•10 min read
Push/Pull vs Hevy: Which App Is Better for Progressive Overload?
A criteria-first comparison of Push/Pull vs Hevy for lifters, using live Hevy website/help center data checked on Feb 27, 2026.
ComparisonTrackingStrength
Quick answer: for lifters focused on progressive overload, Push/Pull is the better fit. It has built-in progressive overload suggestions and trend views that make plateaus easier to spot early.
Hevy remains a strong option if you prioritize a generous free tier and social workflow. This comparison uses currently available data from Hevy-owned pages and help docs checked on Feb 27, 2026, plus live Push/Pull product pages.
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 Feb 27, 2026)
- Hevy homepage: hevyapp.com
- Hevy routine limits and FAQ pricing references: best-way-to-track-workouts
- Hevy graph-history limits and Pro note: gym-progress
- Hevy custom exercise limits: Hevy Exercise Library help article
- Hevy Pro plan structure (monthly/annual/lifetime): Hevy Pro restore article
- Hevy iOS listing (watch details + Pro features): App Store
Comparison table (current data)
| Criterion | Push/Pull | Hevy | Why it matters | Current source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast set logging + previous values | Supported (live pages: fast logging + previous workout values). | Intuitive logging, previous weights, rest timers, and set types are listed on Hevy pages. | Faster logs improve consistency between sets. | hevyapp.com + use-case/feature pages |
| 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. | best-way-to-track-workouts (Hevy feature page) |
| 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 help center + App Store listing |
| Graph history window | History + fatigue trend views make it easier to spot overload slowdowns and plateau patterns. | Free graph history is capped at 3 months; Pro unlocks year/all-time graph views. | Long-range history is key for detecting plateaus before they drag on for weeks. | gym-progress / gym-performance pages |
| AI-generated workouts + smart exercise swaps | Optional AI workout generator plus smart AI exercise swap support, with editable outputs. | Reviewed Hevy pages emphasize manual planning/logging and do not currently advertise AI workout generation or AI exercise swaps. | AI tools can reduce planning time and keep sessions moving when equipment is busy. | Push/Pull AI pages + reviewed Hevy homepage/feature pages |
| Apple Watch and wearables workflow | Supported (Apple Watch feature + Live Activity pages). | Apple Watch + WearOS support, routine sync, and offline workouts are listed by Hevy. | Watch flow can reduce phone handling during sessions. | hevyapp.com + App Store listing |
| Pricing and trial | $6.99/month or $49.99/year after a 7-day free trial (from push-pull.app, Feb 27, 2026). | Hevy pages list Pro as $2.99 monthly; help docs confirm monthly, annual, and lifetime options. | Pricing only matters if the daily training workflow fits. | Hevy feature pages + help center |
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. Annual/lifetime totals 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
1-week side-by-side test
- 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.
In the app
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
- Strong free tier with full logging and social features.
- Free plan still allows graph/stat tracking (with a 3-month graph window).
- 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 graph history is limited to the last 3 months.
- Hevy public pages focus on performance analytics; they do not currently present a recovery heatmap/readiness score model like Push/Pull.
In the app
Best for... decision framework
- Best for progression + recovery in one place: Push/Pull.
- Best for progressive overload + early plateau visibility: Push/Pull.
- Best for AI-generated workouts and smart AI swaps: Push/Pull.
- Best for a strong free tier + social lift logging: Hevy.
- 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?
Yes. For lifters prioritizing progressive overload, Push/Pull is the better fit because it combines built-in overload suggestions with history and fatigue trends that help you catch plateaus sooner. Hevy is also a strong option, especially if you want to start with a robust free plan and social features.
Does Push/Pull include AI-generated workouts and AI exercise swaps?
Yes. Push/Pull includes an optional AI workout generator and smart exercise swap support, while keeping everything editable before or during training.
What does Hevy include in the free version?
Hevy positions itself as free to use and includes workout logging, routine planning, and progress tracking. Based on Hevy feature/help pages, the free plan includes up to 4 stored routines, up to 7 custom exercises, and graph history up to 3 months.
Does Hevy support Apple Watch?
Yes. Hevy states Apple Watch and WearOS support on its website, including routine sync and offline workouts. Its App Store listing also describes watch sync, heart-rate tracking, and auto-saving when reconnecting to iPhone.
How much does Hevy Pro cost?
Hevy help documentation confirms monthly, annual, and lifetime Pro options. Multiple Hevy feature pages list Pro as $2.99 monthly, while annual and lifetime totals can vary by platform, region, and promotions.
How should I compare Push/Pull and Hevy fairly?
Use the same workout template in both apps for one week, then compare logging speed, progression clarity, watch flow, and whether each app helps you make your next training decision quickly.
Related reading
- Best Gym Tracker App for Strength Training
- Progressive Overload: Simple Rules to Get Stronger
- 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.