Short answer
If your top goal is lifting weights and getting stronger, a workout tracker is a sensible starting point; if weight loss, running or nutrition is your main goal, choose a tool made for that job instead of expecting one strength app to do everything.
Pick a tool for your real goal
Build strength and muscle
Use a workout app that records sets, reps, weights, exercise history and training plans; LIFT is being developed for that use.
Lose body fat
Look for a way to manage food intake and overall activity; a gym workout log does not measure calorie intake or guarantee fat loss.
Improve aerobic fitness
Choose an activity app that fits walking, cycling, running or another activity you enjoy; a strength-only tracker will not replace activity-specific records.
Improve overall health
Combine sustainable exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and other habits that fit your circumstances.
How much exercise do adults need?
The World Health Organization recommends that adults aged 18–64 do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (or 75 minutes vigorous activity) weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week.
These are general population recommendations, not a personal medical prescription or something an app can guarantee you'll achieve.
Can a workout app help with fat loss?
A workout app can help you be consistent with resistance exercise, but losing body fat usually requires an ongoing energy deficit; the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that activity and food intake both affect weight management.
For some people, keeping a food diary or using a nutrition app is more relevant to their immediate goal than buying another workout tracker.
Compare workout apps by goal
For a side-by-side look at strength logs, guided workouts, running apps and nutrition tools, use our best workout app guide.
Where LIFT fits
LIFT focuses on workout planning, set-by-set logging, personal records and strength progression targets for people who lift weights; it is not currently a complete nutrition, sleep or cardio-tracking platform, and public iPhone access is still pending.
If your main goal is building muscle, see what evidence says about training volume and nutrition; if you want a workout-tracker comparison, start with logging features and availability.