Boostcamp Brings Together All the Best Free Reddit Workouts in One Handy App
There are plenty of great free workout programs out there, and it’s not that hard to find them, especially once you start browsing fitness forums like Reddit. But even when these programs are free, there are still obstacles to getting started, such as figuring out how to download a program from a spreadsheet to your phone (or, if you’re like me, the precious diary you carry with you to the gym). ).
I know I’m not the only one who chose a not-so-great beginner program because it came with an easy-to-use app. My mistake happened many years ago. Luckily there is Boostcamp today.
Boostcamp is a workout app that comes with several different programs preloaded with a focus on those that are beginner-friendly. The app is free and almost all of the programs in it are free, although you have the option to tip the creators of the program.
The following programs are currently available on Boostcamp:
- GZCLP , a linear progression (LP) developed by powerlifter Cody Lefever. (LPs are made for beginners on their honeymoon, when you can add weight every workout.)
- nSuns , the famous program on Reddit that mimics 5/3/1 by putting about a week of training into each day; it gives you the basic lifts every day and lets you choose your own accessories.
- Candito 6-week , developed by powerlifter Johnny Candito, provides short but intense workouts to increase your strength in core lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift).
- PHUL , a weekly upper and lower body “strength” and “hypertrophy” program that aims to increase strength and muscle size through a variety of rep ranges and accessories.
- Reddit PPL , a push-pull split (i.e. three different types of workouts, each done twice a week) that is more bodybuilding-like, with 8-12 reps of most exercises and focusing on a body part each day.
- The Greg Nuckols Beginner Program , a customizable short workout program designed specifically for this app. (Nuckols has several other cheap and free programs that are highly recommended on Reddit and elsewhere; Nuckols is also a Boostcamp consultant.)
- Recommended program r/bodyweightfitness , which we wrote about earlier ; This is a great way to strength train without weights. The app also includes a “Basics” routine that assumes you know nothing and starts you off with one or two entry-level exercises each day.
- Several beginner-friendly size programs from Morit Summers , including the “Fit at Every Size” series without weights and two premium programs that require a subscription.
- Matt Hsu Mobility Program, which can be used in conjunction with any other program.
- And two running programs from John Henwood : one for those who are new to running (you start with just one minute intervals) and one for those who come back after a break. Both have audio tracks to help you while you run, and you can listen to your own music while you run them.
Not only are these good programs – I would not hesitate to recommend any of them – the application also has special features for each of them. If you were to load any of the spreadsheet programs into a general purpose application like Strong , you could follow your workouts just fine, but you would still have to read the details on how to move from session to session and apply them. manually. Boostcamp will take care of that for you.
For example, in the bodyweightfitness program, you can progress by choosing the appropriate level for each exercise. If you can do regular air squats, you can move on to the single leg squat progression. During training, there is a “progress” button in the corner, and you can choose the most suitable one. (There are also video demos for each movement, which is very helpful.)
Many weight training programs include a setup step where you tell how much you can lift, and then the programs adapt as you go, telling you how much to put on the bar for each set of each workout. Some, like nSuns, open up an “analytics” card that shows how your strength increases over time. And each program has a “Community” tab where you can ask questions or support others who use the same program.
You can also run multiple programs at the same time, such as a strength program and a running program. Runners may like the bodyweightfitness program; lifters may want to switch to “Zero to Hero” for returning runners if they are already in some form but not accustomed to running.
All in all, it’s a great app to run a variety of proven programs without having to think through a bunch of numbers or figure out progression charts before you get started. If spreadsheets scare you, try Boostcamp.