Strength log · Apple Watch · Lifetime option
An Alpha Progression alternative
that lives on your wrist.
Alpha Progression is a thorough, well-reviewed training app: periodized plans, RIR logging, and a recommendation before every set. It has no dedicated Apple Watch app, and its Pro plan is a subscription. GymLogger X builds periodized programs with deload weeks too, lets you log sets and heart rate from the Watch, keeps your workouts off its servers, and sells Pro for $39.99 once.
How does GymLogger X compare to Alpha Progression?
Similar programming ideas, different priorities: Alpha Progression coaches each set, GymLogger X puts the log on the Watch and keeps the price one-time.
Apple Watch
GymLogger X: Start on the iPhone, then log reps and weight, rest and live heart rate from the wrist.
Alpha Progression: No dedicated Watch app; the rest timer runs as a Live Activity on the iPhone.
Alpha Progression: No dedicated Watch app; the rest timer runs as a Live Activity on the iPhone.
Effort and recommendations
GymLogger X: RIR targets in its programs; logs weight and reps; you choose the next weight.
Alpha Progression: Optional per-set RIR and a weight and rep recommendation before each set (Pro).
Alpha Progression: Optional per-set RIR and a weight and rep recommendation before each set (Pro).
Privacy model
GymLogger X: No account; App Store label Data Not Collected.
Alpha Progression: Guest mode without an account; label lists purchases and identifiers as used to track you.
Alpha Progression: Guest mode without an account; label lists purchases and identifiers as used to track you.
Pricing
GymLogger X: Free core logging; Pro $1.99/mo, $17.99/yr or $39.99 lifetime.
Alpha Progression: Free version; Pro $12.99/mo or $79.99/yr in the US, no lifetime option listed.
Alpha Progression: Free version; Pro $12.99/mo or $79.99/yr in the US, no lifetime option listed.
GymLogger X vs Alpha Progression, feature by feature
Alpha Progression details checked against its App Store listing and its own website on 25 October 2026. Prices are US App Store prices and change; check your own storefront.
| Feature | GymLogger X | Alpha Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone and Apple Watch | iPhone and Android; no dedicated Watch app |
| Free tier | Core logging, one program, the last 30 days of history, workouts saved to Apple Health | Unlimited logging, custom plans, exercise videos, CSV export |
| Periodized program generator | Six split types; linear, undulating, block or wave (one program free, unlimited with Pro) | Pro: plan generator with mesocycles, RIR and deloads |
| Deloads | Scheduled every 4–6 weeks by level, or at the end of each block; any session can be marked as one | Integrated into Pro periodization |
| Reps in reserve | Targets in generated programs; not logged per set | Optional per-set RIR (Pro) |
| Next-set recommendation | No: shows last session's weight | Weight and reps before each set (Pro) |
| Plateau detection | Pro, with the rule published | Not advertised; recommendations adjust instead |
| Apple Watch | Set logging, rest timer, live heart rate; session starts on iPhone | None; Live Activity rest timer on iPhone |
| Account | None | Optional; guest data stays on device |
| App Store privacy label | Data Not Collected | Data Used to Track You: purchases, identifiers |
| Pricing | Free; Pro $1.99/mo, $17.99/yr or $39.99 lifetime | Free; Pro $12.99/mo or $79.99/yr, 14-day trial on yearly |
Who should pick GymLogger X vs Alpha Progression?
Pick GymLogger X if…
- You want to log sets from an Apple Watch
- You'd rather pay once ($39.99) than subscribe
- You want periodized programs with planned deload weeks and a published plateau rule
- You want an app with no account that keeps your workouts on your devices and your own iCloud
Stick with Alpha Progression if…
- You want to record reps in reserve on every set
- You like a weight and rep recommendation before each set
- You train on Android, or across Android and iPhone
- You lean on its exercise video library
- You're happy logging on the phone and don't need a Watch app
About GymLogger X
Questions
FAQ
Does Alpha Progression have an Apple Watch app?
Not a dedicated one. Alpha Progression's own comparison table lists no dedicated Watch app, and its App Store listing covers iPhone (plus Apple Vision), with the rest timer shown as a Live Activity on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island. GymLogger X has a Watch app: you start the session on the iPhone, then log each set's reps and weight, run the rest timer and see live heart rate from the wrist.
Is there an Alpha Progression alternative with a lifetime price?
GymLogger X offers one. Its core logging is free, and Pro is $1.99 a month, $17.99 a year, or $39.99 once for lifetime access. Alpha Progression has a permanent free version, and its Pro plan is $12.99 a month or $79.99 a year in the US, with a 14-day trial on the yearly plan and no lifetime option listed. Check current pricing in your App Store.
Do both apps build periodized programs with deloads?
Yes. Alpha Progression's Pro plan generator includes periodization with mesocycles, RIR targets and deloads. GymLogger X's Smart Program Creator builds Full Body, Upper/Lower, Push/Pull/Legs, Push/Pull, Arnold and Bro Split programs with linear, undulating, block or wave periodization, reps-in-reserve targets and a deload week every 4 to 6 weeks depending on your level. One program is free; Pro removes the limit.
Can I log reps in reserve for each set in GymLogger X?
No. GymLogger X writes reps-in-reserve targets into the programs it builds, but a logged set is weight and reps, and its analytics work from those. Alpha Progression lets you record RIR as you log sets on its Pro plan and uses your performance to recommend weight and reps before each set. If per-set effort ratings matter to you, Alpha Progression is the better fit.
Which app is more private?
GymLogger X's App Store privacy label is Data Not Collected, and it needs no account. Alpha Progression can also be used without an account, with guest data kept on the device, but its App Store label lists purchases and identifiers as data used to track you, and fitness, contact, usage and other data as linked to you.
Does GymLogger X recommend my next weight?
No. It shows what you lifted last time, flags plateaus with a published rule on Pro, and leaves the next increase to you. Alpha Progression's Pro plan gives a weight and rep recommendation before each set based on your previous workouts and today's sets, which is a real advantage if you want the app to steer progression set by set.
Try it
Open GymLogger X.
Periodized programs, Apple Watch set logging, and Pro for $39.99 once. Free to try.
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