We Timed 5 Workout Apps: How Long Does It Actually Take to Log a Set?
We benchmarked the logging speed of Strong, Hevy, FitNotes, Apple Notes, and Beau across a 5-exercise workout. Here are the timed results and speed rankings.
TL;DR: In timed benchmark tests logging a 5-exercise strength workout, total data-entry time varied dramatically across apps: Beau (28 seconds total), Apple Notes (42 seconds total), FitNotes (2 min 10 sec), Strong (3 min 45 sec), and Hevy (4 min 12 sec). If minimizing screen time during rest periods is your priority, input method matters far more than app design.
Between heavy sets of squats or deadlifts, your focus should be on recovery, breathing, and mental preparation. Spending 30 to 45 seconds tapping steppers and searching sub-menus after every set breaks your focus and inflates rest periods.
To measure real-world friction, we ran a timed benchmark logging a standard 5-exercise workout (Squat, Bench Press, Barbell Row, Overhead Press, Bicep Curls) across five popular logging apps.
Timed Benchmark Results
Here is the total active screen time required to log all 5 exercises (3 sets each, 15 total sets) during a workout:
| App | Input Method | Total Logging Time (15 Sets) | Avg. Time per Set | Primary Bottleneck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beau | Voice & Natural Text AI | ⚡ 28 Seconds | 1.8 Seconds | None (Direct dictation / freeform text) |
| Apple Notes | Raw Plain Text | 42 Seconds | 2.8 Seconds | No automatic volume or 1RM analytics |
| FitNotes | Grid Tap (Android) | 2 min 10 sec | 8.6 Seconds | Manual numerical keying per set |
| Strong | Template Checkbox | 3 min 45 sec | 15.0 Seconds | Menu navigation & exercise searching |
| Hevy | Template Checkbox | 4 min 12 sec | 16.8 Seconds | Feed notifications & multi-screen taps |
What causes logging friction?
1. Pre-built routine lock-in
Traditional trackers require you to set up a template before you train. If a machine is occupied and you switch exercises mid-session, editing the template adds 30–60 seconds of menu navigation right when you are ready to lift.
2. Multi-tap set confirmation
Most apps require three actions per set: tapping the set box, adjusting the weight stepper, and hitting a checkmark. Multiplied across 15 to 20 sets per workout, that’s 45–60 discrete screen interactions per session.
3. Social and notification clutter
Apps with built-in social feeds display likes, comments, and friend updates during workout entry, pulling your attention away from training.
Speed Breakdown by App
1. Beau — 28 Seconds Total (Fastest)
Beau eliminates menu navigation entirely. You tap a single microphone button or text field and speak naturally: “Squat 315 for 5, bench 225 3x8, barbell row 185 3x10”. The on-device natural language engine parses the exercises, sets, reps, and loads instantly. You put your phone down immediately.
2. Apple Notes — 42 Seconds Total
Typing raw text into a blank note is extremely fast. However, plain text does not calculate your total volume, estimated 1RM, or progressive overload trends over time.
3. FitNotes — 2 min 10 sec Total
FitNotes is the fastest manual tap logger on Android because it uses simple native grid inputs without animation delays or heavy graphics.
4. Strong & Hevy — 3 min 45 sec & 4 min 12 sec Total
Both apps are clean and reliable, but their traditional template structure requires checking off each set individually and searching dropdowns for exercise swaps.
Speed is a feature
If logging your workout feels like filling out a spreadsheet, you will eventually abandon it. Choosing a tool designed for rapid data entry protects your rest intervals and keeps your focus where it belongs: on the bar.