Launched Get Strong: A gym app for the rest of us
After trying 10+ gym apps filled with intimidating muscle photos, AI buzzwords, and overly complicated user interfaces, I built Get Strong - a strength training companion for the rest of us.
Check it out → https://getstrongapp.com/
The interactive muscle map is the part I'm most proud of. It can motivate you, help you keep your training balanced, and makes it easy to find the right exercises. The map lights up as you work different areas - it's surprisingly motivating to 'complete' your body each week.
I wanted to make the app welcoming and inclusive with a focus on getting stronger. You can customize the look, such as the body shape, skin color and hair style to make the app feel like your own. It keeps track of your records and strength improvements as you keep using it, and lets you know when it might be time to increase the weights.
I built this over the last 9 months, as a solo developer. Lessons learned:
- Get diverse beta users early - not just techies, or gym bros in my case
- Dogfood relentlessly - I used it for every workout from the start
- Stay laser-focused on core features vs. feature creep
During the beta testing, both I and my testers realized our consistency improved. On average they went from a sporadic schedule to a consistent 2-3 times per week. The muscle map is a great motivator for doing that last set, or to go to the gym even though you'd rather stay home on that rainy day. A common feedback was that it gives you direction without the constraints of rigid plans.
I would be interested to hear your opinions. What would make you switch from your current gym app, and what's missing from existing apps? My next step is getting the word out and building traction, so your feedback would be incredibly valuable.
Even though there are many gym tracking apps out there, I'm hoping Get Strong can fill a void for like-minded people. It's free to use with some limitations that are removed with the Premium level.
Thanks for reading 🙏
I actually checked a few tips on www.zionova.is before diving in, and it helped me stick to the basics without getting lost in fancy features. The way it breaks things down made it easy to follow, and I actually started seeing progress without feeling overwhelmed.
I really liked the app—it's simple, no fuss, and most importantly, it helps you just start training properly without having to figure out a million features. While I was getting back into training, I stumbled upon the website trensteroid4you They have a lot of different information for athletes and others. I'm still more inclined towards regular training and straightforward tools like Get Strong.
Great work on the app. Looks really polished and thoughtful! I’ve been training at home for several years myself, and I love the approachable vibe you’re creating.
One note about the muscle map: it’s a great motivator, but I noticed that some muscles (like triceps) can easily get overworked since they’re involved in many compound movements - not just direct isolation exercises, but also push movements for chest, shoulders, etc.
Might be worth exploring how to better map shared load across exercises, or even considering a shift from a purely muscle-based view to a movement pattern-based one - like vertical push/pull, horizontal push/pull, hinge, squat, etc. That could help users train more holistically and avoid overuse.
Love what you’re building and excited to see where it goes!
Thanks, that's a very good point! I have been considering marking "over-worked" muscles in the map as a starting point, but it would be great to have the app suggest workouts that would continue to fill the map without adding to the already completed muscles, or something similar.
Hey! Looking to expand outreach? I specialize in marketing and client outreach for indie products. Would love to connect and chat about teaming up-let’s see if we’re a good fit! https://tractionmate.com/
This is so amazing!! Hats off to your, Richard, probs gonna download ASAP!
Haven't tried it yet, but if the interactive muscle map works as I imagine it to, then it is just genius! Keeping track of your muscle workout intensity with a visual representation rather than just stats, amazing.
I have just two questions:
Congrats again, Richard!
Thanks! Sure, there's a female version. I wanted to make the app as inclusive and welcoming as possible, so you can pick the body shape and skin color. And it's fully native, made using SwiftUI.
This is fantastic Richard, congratulations on launching Get Strong! It's clear you've poured a lot of thought and personal experience into solving a genuine problem, and that passion shines through. The focus on inclusivity, customization, and that innovative interactive muscle map really sets Get Strong apart. Keep up the good work – you're on to something special!
Thanks for your kind words! Let me know if you try it out and have any ideas on improvements 🙏
прикольно
look good
It looks very nice. He can really help me
Thanks!
I love the idea-kinda reminds me of Average Joe's from Dodgeball. It's an effort to improve yourself at your pace-not being the roided-out macho man like Stiller was.
As someone who is also looking into launching an app, you gave me some great ideas in how to best move forward.
I have some thoughts that might be helpful, so please feel free to take what you want from here if any of it fits in your business model. :)
One thought is if you have a filter for and/or decent amount of calisthenics? I'm thinking that sometimes one demotivating factor is days/stretches of time where users may not be able to go to the gym and not have weights at home-they can lose that hype. This option would encourage them to use their own body or basic things around them to meet their goals.
Maybe even an idea for premium users is creating a 'travel plan'? Routine is so helpful for these lifestyles, and going on a week trip for business can be the wrench in the gears. So maybe they book a hotel that has a decent gym in it, or a 'hotel gym' function where most hotels have the bare-bones options for people and what they can expect. Or, creating a calisthenics plan for that time so they can engage those various muscle groups.
Lastly, for marketing, maybe you could do a bit of a play on 'Globogym' from Dodgeball. I know that Planet Fitness in the states has a whole anti-'gym lug' vibe, but I think the market responds really well to comedic, clever ads.
Best of luck to you!
I like your idea about a "bodyweight exercises mode". I will give it some thought and see what I can come up with. There is already a way to filter exercises on the equipment needed, but it's kinda hidden away so a more prominent bodyweight mode might make sense.
Thanks!
A very pleasant approach - without pathos, without photos of bodybuilders and unnecessary complexity. The interactive muscle map is just a godsend, it really motivates and helps not to forget about balance. I liked that you can customize the avatar for yourself - it makes the application more personal. The idea with minimal settings is also cool, you can immediately see: it was made by people who train themselves. From the wishes - it would be cool if you could share progress with friends or a trainer. Overall - a very warm and necessary application, especially for those who just want to get stronger without pressure and show.
Thanks for your kind words! You make a very good point about being able to share the progress, I will definitely think about that.
Hi Richard,
I just wanted to say congratulations on starting your gym app, that’s a huge achievement!
Your inclusivity really stood out for me. It reflects not only your passion but also your inclusive mindset and vision for the future. It's refreshing to see a founder who truly considers the diverse needs of the community.
I’m especially excited about the gym app, it’s a game-changer! As someone who values structure and support, having everything accessible in one place will make fitness journey so much smoother. Thank you for thinking ahead and creating something that’s not just a gym, but a supportive experience.
Wishing you continued success!
Thanks for your words of encouragement! Let me know if you try it out and have any feedback on how to improve it.
Sure thing, I’ll give it a try! And if things ever start feeling overwhelming as you balance the app with everything else, I’d be happy to support you. I’m a Virtual Assistant and help founders stay on top of their workload by handling the behind-the-scenes stuff like scheduling, admin, and operations. Just say the word!