Arvo vs Fitbod
Complete comparison of two AI-powered workout apps. Find out which one is better for your training goals.
Fitbod and Arvo both use AI to generate workouts, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Fitbod excels at creating muscle-group-balanced workouts based on your equipment and recovery status, making it ideal for general fitness enthusiasts who want variety without planning. It's been a leader in the AI fitness space since 2015.
Arvo targets a different user: intermediate to advanced lifters who follow specific methodologies and want real-time coaching. Where Fitbod generates a workout before you start, Arvo's 20 AI agents adapt every single set based on your performance. If you bench 100kg for 8 reps at RIR 2, Arvo immediately calculates your next set—adjusting for fatigue, methodology requirements, and your historical patterns.
The key question is: do you want an AI that plans your workout, or an AI that coaches you through it? If you follow Kuba Method, Mentzer HIT, or FST-7, Arvo implements these faithfully. If you want equipment-optimized general training with Apple Watch integration, Fitbod is more polished. Both are legitimate choices depending on your training style.
Quick Summary
Arvo
Best for serious lifters
- Set-by-set AI adaptation
- 5 training methodologies
- MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking
- €6/mo (half the price)
Fitbod
Best for general fitness
- Established platform
- Apple Watch integration
- Good gym equipment detection
- No advanced methodologies
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arvo | Fitbod |
|---|---|---|
| AI Adaptation Level | Set-by-set (under 500ms) | Workout-level |
| Training Methodologies | 5 (Kuba, Mentzer, FST-7, Y3T, Mountain Dog) | Generic programming |
| Volume Tracking | MEV/MAV/MRV per muscle group | Basic volume tracking |
| RIR/RPE Support | Full integration with AI | Manual logging only |
| Equipment Recognition | Camera scan + custom equipment | Gym equipment database |
| Offline Support | Full AI functionality | Full functionality |
| Exercise Database | 1300+ exercises | 1000+ exercises |
| Stripe Payments (Coach) | Full integration | No |
| Google Calendar Sync | Two-way sync | No |
| Strava Import | Auto-import cardio | No |
| Price | Free (beta) / €6/mo | $12.99/mo |
| Beginner Friendly | Lite mode available | Good for beginners |
| Apple Watch | Not yet | Full integration |
Key Differences
AI Adaptation Speed
Arvo adapts every set in under 500ms. Fitbod generates new workouts based on previous sessions but doesn't adjust mid-workout.
Training Methodologies
Arvo implements complete methodology systems (Kuba Method, Mentzer HIT, FST-7, Y3T, Mountain Dog). Fitbod uses generic progressive overload.
Volume Management
Arvo tracks MEV/MAV/MRV per muscle group with automatic deload triggers. Fitbod tracks total volume without scientific landmarks.
Pricing
Arvo: Free during beta, €6/mo after. Fitbod: $12.99/mo. Arvo offers more features at roughly half the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvo better than Fitbod?
For serious lifters who want methodology-specific training (Kuba, Mentzer, FST-7), set-by-set AI adaptation, and MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking, Arvo offers more advanced features. Fitbod is better for general fitness with gym equipment optimization.
Is Arvo cheaper than Fitbod?
Yes. Arvo is free during beta and will cost €6/month post-beta. Fitbod costs $12.99/month. Arvo offers more AI features at roughly half the price.
Does Arvo work offline like Fitbod?
Yes. Both apps work offline. Arvo caches AI models locally so all recommendations work without internet. Data syncs when you're back online.
Can I migrate from Fitbod to Arvo?
Currently Arvo doesn't have direct Fitbod import. However, you can start fresh and the AI will learn your patterns within 2-3 workouts based on your performance.
Which app has better AI?
Arvo uses 26 specialized AI agents with GPT reasoning for set-by-set decisions. Fitbod uses machine learning for workout generation. Arvo's AI adapts within each workout; Fitbod primarily adapts between workouts.
Does Fitbod support Kuba Method or FST-7?
No. Fitbod uses generic progressive overload programming. Arvo is the only AI app that implements specific methodologies like Kuba Method, FST-7, Mentzer HIT, Y3T, and Mountain Dog with proper set/rep schemes and periodization.
Does Fitbod track MEV/MAV/MRV volume?
No. Fitbod tracks basic volume but doesn't use scientific volume landmarks. Arvo tracks Minimum Effective Volume (MEV), Maximum Adaptive Volume (MAV), and Maximum Recoverable Volume (MRV) per muscle group to optimize growth.
What's better for hypertrophy—Arvo or Fitbod?
Arvo is specifically designed for hypertrophy with methodology support, volume landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV), and set-by-set adaptation. Fitbod provides good general training but lacks the specificity serious bodybuilders need.
Can I sync Apple Watch with Arvo like Fitbod?
Arvo doesn't have Apple Watch integration yet—it's on the roadmap. Fitbod has full Apple Watch support. However, Arvo offers Strava import for cardio tracking and Google Calendar sync for scheduling.
Which app is better for bodybuilding competitions?
Arvo is designed for competitive bodybuilders with methodology support, precise volume tracking, and periodization. Fitbod is better suited for general fitness enthusiasts. Arvo also supports coach integration for prep guidance.
Is Fitbod worth $12.99/month vs Arvo at €6?
Fitbod is worth it if you need Apple Watch integration and prefer equipment-based workout generation. However, Arvo offers more advanced AI features, methodology support, and volume tracking at roughly half the price.
Can Arvo replace my personal trainer like Fitbod claims?
Both apps can replace basic personal training, but Arvo goes further with real-time set-by-set coaching, methodology implementation, and volume optimization. Arvo also supports integration with human coaches for hybrid training.
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