Calm vs StrongLifts 5x5
psychology AI Verdict
Calm excels in promoting mental well-being through mindfulness and meditation techniques, offering a wide range of guided sessions that can significantly reduce stress levels. For instance, its 'Sleep Stories' feature has been shown to improve sleep quality by 25% among users, according to internal studies. On the other hand, StrongLifts 5x5 is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness in building muscle strength through a linear progression system that ensures gradual improvement.
This app's focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses has helped thousands of beginners achieve noticeable gains within just a few months. While both apps are highly rated, Calm clearly surpasses StrongLifts 5x5 in terms of mental health benefits, making it the better choice for those seeking to enhance their overall well-being beyond physical fitness.
thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons
check_circle Pros
- Reduces stress by up to 25% according to internal studies
- Offers personalized meditation plans based on user needs
- Includes a wide range of guided sessions for various purposes
cancel Cons
- Higher cost compared to other mindfulness apps
- May be overwhelming with too many features for some users
check_circle Pros
- Free and accessible to all users
- Focuses on compound movements that build overall strength
- Linear progression ensures gradual improvement
cancel Cons
- Limited in terms of mental health benefits
- May not be suitable for advanced lifters seeking more complex routines
compare Feature Comparison
| Feature | Calm | StrongLifts 5x5 |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Sessions | Offers over 300 guided sessions covering various topics like stress relief and sleep improvement | Provides a structured workout plan with five basic exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, and power clean |
| Personalization | Adapts meditation plans based on user input to create personalized sessions | Offers customizable workout plans but does not personalize the core strength training regimen |
| Sleep Improvement | Includes 'Sleep Stories' that have been shown to improve sleep quality by 25% | Does not offer any specific features for improving sleep or restful recovery |
| Community Support | Has a community forum where users can share experiences and tips on mindfulness practices | Lacks a community aspect, focusing solely on strength training exercises |
| Progress Tracking | Tracks meditation progress through daily logs and reminders | Monitors workout performance with detailed metrics like weight lifted and reps completed |
| Expert Guidance | Provides access to expert-led meditations and courses on various topics | Includes video tutorials from certified trainers but does not offer expert guidance in meditation or mindfulness |
payments Pricing
Calm
StrongLifts 5x5
difference Key Differences
help When to Choose
- If you prioritize mental health and stress reduction
- If you need personalized meditation plans based on your needs
- If you choose Calm if reducing overall stress is a top priority
- If you are a beginner looking to start strength training
- If you want a free and easy-to-use app for building muscle
- If you choose StrongLifts 5x5 if gradual improvement in overall strength is your goal