Arvo vs Hevy
AI-powered coaching vs manual workout tracking. Find out which approach fits your training style.
Hevy has become one of the most popular workout trackers, especially among lifters who prefer manual control over their training. Its clean interface, social features, and straightforward logging make it a reliable choice for people who know exactly what they want to do and just need to record it.
Arvo takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of passively logging what you do, Arvo actively coaches you through each workout. Its 26 AI agents analyze your performance set by set and tell you exactly what weight and reps to aim for next. If you hit 8 reps at RIR 2 on your bench press, Arvo calculates your optimal next set based on methodology rules, fatigue accumulation, and your historical patterns.
The choice comes down to philosophy: do you want to drive, or do you want a coach in the passenger seat? Hevy respects your autonomy completely. Arvo assumes you want intelligent guidance. For lifters following structured methodologies like Kuba, Mentzer, or FST-7, Arvo's coaching approach delivers real value. For those who prefer total control, Hevy's simplicity is hard to beat.
Quick Summary
Arvo
AI-powered coaching
- 26 specialized AI agents
- Set-by-set recommendations
- Automatic volume management
- Methodology implementations
Hevy
Manual workout logger
- Clean, simple interface
- Social features & leaderboards
- Great graphs & visualizations
- No AI recommendations
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arvo | Hevy |
|---|---|---|
| AI Recommendations | Set-by-set with 26 agents | None |
| Workout Generation | AI-generated, methodology-aware | Manual templates only |
| Volume Tracking | MEV/MAV/MRV automatic | Manual calculation |
| RIR/RPE Support | Integrated with AI decisions | Optional logging field |
| Training Methodologies | 5 complete implementations | None |
| Stripe Payments (Coach) | Full integration | No |
| Google Calendar Sync | Two-way sync | No |
| Strava Import | Auto-import cardio | No |
| Logging Simplicity | AI-assisted input | Clean manual interface |
| Social Features | Limited | Friends, leaderboards |
| Exercise Database | 1300+ with AI categorization | 1200+ exercises |
| Offline Support | Full AI functionality | Full functionality |
| Price | Free (beta) / €6/mo | Free tier / $9.99/mo Pro |
Key Differences
AI vs Manual
Arvo tells you what weight to use next. Hevy shows you what you did last time. Arvo coaches; Hevy records.
Workout Generation
Arvo generates complete workouts based on your goals, equipment, and methodology preference. Hevy requires you to create or use templates.
Progression System
Arvo implements double progression, linear periodization, and methodology-specific protocols. Hevy leaves progression decisions entirely to you.
Target Audience
Arvo is for lifters who want intelligent guidance. Hevy is for experienced lifters who know what they're doing and just need to log.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvo better than Hevy?
For lifters who want AI-powered progression and automatic workout adjustments, Arvo is better. Hevy is better if you prefer manual control and want a clean, simple logging experience without AI recommendations.
Is Arvo more expensive than Hevy?
Hevy has a free tier with ads. Hevy Pro costs $9.99/month. Arvo is free during beta and will cost €6/month post-beta. Both offer good value, but Arvo includes AI features that Hevy lacks entirely.
Does Hevy have AI like Arvo?
No. Hevy is primarily a workout logger with templates and graphs. It doesn't have AI that recommends weights, adjusts your workout in real-time, or implements training methodologies. That's Arvo's core advantage.
Can I track the same data in both apps?
Both track weight, reps, and sets. Arvo additionally tracks RIR/RPE, mental readiness, and automatically calculates MEV/MAV/MRV. Hevy requires manual entry for everything without intelligent suggestions.
Which app has better graphs and analytics?
Hevy has excellent visualization for logged data. Arvo's analytics include AI-generated insights, plateau detection, and volume tracking against scientific landmarks. Arvo interprets your data; Hevy displays it.
Does Hevy support training methodologies like Kuba or FST-7?
No. Hevy is a pure logger without methodology support. You can create templates that mimic methodology structures, but there's no automatic set/rep scheme enforcement or methodology-specific periodization like Arvo offers.
Does Hevy track MEV/MAV/MRV volume?
No. Hevy tracks total volume but doesn't use scientific volume landmarks. You can calculate these manually, but Arvo automatically tracks MEV, MAV, and MRV per muscle group with intelligent deload recommendations.
Can I import my Hevy data to Arvo?
Currently Arvo doesn't have direct Hevy import. However, Arvo's AI learns your patterns quickly from your first workouts, so you won't lose much by starting fresh.
Which app is better for beginners?
Arvo is better for beginners because it tells you exactly what to do. Hevy assumes you already know how to program your workouts. Arvo's AI guidance removes the guesswork from training.
Does Hevy have social features that Arvo lacks?
Yes. Hevy has friends, leaderboards, and social sharing. Arvo focuses on personal coaching rather than social features, though coach integration is available for those who want human guidance alongside AI.
Which app is better for powerlifting?
Both work for powerlifting. Hevy's simplicity appeals to powerlifters who follow specific programs. Arvo's methodology support and RIR tracking can optimize powerlifting training with AI-driven periodization.
Can Hevy replace a personal trainer?
Hevy is a logger, not a trainer—it doesn't tell you what to do. Arvo is designed to replace or complement a personal trainer with AI coaching that provides real-time workout recommendations.
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