Strong is a great notebook — but who writes the workout?
The Best Strong App Alternative for Guided Training
Strong is a focused workout log. MySetPlan gives you a plan Ely reviews before delivery. They solve different problems.
Best when you need a reviewed plan: MySetPlan — Strong costs less because it focuses on logging; MySetPlan includes Ely's review and follow-up.
See MySetPlan pricing →Strong Tracks Your Workouts. It Doesn't Plan Them.
Strong is designed primarily for logging what you did. It is a good fit when you already have a program and want a focused way to record it.
Its free and paid options have different routine limits and features. In either case, you bring the program you want to follow.
That is the category difference: Strong focuses on tracking. MySetPlan focuses on providing a reviewed plan and also includes a place to log it.
What You Get With a Real Program
MySetPlan is the plan. Automated tools organize a program draft from your goals, equipment, schedule, and experience. Ely reads your answers, checks the complete plan, and makes the final approval decision.
Category distinction matters here: Strong is a workout TRACKER. MySetPlan is a workout PLAN SERVICE. These solve fundamentally different problems. A tracker logs where you've been. A plan tells you where to go.
For people who already have a coach or a detailed program they trust, Strong may be all they need. For people who want a plan checked against their own answers, MySetPlan provides a different level of service at a different price.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plan ServiceMySetPlan | TrackerStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Checked by Ely | Complete month built for you | No planning capability |
Strong requires you to bring your own program from a coach or other source | ||
| Reviewed progression guidance | Rep-or-load rule; no forced weekly increase | Manual only |
| Reviewer-Controlled Recovery | Only when Ely adds it | No named reviewer |
| Monthly Check-In | Included with membership | Tracking-focused product |
| No Download Required | Works in browser | App required |
| Works Without Pre-Existing Program | Ely reviews before delivery | Empty without program |
Strong requires you to bring your own program from a coach or other source
Pricing Breakdown
MySetPlan
- Plan checked and approved by Ely
- Reviewed progression guidance
- Recovery changes when Ely adds them
- Monthly check-in and up to 2 changes
- Works without existing program
Strong
- Plan generation
- Progressive overload suggestions
- Deload programming
- Nutrition guidance
- Workout logging (excellent)
Strong is the lower-cost tracker; MySetPlan includes reviewed programming and monthly follow-up.
Pricing verified February 2026. Visit each provider's website for the most current pricing.
Ready to fill that notebook with a real plan?
Start My $19 Starter Week →The Bottom Line
Strong is a focused workout tracker and may be the right choice when you already have a program. It does not include Ely's review of a plan built from your assessment.
MySetPlan uses your assessment to prepare a program Ely checks and approves. Start with one $19 week, then continue at $69 per month only if you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
MySetPlan is a Strong alternative for people who want Ely to check the plan, not just a place to log it. Start with a $19 seven-day plan Ely checks and approves, normally delivered in 1–3 business days.
Yes, but you likely won't need to. MySetPlan includes workout tracking in the browser. However, if you prefer Strong's interface for logging, you can follow your MySetPlan program and log in Strong. The plan is yours — use whatever tracker you like.
Yes. MySetPlan includes built-in workout logging with a gym-ready dark mode interface. You can track sets, reps, and weights directly in your browser without needing a separate tracking app.
You can, but generic programs are not checked against your goals, equipment, or schedule. MySetPlan uses those answers to organize a draft that Ely checks and approves.
Yes. Strong assumes you already know what to do. MySetPlan is for people who need a plan, with Ely reading your assessment and checking the program against your experience.
Your assessment covers goals, equipment, schedule, and experience. Automated tools organize a draft, then Ely reads your answers, checks the complete plan, and makes the final approval decision.
Start with one week built around you
Share your goals and schedule. Ely will read your answers, check your seven-day plan, and normally deliver it in 1–3 business days.