StackUp or Alpha Progression?
Looking for an Alpha Progression alternative? Alpha Progression gives a weight and a rep target for every set, with a video for each of its 795 exercises; the recommendations are part of Pro. StackUp suggests your next weight for free, by a rule you can read on this site.
| Feature | StackUp | Alpha Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Where StackUp does more | ||
| Weight for next session | Free, on every split, preset or your own | A weight and rep target for every set, part of Pro; the inputs are described, the formula is not published |
| Progress charts | Free: weight or volume per exercise, and body weight | Part of Pro; personal records are free |
| Where Alpha Progression does more | ||
| Exercise library | 192 exercises, each with a written guide on this site | 795 exercises, each with a video, free |
| Ready-made plans | Six starter splits, all editable | Plan and workout generators, part of Pro; your own plans are free |
| Platforms | Android | iPhone and Android |
| Health apps | None | Apple Health and Health Connect |
| Languages | English and German | 13, including German |
| Effort per set (RPE or RIR) | None | RIR, part of Pro |
| Body measurements | Body weight only | Body measurements, free; their charts are Pro |
| Sync between devices | Android phones, after a Google sign-in | iPhone and Android, with an optional account |
| Where neither does more | ||
| Ads | None | None |
| Export your data | JSON file | CSV file |
| Watch app | None | None; Apple Watch and Wear OS are on its roadmap |
Details about Alpha Progression checked on , against its own website, help pages and store listings. StackUp details are for version 1.6.
The next weight: recommendations or a rule
Alpha Progression's recommendations give you a weight and a rep target for every set. They are part of Alpha Progression Pro. The app describes what goes into them (your reference workout, today's sets, the reps you planned and the weights you have) and shows worked examples; it does not publish the formula behind them.
StackUp's rule is simpler, free and public: reps above your target range mean more weight next time, inside it the weight stays, below it the weight comes down. The whole rule is on this site.
Every chart, free
In Alpha Progression, charts are part of Pro, and personal records are free. In StackUp every chart is free: working weight or volume for each exercise, and your body weight.
When Alpha Progression is the better choice
- You want a video for every exercise.
- You want the app to write your plan.
- You track your effort as reps in reserve (RIR).
- You use an iPhone, Apple Health or Health Connect.
Common questions
Is StackUp's progression really free?
Yes. Everything in the app is free: no in-app purchases, no ads, and sync between phones is free too. The one paid part on the roadmap is a web app for the desk.
Can I bring my Alpha Progression history to StackUp?
Not yet. Importing workouts from other trackers is on the roadmap, and it will be free.
Is StackUp in German?
Yes. The whole app is written in German, every exercise name included, and it switches with your phone's language.
Does StackUp have exercise videos?
No. Each exercise has an illustration in the app and a written guide on this site: how to do it, which muscles it trains, and common questions.