What it does
Strong is a workout tracker designed for strength training and gym sessions. It allows users to build workout routines, log their exercises set-by-set, and track performance over time. The app features a large library of exercises with animated instructions and provides tools to create and manage custom workout templates for repeated use.
Where it shines
Strong excels at balancing simplicity in the logging process with deep, accessible data for those who want it. The core workout flow is fast and efficient, letting users quickly log reps and start a rest timer (02:32). However, a single tap on an exercise (00:51) reveals a rich detail screen with animated instructions, personal records, and performance charts. This layered approach keeps the primary interface uncluttered while still providing valuable information. The template management system, complete with folders and drag-and-drop organization (06:24), is another highlight, showing a clear focus on the needs of long-term, dedicated users.
UX highlights
- Contextual Onboarding: The app skips a lengthy tutorial, instead using small, contextual modals to guide users as they first interact with features (00:28, 00:45).
- Animated Exercise Demos: Each exercise includes a looping animation (00:56) demonstrating proper form, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness in strength training.
- Inline Rest Timers: After completing a set, a rest timer is prominently displayed and starts automatically, a key feature for structured workouts (02:36).
- Granular Template Management: Users can create folders, duplicate templates, and drag-and-drop to organize their saved workouts, making the app highly scalable for serious lifters (05:59).
- Layered Information: Detailed exercise information is tucked away on a separate screen, keeping the main workout log clean and focused on data entry.
- Superset Creation: The app allows users to easily group exercises into supersets directly from the workout screen (03:58), a common training technique.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is primarily driven by a 'Strong PRO' subscription. The app employs a soft paywall strategy, allowing users to access core logging features for free. Premium features, such as advanced charts and analytics, are clearly marked with a crown icon and trigger a paywall when accessed (01:07). The paywall itself, seen at 01:28, presents three options: monthly, yearly, and a lifetime purchase. It uses social proof like press mentions and star ratings to build credibility. There is no free trial explicitly offered in this flow.
Who it’s for
This app is clearly designed for intermediate to advanced gym-goers who are serious about tracking their strength training progress. The emphasis on detailed logging, personal records, and template management appeals to users who follow structured programs. While a beginner could use it, the feature set is optimized for someone who already knows their way around a gym and wants a powerful tool to quantify their efforts.
Notes & opportunities
The immediate, mandatory sign-up at the start (00:04) introduces friction early on. Delaying this until after the user has logged their first set or completed their first workout could improve initial conversion rates. Additionally, while the app offers example templates, the initial screen could feel slightly empty for a new user. Highlighting a recommended 'First Workout' template could provide a clearer starting point. Finally, the app's powerful features are somewhat hidden; a more proactive discovery mechanism could help users find tools like the warm-up calculator or superset creation sooner.