What is the best RIR RPE workout app?
The best RIR RPE workout app is Arvo: it logs RIR and RPE on every set, tracks RIR trends over time, and adjusts progression with method-specific targets (Kuba 1-3 RIR, Mentzer 0 RIR to failure). Free plan available, Pro €4/month. Strong, Hevy, and Fitbod log RPE but do not drive progression from it.
Quick Verdict
Best for RIR/RPE
Arvo — set-by-set RPE, RIR trends, method targets
Best Free Logger
Hevy — full RPE logging free
Best Minimalist
Strong — fast logging with RPE, $4.99/mo
Best for Beginners
Fitbod — wide exercise library, $15.99/mo
RIR RPE Workout App for Autoregulated Training
Log RIR and RPE on every set, watch RIR trends over time, and progress with method-specific targets. Arvo compared with Strong, Hevy, and Fitbod.
Or download the native app
Quick Comparison
RIR and RPE features side by side
| Feature | Arvo | Strong | Hevy | Fitbod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIR/RPE logging | Every set | Per set | Per set | Limited |
| RPE-driven progression | Set-by-set | No | No | No |
| RIR trend tracking | Yes | No | No | No |
| Method-specific RIR targets | Yes | No | No | No |
| Volume landmarks | MEV/MAV/MRV | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Price | Free / €4 | $4.99 | Free / $2.99 | $15.99 |
| Best for | Autoregulation | Simple logging | Social logging | General fitness |
Arvo is the top pick in this comparison — start free, Pro is €4/month.
Try Arvo freeDetailed Reviews
How each app handles RIR and RPE
Arvo
Top Pick for RPE TrainingBest RIR RPE workout app for autoregulation
Price: Free plan available, Pro €4/month | Best for: Lifters who want RIR/RPE to drive progression decisions
Pros
- RIR/RPE logging on every set with RIR trend tracking
- Set-by-set AI progression driven by logged RIR/RPE
- Method-specific RIR targets (Kuba 1-3 RIR, Mentzer 0 RIR to failure)
- MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking per muscle
- Free plan available, no credit card required
Cons
- -No camera-based form check
- -AI progression suggestions need an internet connection
- -Bodybuilding focus (less cardio content)
Strong
Best minimalist RPE logger
Price: $4.99/mo | Best for: Minimalists who want fast logging with RPE notes
Pros
- Fast, simple set logging with RPE field
- Excellent Apple Watch app
- Low price point
- Long history export options
Cons
- -Logged RPE does not adjust future sets
- -No RIR trend analysis
- -More logger than coach
Hevy
Best free RPE logger with social features
Price: Free / $2.99/mo | Best for: Social lifters who log RPE and share workouts
Pros
- Free tier with full RPE logging
- Strong social and community features
- Clean routine builder
- Apple Watch support
Cons
- -RPE stays a note; no progression engine reads it
- -No method-specific RIR targets
- -Limited programming depth
Fitbod
Best for equipment-based workout generation
Price: $15.99/mo | Best for: General fitness with varied gym equipment
Pros
- Large exercise and equipment database
- Adapts workouts to available equipment
- Apple Watch integration
- Good for beginners
Cons
- -No real RIR/RPE workflow
- -Workout-level adaptation only, not set-by-set
- -Generic programming with no methodology specificity
- -Expensive at $15.99/mo for lifters who mainly need RPE tracking
How to Choose an RIR RPE Workout App
Four criteria that separate a real autoregulation tool from a logger with an RPE field
RPE must drive the next set
An RPE field that only stores a number is a diary, not a coach. Ask whether the app reads logged RIR/RPE back into weight and rep suggestions for the next set. Only Arvo in this comparison does that set by set.
RIR trends over time
Single-set RPE is noisy. What matters is the trend: is your RIR at a given load rising or falling across weeks? Charts that show RIR drift per exercise reveal fatigue buildup before performance stalls.
Method-specific RIR targets
The right RIR depends on the method. Kuba programs 1-3 RIR on working sets; Mentzer HIT trains to 0 RIR, true failure. An app that applies one generic RPE rule to every program misunderstands both methods.
Honest limits
No app watches your form through the camera, and AI suggestions need an internet connection. Prefer the app that states these limits plainly over one that implies full automation.
How Arvo Uses RIR and RPE
Arvo records your RIR/RPE after each set and combines it with performance, fatigue, exercise history, and methodology to suggest the next set's weight and reps.
Set-by-set RPE logging
After each set you log RIR or RPE alongside weight and reps. The AI uses that value in progression decisions instead of filing it as a note. You can also log sets in chat, for example by asking to record 100kg x 8.
RIR trends and fatigue detection
Arvo tracks RIR trends over time per exercise and detects when you are undertraining or overreaching. MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking per muscle completes the picture, keeping volume and intensity in range.
Method-specific RIR targets
Each methodology has its targets: Kuba uses 1-3 RIR on working sets, Mentzer HIT trains to 0 RIR, true failure. Arvo implements 5 methodologies with scientific fidelity and applies the right target to the program you follow.
Honest limits
Arvo has no camera-based form check: it learns from your feedback about pain or discomfort and avoids problematic exercises. AI suggestions need an internet connection. You can import your history from Fitbod, Hevy, or Strong, or bring any plan as a PDF or photo.
Learn RIR and RPE First
New to autoregulation? Read the full guide, then pick the app that fits how you train.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best RIR RPE workout app?
Arvo is the best RIR RPE workout app for lifters who want autoregulation: it logs RIR and RPE on every set, tracks RIR trends over time, and adjusts progression with method-specific targets (Kuba 1-3 RIR, Mentzer 0 RIR to failure). Free plan available, Pro at €4/month. Strong, Hevy, and Fitbod log RPE but do not drive progression from it.
What is RIR in weight training?
RIR (Reps in Reserve) is the number of clean reps you could still perform at the end of a set. RIR 2 means you stopped 2 reps short of failure. It is the most practical way to regulate intensity: most hypertrophy methods prescribe 1-3 RIR on working sets.
What is the difference between RPE and RIR?
RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) is a 1-10 scale of set difficulty, while RIR counts reps left in the tank. They map directly: RPE 10 equals 0 RIR (failure), RPE 9 equals 1 RIR, RPE 8 equals 2 RIR. Most lifters find RIR easier to judge set by set.
How does Arvo use RIR and RPE for progression?
After each set, Arvo combines your logged RIR/RPE with performance, fatigue, exercise history, and training methodology to suggest the next set's weight and reps. It tracks RIR trends over time and applies method-specific targets: Kuba uses 1-3 RIR, Mentzer uses 0 RIR to failure.
Does Strong or Hevy track RPE?
Both Strong and Hevy let you log RPE per set, and both have a free tier. The difference is what happens next: neither app adjusts your next set or program from that RPE data. If you want RPE that actually drives progression decisions, you need an app that reads the value back into programming.
Can RIR tracking prevent overtraining?
RIR trends are an early signal. When your typical RIR at a given load keeps dropping across weeks, fatigue is outpacing recovery. Apps that chart RIR over time make this visible before performance stalls, so you can deload or reduce volume in time.
Does Arvo work offline for RIR logging?
AI coaching and progression suggestions need an internet connection. On mobile, some workout changes can be queued and synced later; what works offline depends on the platform and the action. Apple Watch set logging needs the paired iPhone to be reachable.
Questions?
The 6 questions everyone asks before trying a new training app.
Does it work offline in the gym?
Yes, completely. All AI decisions run locally with cached models. No internet required during workouts. Data syncs automatically when you're back online. Wake Lock keeps screen on, so you never have to unlock your phone between sets.
Can I add my own custom equipment?
What if I get injured or have pain?
How does the AI learn my preferences?
How is this different from an Excel spreadsheet?
Is my training data mine? Can I export it?
How much does it cost?
Still have questions? support@arvo.guru