Stop Counting Reps in Your Head

Counting reps while exercising is distracting. You lose focus on your form, forget where you are, and often miscount. What if your phone could count for you automatically?

In 2025, several apps use AI to count your reps automatically. Here's a complete guide to the best options.

How Automatic Rep Counting Works

The Technology: Pose Detection

Modern smartphones have enough processing power to run AI models that can:

  1. Detect your body in the camera feed
  2. Track key points like joints and limbs
  3. Recognize movements and exercise patterns
  4. Count reps when you complete full movements
All of this happens in real-time, right on your phone.

Top Apps for Automatic Rep Counting

1. Fitnit – Best Overall

Exercises Tracked:

  • Push-ups
  • Squats
  • Crunches
  • Bicep curls
  • More coming soon

Key Features:

  • Accurate AI pose detection
  • Real-time form feedback
  • Counts only proper-form reps
  • Works on any phone with a camera
  • Free during beta
  • Privacy-focused (local processing)

Pros:

  • Very accurate counting
  • Form feedback helps improve technique
  • Also includes photo-based nutrition tracking
  • No wearable required
  • Completely free right now

Cons:

  • Currently limited to 4 exercises
  • Requires phone positioning during workout
Best For: Home workout enthusiasts who want accurate tracking without wearables.

2. Tempo (Hardware Required)

Exercises Tracked:

  • Most strength training movements
  • Uses 3D depth sensor for accuracy

Key Features:

  • Dedicated hardware with depth camera
  • Highly accurate tracking
  • Large exercise library
  • Live and on-demand classes

Pros:

  • Very accurate with depth sensing
  • Professional-grade tracking
  • Guided workouts included

Cons:

  • Requires $495+ hardware purchase
  • Monthly subscription required
  • Not portable
Best For: Serious home gym users with budget for dedicated hardware.

3. Gymaholic

Exercises Tracked:

  • Various gym exercises
  • Primarily uses Apple Watch

Key Features:

  • Apple Watch integration
  • Motion-based rep detection
  • Workout planning tools

Pros:

  • Works with existing Apple Watch
  • Good for gym environments
  • Comprehensive workout planning

Cons:

  • Requires Apple Watch
  • Less accurate than camera-based
  • Subscription for premium features
Best For: Apple Watch users who workout at the gym.

4. Freeletics

Exercises Tracked:

  • Bodyweight exercises
  • Some rep counting via motion

Key Features:

  • AI-personalized workouts
  • Adaptive training plans
  • Community challenges

Pros:

  • Personalized workout programs
  • Good motivation features
  • Large community

Cons:

  • Limited automatic tracking
  • Expensive subscription
  • Rep counting not as accurate
Best For: Users who want AI-generated workout plans more than tracking.

Feature Comparison Chart

Feature Fitnit Tempo Gymaholic Freeletics
Camera-based tracking ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌
No hardware needed ✅ ❌ ❌ (needs Watch) ✅
Form feedback ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌
Free option ✅ ❌ Limited Limited
Nutrition tracking ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌
Privacy (local processing) ✅ ❌ N/A N/A

Why Camera-Based Tracking is Superior

Accuracy

Camera-based apps can see your actual movement:

  • Counts only complete range of motion
  • Detects partial reps
  • Measures form quality
Motion sensors (watches/phones) can only estimate:
  • Less accurate for many exercises
  • Can't detect form issues
  • May count accidental movements

Form Feedback

Only camera-based apps can tell you:

  • If your back is straight
  • If you're going deep enough
  • If your alignment is correct
  • When fatigue is affecting your form

No Wearable Required

With camera-based apps:

  • No watch to charge
  • No strap to wear
  • No extra purchases needed
  • Works with any smartphone

Setting Up for Best Results

Phone Positioning

For accurate rep counting:

  • Place phone 4-6 feet away
  • Ensure full body is visible
  • Use landscape or portrait based on exercise
  • Keep camera at appropriate height

Lighting

Better lighting = better tracking:

  • Natural light is best
  • Avoid backlit situations
  • Ensure even lighting on your body

Clothing

Help the AI see your body:

  • Wear fitted clothing
  • Contrasting colors help
  • Avoid very baggy clothes

Conclusion: The Best Rep Counting App

For most people wanting automatic rep counting without buying extra hardware, Fitnit is the best choice in 2025:

  • Free to use
  • Accurate camera-based tracking
  • Real-time form feedback
  • Also tracks nutrition
  • Privacy-focused

Try Automatic Rep Counting Today

Download Fitnit free and never count reps in your head again!