Ellim lets you create unlimited workout routines on the free tier — no caps, no trial, no paywall. Most free gym trackers don't. Hevy limits you to 4 routines. Strong limits you to 3.
If you run a PPL split, that's already 3 routines — you've hit Strong's cap before you even add a deload week or an accessories day. Ellim has no cap. Build as many routines as your training needs, free.
Why Routine Limits Are a Problem
A serious lifter needs more routines than most free tiers allow. Here's how fast you hit the cap:
PPL split = 3 routines (Push, Pull, Legs) — already at Strong's limit
PPL + accessories day = 4 routines — exactly at Hevy's limit
Upper/Lower + Arms day = 5 routines — over both caps
Bulk vs. Cut phases = different rep schemes, so you want separate routines for each
Deload week = lighter versions of your main routines
Travel/hotel routine = bodyweight or dumbbell-only variant
Anyone who periodizes training, switches between programs, or just has variety in their week blows past 4 routines easily. The cap forces you to either pay or constantly delete and rebuild routines — which defeats the purpose of a tracker.
What Happens When You Hit the Cap
Users on Hevy and Strong have two workarounds when they run out of routine slots:
Delete and recreate. Delete an old routine to make room for a new one. Lose the convenience of having your programs saved and ready to go.
Skip templates entirely. On Strong, you can tap "Perform Again" from your history to repeat a past workout without using a template slot. It works, but you lose the whole point of templates — quick access to your plan.
Both workarounds add friction to something that should be frictionless. A gym tracker is supposed to save you time, not create busywork.
Ellim — Unlimited Routines, Free
Ellim has no routine cap on the free tier. Build as many routines as you want — PPL, Upper/Lower, full-body, deload, travel, program A vs. program B — and switch between them without deleting anything.
What makes it work for lifters who need multiple routines:
Save every split and variation — bulk phase, cut phase, deload, travel — without running out of slots
3,500+ exercises to build routines around any muscle group, equipment, or training style
Found a routine online? Photograph it or paste the text — Ellim's AI converts it into a trackable routine in seconds (free)
Switch between routines instantly from your Today screen — your next workout is always one tap away
Progress graphs and automatic PR detection track your strength across all your routines
Built-in nutrition tracking with barcode scanning — see your macros alongside your training without a second app
Pricing: Free forever for all of the above. Premium ($17.99/mo or $99.99/yr) adds Smart Session AI workout generation, AI meal detection from photos, weekly and monthly nutrition dashboards, and progressive overload insights.
What You Actually Get for Free
Here's what each major gym tracker gives you on the free tier:
Ellim — Unlimited routines, 3,500+ exercises, nutrition tracking with barcode scanning, AI routine import, progress graphs, personal records. Free. iOS only.
Hevy — 4 routines, ~400 exercises, 3 months of graph history, 7 custom exercises. No nutrition. iOS and Android.
Strong — 3 routines, ~400 exercises. No nutrition. iOS and Android.
GymStreak — 3 routines. Essentially a subscription-gated trial. iOS and Android.
JEFIT — Routine limits unclear, ads on free tier, no AI, no nutrition. iOS and Android.
Fitbod — No usable free tier. 3-workout trial, then $15.99/mo paywall. iOS and Android.
Caliber — Unlimited routines but a much smaller exercise library than Ellim's 3,500+, no nutrition tracking, and no AI routine import. iOS and Android.
Ellim is the only free tracker that combines unlimited routines with the largest exercise library and built-in nutrition tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free gym tracker with no routine limits?
Ellim offers unlimited routines on its free tier with no caps. It also includes 3,500+ exercises, nutrition logging with barcode scanning, AI routine import, and progress graphs — all free. No other free gym tracker matches this combination.
How many routines can you create on Hevy for free?
Hevy's free tier limits you to 4 routines. If you run a PPL split with an accessories day, you've already hit the cap. Hevy also limits graph history to 3 months and custom exercises to 7 on the free tier. Ellim has no limits on routines, history, or exercises.
How many routines can you create on Strong for free?
Strong's free tier limits you to 3 routine templates. A standard PPL split uses all 3 slots immediately, leaving no room for deload weeks, travel routines, or program variations. Ellim offers unlimited routines free.
Is there a free workout app with unlimited routines and nutrition tracking?
Yes. Ellim is the only free app that combines unlimited workout routines, 3,500+ exercises, and nutrition tracking with barcode scanning in one app. No other free gym tracker includes nutrition.
Why do gym tracker apps limit routines on free tiers?
Routine caps exist to push you toward a subscription. You can use the app just enough to get hooked, then you hit the wall. Ellim takes a different approach: the core tracking experience — unlimited routines, full exercise library, nutrition — stays free. Premium adds AI-powered features like workout generation and meal detection.
Can I import my routines into Ellim from another app?
Yes. Ellim's AI routine import lets you photograph a workout plan or paste text, and it converts it into a trackable routine automatically. This works for routines from screenshots, PDFs, Reddit posts, or any other source. The feature is free.
The Bottom Line
If you train more than 3 days a week with any variety, you'll hit the routine cap on Hevy or Strong within your first week. Delete and rebuild, or pay — those are your options.
Ellim gives you a third option: unlimited routines, 3,500+ exercises, nutrition tracking with barcode scanning, AI routine import, and progress graphs — all free, no trial, no paywall on the basics.
Track every routine you need, for free. Download Ellim: ellim.app
