Show HN: Workout Tracker PWA (opens in new tab)

This is what all web apps should be like: Zero barrier to entry, loads instantly, self explanatory UI, privacy first. While I probably won't use it to track workouts, it only took me a few seconds to evaluate.

Complexity will set in as you allow users to import, export, and sync data. But based on the great start you have here, I bet you can pull it off.

Nice and clean!

As a fellow web slinger, I recently went down the road of trying to build a simple veggie tracker as a PWA.

I realized pretty quickly that the PWA world still feels like a hacky mess, with weird CSS rules to make it feel more, but never fully, native.

Most of the issues from way back in the pre-App-Store days remain.

For example, double tapping on the screen triggers a zoom, and there's no way to disable it.

After a full week trying to make my PWA not feel clunky, I resorted to making my first native iOS app with the help of chatty G.

It was surprisingly easy. It took two days to build, and because it's native, everything just works.

PWAs as a platform have so much potential, this app being a great example. It's frustrating that developments aren't further along than they are. I'd think Google especially would have interest in supporting such a platform

Another interesting thing in this space is Traindown[1]. It's simply Markdown for your exercises. As an example for those who need convincing to go to a link, this could be a simple workout:

  @ Mar 03 2024 08:00
  
  # Unit: kg
  # Bodyweight: 70
  
  Squat:
    40 12r
    65 8r 2s
    40 12r
  
  Assisted Pull Up:
    bw-20 12r
    bw-5 6r
    bw 2r

It's much more free-form than this, which is a bonus for me and allows me to track metadata such as weight, time of day I'm exercising at, or general mood/feeling about the workout. I can ultimately just take these plain markdown files from the app (I use a basic Android app that visualizes this Markdown[2]), import them and do whatever processing I like in Python.

Highly recommended!

[1] https://traindown.com/

[2]https://github.com/traindown/transponder

Wouldn't work for me without the ability to add other exercises. I'm also not familiar with a lot of these exercises, so descriptions and images would be very helpful.

Shameless plug: I've written a similar tool [1] that I use daily, similarly straightforward (but much less attractive than the tool in this post). Main difference is that it focuses on 5/3/1 + strength training (e.g. how many reps do I need on this set for a personal record?), and you configure your workout (weeks, sets, reps, etc) in a JSON file instead of the UI.

[1] https://github.com/bcspragu/stronk

This is simple I'll give it that but it does lack many critical features.

I've been using the Strong app on my iPhone for over a year as it seems to provide the simplest approach to workout tracking with enough detail without over cluttering the UI.

This solution needs more way exercises, particularly those using barbells, dumbbells, for instance there is no lat pulldown in the upper body section.

The solution needs the ability to add in the weight, sets and reps performed on particular exercises. I should then be able to reorder these exercises as part of the developed routine. Once I created a workout I could seem to create other different workouts, or replace/edit the workout I'd just created.

I think these are core requirements.

Then you can add in other nice to haves like timed rest periods between sets. Statistics around total volume, PB's both in a rep and set.

I implore you to check out the Strong app to see a well built app that is simple, not overly complicated and includes key features.

Good idea, but I don't want to rely on an internet connection for this. I'd also just prefer to own the data.

I use a simple Seinfeld-style habit tracker for mine:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.isoron.uha...

Workout tracking is a fun project. It's relatively simple in scope and you can customize it for an audience of 1 -- I did something similar to brush up on RN development:

https://www.workoutsios.com/

Neat that it's to the point - but some information would be welcome. Where is the date stored, for one. Future pricing?

Currently lacks flexibility. Cannot add weights to deadlift, or find barbell squats. Need weights, not just reps.

I can't open this in Brazil, any barriers to do so? Nor does the link shows up on Google.

This is so clean. Mad props.

i track my workouts in simple note.

Why does it have to be so complicated?

Entering a workout should not be so difficult. This app requires clicking 5 times to add a workout.

Would love if I could self-host this with Docker.

What libraries have you used?

Neat. Is there a way to backup or save results? I currently use Jefit on Android but have noticed the enshittification creeping in. It probably won't be long before seeing any historical data requires a monthly subscription.