I often get asked about strength training apps for women: “Which ones actually work?”, “Are they worth the money?” So, I'm excited to share my personal journey with the Simply Strong App. I've been using it for a whole year, and it has truly transformed my body and lifestyle!
As a dietitian, I'm passionate about helping people find sustainable healthy habits. For me, that means a combination of strength training and a balanced, macro-friendly diet. In this review, I'll share how the Simply Strong App helped me achieve just that.
⬇️ Jump to my screen recording video (inside the Simply Strong App)
My Fitness Journey Before Simply Strong
Before I found Simply Strong, I struggled to stay consistent with my workouts. I'd try random programs or piece together workouts I found online. I was tired of googling for random workouts to complete whenever I went to the gym.
Not only did it take time, the workouts varied on quality and length. There wasn't any real structure, and I'd often get bored or overwhelmed. I knew I needed a strength-based program that outlined exactly what I needed to do each week to hit all muscle groups. I needed a change.
I then found Madeline Moves through Instagram and signed up for her weekly moves workouts. The app was good, but it had some major drawbacks for me. First, the scheduled 30-minute workouts took me an hour, and that's with the recommended rest period. Same with the 60-minute workouts, those lasted well-over an hour. I'm the type of person that when I schedule something, I expect it to be within the allocated time frame.
The other drawback is there is no structure to her recipes. They are from third-party providers (mostly Instagramers), but they are kind of all over the place, and they are not simple at all. In fact, most of them were unrealistic. That's when I had enough and started looking for a better alternative.
Discovering and Getting Started
I can't recall exactly when, but I mentioned I was looking for a new strength training app on Instagram, and several friends recommended checking out the Simply Strong App. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did!
For reference, here is the Fit Healthy Macros Instagram account.
What immediately appealed to me was the flexibility. The app offers new workouts every month, and you can choose to work out 3, 4, or 5 days a week. You can also pick between 30-minute or 45-minute sessions. This made it easy to fit into my busy schedule. I opted to start with the 5-day a week, 30 minute workouts.
Simply Strong Workouts: Structure and Effectiveness
Just like the Madeline Moves app, the Simply Strong workouts are muscle-group specific. This means you work your entire body effectively throughout the week. Each muscle group gets the attention it deserves! The workouts are also incredibly efficient.
I love that I can get a great workout done in just 30 or 45 minutes. AND the 30-minute workouts last 30 minutes, and the 45 minute workouts last 45 minutes. I have never done a workout that went over that time frame. This was really big for me!
When I first started, I used lighter weights and took advantage of the modifications. But within a few months, I was noticeably stronger! I started using heavier weights and pushing myself more. This made it really fun for me, and I started to look forward to the workouts!
The Simply Strong app makes it easy to track your progress with its exercise history feature. This allows you to see what you've done in previous workouts and helps you progressively overload. Each exercise comes with a video demonstration and clear written instructions, so you always know the proper form. Plus, most exercises offer modifications, making them suitable for all fitness levels. I love that the workouts are always challenging, but also doable. I always feel accomplished after I complete a workout.
Below, I recorded my screen inside the Simply Strong App – you'll see:
- Workouts
- Video form cues
- Enter dumbbell weights used
- High protein recipe library
- and more
The Simply Strong App Nutrition Difference: Recipes and Meal Planning
As a Registered Dietitian, a healthy eating plan is crucial for any fitness program. The Simply Strong App truly excels in this area. The app provides a structured approach to nutrition that complements the workouts perfectly.
The recipes are macro-friendly, high in protein, and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Some of my family's favorite meals have come from this app! The Loaded Burger Bowls are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic burger. The Sheet Pan Nachos are a lifesaver for quick and easy weeknight dinners. And the Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup is pure comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
The recipes are simple to follow, with minimal steps and ingredients, even if you're not a seasoned cook. They fit perfectly into my dietary needs and goals as a dietitian. They make it easy to hit my protein targets and maintain balanced macros without feeling deprived.
There are new recipes added every month so mealtime never gets boring. One of my favorite features is the ability to print the recipes and weekly meal plans directly from the app. I love having a physical copy to reference while I'm cooking!
ps: Tami Smith (owner of Fit Healthy Macros and the Simply Strong App) provides sample meal plans, which is an amazing value!
My Transformation: Body and Lifestyle Changes
The Simply Strong App has truly transformed my body and my lifestyle. Yes it took a lot of hard work and time, but I always find myself genuinely looking forward to the next workout (I never thought that would be possible)!
After a year, I've lost 10 pounds of stubborn fat that I had been struggling to shed. I've also lost inches all over my body. My waist is smaller, my arms are more defined, and my legs are stronger. I've gained lean muscle, which not only looks great but also makes me feel incredibly strong and empowered.
My clothes fit better, and I actually enjoy shopping for new outfits! But the biggest transformation has been in my consistency and overall well-being. I no longer dread working out or struggle to eat healthily.
This strength training app has helped me create sustainable habits that I genuinely enjoy. I feel more confident, energized, and in control of my health than ever before.
Addressing Common Concerns
I know some people might be hesitant about trying a new fitness app. You might wonder, “What if the workouts are too hard?”
The Simply Strong App is designed for all fitness levels. You can choose your workout days and session length, making it customizable. Plus, you can modify any exercise to make it easier.
Another common concern is equipment. Many workouts can be done with just your body weight. Some use dumbbells or resistance bands which you can get pretty cheap. You might also wonder if you can do the workouts in a gym or at home – it can be done wherever you feel comfortable / have space for working out.
A Dietitian's Seal of Approval
As a Registered Dietitian, I wholeheartedly recommend the Simply Strong App. I love that it combines a well-structured strength training program with a balanced, macro-friendly approach to nutrition. It's a sustainable and healthy way to improve your body composition and overall health.
This isn't about quick fixes or fad diets. It's about building long-term habits. I've recommended this app to many of my clients, and they've experienced amazing results as well. They love the workouts, the delicious recipes, and how user-friendly the app is.
Who is Simply Strong For?
This strength training app is a great fit for many people, but it's a women-driven community (busy women and busy moms). I love that both my husband and I can do the same workouts. He just uses heavier weights! I especially recommend it for busy women and moms who want to lose weight, get fit and build healthy habits for the long term.
The workouts are quick and effective. The recipes are simple and family-friendly. It's also perfect for beginner to intermediate lifters, as well as home workout enthusiasts.
You don't need a lot of space or fancy equipment. If you've struggled with consistency in the past, this app provides the structure and support to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Cost and Value
The Simply Strong App offers three different monthly pricing options:
- Fit & Fueled (Workouts + Recipes): $20/month
- Fueled (Recipes Only): $12/month
- Fit (Workouts Only): $12/month
In my opinion, it's an incredible value for the price. It's significantly more affordable than hiring a personal trainer and a Registered Dietitian. The Fit & Fueled option is the best deal, giving you a comprehensive plan for both fitness and nutrition.
The Verdict
The Simply Strong App by Fit Healthy Macros has been a game-changer for me. It has truly transformed my body and my lifestyle. The workouts are challenging, yet doable, and they always keep me guessing. The recipes are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. The app is user-friendly and well-designed.
If you're looking for a fun, effective, and sustainable way to improve your fitness and nutrition, I highly recommend giving the Simply Strong App a try. It's helped me become the strongest, healthiest, and most confident version of myself. And I'm confident it can do the same for you, if you put in the work.
Spark the conversation!
Have you tried the Simply Strong App? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm happy to help! Let's support each other on our fitness journeys!
