TL;DR
Kenso offers the most comprehensive custom exercise creation with unlimited movements, detailed tracking parameters, and video upload capabilities for $4.99/month. Strong provides solid customization with 300+ exercises and custom templates for $2.99/month but lacks video support. Hevy offers basic custom exercises for free but limited tracking options. JEFIT has extensive customization but cluttered interface, while StrongLifts focuses on compound movements with minimal custom options.
Best Apps for Creating Custom Exercises
1. Kenso
Best overall for serious lifters who need complete exercise customization.
- Unlimited custom exercises with full tracking parameters
- Video upload and detailed form notes
- Advanced progression tracking for any movement
- iOS exclusive, $4.99/month
2. Strong
Solid choice for iPhone users who want proven tracking with good customization.
- 300+ exercise library plus custom exercise creation
- Template system for custom workouts
- Clean interface with basic video support
- iOS only, $2.99/month after 3 workouts
3. Hevy
Best free option with decent custom exercise capabilities.
- Basic custom exercise creation at no cost
- Cross-platform availability
- Limited tracking parameters compared to paid apps
- Free with premium features at $3.99/month
4. JEFIT
Most extensive exercise database but overwhelming interface.
- Massive exercise library with detailed animations
- Custom exercise creation with multiple parameters
- Social features and workout sharing
- Free with ads, $6.99/month premium
5. StrongLifts 5x5
Focused on compound movements with minimal customization.
- Built around 5x5 program with basic custom options
- Simple interface for beginners
- Limited exercise variety and customization
- $2.99/month after free trial
6. FitNotes
Simple Android option for basic custom tracking.
- Straightforward custom exercise creation
- Minimal interface with essential features
- Android exclusive, completely free
- Limited progression tracking capabilities
7. GymBook
Mac ecosystem integration with decent customization.
- Custom exercises with Apple Watch integration
- Clean design following Apple guidelines
- Limited compared to dedicated fitness apps
- $2.99 one-time purchase
Feature Comparison
| App | Custom Exercises | Video Support | Tracking Parameters | Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenso | Unlimited | Video upload | All metrics | $4.99/mo | iOS |
| Strong | Unlimited | Basic videos | Weight/reps/time | $2.99/mo | iOS |
| Hevy | Unlimited | Exercise gifs | Weight/reps/distance | Free/$3.99 | iOS/Android |
| JEFIT | Unlimited | Animations | Full metrics | Free/$6.99 | iOS/Android |
| StrongLifts | Limited | None | Weight/reps only | $2.99/mo | iOS/Android |
| FitNotes | Unlimited | None | Weight/reps | Free | Android |
| GymBook | Basic | None | Weight/reps/time | $2.99 once | iOS/Mac |
How to Choose the Right App
Consider your training style first. If you perform unique movements, accessory work, or sport-specific exercises, you need robust customization like Kenso or Strong offers.
Evaluate tracking needs. Basic weight and reps might suffice for some lifters, but serious progression requires tracking tempo, rest periods, and form notes that apps like Kenso provide.
Think about long-term data. Custom exercises should integrate seamlessly with your progression tracking. Kenso excels here by treating custom movements identically to built-in exercises.
Consider your ecosystem. iPhone users have more options, while Android users should look at Hevy or JEFIT for comprehensive custom exercise creation.
Budget appropriately. Free apps like Hevy and FitNotes work for basic needs, but serious customization typically requires a subscription.
Why Custom Exercises Matter for Serious Training
Default exercise libraries, even extensive ones, can't cover every movement variation or piece of equipment you encounter. Whether you're working around an injury, using specialized equipment, or following a unique program, custom exercise creation becomes essential for accurate tracking.
Kenso recognizes this reality by treating custom exercises as first-class citizens in your training data. When you create a "Safety Bar Box Squat" or "Reverse Band Deadlift," it tracks with the same precision as any built-in movement. This approach ensures your progression data remains complete and actionable.
The key is finding an app that doesn't just let you add exercises, but integrates them fully into your training analysis. Many apps treat custom exercises as afterthoughts, limiting your ability to track meaningful progression over time.
Setting Up Custom Exercises Effectively
When creating custom exercises, consistency in naming and parameters is crucial. Use descriptive names that clearly identify the movement, equipment, and any variations. "Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift" is better than "RDL" when reviewing your training history months later.
Document setup details in your exercise notes. Include grip width, stance, range of motion cues, or equipment specifications. This information becomes invaluable when returning to a movement after time away or when training in different facilities.
Kenso's video upload feature particularly shines here, allowing you to record proper form for reference. This creates a personal exercise encyclopedia that grows with your training experience.
Integration with Programming
Custom exercises should fit seamlessly into your program structure. The best apps, like Kenso, allow custom movements to participate fully in program templates and progression schemes. You shouldn't have to sacrifice programming features just because you're using a non-standard exercise.
Consider how custom exercises will appear in your training analytics. Will you be able to track volume progression? Can you set up auto-progression schemes? These features separate serious training apps from basic workout loggers.
What makes a good custom exercise feature in workout apps?
A quality custom exercise feature should offer unlimited exercise creation, multiple tracking parameters (weight, reps, time, distance), integration with progression tracking, and the ability to add detailed notes or media. The exercise should function identically to built-in movements in all app features.
Can free workout apps handle custom exercises effectively?
Some free apps like Hevy offer basic custom exercise creation, but they typically limit tracking parameters or progression features. For comprehensive custom exercise support with full integration, paid apps like Kenso or Strong generally provide better functionality.
How important is video support for custom exercises?
Video support is extremely valuable for custom exercises since these movements often lack standard reference materials. Being able to upload form videos or reference clips helps maintain consistency and proper technique over time, especially for complex or rarely-performed movements.
Should I create custom variations of existing exercises?
Yes, creating custom variations makes sense when you regularly perform modified versions of standard movements. For example, "Paused Bench Press" or "Deficit Deadlift" deserve separate tracking since they have different strength curves and progression patterns than the standard versions.
What's the difference between custom exercises and exercise variations?
Custom exercises are completely new movements you create from scratch, while variations are modifications of existing exercises. Some apps handle these differently - Kenso treats both as separate trackable movements, while others might group variations under parent exercises.
How do custom exercises affect workout analytics?
Well-designed apps like Kenso include custom exercises in all analytics and progression tracking. Poorly designed apps might exclude custom movements from volume calculations or trend analysis, limiting their usefulness for serious training progression.
Can I share custom exercises with other users?
Sharing capabilities vary by app. JEFIT has community features for sharing custom workouts and exercises, while apps like Kenso focus on personal training data. Consider whether you need social features or prefer to keep your training private.
What happens to custom exercises if I switch apps?
Most apps don't export custom exercise definitions, making app switching potentially problematic. This is why choosing the right app initially matters - you're investing time in building a personal exercise database that may not transfer elsewhere.
Ready to take control of your exercise library? Download Kenso and start creating unlimited custom exercises with full progression tracking. Train with intention, track what matters.