Exercise Library
Every movement in the app comes with instructions, a muscle group, its equipment, and a default rep range — not just a name in a dropdown.
What is in it
The library ships with 439 exercises, and every one of them carries a written description of how to perform it. There are no name-only entries padding the count.
Each exercise is filed under one of 17 muscle groups, plus cardio, and tagged with the equipment it needs: barbell, dumbbell, cable, machine, plate-loaded machine, Smith machine, kettlebell, bodyweight, or other. Secondary muscles are recorded separately, which is what lets the muscle map credit a row to your biceps as well as your back.
Compound or isolation, on every entry
Every exercise is classified — 221 compound, 198 isolation. That is not decoration: it is what keeps the analytics honest, because counting a set of lateral raises as equal to a set of squats makes a volume chart meaningless.
Each entry also carries a sensible default rep range and rest interval, so a routine you build is usable before you have configured a single number.
Finding things
Search by name, or filter down by muscle group and equipment — the useful filter when you are training at home with two dumbbells, or when the only free rack is a Smith machine.
Anything missing you can add yourself, and your version behaves exactly like a built-in one.
It’s free, and it’s in the app
439 exercises, 40+ ready-made routines, and unlimited workout logging — no account required to start.
Frequently asked questions
How many exercises does Gym Journal have?
439, across 17 muscle groups and 9 equipment types. Every one has written instructions, a compound or isolation classification, and default reps and rest.
Is the full library free?
Yes. The whole 439-exercise library is on the free plan, along with unlimited workout logging.
What if an exercise is missing?
Add it as a custom exercise. It gets history, charts and PR tracking like anything else in the library.