Boostcamp
Overview
Boostcamp offers something rare in the app world: an excellent product that's completely free. No premium tier, no paywalled features, just a solid workout tracker with access to popular strength programs.
The app has built its reputation on hosting community-created programs, including many popular routines from Reddit's fitness communities. If you've heard of nSuns, GZCLP, Reddit PPL, or similar programs, Boostcamp probably has them.
The Program Library
Boostcamp's biggest draw is its program collection:
Reddit favorites: nSuns 5/3/1, GZCLP, Reddit PPL, Metallicadpa's PPL, and more community staples.
Coach programs: Legitimate programs from fitness creators like Jeff Nippard, Eugene Teo, and others.
Classic programs: Variations of 5/3/1, Starting Strength templates, and proven routines.
Each program comes with instructions, progression rules, and scheduled workouts. Pick a program, and Boostcamp tells you exactly what to do each session.
The Experience
Boostcamp strikes a good balance between simplicity and features. The interface is clean and modern without feeling bare.
Starting a workout shows your scheduled exercises with target sets, reps, and weights. The app calculates weights for percentage-based programs automatically. RPE tracking is available for programs that use it.
Rest timers, plate calculators, and exercise demonstrations are all included. The essentials are covered.
Why It's Free
Boostcamp's business model revolves around coach partnerships. Some programs in the library are from fitness creators who presumably have revenue arrangements with the app. But this doesn't affect the user experience - programs remain free to access.
Limitations
Being free comes with some tradeoffs:
Simpler analytics: You'll get basic progress tracking, but not the deep analysis of premium competitors.
No web app: Planning and reviewing happens on your phone only.
Program quality varies: Community-submitted programs range from excellent to questionable. Stick to well-known programs.
Less customization: Following the programs works great, but building complex custom routines is more limited.
Who Is This For?
Boostcamp is perfect for:
- Beginners looking for a structured program to follow
- Budget-conscious lifters who want free quality
- Anyone wanting to try popular Reddit programs
- Lifters who follow programs as-written
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want to design highly custom programs (try Liftosaur)
- Need detailed analytics and graphs (try Strong Pro)
- Want social features (try Hevy)
Final Verdict
Boostcamp is the easiest recommendation for budget-conscious lifters or beginners seeking structure. The program library alone is valuable - having nSuns or GZCLP properly implemented with calculated weights and scheduled sessions saves real time.
Yes, paid apps offer more features. But for following popular strength programs with zero cost, Boostcamp delivers surprising value. It's what many beginner lifters should start with before deciding if premium features are worth paying for.
Pros
- Completely free with no premium tier
- Excellent library of popular programs
- Programs from real coaches (Jeff Nippard, etc.)
- Community-built program library
- Clean, modern interface
- RPE and percentage-based training support
- Good for beginners finding their first program
Cons
- No web interface
- Less customization than some competitors
- Limited analytics compared to paid apps
- No social features
- Program library quality varies