Hevy Alternative: Push/Pull vs Hevy Free Version Limits and Progression Fit
A source-checked Hevy alternative guide covering Hevy free version limitations, Trainer, Apple Watch workflow, and whether Push/Pull is a better fit.
Quick answer: if you are searching for Hevy free version limitations or a Hevy alternative, Hevy's current Pro help article says the free version is limited to 4 routines, 7 custom exercises, and 3 months of data history. That is usually the first real reason lifters start comparing Push/Pull vs Hevy.
Hevy remains a credible option if you prioritize free-tier runway, social logging, and Trainer-based programming once you move to Pro. Push/Pull separates itself by pairing overload suggestions with recovery context, manual template control, and optional AI planning in the same workflow.
Updated Apr 11, 2026: this refresh uses current Hevy-owned pages, help docs, and the U.S. iOS listing to reflect Trainer, current Pro limits, and the latest Apple Watch messaging.
If you already use Hevy, do not switch based on opinions. Run a one-week side-by-side test with the same routine and keep whichever app creates less friction in real sessions.
Source snapshot (checked Apr 11, 2026)
- Hevy homepage: hevyapp.com
- Hevy Trainer feature page: workout-plan-generator
- Hevy Pro subscription limits and plan options: Hevy Pro subscription help article
- Hevy previous-workout value behavior: Previous Workout Values vs Routine Values
- Hevy iOS listing (watch details + subscription messaging): App Store
What are Hevy free tier limitations?
Based on Hevy's current Pro help article, the free version includes 4 routines, 7 custom exercises, and 3 months of data history. Hevy Pro removes those limits and adds tools like Trainer and the warm-up calculator.
| Feature | Hevy free | Hevy Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Routine storage | Limit of 4 | Unlimited |
| Custom exercises | Limit of 7 | Unlimited |
| Data history | 3 months | All time |
| Trainer and warm-up calculator | Not included | Included |
Those limits matter most if you rotate multiple splits, rely on custom movements, or want to compare progress across longer blocks instead of just the last few months.
One nuance worth noting: Hevy's U.S. App Store listing markets routine creation broadly, while Hevy's current Pro help article is the clearest official table for the 4-routine, 7-custom-exercise, and 3-month-history limits. If the free tier is the deciding factor, check the help article or in-app plan screen before subscribing.
When should you switch from Hevy?
Hevy is still a fair fit if you want social logging, only need a few repeatable routines, and do not mind making progression calls from history, graphs, or Trainer once you pay for Pro. The case for switching grows when free-tier limits or the lack of recovery context starts adding friction to normal training weeks.
| Situation | Hevy fit | Better fit |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 repeatable routines | Usually still workable if you prefer a social, manual log. | Stay with Hevy if friction stays low. |
| 3-4 rotating routines or blocks | The 4-routine limit gets tight quickly. | Push/Pull or Hevy Pro fits better. |
| Custom lifts or equipment-specific swaps | The 7 custom-exercise limit can run out fast. | Push/Pull or Hevy Pro fits better. |
| Want clearer next-session progression | You rely on previous values, graphs, or Trainer inside Pro. | Push/Pull is the stronger fit. |
Is Hevy good for progressive overload?
Yes. Hevy is good for progressive overload if you are comfortable using previous values, reviewing your history, and letting Trainer adjust working weights inside a generated program. Hevy's help docs also let you choose whether previous values pull from any workout or the same routine, which is useful if you repeat Upper A, Lower A, or PPL templates.
Push/Pull still has the cleaner edge for lifters who want overload suggestions, recovery context, and manual template control in one place. Hevy is stronger if the free tier and social/community angle are the main reason you are considering it.
- Choose Hevy if you want the strongest free tier before paying.
- Choose Push/Pull if you want clearer next-step progression and recovery context together.
- Run the same routine in both apps for one week before locking into a subscription.
Push/Pull vs Hevy at a glance
| Criterion | Push/Pull | Hevy | Why it matters | Current source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast set logging + previous values | Supported (live pages: fast logging + previous workout values). | Hevy documents previous values, rest timers, set types, and a setting to reference the same routine or any workout. | Faster logs improve consistency between sets. | Push/Pull pages + Hevy help center |
| Routine storage limits | Unlimited templates for subscribers (after trial), built for repeatable blocks. | Free plan: up to 4 routines. Pro: unlimited routine storage. | Routine limits directly affect long-term template use. | Hevy Pro subscription help article |
| Custom exercise limits | Custom exercises plus equipment-aware swap flow are available in-app. | Free plan: up to 7 custom exercises. Pro: unlimited custom exercises. | Custom movement support matters for real gyms and niche lifts. | Hevy Pro subscription help article |
| Data history window | History + fatigue trend views make it easier to spot overload slowdowns and plateau patterns. | Free data history is capped at 3 months; Pro unlocks all-time history. | Long-range history is key for detecting plateaus before they drag on for weeks. | Hevy Pro subscription help article |
| Planning and progression help | Optional AI workout generator plus smart exercise swap support, with editable outputs and manual template control. | Hevy Trainer is a Pro feature that builds adaptive programs with built-in progressive overload, automatic weight adjustments, and exercise replacements. | This decides whether you want generated programming or a cleaner manual workflow. | Push/Pull AI pages + Hevy Trainer feature page |
| Apple Watch and wearables workflow | Supported (Apple Watch feature + Live Activity pages). | Apple Watch + WearOS support, heart-rate tracking, routine sync, and auto-save on reconnect are part of Hevy's current public messaging. | Watch flow can reduce phone handling during sessions. | Hevy homepage + App Store listing |
| Pricing and trial | $6.99/month or $49.99/year after a 7-day free trial (from push-pull.app, Apr 11, 2026). | Hevy Pro is offered as monthly, annual, or lifetime, and Trainer is included in that subscription. | Pricing only matters if the daily training workflow fits. | Hevy Pro help article + Hevy Trainer page |
Product pages referenced above: workout logging, strength tracking, AI workout planner, template editing and swaps, progressive overload suggestions, recovery body map, and Apple Watch support. For plateau diagnosis workflow, see how to break a strength plateau.
Hevy data above is from Hevy-owned pages and help docs. Subscription pricing can vary by platform, region, or promotion, so check the in-app checkout screen before subscribing.
How to compare Push/Pull vs Hevy fairly in one week
- Use the same 3-4 day template in both apps.
- Log each session immediately after each set.
- Score each app daily on speed, clarity, and confidence in your next target.
- Review your week and keep the app with less friction.
This avoids feature-list bias and reflects what actually matters in training: consistency and clear progression decisions.
Pros and cons
Push/Pull pros
- Fast logging flow with previous values visible during training.
- Built-in progressive overload suggestions with history/fatigue trends that help reveal plateau patterns early.
- Optional AI-generated workouts and smart AI exercise swaps to cut planning friction.
- Apple Watch support and Live Activity options for in-session visibility.
- Templates and split support for repeatable strength/hypertrophy blocks.
Push/Pull cons
- Subscription is required after the 7-day trial.
- If you only want bare-minimum logs, some users may prefer a simpler surface area.
Hevy pros
- Generous free tier with workout logging, social features, and broad day-to-day usability.
- Trainer adds adaptive programs, automatic working-weight adjustments, and exercise swaps inside Pro.
- Previous-workout values can be set to the same routine or any workout.
- Apple Watch and WearOS support are explicitly documented by Hevy.
- Pro unlocks unlimited routines, unlimited custom exercises, and full graph history.
Hevy cons
- Free plan limits saved routines to 4.
- Free plan limits custom exercises to 7.
- Free data history is limited to the last 3 months.
- Trainer is a Pro feature, not part of the free tier.
- Hevy public pages focus on performance analytics; they do not currently present a recovery heatmap/readiness score model like Push/Pull.
Best for... decision framework
- Best for progression + recovery in one place: Push/Pull.
- Best for progressive overload + early plateau visibility: Push/Pull.
- Best for free-tier value before checkout: Hevy.
- Best for generated-program guidance: Hevy Trainer if you want adaptive programming; Push/Pull if you want editable AI help plus manual templates.
- Best for Apple Watch-first lifting workflow: both apps support watch usage; run one week side-by-side to see which flow is faster for your sessions.
FAQ
Is Push/Pull a good Hevy alternative?
What are Hevy free tier limitations?
How many routines does Hevy free version allow?
Is Hevy good for progressive overload?
Is Hevy Trainer free?
Does Hevy support Apple Watch?
How much does Hevy Pro cost?
How should I compare Push/Pull and Hevy fairly?
Related reading
- Best Gym Tracker App for Strength Training
- Progressive Overload: Simple Rules to Get Stronger
- Best Progressive Overload Apps for Strength Training
- Workout Log: Track Sets, Reps, and Weight Without Overthinking
- Apple Watch Support
Run your own A/B test this week
The best tracker is the one you can use consistently. Download Push/Pull, run the same routine in both apps, and keep the one that makes your next progression decision obvious.