paywall, which is pretty affordable, but still annoying for those searching for one of the best free workout apps.

While there are many apps out there that will track your workouts, what truly makes Strava stand out from the crowd is the built-in social network, which looks and functions like other popular social media apps. You can follow other people on Strava to see each other’s activity in a newsfeed, like and comment on activities, see the details of other’s workouts, and more.

However, while this is a great feature for most, Strava does have a few privacy concerns, as your geolocation is made public while using the app. If you’re not eager to share your address, location, and the exact details of your workouts, this may not be the app for you. 

Before You Buy

• Strava is a powerful app for recording your workouts, with many features available in the free version, though some of the best features are locked behind the premium version. 
• When using Strava, the app shares your geolocation, along with the details of your workout, so this isn’t a good app for those who want their privacy. 
• The social feed and powerful data tracking found in Strava make this one of the most useful apps for endurance athletes of any level.

Is the Strava Fitness App Worth It?

While the Strava app does have a free version, many of its most popular features are only found in the paid version, which costs $11.99/month, or $79.99/year with the annual plan. For those who plan to take advantage of all the features in Strava, it’s still well worth the cost, but you should take some time to consider if this is the app for you before subscribing to a paid plan. 

Strava Fitness App Specs

Using the Strava Fitness App 

Using the Strava fitness app is all about logging the workouts you’re already doing, whether that’s running, hiking, swimming, kayaking, or any of the 30+ activities available to track in Strava. 

When you’re ready to start your next bike ride, hike, or run, simply open the app, select the type of training you’re going to be doing, and the app will record everything you do. 

We’ve got to give kudos to Strava for adding the Beacon feature to both the free and premium version, which shares your location with up to three people, adding an extra layer of safety for those exercising alone. 

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Subscribers to Strava premium, which costs $11.99 per month, or $79.99 for the annual plan, unlock powerful features, including:

• Custom route building
• Periodized training plans
• Race and pace analyses
• Fatigue and freshness tracking
• Access to group challenges

And many other features, like the ability to sync with a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth, control your music with the Spotify integration, use custom heart rate zone tracking, and more. If you’re going to use Strava, I think the paid option is a must-have, unless you’re only looking for a basic GPS activity tracker with a social feed.

The biggest problem with Strava is the lack of privacy. Your geolocation is made public, and while you can tinker with the privacy settings, Strava still shares quite a lot. I found a few friends on the app and can see exactly where they ran, with a very detailed GPS map that includes street names. 

Strava says the app can hide your start and stop point, but it’s still pretty easy to figure out. I ran a few laps around my neighborhood, and you can clearly see on my running path where my house is, as it’s the only time my path took me off the sidewalk. 

This may not be a big deal for some, but you can’t turn this feature off. You can hide your activity from your social feeds, but this means your runs won’t count toward any leaderboards. 

Pricing and Trial Period

While many of the best Strava features are part of the subscription, you can still use the free option to track your workouts and see the social feed. Strava also offers a 30-day free trial, so you can test the premium features before committing to anything. 

The subscription costs $11.99 per month, or $79.99 per year if you pay in full. Students who can verify current enrollment through SheerID can receive 50% off Strava memberships. 

This isn’t cheap, but many consider the features well worth the investment. For pricing, Strava earns a 4 out of 5.

App Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up Strava is very simple, and earns a 4-out-of-5 rating. You can create an account in minutes and start tracking your workouts immediately.

Once you’re set up in the app, you can explore the communities, browse pre-made routes near you, make your own routes, or integrate Strava with any fitness trackers you’re using. If anything is unclear, Strava has detailed support articles explaining how to use all of the features. 

RELATED: Best Workout Apps

To write this Strava review, I decided to download the app myself and was pleasantly surprised by how simple and easy it is. I hit the record button, chose my activity type, hit start, and then ended when I was finished—the process couldn’t have been any easier, and my iPhone screen turned into a real-time display that showed all of my stats.

Programming

While Strava is mainly used for tracking your workouts, paid subscribers can access training plans for cyclists and runners. There’s no coaching or custom programming, but if you’re ready to train on your own, you can easily get started with a Strava training plan.

With multiple training plans available for paid subscribers, Strava earns a 4-out-of-5 rating for programming.

Equipment Demands

Strava works with what you already have, so you don’t need to buy any extra equipment. The app can sync with dozens of fitness trackers, with more added periodically, and you can sync your app with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor if you’re using one. 

Aside from that, you don’t need any sort of equipment to use Strava, aside from anything you need for your chosen activity, like the best running shoes or other training accessories. It may be nice to have a smartwatch to control Strava from your wrist without your phone, but that’s certainly not necessary.

Accountability

With a paid account, you can join community challenges and see your progress on a leaderboard. With either the free or paid version, any friends you add can see your activity logs on the social feed. 

Both of these features can add a degree of accountability, but there is no coaching built into Strava. There’s no real accountability, but that’s not the point of Strava so we didn’t dock it too much, giving the app a 3-out-of-5-star rating for accountability. 

Interactive Features

Amanda has much more experience than I do with both Strava and endurance training and was able to share valuable insights about her favorite features after she gave Strava a 5-out-of-5 rating for interactive features. In particular, she loves the “Relative Effort” feature, which measures how much effort you put into your cardiovascular training. 

She said: “Anyone who’s been training for an extended period of time knows that it’s tough and sometimes impossible to perform at the same level week after week. Things happen—like a poor night of sleep or a high-stress assignment at work—that prevent us from performing our best.”

Strava knows this, so they track your relative effort rather than just your speed, as your speed may be lower in times of high stress.

Along with the Relative Effort feature, paid Strava users can also train with custom heart rate and power zones, use pre-made routes, build custom training routes, use offline maps, see your personal heatmaps to show where you’ve trained, and more.

Strava Fitness App vs Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club App

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Nike’s free run-tracking and training app 
• Training plans: Getting Started, 5K, Half-Marathon 
• Guided workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Completely free app
• Training plans for Getting Started, 5K, and Half-Marathon
• Audio guided workouts
• Shoe tagging to track mileage on running shoes

Cons

• Limited training plans
• Apple users having trouble syncing runs started on their Apple Watch
• Users share the app is best for beginners

Bottom Line

Nike Run Club is a free run-tracking app with a few training plans best for beginner runners.

While Strava is one of the most popular apps for tracking workouts, let’s compare it to another very popular training app, Nike Run Club, one of the best workout apps for beginners. 

Strava includes some training plans you can follow, but the main feature is the detailed tracking and data, and the social feed. 

Nike Run Club has similar features and workout tracking, but it places a heavy emphasis on coaching, allowing you to choose from pre-made training plans that use guided audio runs, though many feel they are more geared toward new runners. Finally, while most of Strava’s features are paid, Nike Run Club is 100% free. 

Overall, Strava is best for advanced athletes, those who want a bit more data tracking, or those who do any cardio activity outside of running, like hiking, cycling, or swimming. If your main sport is running, or you’re a beginner to endurance training, you may want to stick with the free Nike Run Club app. 

Finally, you can sync your workouts between Strava and Nike Run Club, so even if you’re a paid Strava user, you can use the Nike workouts if you prefer the guided runs, and Strava will still log your activity. 

Customer Experience 

Strava allows you to receive a refund on your subscription within 14 days of purchase, but after that, the app is non-refundable. If you need to reach Strava’s support team, you can submit a request through the website or app to open a support ticket or browse the large library of support articles. 

I found an email address after some digging, but the primary support method is creating a ticket, and there’s no live chat or phone number available, earning the customer experience a 3-out-of-5 rating.

Customer Reviews

Strava has overwhelmingly positive reviews in both the iOS and Google Play stores. On the iOS store, the app has over 258,000 ratings with an average score of 4.8, and a 4.5 on Google Play with 854,000 ratings. 

Users love the data tracking, ease of use, and integrations, although some reviews say the functionality suffers when syncing with certain trackers, or the app just crashes at times.

The biggest complaint people have is the rising subscription cost, which has increased over the years from $59.99 to $79.99 for the annual plan. 

Final Verdict of Our Strava Fitness App Review

If you’re into tracking your data and performance, Strava is one of the better apps on the market. It’s packed with features, syncs with dozens of other fitness trackers and apps, and has great social features built-in. 

The privacy issue is a concern, as the app will share your location, but some may not be bothered by this. It would be nice if more features were available in the free version, but if you’re regularly using this app, the subscription may be well worth it. 

For endurance athletes who want to track their outdoor activities, Strava is one of the best apps on the market.

Full Rating

Strava Fitness App

Strava’s tracking app allows you to track 30 different sports and, with a subscription, provides a wide variety of statistics to analyze your workouts.

Product Brand: Strava

Product Currency: $

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.06

Strava Fitness App: FAQs

That’s one aspect that interests me about MAPS Anabolic, the foundational workout program made by Mind Pump Media. MAPS Anabolic is a bodybuilding program designed to help beginners and advanced lifters alike build muscle and get stronger through basic strength training exercises and simple concepts like progressive overload.

How does this program compare to other fitness programs? In our MAPS Anabolic review, we’ll go over this strength training program—where it succeeds and where it falls short—and tell you who might benefit most from a training program like this.

Testing Entire Programs To Give Expert Advice 

Our product tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, completed the MAPS Anabolic program in its entirety—just under 12 weeks worth of a program. This is pretty typical of our product testers and the GGR team while testing the best workout apps and other fitness equipment. Our team of certified personal trainers, lifelong athletes, and weightlifting coaches test products in their entirety, not overlooking one aspect. 

For online training programs like MAPS Anabolic, Amanda took note of several features of the program, including:

• Program setup and ease of use
• Level of instruction
• Accountability and interactive features
• Equipment demands
• Workout variety
• Overall value and pricing

MAPS Anabolic

MAPS Anabolic

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• No subscription fees; buy once and you have lifetime access to the program
• Carefully periodized programming
• Come with a free “at-home mod” for people with minimal equipment
• Traditional version requires a full gym setup

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pay a one-time flat fee (no subscription required)
• Simple online web portal
• Comprehensive instruction and demo videos for all exercises
• Broken up into smartly programmed phases

Cons

• No app available (must use web browser)
• No individualized programming

Bottom Line

MAPS Anabolic was created by a team that includes successful bodybuilders and personal trainers. It’s one of the best hypertrophy-focused resistance training programs available and doesn’t require a subscription to use.

A Quick Look at MAPS Anabolic

MAPS Anabolic is the first of many programs built by the four founders of Mind Pump Media: Adam Schafer, Sal Di Stefano, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge. The four fitness experts created the Mind Pump Podcast, and then began offering workout programs.

MAPS is short for “muscular adaptation programming system,” which describes the majority of the programs created—periodized fitness programs, ranging from 4 to 16 weeks. Instead of a subscription service like many fitness apps, the Mind Pump guys offer their programs for a one-time price, ranging between $90 and $180. But that gives you lifetime access to the program.

In particular, MAPS Anabolic focuses on muscle growth through hypertrophy and progressive overload with common strength training exercises—bench press, squats, and deadlifts—mixed in with bodybuilding movements and calisthenics. The program lasts 12 weeks, and consists of two to three workouts per week.

Before You Buy

• Specific to MAPS Anabolic are trigger sessions: 10-minute sessions done during your rest days. While completely optional, trigger sessions are supposed to help your body stay primed during your off days and produce better results over time.
• Although this program is more expensive than most fitness apps’ monthly price, the one-time payment gets you lifetime access to the workout program.
• Not looking for bodybuilding? You can peruse the other Mind Pump MAPS programs for options that can suit your needs better, whether it be cardio, mobility, athletic performance, or sculpting your body. Programs like MAPS Performance, MAPS Aesthetic, MAPS HIIT, or MAPS Prime might be more to your liking.

Is MAPS Anabolic Worth It?

With a one-time payment, MAPS Anabolic doesn’t bind you into a subscription service like many other programs and apps. Because of that, the $117 price tag is pretty appealing. Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, rates the value of MAPS Anabolic at 4.5 out of 5, saying, “The value is phenomenal. You get lifetime access to all of the programs you buy; pay once and they’re yours forever. You really can’t beat that.”

While we felt the program was effective, MAPS Anabolic probably isn’t for everybody. For one, it doesn’t have the best user interface. And while the level of instruction is strong, there are no features to help keep athletes accountable. Basically the program is what you get, along with solid instruction.

If you know you need some accountability, or you prefer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience, then MAPS Anabolic may not be the ideal training platform for you. However, if you’re just looking for a great program for muscle-building, then this is a solid pick.

MAPS Anabolic Specs

Using MAPS Anabolic 

Our product tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, tried out the entire MAPS Anabolic program for 12 weeks, and liked the foundational approach it took to strength training and building muscle. She was happy with the results, and saw significant gains in her strength, saying, “After following the MAPS Anabolic program to completion, I think it’s one of the very best online workout programs for building muscle.”

She adds, “As a personal trainer, I really appreciate the simplicity of MAPS Anabolic. If you want to try the latest crazy exercises, or spend a ton of time doing grueling HIIT workouts, this isn’t the program for you. But if you want to get really strong and pack on some serious muscle, this is definitely a solid choice.”

The program has a healthy mix of strength movements like the deadlift, bench press, squat, and overhead press, mixed with bodybuilding movements, like curls, rows, triceps extensions, and pull-ups. Reps will vary, but follow the concept of progressive overload, progressively adding weight to your exercises to produce the best results. Broken into four mini-cycles, the program lasts for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Instruction

While it’s not an app, one nice thing about the program is that the online portal still has access to a video library, providing deep instruction on each exercise and movement. Additionally, there are videos explaining each phase of the program in detail. Amanda rates the level of instruction a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “It’s very thorough and probably some of the best instruction you can get without actually hiring a personal trainer.”

Workout Variety

With strength training programs, there’s going to be a level of sameness to it, as you’ll be progressively adding to loads, so you’ll revisit several exercises again and again. That said, MAPS Anabolic provides a good amount of variety within its program, combining traditional strength training with bodybuilding and calisthenic movements.

Along with this, the equipment demands are fairly basic, requiring a simple garage gym setup or access to a commercial gym. However, each MAPS program comes with an “at-home” version for any user who has limited equipment. The MAPS Anabolic minimal equipment needs are just dumbbells, resistance bands, and an adjustable bench, leading Amanda to rate the equipment demands a 5 out of 5.

Ease of Use

This online workout program doesn’t have the formatting of a workout app, so navigating the online portal on your phone or tablet can be a little clunky, leading Amanda to rate the ease of use a 3 out of 5. She adds, “The web portal isn’t super intuitive, but it works…it could just be better.”

The online portal lists the workouts and phases in folders to the side, which open up with exercises and demonstration videos. While it’s easy to get a little lost in the lists on the side, the program still allows you to navigate, even if it isn’t as smooth of sailing as other programs and apps.

Interactive Features

Aside from the program and the instructional videos, there isn’t much else for interactive features while using MAPS Anabolic. With the lack of features, there’s no support or accountability, so Amanda rated the interactive features a 2 out of 5, and the accountability a 3 out of 5. “You can download it, but no one’s gonna make you do it,” she adds. You have to be self-motivated to use a program like this.

MAPS Anabolic vs Caliber 

Caliber App

Caliber Strength Training

GGR Score: 4.68

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Strength training and nutrition app
• Personalized, data-driven workout programs
• Expert habit coaching
• Free and paid versions
• Private 1:1 coaching available
• Weekly lessons, metric tracking, nutrition syncing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Scientifically-based training plans
• Individualized coaching for both fitness and nutrition with paid subscriptions is reported to be very thorough
• Free version offers a library of curated workout plans
• Reportedly easy-to-use

Cons

• Personalized macronutrient goals only available with paid versions

Bottom Line

Caliber Strength Training is a fitness coaching program grounded in scientific principles designed to increase strength and improve body composition. The app offers both group and individual training plans which are written and modified by a certified coach based on progress.

One of our favorite workout apps and online personal trainers is Caliber. With three different versions of use, this app can be customized to your needs, either with a free version, paid group coaching, or a premium version which gets you matched with your own personal trainer.

Compared to MAPS Anabolic, both programs are solid and provide solid strength training. The main difference is the accountability. MAPS programs rely on you to do the work, while Caliber can help keep you motivated through notifications, as well as personal coaching. Caliber can also accommodate any equipment that you have at your disposal, whereas with MAPS Anabolic, you’ll need at least a basic equipment setup with dumbbells, bands, and a bench. While each program is a solid pick, which one would work best for you depends on the level of coaching or accountability you may want.

Read our Caliber app review for all of the details on this highly-rated app.

Customer Experience 

An impressive feature that Mind Pump Media offers with their MAPS programs is a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. After trying the workout and program for a bit, if you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Programs can be purchased directly from the website, and grant you access to their online portal and the respective program.

In order to contact Mind Pump, there is a contact form as well as a live chat function on the website. With a solid money-back guarantee, we rated the customer experience a 4 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

As of right now, there are no customer reviews on Mind Pump Media, or on other review websites. We’ll check back regularly and update this section once we know what other people are saying about MAPS Anabolic.

Final Verdict of Our MAPS Anabolic Review

MAPS Anabolic keeps its programming simple with a mix of strength training, bodybuilding, and calisthenics. Following basic periodization and progressive overload, this workout program is built to help grow muscle mass and increase strength. 

While a solid program, any issues that may deter someone from the program come from the user experience more than anything. The interface is a little tough to navigate at times, and there are no features to help with accountability. However, if you are able to overlook these minor issues, this is a solid program with a huge bonus of having lifetime access from one purchase.

Full Rating

MAPS Anabolic

MAPS Anabolic was created by a team that includes successful bodybuilders and personal trainers. It’s one of the best hypertrophy-focused resistance training programs available and doesn’t require a subscription to use.

Product Brand: Mind Pump Media

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 117

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.9

MAPS Anabolic Review: FAQs

In spite of that, any qualified fitness professional would agree that individualized, periodized training is the No. 1 way to reach your goals. That’s not to say you can’t reach your goals with a more general approach, but there’s nothing quite like having a certified personal trainer dedicated to your success. 

After testing Caliber Premium programming for nearly a month, I’m convinced it’s truly one of the best personal training apps available. In my Caliber app review, I’ll explain why—and help you decide whether or not you should sign up. 

RELATED: Best Running Apps

I Worked Out With Caliber Exclusively for 21 Days

I signed up for the Caliber app and chose to try Caliber Premium, the app’s one-on-one personal training option. I used the app exclusively for my workouts for nearly a month. I’ve been a certified personal trainer for about seven years, so I was able to look at the app from the perspective of both a user and a fitness professional, and the latter informs much of this Caliber app review. 

Caliber App

Caliber Strength Training

GGR Score: 4.68

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Strength training and nutrition app
• Personalized, data-driven workout programs
• Expert habit coaching
• Free and paid versions
• Private 1:1 coaching available
• Weekly lessons, metric tracking, nutrition syncing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Scientifically-based training plans
• Individualized coaching for both fitness and nutrition with paid subscriptions is reported to be very thorough
• Free version offers a library of curated workout plans
• Reportedly easy-to-use

Cons

• Personalized macronutrient goals only available with paid versions

Bottom Line

Caliber Strength Training is a fitness coaching program grounded in scientific principles designed to increase strength and improve body composition. The app offers both group and individual training plans which are written and modified by a certified coach based on progress.

A Quick Look at the Caliber App

Caliber is a fitness app founded by Justin Fauci and Chris Muir, two buddies who, in college, decided to go to the gym together on a whim. “Neither one of us had ever stepped foot in a gym before,” Fauci wrote in a Reddit thread about the Caliber app. The third co-founder, Jared Cluff, joined at a later date.

“We go to the gym together for the very first time, and it’s basically all the jocks lifting heavy weights. We were so intimidated that we didn’t even last 5 minutes. Literally,” Facui’s post reads. “We turned around, went back to our dorm, and did shots instead.”

Fauci’s post says he and Muir returned the next week and “gave it a proper go.” Eventually, after years of following their own fitness journeys, Caliber was born in 2018. At the time, according to Techcrunch, Caliber was a simple library of educational fitness content and a newsletter.

Today, Caliber is a full-fledged personal training app with group and individual coaching capabilities, as well as a free-forever version that provides full access to the app’s massive exercise library and functionality but without a coach. 

RELATED: Best Walking Apps

Before You Sign Up

• The Caliber fitness app offers a free version that is quite robust. In fact, the free version provides full app functionality—without ads—but does not provide access to a trainer. If you are at an intermediate or advanced fitness level, you might find the free version to be sufficient for your needs. 
• Caliber offers a 7-day free trial to Pro, a generous refund policy for Premium, easy cancellation, and the ability to change coaches if you feel yours isn’t a fit, so there’s no harm in trying it out. 

Is the Caliber App Worth It?

Yes—100%. As a gear reviewer and journalist, I pride myself on being tough on companies and their policies and products. It is extremely rare for me to say that a product or service is 100% worth it, because usually that’s just not true. 

But the Caliber app offers several options to fit different budgets, has consumer-first policies in place, and, honestly, is an absolute bargain for the paid options. 

The free version of the Caliber app is fully functional and ad-free to boot. With the free app, you have access to the library of more than 500 exercise demo videos, all of which are complete with step-by-step written instructions, information on primary and secondary muscle groups, and your history of the exercise in the app (i.e., what you’ve logged). You can build your own program and track it just the same as you would with the paid version of Caliber; you just won’t have a coach. 

The next tier is Caliber Pro, which consists of group coaching. It costs $19 per month. At the time of writing, there are four group coaching programs available: one for beginners, one for intermediate to advanced exercisers, one for weight loss, and one for bodyweight-only workouts. 

Caliber’s top tier—and the one I tried—is Premium, which consists of one-on-one personal training. Pricing for Caliber Premium starts at $200 per month, and each package is customized based on your needs. It is expensive, yes, and of course not everyone can afford to pay $200 per month for a workout plan. 

However, you’re getting so much more than just a fitness program, as individualized personal training entails a qualified professional who is dedicated to helping you reach your specific fitness goals. The cost of a single in-person session with a certified trainer can cost close to $200 or even more in some locales. 

When it comes to modern individual fitness coaching, I don’t think there’s a more financially valuable model than what Caliber offers. 

Caliber App Specs

Caliber Free, Pro, and Premium: Understanding the Options

You can choose from three tiers when you sign up for Caliber. 

• Caliber Free is free forever and provides full, ad-free access to the app, but you will not have a coach. You can create your own workouts using any of the 500+ exercises in the Caliber library, or create and track custom exercises. 
• Caliber Pro costs $19 per month and provides access to group coaching. You get access to a group chat with other participants as well as a coach, who you can talk to through the messaging feature in the app. Lindsay Scheele, lead product reviewer for GGR Everything, tried Caliber Pro and says “People seem to be pretty active in the group chat and ask lots of questions that get a quick response from the trainers. The trainers checked in with me about once a week to ask how certain movements felt or how I was feeling in general. I also got quick responses from the trainers when I would ask them a question.”
• Caliber Premium is individual coaching, which is what I tried. It starts at $200 per month. I was matched with a personal trainer, who I spoke with almost daily via the chat feature. Depending on your package, you’ll also have weekly or monthly strategy calls with your coach over Zoom.

For the most part, the rest of this Caliber app review recounts my experience with Premium coaching. 

The Caliber Methodology 

Caliber is big on traditional strength training and mastery over variety. In fact, the latter is one of Caliber’s guiding principles. This app is not going to feed you a great variety of workouts, nor will it give you trendy high-intensity training sessions or Instagram-worthy, crazy exercises to perform. 

Caliber wants you to lift often, lift consistently, and lift big. The focus is on progressively overloading a handful of exercises for each muscle group over a number of weeks. The intention is that you perform the same exercises week after week, increasing the rep count or weight for at least one exercise in each workout every week. 

The Caliber methodology also focuses on strength over volume. According to Caliber, rest intervals of at least two to three minutes are essential and strongly encouraged for your best performance. The scientific explanation for this is complicated, but basically, it takes about that long for your body’s energy systems to recover enough so that you can attack the next set with the same vigor. 

Caliber programs are periodized, so your plan will only change periodically. You won’t be doing the same exercises forever, but you will do them for several weeks. Every few weeks, your coach will update your plan based on your performance.  

Experience: Using the Caliber App

The Caliber app experience is almost seamless. There are some minor hiccups, but the user interface is nice and it’s easy to find what you want, leading me to give Caliber 4 out of 5 points in this category. 

My main complaint is that if you want to send photos to your trainer, such as of your meal, you can only send one photo at a time and you can’t add any text to it. This is minor, but annoying. It was only really an issue when my trainer asked for photos of the equipment at my gym and I had more than 10 photos I needed to send. This seems like it could be a simple fix, so hopefully that’s something Caliber implements in the future. 

There are exercise video demos for each movement you’re assigned in your workout for the day, which I love. However, sometimes they don’t load at all, and I’m not sure if it’s my connection or a glitch in the app. I’ve used the app in my apartment gym and at my local CrossFit box, and this has occurred in both places, so I’m thinking it’s the app but I’m not totally sure.

Other than the above two callouts, I haven’t had any problems with the Caliber app itself. 

Getting Started 

You can start on caliberstrong.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. The process begins with a rather thorough questionnaire, which may be easier to do on a desktop. 

You’ll provide demographic information, including your age, biological gender, and current weight. The quiz asks what your primary fitness goal is, your options being build muscle, get lean, gain strength, or other. You will also specify where you work out: at a gym, in a home gym, or both. 

Next, the questionnaire asks what type of exercise equipment you have access to. It’s OK if you don’t have any; Caliber has the capability to create bodyweight workouts. 

You’ll provide Caliber with a bit of your training background, including if you’ve strength trained before, what you currently do for exercise, if you have a prior or current injury, and if you are at high risk of certain medical conditions. 

The quiz also intakes a good amount of information regarding your current diet and nutritional habits and what your goals are related to nutrition. 

I don’t have many complaints about Caliber, but one thing that irked me was the end of the quiz. I was trying to learn more about pricing and package options and took the questionnaire in hopes that Caliber would reveal the packages to me at the end. It doesn’t. Instead, you have to schedule a phone consultation. 

Had I been a regular prospective member—and not someone who was going to sign up regardless because it was my job to do so—this might have turned me off and prevented me from signing up. According to Caliber, pricing isn’t included in the questionnaire because they offer a variety of customizable packages with different levels of coaching support based on the needs of each member.

Meeting Your Coach 

Once you’re set up in the app for Premium coaching, you’ll be matched with a Caliber coach based on the information you provided in the questionnaire and during your consultation. 

Your coach will message you through the chat feature with an introduction and send you a Calendly link so you can schedule your first meeting. The first meeting mostly consists of you telling the trainer about yourself, your history, and your goals. It’ll last about 30 minutes.

Shortly after the call—within 12 hours in my case—your trainer will upload your customized workout routine and it’ll appear on your dashboard. If you have any questions, you can message your coach for clarification. 

My coach, Laura Lee Crabbe, NASM-certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach, responded within minutes almost every time I messaged her. 

Caliber Lessons 

One of my favorite features of Caliber is the weekly lessons. Each week, your dashboard updates with a new set of lessons, which are short articles within the app. The first week’s lessons are all about getting started with Caliber and how to navigate the app, find your starting weights, and log workouts. 

From there, the lessons become more in-depth, covering topics like progressive overload, energy balance, flexible dieting, and how to determine rest intervals between your work sets. This is a wonderful feature for beginners who are looking to learn more about fitness and training.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Resistance Training

Starting and Logging Workouts 

When you open the app, your home page opens, and you can start a workout from there. Whatever workout you have for the day will be scheduled in the app and appear on the home page. Just tap it to begin. 

It’s super easy to log your workouts. When you open the workout, your list of exercises will appear. Then you click the individual exercise to log your weight and rep count. You can add a note that remains private to you if you’d like, such as about how the exercise felt. 

When you click on an exercise, you will see your latest rep count and weight, so you can be sure to do more reps or use a heavier weight to overload each week. The exercise pages also have a built-in timer and tutorials of the exercises if you need form cues or full instructions. 

Exercise Demos, Instruction, and Form Feedback

The Caliber app boasts an exercise library with more than 500 exercises. You can access the library in full, where it is alphabetized and searchable. You can filter by muscle group and equipment to find what you need, too. In addition to the videos, each exercise has complete written instructions and tips for technique. 

You won’t need to navigate to the exercise library, though, because each day’s workout automatically populates with the demos for each exercise. When you start a workout and tap on an exercise to start logging, the demo video is on auto-replay. You can turn auto-play off if you don’t find it helpful. 

The app also has an integrated form video feature. Within the app, you can record videos of yourself performing the exercises and send them to your coach, who can then provide feedback and cues to help you improve. This is about as close as you can get to in-person training feedback without actually having a trainer in the room with you. 

All of the above led to a 5-out-of-5 score for Caliber in the instruction category. 

Strength Score and Strength Balance

Caliber has two algorithm-informed measurements to track your progress: strength score and strength balance. 

Your strength score measures your progress based on how you’re advancing at certain exercises. Not all exercises are accounted for in the strength score, and it’s not super clear which ones are or aren’t. A nice addition to the app would be some sort of marker for each exercise that is accounted for in the strength score algorithm. 

Still, it’s a fun feature and a unique way to track your increases in strength, though I will admit it doesn’t seem to make sense all the time. 

The strength balance score is more interesting to me, personally. This metric shows you how developed your major muscle groups are compared to one another. My strength balance at the time of writing is 70%, which Caliber says is good but leaves room for improvement. 

Specifically, the strength balance shows that my lower body muscle groups are more developed than my upper body muscle groups, with my shoulders being the least developed. I already knew this, but 100% always ignored it, so it’s kind of a welcome slap in the face to be presented with this information on a daily basis. 

In all seriousness, this is a fantastic feature for beginners and may help exercisers of all levels focus more on their weaknesses.

Nutrition Tracking 

If you’d like, your Caliber coach can also provide a nutrition plan for you. Keep in mind that Caliber coaches are not registered dietitians, but instead certified nutrition coaches. This means they are educated on evidence-based nutrition and can provide general nutrition advice based on your goals and dietary needs. 

A certified nutrition coach may: 

• Teach you how to track macros and set macronutrient targets for you 
• Help you learn to build a balanced plate for each meal and reach daily targets for certain nutrients, like protein or fiber
• Provide tips for selecting healthier options while grocery shopping or eating at restaurants 
• Educate you on the benefits and drawbacks of different types of diets 

A certified nutrition coach may not provide completely individualized meal plans or instruct you to follow a specific diet based on health information you provide them. This is outside of the scope of practice for nutrition coaches; if you need this type of individualized nutrition guidance, you should consult a registered dietitian. 

I did elect to receive nutrition advice from my coach, partly because I could use the help with consistency and partly because I’m quick to spot a fad diet or unethical practitioner, and I wanted to see what was up in the Caliber app. 

I’m happy to report that my coach provided sound advice within her scope of practice as a certified nutrition coach, and it actually helped me a lot. 

At first, Laura Lee encouraged me to track macros because I told her that one of my goals was to increase my protein intake. I mentioned that I have a history of disordered eating but that I was willing to try. This kind of stuff can be a very slippery slope for me, so I usually avoid it, but it’d been a while and I thought that with some guidance, it could work out for me. 

Well, after a few days of attempting to track my macros, I felt the familiar guilt around food choices begin to bubble up, so I told Laura Lee that I did not feel comfortable tracking my food. Since I’m not chasing a weight loss or weight gain goal, I don’t need to track my intake and would prefer to eat intuitively. 

So, we agreed that I’d send her photos of my meals as a form of accountability—to make sure I was at least trying to hit my protein and fiber goals each day. But I no longer had to worry about calorie counts or overthink about every ingredient in every meal I ate. 

Laura Lee’s willingness to accommodate my history of food struggles is, perhaps, something that only people with a similar history can understand. But it is a highlight of my experience with the Caliber app, and Laura Lee’s compassion and understanding is a critical quality in a good coach. 

Should you want to track your macronutrients, the Caliber app integrates with Cronometer, a nutrition tracking app. Cronometer is one of the best macro-tracking apps thanks to its barcode scanner and monstrous database of foods. 

RELATED: Best Weight Loss Apps 

Coach Check-Ins, Progress, and Accountability 

Caliber earned 5 out of 5 points for accountability because I believe this model is the next best thing after an in-person trainer. In some ways, it’s actually better, because your coach can see a lot of what you’re doing outside of your strength training sessions. 

For instance, if you wear an Apple Watch or elect to log your other activities in the Caliber app, your coach can see if you are, for example, going on a one-mile walk each day like you said you wanted to. 

Your coach also has access to your nutrition information if you utilize the Cronometer integration. 

With a Premium plan, you get weekly asynchronous check-ins, which might be my favorite part of this experience because, hello, we are all busy and scheduling time for meetings is tough. 

Laura Lee recorded videos on Loom and sent them to me through the chat function in the app. In the videos, she goes through my last week of workouts, looks at my reps and weights and any notes I sent her, and gives relevant feedback. 

She then also provides goals for the upcoming week, such as “This week, I want you to keep the reps the same for deadlifts but increase the weight by 10 pounds for at least one set.” I love that she provides incremental goals. 

Depending on your package, you can also have either weekly or monthly strategy calls with your coach over Zoom. During this call, you can update your trainer on any new goals or other pertinent information. 

Community Groups 

The Caliber app also features community groups. This is a fun feature, but one that needs some work. Not in the sense that the feature itself is bad, but it doesn’t seem to be utilized a ton by app members, unless I’m in groups without many members. 

The community groups are interest groups. I joined Camping & Hiking, Cycling, Running, Swimming, and Gym Playlist for music ideas. There’s not much going on in any of my groups, but hopefully they grow as Caliber grows. 

Between the social groups and the fact that you can interact with your coach daily, Caliber earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score for interactive features.

App and Device Integrations 

Caliber integrates with Apple Health and Apple Watch, so if you’re an all-around iOS user, you’re in good shape. I was disappointed to learn that the app doesn’t work with the Garmin ecosystem, which is what I use. However, the Caliber team says this is coming soon.

I have to manually input my walks, runs, and other activities in the app after I’ve logged them on my watch. Or if it could sync with Strava, that would eliminate this extra step. Hopefully Caliber is working on more integrations and syncing capabilities.  

It seems that Caliber is working on a direct Fitbit integration as well as an Apple Watch app.

Caliber App vs Future

Future App

Future

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Virtual training from qualified coaches
• Personal plan designed to help reach your goals
• Great interface
• Use our link for 62% off your first month

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
• Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
• Lots of variety in your workouts

Cons

• No real-time coaching from your trainer
• $199 per month membership cost

Bottom Line

An online training program that's staffed by real-life humans, and one of our favorite fitness apps.

Future is another great personal training app. It’s built on the same concept as Caliber: That virtual personal training can be just as effective as traditional in-person training, and it costs less for the consumer. 

Several members of the GGR team have tried Future, and all of them have been happy with the app. The process is more-or-less the same: You complete a questionnaire, get matched with a coach (or select your own), and get started. 

Kate Meier, GGR Head of Content, wrote in her Future app review that she loves the personal touch and the fact that her coach was so accommodating and professional as she worked through a major injury from weightlifting. 

I would recommend either app without hesitation, but after trying Caliber, I’m inclined to recommend it over Future due to the fact that you’ll always have free full access to all of the app’s features if you decide you don’t want coaching anymore. 

That way, you can continue to use the same app to log your workouts and have access to your workout history and the exercise library. Plus, you can re-up your coaching at any time if you want to. 

Customer Experience 

Caliber clearly cares about its members. Firstly, Caliber offers a 30-day refund period. If you aren’t happy with the service or app for any reason, you can get your money back within 30 days of signing up. 

Caliber Premium plans are billed tri-monthly. You can cancel at any time during your three-month membership period for any reason and without any hassle—not like in the olden days of yore when you had to jump through 17 hoops and cancel your gym membership in person while gym staff obligatorily attempted to weasel you into staying. Caliber will let you go if you want to go. 

Finally, Caliber offers a seven-day free trial to the Pro experience. All of the app’s functions are also available for free, forever and with no ads, minus the coaching aspect. 

Customer Reviews

Caliber app reviews are highly favorable. The app has an average rating of 4.9 on the App Store and 4.7 on Google Play, earning it a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars for customer reviews according to our methodology (the average of the two scores). 

On TrustPilot, Caliber has 4.9 stars out of more than 450 reviews. I browsed several Reddit threads that also indicated that Caliber members are very happy with the service, albeit with some suggestions for future improvements. 

One TrustPilot review reviews, “I needed something new and this program ended up being a great fit. The personalized fitness and macro plan based on my initial consultation plus the monthly calls to refine and mix things up. I was killing myself with cardio and HIIT classes without great results. This program has been easy to follow, stay on track and has given me the best results in years. I can send messages to quick questions and check-ins. My trainer, Tara, has been phenomenal and super easy to work with.”

Final Verdict of Our Caliber App Review

If your fitness goals include things like getting stronger, improving your body composition, or building muscle, Caliber is worth a try. This is one of very few fitness apps I’ve tested that I would recommend to almost anyone. 

To recap: 

• The Caliber methodology focuses heavily on building strength and progressive overload. 
• Caliber encourages mastery over variety, and its programs reflect that with repetition. 
• Caliber programming is rooted in widely supported exercise science principles. 
• The app is easy to navigate, with a few minor hiccups, like only being able to send one photo at a time in the chat.
• The app also supports nutrition and macronutrient tracking via an integration with Cronometer.
• You can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of signing up; change your coach at any time; and cancel at any time within your 3-month commitment (for Premium). 

Caliber App Full Rating

Caliber Premium

Caliber Premium provides one-on-one, personalized strength training with constant access to your certified personal trainer starting at $200 per month, and may include weekly or monthly Zoom strategy calls with your trainer depending on your package.

Product Brand: Caliber

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 200+

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.68

Caliber App Review: FAQs

We asked certified personal trainer (CPT) and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly to write our Kabuki EDU review based on his month-long experience with the online training program. He’ll share his insights into the program’s extensive video library, the Kabuki app programming, and whether he thinks it’s worth enrolling. 

RELATED: The Best Powerlifting Barbell

We’ve Used More Than 20 Online Workout Programs 

The Garage Gym Reviews team loves going back to school. Our expert product testers have received certifications for personal training, nutrition coaching, and even home gym design. On top of that, we’ve used more than 20 of the best online workout programs to see how they stack up to in-person training. 

We’re able to assess these programs to see how they stack up to in-person training because we’ve been on both sides of the equation. Our expert product testers—which include competitive triathletes and weightlifting coaches—look at how well a training program explains exercises, customization options, ease of use, and accountability to let you know if they’re worth your time and money. 

We would never recommend anything that we wouldn’t use for ourselves or our clients.  

Kabuki Edu

Kabuki EDU

GGR Score: 4.14

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Extensive video library
• 1-on-1 coaching available
• Access to Kabuki Strength app
• Free version available
• Lectures from industry experts
• Do it on your own time

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great for people of all fitness levels
• Thousands of videos
• Advice from industry experts
• Available in iOS and Android

Cons

• Self-guided lessons may not be best for everyone
• 1-on1- coaching is pricey

Bottom Line

Our testers loved Kabuki Edu's extensive video library and well-explained videos from fitness experts.

A Quick Look at Kabuki EDU

Kabuki EDU is an online fitness subscription created by Kabuki Strength, which manufactures some of the best safety squat bars and other strength training equipment, like dumbbells. The online module has thousands of videos on subjects like strength fundamentals, flexibility and mobility, how to fix your squat setup, and nutrition. 

There are three packages: Kabuki EDU Free, Kabuki EDU+, and 1-on-1 coaching. Each tier comes with its own benefits, including discounts on Kabuki Strength home gym equipment. Our review is based on the Kabuki EDU+ package, which comes with thousands of online videos and free Kabuki app programming.

Your “professors” include powerlifter Dr. Stefi Cohen, one of the strongest women people on the planet; Dr. Aaron Horschig of Squat University; Kyle Young, head coach of USA Powerlifting; and the “Mad Scientist” himself, Chris Duffin. 

RELATED: Kabuki Strength Trap Bar Review

Before You Buy

• There is a free version, but you get access to fewer videos and only one month of app training. 
• You must sign up for one-on-one coaching to receive personalized training 
• Monthly subscribers get discounts on Kabuki Strength equipment 

Is Kabuki Edu Worth It?

The team at GGR has signed up for more than 20 of the best personal training apps—Anthony has tried six apps himself—and in our opinion Kabuki EDU offers some of the best value for people looking to have a career in the fitness industry or just want to expand their knowledge on topics like nutrition, hypertrophy, or powerlifting. 

Our one caveat is this program is best for self-guided learners, so if you’re someone who prefers a more personalized touch then we’d recommend something like the Future app.  

The Kabuki EDU+ package costs $29 per month, which gives you access to more than 300 hours of lectures and training guides, free Kabuki app training, 10% off Kabuki Strength equipment, and access to the company’s annual Education Week (a virtual event with more than 50 speakers). 

While we didn’t try the 1-on-1 Coaching tier, it also seems like a good value. Yes, $250 per month is a lot, but you get everything in the Kabuki EDU+ package plus personalized training from some of the industry’s most respected experts. That sounds like a good deal to us, but you might disagree. 

Great for:

• Those pursuing a career in the fitness industry
• Anyone who wants expert weightlifting advice from the world’s best coaches and athletes 
• People who prefer self-guided lessons 

Not recommended for:

• Anyone who prefers personalized training
• People who are just looking for workout programming 
• Those on a tight budget (though there is a free program with no price tag) 

Kabuki EDU Specs

Class is in Session: A Personal Trainer’s Experience With Kabuki EDU

Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and GGR’s performance editor, gives his thoughts on his month-long experience with Kabuki EDU. 

Kabuki EDU is sort of like an online university, except there’s no attendance, and you can hop in and out of any elective you want on your own time. Seriously, I spent a month perusing the site’s thousands of videos available, and I’m still at the tip of the iceberg. 

I’ve had a personal goal of improving my flexibility and mobility, so I spent most of my time watching countless videos on how to improve shoulder health, hip flexion, core stabilization, and thoracic extension. After about four weeks, I definitely feel more flexible and confident in my movements, and I’ve incorporated many of the exercises and drills into my daily regimen. 

RELATED: Hip Flexor Exercise

One of the first things I noticed about Kabuki EDU is how well each instructor breaks down their lessons. Even more complicated lessons like “Anatomy & Physiology of Sleep” were led by instructors who were able to make change out of five-dollar words and explain everything in plain English.

They also explain how things like mobility can make you a more effective lifter. 

There were some exercises in the videos that even I, a certified personal trainer, was unfamiliar with. This is where the program’s “library” comes in handy. Kabuki EDU has an Exercise Index with video instructions on how to properly perform just about every exercise out there. 

This gives Kabuki EDU a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for instruction. Why the half-point deduction? Unless you sign up for the 1-on-1 Coaching package (which is $250 per month) everything is self-guided. You, like myself, might prefer that option, but I realize that’s not the case for everyone. 

RELATED: Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar In-Depth Review

One thing I will rate a 5 out of 5 is Kabuki EDU’s interface, which makes it incredibly easy to find the videos you want. You can filter by skill/discipline, muscle group, movement type, equipment, and coach (if you find a favorite). 

Kabuki EDU Courses 

Here are a few examples of the lectures or lessons you can find on Kabuki Edu: 

• Strength Fundamentals 
• Movement & Topical Videos 
• Guided Solutions 
• Nutrition Masterclass 
• Advanced Methods 
• Fix Your Own Back 
• Recover to Win 
• Sleep & Recovery 
• Effort, Force, and Heaviness

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Tools

Kabuki Strength App Programming

As a certified personal trainer who’s tried dozens of training apps, I believe the Kabuki EDU+ package is worth it just for the free access to the Kabuki Strength app. I say that because this app is a one-stop shop for all your fitness needs. Here are just some of the features you can find on the Kabuki Strength app: 

• Workout programs 
• Macronutrient calculator 
• Physique tracker 
• Exercise library
• Access to all Kabuki Edu videos 
• Weekly and monthly reports
• Step tracker

I’ll be honest. I didn’t take advantage of most of these features and spent my time trying out the various training programs available—there’s even a few options for home gym owners (bonus points for you, Duffin). 

The app’s personalization scored an automatic 5 out of 5 because you can tailor it to your schedule and lifestyle. After picking a program, I went with “Strong & Mobile,” which you can add to your calendar based on what days of the week you typically train or simply visit the module when you have time. 

Each day, I opened my app to see what exercises were on the menu and how many reps and sets I had to do. Kabuki once again nails it with instructions, providing videos on how to do every move along with notes that provide tips on things like breathing. 

RELATED: Kabuki Strength Discount Code

Accountability

Just like with the Kabuki EDU website, the Kabuki Strength app is a self-guided program unless you purchase the 1-on-1 coaching. That means there’s no trainer reminding you to do your daily workout—and again, that might work for you, and it might not. Training is second-nature to me, so I didn’t need a reminder to check my app for my daily movements. 

You’ll also have to remember to log each exercise you do for it to be tracked in the app—this is something I struggle with (thank you, ADHD), but you’re probably different. 

How to Download Kabuki Strength App 

There are instructions in a private chat channel on the Kabuki EDU website (that you can only see after signing up) on how to download the app (available for iPhone and Android) for free with a 100%-off discount code. You’ll still have to provide a credit card number, but you won’t be charged as long as your Kabuki EDU membership is active.

After downloading the app and creating your account, you’ll enter some basic information (such as your height, weight, and activity levels) and answer some questions about your fitness goals. 

Kabuki Strength App Community 

The Kabuki Strength App comes with free access to a Discord server—imagine a giant online chatroom—where you can discuss your training with coaches and fellow trainees. 

Pricing 

Here’s the pricing structure for Kabuki EDU:

• Kabuki Edu Free: $0 
• Kabuki Edu+: $29 per month 
• 1-on-1 Coaching: $250 per month 

Kabuki Edu Vs. Future App

Future

Future

GGR Score: 4.43

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Product Highlights

• Virtual training from qualified coaches
• Personal plan designed to help reach your goals
• Great interface
• Use our link for 62% off your first month

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
• Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
• Lots of variety in your workouts

Cons

• No real-time coaching from your trainer
• $199 per month membership cost

Bottom Line

An online training program that's staffed by real-life humans, and one of our favorite fitness apps.

Kabuki EDU is better for self-guided learners, while the Future app is better for those who need a personal touch. Both have a similar price point, but the Future App is slightly less expensive. 

I’ll be comparing Kabuki EDU’s 1-on-1 coaching tier with the Future App, both of which give you access to an online personal trainer. While we’ve extensively used Future—GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell is on year three and counting—we haven’t tested Kabuki’s coaching, so I’ll be judging this based strictly on the value. 

Kabuki’s coaching comes with more benefits, such as discounts on strength training equipment and an extensive video library. The Future App focuses on training and, like Kabuki, has handy videos on how to perform exercises. 

As we stated in the beginning, this is going to be a matter of personal preference. Kabuki offers weekly communication with coaches, whereas the Future app lets you text and chat with your personal trainer (who you’ll pick when signing up). 

For more, check out our in-depth Future App Review.

Customer Experience 

You can reach Kabuki EDU through the app, including the Discord server or its various social media channels. You can also email info@kabukistrength.com.

The app is relatively new, so it’s difficult to gauge the community experience outside  my personal testing. 

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, there are zero customer reviews for the Kabuki Strength App or Kabuki EDU. I will update this if and when there are new customer reviews. 

Final Verdict of Our Kabuki EDU Review

Here’s the bottom line of our Kabuki EDU review: There’s no other fitness programming that offers this much value. Not only do you get access to dozens of workout programs and an incredible training app, but you also get to tap into the minds of some of the best coaches and athletes out there. 

I think the Goldilocks package is the Kabuki EDU+, but even the 1-on-1 coaching is a good deal since you’d probably spend a similar amount on an in-person trainer, plus there’s additional benefits. 

So long as you’re good with self-guided learning, we recommend enrolling in Kabuki EDU right away.

Kabuki EDU Rating

Kabuki Edu

Our Kabuki EDU review was written by a certified personal trainer who used Chris Duffin’s program for a month. Here are his honest thoughts.

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 29.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.14

Kabuki EDU FAQs

As a certified personal trainer (CPT), I’ve seen the same swing happen countless times to clients and coaches alike. Heck, I’ve been through the fitness ringer myself, too. 

In this Functional Bodybuilding Persist Review, I’m going to share some insights with you about this workout program and how it offers a one-stop-shop for both training and active recovery (without the need for buying one of the best muscle recovery tools on the market). 

I’ll give you a glimpse into my experience and share both the good and less favorable aspects of this program (of which there are only a few). 

We’ve Tested Over 50 Online Programs

Garage Gym Reviews is staffed with a group of individuals that live and breathe fitness, with backgrounds ranging from certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches to Olympic athletes and gym owners.  

To date, our expert product testers have used more than 50 online fitness programs. We’ve even curated a list of the best personal training apps, which includes nine of our top picks for complete-package online training. And being personal trainers and gym owners ourselves, we’re tough critics. 

For the Persist program through Functional Bodybuilding, I used the online program for three months and played around with two of the five tracks you can choose from. 

Functional Bodybuilding Persist

Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program

GGR Score: 4.28

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Product Highlights

• Online strength training programming
• 5 different tracks to choose from
• Vast library of demo videos
• Community board
• Weekly message from Marcus Philly

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear instruction
• Quality demo videos
• Weekly emails to overview programming
• Includes quality warm-ups
• Mobility days worked into schedule

Cons

• Website platform, no app
• Not suited for beginners
• 4-5 lifting days might not work for everyone

Bottom Line

The Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program designed by Marcus Filly, former CrossFit games athlete, offers exceptional programming for folks looking to improve mobility and increase muscle mass at the same time. Mobility and recovery is built-in to the warm-ups, cool-downs, and addressed on non-lifting days. It’s also appropriate for folks with limited equipment. There are five different tracks you can choose from and one offers minimal or no equipment and you can still see results.

A Quick Look at the Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program

Functional Bodybuilding (FBB) was born when founder Marcus Filly hit a metaphorical wall in his athletic career. The pivot point came when he was feeling completely burnt out and physically broken after competing in the 2016 CrossFit Games (also after being a longtime CrossFit affiliate owner).

This low point helped reshape his training methodology. He committed to helping himself and his fellow athletes train for longevity with a focus on movement quality (versus quantity) and high-caliber warm-up and cool-down protocols. 

RELATED: Best Warm-Up Exercises

Before You Buy

• If you sign up for the monthly billing option, you can get a free 2-week trial 
• Other than the Pump Lift track, you will have conditioning workouts programmed into nearly every session
• Training cycles run 6 weeks, but when joining, you’ll start on the current week of the program (not at the beginning) 
• While most workout tracks require a barbell and a pair of dumbbells there is one track that uses little to no equipment 

Is the Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program Worth It?

Firstly, it’s worth noting that Persist is a program that has five different tracks you can choose from within the umbrella of Persist (I’ll break down each track a little bit later when I get into the details of using the program). 

That said, if you’re looking for personal training and a program tailored specifically to you, that does exist on the Functional Bodybuilding website, but that is not something I’ll be diving into in this review. 

Speaking as a personal trainer, I would highly recommend this program (specifically the Minimalist and Pillars tracks) if you have some (or a lot of) experience with free weights and barbell training and want a program that may help you get stronger and recover faster.

I think the Perform and Pump tracks are more suitable if you’re an advanced lifter. These tracks will offer challenges even if you have years of experience and coaching under your belt. 

I would not recommend this program for the true beginner (even though the Minimalist track does not require much equipment). I personally think the training volume is too high if you’re just getting your toes wet with resistance training. 

RELATED: What is Resistance Training?

FBB Persist Program Specs

Using the Persist Program

During the initial sign-up process I answered a few questions about my lifting experience, type of equipment I have access to, and my goals. After becoming a member, I got an email from Atom Training. I then followed instructions to Atom’s web-based app. There I signed in using the same credentials I used to sign up on the FBB website. 

After logging in, the program automatically put me in the track best for me based on the information I provided during the questionnaire. I noticed it’s easy to view the other tracks or change tracks using the main menu. From there, workouts are self-guided. 

But don’t let the term self-guided scare you off! Each workout has a quick coaches’ note describing your focus for the day or preparing you for the hardest aspects of the workout. 

Each workout is broken down into different parts, including warm-up, main movements, accessories, and cool-down (except the program uses much more awesome terms like pre-fatigue, strength balance, and recovery). 

In each section, the exercises are not only listed by name; they feature a demonstration video for every movement pulled from the FBB YouTube channel (which has 1,000 demonstration videos!). 

It’s also worth noting that the videos don’t seem to bog down the website at all. The videos quickly pop up and don’t navigate you to another webpage (which I think is important because you’ll be using a browser—not an app—to use this workout program). But I’ll touch on the webpage stuff a little later. 

However, one thing to note is the fact the demo videos don’t offer any instruction, it’s purely a visual aid. The video quality is fantastic, so you can clearly see what’s happening, but I’m calling it out because, without a voiceover or explanation, it might not be ideal if you’re brand new to lifting. 

RELATED: 6-Week Beginner Workout Program

Additionally, all of the longer workouts that are longer than 60 minutes include a “short on time” note to help you prioritize your lifts and get it done in less time. This usually looks like less overall volume (performing two sets versus four sets) and sometimes will even be cutting out the finisher or conditioning section. 

Methodology Behind Persist

At the core of the Persist training program, Marcus Filly and his team use principles of progressive overload to help you achieve muscle size and strength. Persist is a well thought-out program, it’s not a kitchen sink workout randomly sprinkled with burpees. 

But what is progressive overload? Simply put, it’s a way to tweak the stimulus lifting has on your muscles so you can keep progressing in your strength journey. Essentially, you will also run into a metaphorical wall of your own (much like Marcus Filly did) if you try to add five more pounds to the bar or one more rep to your sets every week. 

Progress isn’t linear, and the Persit program from FBB addresses that head on. In all five tracks of the program, you will see nearly all of the principles of progressive overload show up, including load, repetitions, volume, rest period, range of motion, tempo, frequency, and degree of difficulty. 

In a welcome video from Marcus Filly, he notes that there is a fine line between “Getting a great training session and feeling like you didn’t work hard enough.”

“Or pushing it too much and sacrificing form—potentially increasing your injury risk,” he adds. “We typically don’t use percentages of one rep maxes (1RM), but instead, we go by feel so that you can adapt to how you’re feeling on a given day, as well as the workout at hand.” 

That said, some exercises will challenge you with a simple increase in weight from the week prior. Other movements will vary—either from week to week or build progressions into the next training cycle—by range of motion, rest time, or tempo. 

I was able to record your weights, time for conditioning exercises, and the way I felt at the beginning and end of the workout. So, just because the program is not based off of your 1RM doesn’t mean it’s without progression. 

For example, let’s say the barbell back squat was featured in the last 6-week cycle and showed up again in the next 6-week cycle. But instead of increasing the load, the program adds a tempo to the movement.  

RELATED: How to Squat Heavier

If the program calls for tempo, it will be listed next to the name of the exercise. The website provides a cheat sheet for reading tempo programming (and any other training modification) which is super helpful. 

For example, if a back squat calls for “32X1” tempo, here is what to expect: 

• 3 – Moving smoothly, use 3 seconds to squat to full depth
• 2 – Hold for 2 seconds at the bottom of the squat
• X – Explode up as quickly as you can
• 1 – Start the next repetition after 1 second

The order of the TEMPO numbers always goes as follows: Down, hold, up, pause. 

RELATED: Benefits of Squats

Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program Setup

I think it’s worth noting that the setup is not as easy as just downloading a new app. The Persist program from Functional Bodybuilding runs on a  web-based app, so you won’t find it in the Apple app store or Google Play. 

Once you sign up with your email address and choose your billing cycle (monthly, quarterly, or annually), you’ll get an email from the web-based app host called Atom Training. 

Although you’ll be using Atom through a webpage browser, I didn’t find it that cumbersome once I got started. During the setup process, Atom suggests saving the web address to your favorites so you can easily navigate the website, which I found helpful. 

I thought the lack of a traditional app was going to be annoying, but I really didn’t have a problem with it. The one thing I noticed is that when I start my workouts, I almost always forget it’s saved on my Safari browser, so I inadvertently browse through my apps at least once before I remember. I don’t personally think this should be a dealbreaker for the program quality.

Persist Offers Five Different Tracks To Choose From

There are five different tracks to choose from within the Persist program. All programs run on 6-week training cycles that typically build on movements and skills from the previous cycle. 

In an introduction video to the program, Marcus Filly encourages athletes to stay on one track during the cycle to get the most benefit from the programming and progression. I did toggle a bit between tracks, but I mainly used Pillars. 

Here is what to expect from each training track: 

• Pillars Track: Four, 60-minute workouts per week, focusing on functional fitness and compound movements like squat, bench, deadlift, and overhead press (plus conditioning finishers like EMOMS, AMRAPS, and burnout sets)
• Pump Condition Track: Five, 75-minute muscle-building and hypertrophy-style sessions with conditioning added at the end of most workouts
• Pump Lift Track: Five, 75-minute hypertrophy-style sessions without conditioning 
• Perform Track: Five, 90 minute sessions that includes Olympic lifts and other functional fitness
• Minimalist Track: Five, 60-minute little-to-no equipment hypertrophy-style workouts with bodyweight cardio drills like sprints and jumping jacks 

I personally used the Pillars track for most of the workouts I did during my 3-month testing cycle. However, I moved while I was testing the program so it was clutch to toggle between Pillars and Minimalist training programs. Essentially, my home gym dwindled down to nothing more than a kettlebell and bands, so the Minimalist track was literally all I could handle (both equipment-wise and mentally). 

RELATED: Best Resistance Bands 

Weekly Email Previews and Video Messages

Another thing you can expect from the Persist program (that you don’t often see from even the best online workout programs) is a weekly email on Sundays that provides a preview of your upcoming week of workouts. You can always look back on old workouts, but future workouts are only released one week at a time. I personally think it’s a little annoying that I can’t see the entire 6-week cycle upfront, but I’m not sure everyone will have that same opinion. 

Within the email Marcus Filly also gets in front of the camera for a message to the members almost every week. It’s usually a little pep-talk and a look ahead on what to expect (if there are new exercises or newly added blocks of conditioning). It’s like a little pat on the back before you get into your week. 

Functional Bodybuilding vs Juggernaut AI

JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI

GGR Score: 4.0

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Product Highlights

• Use code "GARAGEGYM" for a discount on JuggernautAI training.
• Smart powerlifting and powerbuilding program from Chad Wesley Smith, an accomplished strength athlete and owner of Juggernaut Training Systems.
• Uses information such as your weight, training history, current fitness level and training load, personal records, goals, and ideal training schedule to create strength and hypertrophy blocks to prepare you for powerlifting or bodybuilding meets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely intuitive app experience
• Super smart and responsive AI
• Offers a two-week free trial to see if you like it

Cons

• Not the same as working with a real coach
• Dashboard is a little confusing at first
• Only for strength training (no cardio workouts)

Bottom Line

JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience.

I think FBB Persist program compares best to Juggernaut AI. Many of the other programs we’ve tested are either for general exercise (like iFIT or Peloton) or are legit actual personal training apps where you work one-on-one with a coach (like Future). 

RELATED: Future App Review

Juggernaut AI is comparable to FBB Persist in the sense that they are similarly priced and  self-guided workouts without a live coach. However, the focus of Juggernaut is powerlifting and the big three lifts (squat, bench, deadlift), while Persist has a broader approach to exercise selection and movement patterns. Persist also tackles recovery and mobility by seamlessly adding it to the end of every workout in addition to two or three sessions dedicated to mobility, not lifting. 

While both programs are going to help you get stronger, I think that Persist Training has a human element from Marcus Filly’s personal burnout experience that can’t be matched with a program designed by AI. 

RELATED: JuggernautAI Review

Functional Bodybuilding Customer Experience 

FBB offers a live chat function in the bottom sign corner of your browser. Although I didn’t have any pressing questions, it only took a few minutes to get a response on some simple membership questions. 

You can also send emails to customer service at support@functional-bodybuilding.com.

And if you’re running into training questions or need more understanding about movements (maybe a certain lunge variation or the strict pull-up), you can always go to the FBB YouTube page, which is packed with resources. 

Functional Bodybuilding Customer Reviews

While the FFB website doesn’t feature a traditional 5-star rating reviewing system, FBB does have a few glowing written testimonials feature on the website. In addition to that, the YouTube videos I’ve personally browsed on the FBB channel have also been overwhelmingly positive and all pretty much all tie back to the Persist programming. 

Final Verdict of My Functional Bodybuilding Persist Review

In the age of technology, there are endless ways to get coaching—whether you’re looking for form review on your power cleans or guidance to lose body fat. 

That said, not all coaching and programming are created equal. There are plenty of folks on your social media feed selling wellness programs and workouts that will leave you spinning your wheels. Here at GGR, we’re committed to helping you avoid those traps and guide you to find programming that is based on the core principles of strength training. 

All this to say, the question is not: Is the Functional Bodybuilding Persist program any good? It’s a high-quality program and will be enjoyable for a wide range of home gym owners and gym-goers alike.

The question is more, is Persist the right program for you? If you like the sound of what you’ve read so far, here are some things I’d keep in mind before you sign up:

• You can go through the prescribed workouts at your own pace throughout the week, but I think it’s worth noting that all tracks on the Persist program have you lifting four to five days per week, which might be a lot for some folks. 
• Most tracks include conditioning as part of the programming, something to keep in mind for anyone coming from a non-cardio background (like me!). 
• I personally wouldn’t recommend this program for true beginners, but I do think that if you’ve had some dumbbell and barbell lifting experience, you’ll be just fine!

Functional Bodybuilding Persist Rating

Functional Bodybuilding Persist Program

Read our honest take on this hybrid programming in our Functional Bodybuilding Persist review.

Product Brand: Functional Bodybuilding

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 39

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.28

Functional Bodybuilding Persist: FAQs

If you’re looking for iFIT reviews, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll detail what you can expect if you sign up for this interactive programming service, including answering the overall burning question: Is it worth your hard-earned money and is it the best personal training app? 

We Know iFIT Programming and Machines

Not only do our product experts at Garage Gym Reviews love to test fitness equipment, but we also enjoy using high-quality online workout programs. As a big fan of Peloton-esque programming, I was excited to take an in-depth look at the classes, the app, and the overall value iFIT presents. 

This isn’t our first rodeo by any means; probably more like our 40th when it comes to trying out programming. At this point, we should probably win a gold or ten in steer roping (wait, do they get medals for winning rodeos?).

iFIT

iFIT

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Product Highlights

• Over 16,000 live and on-demand classes
• More than 60 types of workouts
• Immersive experience
• Classes filmed worldwide
• Live races and events
• World-class trainers
• Syncs with Nordictrack and ProForm equipment

Pros & Cons

Pros

• At-home training
• World-class coaches
• Immersive training experience
• Vast library of workouts
• Record and track workout metrics
• Individual and family memberships available
• Free trial

Cons

• Pricey for some
• No true path for progression

Bottom Line

iFIT offers fitness lovers versatility with machine-based classes and classes that do not require anything more than a towel or mat. Anyone looking for a home-exercise program will be hard pressed to find a more technology forward, expansive and inclusive platform than iFIT.

A Quick Look at iFIT

iFIT is actually the name of two things: The parent company of brands like NordicTrack and ProForm (formerly known as ICON Fitness), and it’s also the name of a virtual training program. In this review, we are looking strictly at the training program, which can be used in sync with treadmills, exercise bikes and more, as well as off-machine for strength and yoga classes.

According to the iFIT website, there are over 6.4 million members that utilize the app and its classes. Clearly, iFIT must be doing something right to have so many people enchanted. Let’s get the skinny (as my dad always says) on iFIT and why it’s so popular. 

My Tips:

• If you have purchased a NordicTrack or ProForm machine (with a free trial of iFIT), be aware that you still have to add your credit card into the system if you want to access programming. After the free trial is over, your credit card on file will be automatically charged. 
• Check out our NordicTrack promo code page for the best deals on equipment to use with iFIT programming.
• Take part in one of iFIT’s fun challenges! New ones are added frequently and include strength, yoga, HIIT, and meditation series.

Is the iFIT Worth It?

iFIT programming delivers a fun way to get your sweat on for most exercisers. However, it isn’t the best choice for everyone, as it costs about $39 per month if you want a family membership. Read on to see who I think should give it a whirl and who should try something else.

iFIT Specs

iFIT Setup

iFIT interactive programming is integrated with various brands of exercise equipment, including NordicTrack, ProForm, FreeMotion, Weider, and Matrix. This essentially means that various treadmills, rowing machines, ellipticals, fitness mirrors, and spin bikes have the capacity to automatically connect and pair up with iFIT (provided you pay for a subscription or have a free trial). 

Although I do have access to plenty of compatible cardio machines, I like that I can also take iFIT on the go with me via an app. This is really similar to Peloton, where you can use the app on your bike or tread’s touchscreen, but also take it with you out and about. Plus, both Android and Apple users can download this app to their phones. This may sound like a small thing, but even Future programming (which I love) is only compatible with iOS. 

The app was simple to download onto my phone and in minutes I was signed in. The home screen has a slightly overwhelming amount of information that makes me want to look everywhere at once. You’ll be able to view your most recent milestones, featured workout challenges, and iFIT news. iFIT will also use previous classes you’ve taken to create a list of recommended workouts and series. 

If you’re a previous user of the app but want to connect a new cardio machine, I found the process to be really easy. In the top left hand of the app, you can click “pair device.” Provided both the machine and Bluetooth are on, the app will integrate seamlessly with your new machine. 

If you are new to a machine and iFIT, the setup is fairly simple. GGR Head of Content Kate Meier assembled four machines, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer, and the ProForm Pro 9000. 

She had no issue connecting iFIT with the NordicTrack machines, whose touchscreen walked her through the entire process. The ProForm Hybrid doesn’t have a touchscreen, but she was able to easily pair the machine by using the app on her phone.

Live Workouts

As of May 2023, NordicTrack has discontinued the live class feature, sans live races. I’m disappointed because this was a way for iFIT to directly compete with Peloton’s model of frequent, live classes. However, you can still join the occasional live races that iFIT has on their schedule. To find the live races coming up, click the home button and scroll down to ” The Latest from iFIT” category. You’ll be able to check out whats coming up soon and add it to your calendar.

Related: NordicTrack Vault review

Settings and Types of Classes

With a dizzying array of classes to choose from, it can be slightly overwhelming to sort through the library of iFIT workouts. Some of the classes are set within a typical workout studio; think boutique spin class in SoHo, while others are in various destinations around the world. I think for some people, this is a very enticing factor, but here’s my hot take: I actually prefer the studio classes.

I know I’m likely in the minority here. I mean who doesn’t want to be distracted pretending you’re biking in Iceland when really you’re on a stationary bike in Nebraska? Me, for some odd reason. However, if you’re intrigued by taking a workout class in an interesting location, you’ll probably really be thrilled by a lot of iFIT’s “global workouts.”

RELATED: Stationary Bike Benefits

Curious about the types of classes you can take with the iFIT app? Wonder no further, fellow exerciser:

• Runs
• Walks
• Strength
• HIIT
• Cycling
• Rowing
• Elliptical
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Mindfulness 
• Barre

Taking iFIT Classes

iFit can be used with compatible equipment as well as via the downloadable app. Here’s our take on using iFIT both on-machine and off-machine. 

Off-Machine Classes

The off-machine classes are plentiful – choose from options that require no equipment at all, like “Quick Core,” grab your resistance bands for a miniseries, or use your Olympic barbell to practice lifts with instructor John Peel.  

When checking out the library of iFIT classes, you can sort by type of equipment used, duration, trainer, type of workout, intensity, target area, and class environment to find your ideal match. 

Before taking a class, make sure to check the required equipment list in the description. I made the mistake of not looking and had no idea what to grab specifically because the instructor jumped right into teaching without reviewing what was needed. 

Something I don’t like about the iFIT app is the inconsistency when it comes to announcing the weight needed for various strength classes. I understand that everyone isn’t at the same level, so suggesting only one type of weight might be silly. However, I think suggesting a range of weight is useful for the participants. This is something I believe iFIT can improve upon in the future. 

On-Machine Classes

Our expert testers have used iFIT with a variety of compatible machines. iFIT offers classes that work in tandem with specifically branded treadmills, functional trainers, rowing machines, ellipticals, and fitness mirrors. Even cooler, the programming controls these machines to mimic the classes being taken. 

“When I was on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, I remember I did one beach run with a trainer, and the first time the machine started adjusting when we were climbing the hill, I was like “whoa!” – I knew it was going to happen, but I still somehow wasn’t ready for it. It isn’t jarring in the sense that I wasn’t afraid of falling off the machine or anything,” Kate explained. 

Essentially, the classes can adjust things like your machine’s incline, decline, and speed so all you need to focus on is giving the workout your all. 

Another cool thing about iFIT? You can pick classes based on if you want to be in the studio or outdoors. For example, you can choose to row with your instructor on a waterway in the French Polynesia or in a more traditional setting inside. 

Instructors and Music

Music-wise, I was very impressed with iFIT. Similarly to Peloton, they actually use good music and pony up for the usage rights. As soon as I heard “High” by the Chainsmokers, I was hooked. 

Other programming like JRNY has very subpar music, so this is a major point in iFIT’s favor. Plus, if you don’t like the music they automatically play, you’re able to easily switch to a different “station” to play what you like. 

I’m used to Peloton’s way of music where each class has a different vibe. For example, some instructors would do Beyonce-themed spin classes or Justin Beiber runs. I’m a big fan of this because the instructor would often be jamming along with you. This is more of a personal preference, but even though iFIT does use good music, I like the preset options from Peloton best. 

When picking a class or series from iFIT’s library, I like how they show you estimated calories burned, the time it’ll take you to complete the workout, and an estimated effort score. iFIT bases the effort score on classes you’ve previously taken to help you determine how challenging they’ll be for you.

Another cool feature? Other iFIT users can rate each class out of 5 stars, so you have a bit of an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. 

The iFIT trainers vary in overall quality. Some of them were great about previewing the workout, while others just dove right in without so much as a hello. Over time, you’ll likely establish which instructors you like best and tend to stick to their workout classes. 

Pro tip: Take a run with Tommy Rivs! He’s an awesome instructor with a clear passion for what he does. 

RELATED: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Review 

Comparison to Peloton Programming

In my opinion, Peloton and NordicTrack are some of the most well-known cardio-focused brands on the market. It’s no surprise they have interactive training that’s a cut above the rest when it comes to overall quality, diversity in classes, and fun music. Check out this quick breakdown of two very popular programming apps:

“I do think that iFIT has emerged as a true Peloton competitor. Everyone raves about the instructors on Peloton; I always did the outdoor runs/rides when I tested iFit, so the person is working out right there with you. I thought they were great,” Meier explains.

Related: Why You Should Join A Fitness Community

Customer Experience 

If you utilize a free iFIT trial at any point, it is worth noting you have to put a credit card on file. If you don’t remind yourself to cancel before your free trial is over, you’ll get charged for the next cycle.

Similarly to the regular NordicTrack website, iFIT has a variety of ways to contact customer service. In the bottom right corner of iFIT.com, you can live chat with a real representative with questions you may have. Be warned: They may be a bit slow to answer. I waited close to 15 minutes for a response via the chat function, so you likely won’t get immediate gratification.

Customer Reviews

With over 33,000 reviews on the Apple app store, iFIT has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Most customers seemed to love the workout instructors and felt the classes themselves were high quality. 

On the other hand, others complained about the lag the app frequently has and the organization of the classes. However, iFIT was pretty quick to respond to most of the questions or concerns people had, which I think is a good thing. 

Final Verdict of Our iFIT Review

Overall, I would recommend giving iFIT a try. For only $15 a month, you get access to tons of different classes to satisfy your need for workout variety. The instructors are solid and there are fun challenges to complete. My only real gripe? They need to be clearer in the beginning of a class about the equipment you’ll need and the weight range they expect the typical exerciser to use. 

iFIT Rating

iFit

Interactive programming is a dime a dozen, but is this ever-popular app a standout? Find out in these in-depth iFIT reviews what we really think.

Product Brand: iFit

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 15

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.2

iFIT FAQs

In this Future app review, we’ll share our experiences and give insight as to whether this is one of the best personal training apps, and if it is worth your money.

As a special offer for Garage Gym Review readers, you’ll get 62% off your first month of Future. Click the link below to sign up! First-time users will get Future for $125 for the first month.

More Than 500 Future Workouts Completed

The Garage Gym Reviews team doesn’t just write and create content about fitness – fitness is our life. Among our team, we have completed more than 500 Future workouts, so it’s fair to say this review is an informed opinion. In addition to future, we have tested many of the best online workout programs

We’re also big on making sure you get the most for your money, evaluating the cost of things like a home gym vs gym membership. We will take a hard look at what Future costs and if it’s worth it.

RELATED: The Future app made our Best Fitness Gifts list.

Future App

Future

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Virtual training from qualified coaches
• Personal plan designed to help reach your goals
• Great interface
• Use our link for 62% off your first month

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
• Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
• Lots of variety in your workouts

Cons

• No real-time coaching from your trainer
• $199 per month membership cost

Bottom Line

An online training program that's staffed by real-life humans, and one of our favorite fitness apps.

A Quick Look at the Future App

Your excuses are no longer safe when using the Future app. Don’t have any equipment? No problem. Traveling across the country? Sounds good. Only have time at 4 a.m? Even better. This digital personal training app won’t let you convince yourself that you don’t have the time, equipment, or motivation to crush your fitness goals. 

A trainer personally designs your workout program based on your fitness level, time, and equipment. There are videos to walk you through every step of your workout, from warmup to cooldown.

When Coop and I first started using Future, it was only available on Apple devices running iOS. Now, thankfully, the app is available for Android as well.

Coop’s Tips Before You Buy:

• If you’re planning to go on vacation, you can add the dates under your profile in the app. This helps your coach plan around your schedule and accommodate any changes in equipment that might happen. 
• Wondering if you’re doing an exercise correctly? Click the “record form” button during your workout to send a video to your coach for feedback. 

Video Review

Is the Future App Worth It? 

When Future launched, it cost about $150 a month. That’s about the price many boutique gyms like CrossFit boxes cost. In 2023, Future raised the price to $200 a month. That is understandably a lot for an app on your phone.

However, as a certified personal trainer, I can tell you that hiring a certified personal trainer will cost you a lot more. A pretty average rate for personal training is $1 a minute (though most trainers will charge you more than that). If you did three, 30-minute sessions a week, that’s $90 a week, or $360 a month—far less than the Future app costs.

If, however, you have no interest in personal training, I can see how this price would cause you sticker shock.

Here’s who I think Future would be an ideal fit for and who might be better off with something different: 

Getting Started With Future

We gave the app setup a 5 out of 5 on our ratings metrics because it’s just that easy.

Once you sign up with Future, you’ll download the app. The first thing you’ll do is click the “find your coach” button on the home page. You’ll be asked a few questions about your current workout habits and what goals you’re looking to achieve. From there, Future will recommend a few coaches based on your answers. You can also disregard their suggestions if you’re feeling rebellious and take a look at the dozens of qualified options available. 

One of our testers, Caroline, decided to pick her own and chose Elle, a former professional soccer player who likes HIIT workouts. She equated it a little to a dating app, because you’re looking for someone compatible who can help you achieve your goals in a way that’s enjoyable for you. 

RELATED: HIIT Treadmill Workout

I agree. Although I chose a coach that was recommended to her, my coach was well suggested–the former gymnast could definitely help with my objective of gaining upper body strength for handstands.

Once you’ve chosen your coach, they’ll schedule a FaceTime call with you to talk about your current fitness routine and what you hope to achieve with Future. It’s nice to connect with your coach face to face because it feels like they really care about seeing you succeed. Your coach will also check in with you every month to see how you are doing with the fitness plans they’re creating to see if any tweaks need to be made. 

Starting Your Future App Workouts  

Depending on how many days a week you want to workout, your Future coach will design a custom plan for you for the entire week. By Sunday evening, you should be able to see what you have to accomplish so you can plan accordingly. At first, I was a little nervous there wouldn’t be any rest days, but these are luckily planned into your schedule for you. 

Since Caroline decided she wanted to improve her mile time and get better at pull-ups, her coach had her complete a baseline workout to see where she could get better. I didn’t do a baseline workout – I jumped head first into the programming because I let my coach know I was an experienced Olympic weightlifter. 

When you’re ready to begin your planned workout for the day, you’ll simply launch the app, click “view workout,” and “start.” 

From there, your coach will likely talk to you about what to expect for the exercises. When the workout begins, there is a person on the screen who is demonstrating the exercises as they should be performed. A semi-robotic voice tells you what equipment you need (like dumbbells or resistance bands) and what movement you’ll be doing. The voice also gives you cues during the workout. If you aren’t sure you are doing a movement correctly, you can record your form to send it to your coach. While you may not get cues in real time on your movement, you can at least get feedback for the next time.

I especially liked that the app works with your watch, and you can easily tap a button to move through your workout. This eliminates having to run over to your phone frequently. You can also easily pause your workout to take extra time to breathe or warmup. I also was able to cast the workout from my phone to my TV at home.

Both Logan and Caroline mentioned that they liked being able to rate how the workout felt after it was completed. Your coach is then able to make adjustments based on your feedback to make your workouts even more tailored for you. 

Accountability and Flexibility

Almost every morning, my coach sent me a motivational quote and encouraged me to get my workout in. I don’t normally have an issue with accountability, but it was nice to know my coach was in my corner and wanted to see me succeed. If you’re someone who struggles with sticking to a workout plan, the Future app is a great option for you because you’ll have a real person gently nagging you to get going. 

However, just because the Future coaches want you to work out doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t accommodate for extenuating circumstances. Since they are actual humans (and not robots planning your workouts), they understand that life happens. People get injured and have off days and your coach is there to help you pivot accordingly. Caroline hurt her back a month into trying Future, and her coach switched up her workouts to be more low-impact and rehab focused, which was really helpful for her. This shows me that regardless of your level, a Future coach can help you improve.

The only big downside with this app is the price. Don’t get me wrong – $199 per month is not even close to the cost of getting an actual in-person PT on your case multiple times a week.  However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this can be out of some people’s budget. If you can afford it, I’d definitely recommend it as a less stressful way to workout since it eliminates the aspect of having to plan your own workouts. 

Technology

The Future app initially only worked with Apple products, and an Apple Watch was required to use the service. Future actually sent me an Apple watch to use when I signed up.

However, this is no longer the case. You can now use Future with Apple or Android, and they definitely aren’t sending out watches anymore.

An Apple Watch seamlessly syncs with Future once you download the app for the watch. The watch then tracks your Future workouts for you without you having to remember to start a workout on the device, which is great in my opinion. Plus, you won’t have an opportunity to fudge the workout, because your trainer will be able to see your daily calories burned, activities, heart rate, and workouts completed. This adds an extra layer of accountability alongside the kind, but firm prodding of your coach. 

RELATED: NC Fit Review

3-Year Update: Is the Future App Still Worth It?

In a word, yes. Coop is approaching his three-year anniversary later this year and he says he doesn’t see himself stopping any time soon.

I admit: I didn’t think I’d still be with Future after doing the initial review, but two years later, and I’m still with it. The program has actually helped me after I suffered a weightlifting injury that needed surgery.

I have a great relationship with my Future coach. She has helped me stay on track, programming one-arm, core, and lower-body exercises to keep me moving. She got creative so my workouts were still varied, never boring. Once I got my PT work, she added that into my workouts, which kept me accountable to doing PT (which everyone knows is the hardest part of PT).

That accountability factor and personal touch is the main reason I have continued with Future. That, and not having to think at all about what my workout is because a professional has programmed it for me according to my goals, my abilities, and my equipment.

Future App Specs

Future App vs. Peloton App—Which One’s Better

Peloton App

Peloton App

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Product Highlights

• World-class workout classes
• Variety of fitness routines
• On-bike and off-bike workouts
• Don't need a Peloton bike to sign up for the app

Pros & Cons

Pros

• World-class programming
• Not just bike workouts
• Can be used all over the world
• Keeps tracks of all training metrics
• Train from the comfort of your own home
• Seven-day free trial
• Two plan options

Cons

• Required to access Peloton Bike's features

Bottom Line

The Peloton app is one of the best training programs we've come across on any piece of exercise equipment.

If you’re someone who enjoys group fitness classes, go with the Peloton App. In fact, you could consider the Peloton app a fitness school since it has a seemingly endless variety of live and on-demand fitness classes from cycling (of course) all the way to yoga (and yes, there are also strength classes). And in case you’re wondering, you don’t need a Peloton Bike to have the Peloton app—actually, some non-Peloton bikes can be synced to the Peloton app so your trainer can control your speed and resistance.

RELATED: Peloton App Review

The Future App, on the other hand, is better for people who prefer one-on-one training and want their coach to customize the workouts to their fitness goals and needs. Future coaches can also help you develop a routine if you’re on vacation or maybe suffer an injury.

Future App vs. JuggernautAI—Humans or Robots?

JuggerNautAI

JuggernautAI

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Product Highlights

• Use code "GARAGEGYM" for a discount on JuggernautAI training.
• Smart powerlifting and powerbuilding program from Chad Wesley Smith, an accomplished strength athlete and owner of Juggernaut Training Systems.
• Uses information such as your weight, training history, current fitness level and training load, personal records, goals, and ideal training schedule to create strength and hypertrophy blocks to prepare you for powerlifting or bodybuilding meets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely intuitive app experience
• Super smart and responsive AI
• Offers a two-week free trial to see if you like it

Cons

• Not the same as working with a real coach
• Dashboard is a little confusing at first
• Only for strength training (no cardio workouts)

Bottom Line

JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience.

JuggernautAI is, as its name implies, an artificial intelligence-based app that personalizes workout programs based on a fitness assessment and whatever data you input. We’ll be honest, it’s really cool and it’s shockingly affordable considering the high-quality workouts it produced for us. At only $35 per month, it’s much more affordable than the $199 Future subscription.

RELATED: JuggenautAI Review

As cool as the AI technology is, there are some people who get better results from interacting with a human. A human coach, even if they are talking to you virtually, will be able to pick up on cues that a robot can’t (until they become self-aware, that is). Also, it’s easier to ignore a robot’s “accountability alerts” so if you’re someone who needs an accountability buddy we’d recommend Future.

Of course, you need to be willing to pay for it and it’s not cheap, but we feel the customer service makes it well worth it.

Customer Experience 

Future definitely stands behind its service: if you don’t love the app within the first month of using it, you’ll get a full-refund. I also like that you’re able to cancel whenever without going through hoops of fire like some fitness memberships make you do. You can also easily switch out your coach if you want to try someone new by clicking “profile,” “account,” and “switch coach.”

I don’t love that there isn’t a live chat option or a phone number to call with questions. If you scroll to the bottom of the website, you will see an “FAQ and Contact us” link. However, the page is all FAQs without an obvious way to contact customer service for help. I did keep hunting, and after clicking various questions, I found an email address: help@future.co. It is worth noting that they don’t make it a simple process to find a method to contact them. 

Customer Reviews

With over 91 ratings on Trustpilot, the Future app receives a solid score of 4.7 out of 5. Customers enjoyed the tailored aspect of the workouts and the accountability from having a personalized coach. People also mentioned that the app was simple to use and the coach could always change your workouts based on what equipment you have on hand. 

In terms of negative feedback, a few people complained that the workouts they were receiving didn’t seem personalized to them and they also wished there was a nutrition aspect to the app. However, these less than positive reviews were few and far between.  

Final Verdict of Our Future App Review

Here are my thoughts on the Future App summarized: it’s awesome. Whether you’re someone who wants to get back into fitness, are insanely busy, or want to personal train on your schedule, this app is probably for you. The real barrier can be the price (for some people) and if you don’t have an iPhone. Otherwise, this app is genuinely one of the best I’ve used in its category because it is so personalized to your individual goals and needs.

Lastly, I want to give a specific shout-out to my coach on Future, Jacob Sheeter. We’ve been working together for over A YEAR (seriously, I’ve been training with Future and Jacob now for more than 365 days and over 200 workouts.)

Final Rating

Future App

The Future app is a great training app for most people, whether you've been training for years or you're just getting started. The personalization of this app according to your personal training goals is what makes it so special.

Product Brand: Future

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 199

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Future App FAQs

This Review Was Not Written by AI — But We Did Train With It

I spent six weeks using JuggernautAI, doing three workouts per week. I followed the same process any other gym-goer would: I signed up for the app, completed the assessments, and followed the workout program the app built for me. I’ve also tried a handful of other training programs, including MAPS Anabolic and NCFIT, as well as programming at various CrossFit gyms. And, as a personal trainer, I have an eye for some of the best personal training apps.

RELATED: JuggernautAI made our Best Fitness Gifts list!

JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Use code "GARAGEGYM" for a discount on JuggernautAI training.
• Smart powerlifting and powerbuilding program from Chad Wesley Smith, an accomplished strength athlete and owner of Juggernaut Training Systems.
• Uses information such as your weight, training history, current fitness level and training load, personal records, goals, and ideal training schedule to create strength and hypertrophy blocks to prepare you for powerlifting or bodybuilding meets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely intuitive app experience
• Super smart and responsive AI
• Offers a two-week free trial to see if you like it

Cons

• Not the same as working with a real coach
• Dashboard is a little confusing at first
• Only for strength training (no cardio workouts)

Bottom Line

JuggernautAI compiles your information to create a personalized powerlifting and powerbuilding workout experience.

A Quick Look at JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI is one arm of Juggernaut Training Systems, which is owned by Chad Wesley Smith, an insanely accomplished strength athlete who holds personal records like a 440-kilogram (970-pound) squat with wraps. In addition to his own successes, Smith has coached dozens of athletes to champion status. In other words, the man knows what he’s doing. 

He’s blessed the everyday strength athlete with JuggernautAI, an app-based strength and hypertrophy (muscle-building) fitness program. That’s right: You don’t have to be a high-profile athlete to benefit from Smith’s expertise. You can get it right on your phone through the super-smart programming from JuggernautAI. 

My Tips:

• You don’t work with a live coach through this app. It’s entirely AI-based, so set your expectations for that. 
• The app does take some getting used to, but after your first couple of workouts, you should be good to go. 
• Engage in everything the app has to offer, such as logging your daily readiness, to get the most out of your program. 

Is JuggernautAI Worth It?

Yes—a million times yes. The JuggernautAI app costs just $35 per month or $350 per year (you can get 10% off with code GARAGEGYM, making the monthly cost $31.49 per month). The level of personalization, modification, versatility, and accountability you get for the price is, quite frankly, insane. There are a million and one fitness apps out there that hover around the same price point, but most don’t offer anything nearly as comprehensive as JuggernautAI.  

Using the JuggernautAI App

The app was easy and simple to set up. When you download it, the app takes you through a series of prompts to get you ready for your programming. You’ll enter your name, age, weight, height, and other basic information, as well as details about your current training load, how long you’ve been training, what type of training you do, how many times per week you want to train, and your goals. The AI takes all of this into account when building your program.

Once you get setup, the dashboard initially feels somewhat overwhelming. There’s a lot going on. But after poking around for a bit and getting familiar with the interface, it’s super easy to use. I wish there was an option to toggle between dark and light modes (if there is, I haven’t found it), because the blue-on-black design can be tough to read sometimes. 

I pretty much stay on one tab within the app, which is the tab where your workouts live. There are three main tabs: Dashboard, which tells you how far along you are in your program and gives you an overview of your week; workouts, where you follow along with your plan for the day; and exercises, where you can find demo videos and written cues for all of the movements JuggernautAI programs. 

You can also easily navigate to your profile to change information about your account, such as if your body weight changes or you want to update your programming to have more or fewer workout days.

Fitness Assessment

One thing most fitness apps lack is an initial assessment. As a personal trainer, I know just how important assessments are to create safe and effective exercise programming. I honestly don’t think assessments are negotiable, and I cringe a little when beginners tell me how they started XYZ program without any sort of evaluation. 

Of course, an assessment given by AI is limited compared to one given by an in-person professional. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the thoroughness of the fitness assessment in the JuggernautAI training app. The app can’t analyze your exercise form, but it does use an Expert System AI to build an effective program with proper exercise selection based on your inputs. You’ll enter information about your previous fitness experience, personal records (PRs), recovery, weak points, and much more. You get much more than a template when you use JuggernautAI: It builds an extremely personalized, progressive fitness program unique to you.

Accountability

The JuggernautAI app provides a step above what most fitness apps offer in terms of accountability, but not nearly as much accountability as having a live coach. 

For me, using Juggernaut was a big increase in accountability, because before, I was only accountable to myself. And that makes it easy to lose motivation or discipline. Going from that to the app was a big improvement for me, largely because of the fact that I was no longer responsible for writing my own workouts. I also don’t like to feel like I’m getting behind, and having scheduled workout days makes me less likely to bail. 

In terms of interactivity, you’re really just interacting with the app. I personally like this, as I don’t have a desire for a live coach, but others may feel like the app isn’t interactive enough. You do interact with the app quite a lot compared to other fitness apps because of all of the readiness logging, logging weights/reps/sets, and answering the questionnaires in the beginning. I think the experience has a good level of interaction that holds you accountable but isn’t overwhelming or annoying.

Equipment Demands

There is an element of customization with the app that allows you to adjust your workouts based on what equipment you have available. But, you do have to have, at a minimum, a squat rack, a bench, a barbell, and weight plates. You can probably make it a long time with just those pieces of equipment, but it would also be helpful to have dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. 

You can swap in exercises each day or for an entire block based on what you have handy. For instance, I normally work out in my home gym, where I have limited dumbbells and kettlebells. But if I decide to do a JuggernautAI workout at the CrossFit gym I go to twice a week, I can swap in a different move I might not normally do because of equipment restraints.

Logging Workouts, RPE, and More

Every day, the app prompts you to log your readiness for the workout in a few ways: On a scale of 1 to 5, it asks you to score your motivation level to train; how well you slept; if you ate enough calories that day; and how sore/fatigued your body is feeling. 

In addition to your overall readiness, you’re supposed to log scores for soreness/fatigue for different muscle groups, and the app automatically adjusts your loads and rep scheme for the day based on what you log. For example, if I’m supposed to squat, but I say that my quads and glutes are extremely sore or fatigued, Juggernaut will decrease the load for that workout only (not the entire strength block). 

Throughout the workout, you’ll also log ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and reps in reserve (RiR) so the app can adapt. 

For example, I once was instructed to do three sets of 10 pull-ups, but I chose a lighter pull-up assistance band that day and reached an RPE 10 (max effort) on the second set. So, the app deleted the third set and had me stop at 2×10. This is a great feature for someone who tends to keep going even when they’re reached muscle failure. 

The AI continues to adapt to your input over time, so the longer you use the app and the more diligently you log things, the smarter and more personalized your program will become.

JuggernautAI Workouts

Now let’s get to the meaty stuff: the workouts. 

Let me just say this. I’ve been working out consistently for almost 10 years now, fluctuating between various levels of powerlifting, bodybuilding, endurance training (half-marathons), CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and general fitness training. I’m far from a beginner. But my JuggernautAI training program made me feel like one. 

The first week involved a lot of testing, because I’m the worst at keeping track of my PRs—I had to test for PRs to inform the algorithm. That was a tough week that left me hobbling. 

I chose to follow a powerbuilding program, which mashes powerlifting and bodybuilding into one brutal, soul-crushing (but muscle-building!) plan. Each day begins with logging readiness, following a warmup, and then working through a series of compound exercises. My program included a variety of bilateral and unilateral exercises, as well as straight sets and supersets. 

Rarely did I have a pure upper body or lower body day. Actually, I don’t think I exercised any muscle groups in isolation over the entire six weeks. The main focus was on the big three—squats, bench press, and deadlift—with “accessory” work like dumbbell Arnold press, hip thrusts, split squats, decline push-ups, barbell curls, and more sprinkled in. 

My Results With JuggernautAI

To be honest, six weeks isn’t a very long time to see and feel palpable results from any workout program. I generally recommend clients follow a program for at least 12 weeks before jumping to something else because they “feel like it isn’t working.” 

That said, I’ve definitely noticed some improvements over the last few weeks. I haven’t hit any new PRs yet, but I’ve felt a notable increase in my work capacity, as in I don’t get fatigued as quickly and feel like I can workout harder for longer. So far, it seems like my JuggernautAI program is improving my stamina, but I have no doubt that if I stick with the program longer, those results will transfer into the strength arena, too. 

One notable example is that I’m able to consistently hit higher numbers in my known range for a given rep scheme on squats. For instance: I know I can squat 5×5 at 185 pounds; I’ve done it several times. However, it’s sometimes a stretch or impossible on a given day if I’m unusually sore or fatigued. I’ve had days where I have to drop down to 155-165 pounds for a 5×5 squat session. But it seems I’m able to hit 175-185 pounds more often or more consistently. 

All of this to say: While I haven’t had any major breakthroughs in strength yet, I’m seeing more consistency in my strength levels. 

I’ll also point out that I may be ruining the potential outcomes of JuggernautAI programming by still doing CrossFit two times per week. I’d likely see more significant results if I was focusing solely on the JuggernautAI programming. 

One-Year Later: Do I Still Like Training With JuggernautAI?

I’ll cut right to the chase: I’ve been using JuggernautAI for a year now and it’s still one of the best fitness apps on the market. I started a new cycle on the app six weeks ago and I’ve already gained a lot of muscle mass that I lost while training for a triathlon.

The JuggernautAI training has also paid off in my triathlon training, as I’ve improved in all three disciplines: swimming, biking, and running.

RELATED: Strength training for runners

I feel great, too: My hips and knees feel strong on my runs, and I can summit the one available incline on a bike in South Florida much faster than before. So the programming has been working in more ways than one for me, and I definitely intend to continue following it, adjusting as needed based on my triathlon race schedule to allow for timely deloads.

Artificial intelligence is gaining steam everywhere, including in the fitness community, and in my opinion JuggernautAI seems to have the technology down-pat.

JuggernautAI Specs

Customer Experience 

I enjoyed my experience with JuggernautAI. The whole Juggernaut Training Systems experience is a good one: The website is clean and easy to navigate, there’s plenty of information online to learn about the company; and it’s easy to get in touch with customer support through the online chat. 

Customer Reviews

There are a ton of JuggernautAI reviews online, and the vast majority are positive. Most reviews say the app is a great alternative to a personal trainer if you can’t afford one-on-one strength coaching, and I agree. I think it offers a high level of accountability and comprehensiveness for the price. 

Final Verdict of Our JuggernautAI Review

At just $35/month ($31.49 with code GARAGEGYM), this is a phenomenal value. There are tons of other workout apps out there that simply serve up on-demand, pre-filmed workouts for $35 or more per month. This app is like getting the insights of a real coach with an expert system for next to nothing.

• If you’re looking for low-cost but effective powerlifting coaching, JuggernautAI is the app for you. 
• It’s also a great choice for bodybuilders or those looking for overall strength training.
• There are better options out there for CrossFit, strongman training, endurance training, or mixed-modality training. 

Final Rating

JuggernautAI

If you’re looking for affordable, but effective, powerlifting coaching, JuggernautAI is the app for you. It's also a great choice for bodybuilders or people interested in strength training.

Product Brand: JuggernautAI

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 35

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

JuggernautAI FAQs

Diesel Dad Review

Barbell Shrugged Diesel Dad

TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR BUSY DADS WHO WANT TO GET STRONG, LEAN, AND ATHLETIC WITHOUT SACRIFICING FAMILY, FATHERHOOD, OR FITNESS

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I’ve used a lot of programs over the years. Typically, my programming is all about being extremely effective. How can I get stronger, bigger, faster, etc? However, as I’ve gotten more kids and responsibilities, my time to train has gotten less and less.Diesel Dad is for guys like me that have limited time, but the desire to still get it done. Although I personally make more time for training than what Diesel Dad is designed for, it’s because it’s part of my job. Most fathers are lucky to get even one day of training in, so I think a program like Diesel Dad is a perfect option and one I’d recommend.

What is Diesel Dad?

Diesel Dad is a training program created by the guys at Barbell Shrugged.

I first started listening to Barbell Shrugged’s podcast in 2013 when I was training as a CrossFit Athlete and have followed their content on and off ever since. Although their initial focus was on the CrossFit market, they’ve since expanded to various types of training focused on the athlete training out of their garage gym.

The Diesel Dad program is designed pretty much for who its name suggests. Fathers. Although moms and people without kids could certainly benefit. The reason it’s marketed towards busy dads is because…

1. Training in a home gym is the most efficient way to lift.
2. The workouts lack fluff and focus on high-impact movements done in a short timeframe window.

I know all too well the difficulty in getting workouts done with kids. As of this writing I have three kids under the age of three and I don’t have plans of stopping anytime soon. I love my kids, but I also love the physical and mental benefits of working out.

Diesel Dad is designed for people like me. You want to get in the gym, train hard, and get back to living life.

Is Diesel Dad the Right Training Program for You?

Before I dive too deep into my personal experience with the programming, I first want to quickly hit who I think the Diesel Dad program from Barbell Shrugged is best suited for as I don’t think it’s perfect for everybody.

Who I recommend Diesel Dad for

• Dads who are looking for the minimally effective dose of training will love this program.
• If you have access to a garage gym with basic equipment, you can perform this program.
• If you’re just getting back into training and don’t want to make a huge time commitment, these are fun workouts that work.
• If your goals are less competition-focused and more on looking good naked and being productive outside of the gym, you’ll appreciate Diesel Dad.

Who I don’t recommend Diesel Dad for

• I highly suggest looking at other programming if you stress about the details such as the exact weight on the crossfit barbell, angle of the weight bench, etc.
• If you have extra time that you want to devote to training, follow a different program that is longer and more in-depth.
• Home gym owners with decked-out gyms will probably not love the amount of variation of specialty bars and equipment within the program.

What is the Programming Like?

For $52/mo you get access to everything within the Diesel Dad program. This includes various courses and Ebooks, but most importantly three different goal-specific programs.

The programs offered are:

• EMOM Strength
• EMOM Aesthetics
• Density Weight Training

EMOM Strength is as the name suggests designed around training that takes place Every Minute On the Minute. An example would be a superset of a pistol squat, dumbbell bench press, and hanging knee raise done as an AMRAP each minute for 3 rounds.

I’ve done EMOM’s for years and they’re actually one of my favorite ways to train. You get enough rest that you can hit each movement hard, but you know exactly how much time you have to put all the work in. These are really popular in CrossFit Affiliates and the EMOM Strong program uses Westside Barbell’s conjugate method to vary up training and using accommodating resistance such as bands and chains.

EMOM Aesthetic takes a similar approach as EMOM Strong but is more focused on building muscle and increasing hypertrophy while using short rest cycles to burn fat.

These sessions are shorter at a max of 20 minutes, but the program is designed to be done five days a week. This program has my favorite mix.

The last program is called Density Weight Training. This program had higher volume than the others is similar to EMOM Aesthetic with fewer EMOM’s. It’s also a 5 day a week program but the sessions only last 15-20 minutes so you can get in, hit it hard, and get out.

Coop’s Experience Using the Program

I’ve been able to test Diesel Dad over the past month and get a good idea of how the training is structured and what the overall goals of the program are.

Like I said previously, I’m a guy who owns multiple businesses, has multiple kids, a wife, hobbies, and little time to fit everything in. I also love training. There’s little better in my opinion than running out to my garage gym, cranking up the music, opening the garage door, and getting bigger, stronger, and better overall.

The issue is that all of these things conflict with the other–and this is the problem Diesel Dad seeks to solve.

If it’s not obvious, more time in the gym spent training will increase the likelihood of the trainee reaching their chosen goals. This is the same for nearly every endeavor. If you want to become a better reader, read more. If you want to become a better piano player, play the piano more.

However, with each incremental minute spent doing the thing, there is the law of diminishing returns at play. With this in mind, for fathers who are juggling all of these competing forces as well as their desires to still look and perform like they did when they were younger, it’s not worth spending hours in the gym.

The goal shifts from “what’s the most effective programming” to “what’s the most efficient programming.” These are two different goals.

While trying out Diesel Dad, if felt it was efficient. It lacked a lot of fluff often seen in other programs we’ve tested like Rennaissance Periodization (which by the way is a tremendous program) where you have tons of curl variations with dropsets and the like and instead gives you the meat and potatoes. This is the best way I can describe Diesel Dad–it’s the meat and potatoes of training for strength or aesthetics and it’s also fun.

One session started out like this:

Build to a 1RM for the Low Back Squat and Close Grip Bench in less than 15 min EMOM (which also included tempo recommendations.)

Once that is done the program had two 6 round triplet EMOM’s focused on squat and press accessories.

I was in and out of the gym in under 30 minutes, had a great pump, and felt sore the next day.

It wasn’t the most exhaustive training session. It also wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had in the gym. But, I got in and out of the gym quickly while being able to check the voluntary hardship box.

I like Diesel Dad and would like to see more garage gym owners incorporate this sort of training into their life. We often get overwhelmed by trying to something the best that it prevents us from doing anything at all.

Diesel Dad will allow you to reach your strength and aesthetic goals, albeit at a slower pace while allowing you to be a great father to your kids, husband to your wife, and employee/owner at your job.

Full Rating

Barbell Shrugged Diesel Dad Training Program

Diesel Dadis a training program created by Barbell Shrugged designed for busy dads that want to make the most of their time in the garage gym. I’ve been testing the program over the past month as a busy father myself. The focused-approach that gets you in and out of the gym while still getting results is a great combo and a program we would recommend for those short on time.

Product Brand: Barbell Shrugged

Product Currency: We $

Product Price: 27

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Barbell Shrugged Diesel Dad Training Program FAQs