Is there an app that counts reps?
Yes, there are several. They count in different ways, and the way they count decides how accurate they are, which exercises they handle and how much setup they need. Here's an honest rundown.
Why we care about this
Apex One started as a rep counter. Our founder tore his rotator cuff skiing and spent about a year unable to lift his arm past shoulder height. He wanted a counter accurate enough for rep competitions, where a half rep shouldn't count, and building it for his own shoulder rehab is what turned it into a home coach. So we've spent a lot of time on what makes a rep count trustworthy.
The four ways apps count reps
- Phone camera. You prop the phone up, it tracks your body position, and it counts a rep when you move through the full range and back. Works for squats, push-ups, lunges, curls and more without wearing anything. Needs space, light and your body in frame.
- Smartwatch motion. The watch feels your wrist moving. Good for arm-driven moves and logging, but it can't see your legs or depth, so squats and anything slow or unusual are harder to count reliably.
- Phone proximity sensor. For push-ups, some apps have you touch your nose or chest to the phone on the floor. Simple and offline, but only for push-ups and easy to cheat.
- Tap or manual logging. You count and tap or type in the number. Great for programming and history, but you're still the one counting.
What makes a rep counter accurate
- It only counts full reps. A counter that counts any bob up and down will flatter you; one that checks depth or range gives numbers you can trust.
- It handles the speed you actually move at, from slow rehab reps to fast challenge sets.
- It doesn't double-count when you pause, wobble or adjust your feet.
- It works from a sensible distance and angle, because your living room isn't a lab.
- It tells you when it lost track of you, rather than quietly guessing.
How to set up a camera rep counter
- Prop the phone up. At around waist height, against a wall, books or a water bottle, or on a cheap stand.
- Step back. Far enough that your whole body is in frame for the move, usually 2 to 3 metres for squats.
- Pick the angle. Side-on usually shows depth best for squats and push-ups; front-on works for jumping jacks and many standing moves. Follow what the app asks for.
- Light the room. Light in front of you, not a bright window behind you.
- Wear something that contrasts. Clothes that stand out from the background help tracking.
Privacy: where does the video go?
Ask this of any camera app. Some process video on the phone, and some upload it. With Apex One, your video stays on your phone. If an app doesn't say clearly, assume it might leave the device.
Which counting method suits you
- You train at home and do squats, lunges or push-ups: a camera counter is usually the best fit, because it can see your legs and depth.
- You lift in a busy gym and mostly want a log: a watch or a manual logging app is easier than setting up a phone.
- You only do push-ups and want something simple: a proximity app works, though it's easy to cheat.
- You're doing home rehab: rehab moves are slow and often holds, which most counters aren't built for. Apex One's rehab programs time your holds and count reps out loud at a steady pace, but the camera isn't used for them.
What to check before you pay
- Does it count the exercises you actually do?
- Does it reject half reps, or count anything that moves?
- Can you try it for free first?
- Where does your video go, and is it clear about that?
- Can you cancel easily, and is the price clear up front?
Rep counting for challenges
Counters are handy for challenges like a 30-day push-up or squat challenge, where you want an honest number each day. A good counter makes the count consistent from one day to the next, so your progress is real and not just looser reps.
Rep competitions in Apex One are coming soon.
Setting up your phone for camera counting
- Prop the phone up at around waist height, 2 to 3 metres away.
- Keep your whole body in frame, including your feet.
- Have the light in front of you, not behind you.
- Clear the background if you can.
What to expect on day one
Set the phone up side-on, start a set of squats and listen for the count. If a rep isn't counted, check that your whole body is in frame and you're moving through the full range. Most people get the setup right within a couple of sets.
What Apex One does
Apex One counts each full rep out loud with your phone camera, across 10 common moves including squats, push-ups, lunges, bicep curls and jumping jacks, and its voice coaches, Roger and Blondie, cue your form and keep you going mid-set. It also has guided rehab programs for between physio sessions, grouped by body area from neck and shoulder to knee, Achilles and heel, plus home-care routines. They talk you through and time each exercise rather than counting it with the camera. Rep competitions are coming soon.
You can try the free squat counter in your browser, nothing to install. Apex One+ is $19.99/mo or $99/yr, cancel anytime. Built in Calgary. Works globally.
Count every rep with your phone
Prop your phone up and Apex One counts each full rep out loud and cues your form on 10 strength moves, including squats, push-ups, lunges and curls. Video stays on your phone. Try the free demo in your browser, nothing to install.
Questions
Can my phone count my reps?
Yes. Camera-based apps use your phone's camera to see the movement and count each rep. You just need to prop the phone up and stand in frame.
Can an Apple Watch count reps?
Watches can count some arm-driven exercises, but they can't see your legs or how deep you go, so camera counting is usually better for squats and lunges.
Is there a free app that counts reps?
Some apps have free tiers. Apex One has a free squat counter demo that runs in your browser.
Do rep counting apps record me?
It depends on the app. Apex One's video stays on your phone. Check any app's privacy policy before you use it.
How do you count reps and sets?
A rep is one full movement, like one squat down and up. A set is a group of reps done without resting, like 3 sets of 10. A rep counter handles the reps; you choose the sets.