SmartGym vs Isomorphic Labs

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-09-01
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At a glance

DimensionSmartGymIsomorphic Labs
Target AudienceApple device users (strength training)Pharma companies (drug discovery)
PricingFreemium + $9.99/mo subscriptionContact for pricing (pharma partnerships)
AI Use CasePersonalized workout plans, periodization, exercise swappingProtein-ligand prediction, novel molecule design
PlatformiOS / iPadOS / watchOS / macOSN/A (research collaborations)
Key IntegrationStrava (added in v7.8)Partnerships with Novartis & Johnson & Johnson
Latest Newsv7.10: Custom HR zones, custom exercises in Smart TrainerSeries B funding (Feb 2026), $600M investment (2025)

These tools serve entirely different markets—SmartGym for individual Apple fitness users, Isomorphic Labs for big pharma AI drug discovery. Your choice comes down to whether you need a personal AI coach for strength training on Apple devices (go SmartGym) or want a high‑investment partnership for AI‑driven therapeutic design (go Isomorphic Labs). There is no overlap in use case.

SmartGym
SmartGym

AI-powered workout app for Apple that builds and adapts strength programs around your goals, equipment, and schedule.

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Isomorphic Labs
Isomorphic Labs

AI-native drug discovery partner building on AlphaFold for pharma R&D.

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Pricing
Freemium
Contact Sales
Plans
$0/mo
$9.99/mo or $59.99/yr
Popularity
3 views
7.4k views
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly
Advanced
API Available
Platforms
MobileDesktopAPIPluginCLI
Categories
🏋️ Fitness & Nutrition
🧬 Drug Discovery & Life Sciences
Features
AI Smart Trainer with periodization and progressive overload
730+ animated exercises with step-by-step instructions
130+ professionally designed workouts
Custom routines with text import via Apple Intelligence
Custom exercises with your own images
Progress tracking: volume, PRs, calories, muscle groups
Real-time heart rate zone display on iPhone and Watch
Apple Watch app fully independent, offline, no iPhone needed
Audio instructions for hands-free guidance
Mid-workout exercise swapping with alternatives
Training load tracking and effort rating
Inline Logging and custom keyboard on iPhone (v7.11)
Redesigned Workout Summary and Routine Progress (v7.10)
Custom heart rate zones (v7.10)
Stretch suggestions and routine segments (v7.9)
Drug Design Engine for generative molecule design
Predictive and generative AI models for drug discovery
AlphaFold-based structure prediction
Simulation of drug behavior and performance
End-to-end research collaborations from target to lead
Digital biology simulation at scale
Bioresilience framework for pandemic preparedness
Collaborative R&D with major pharma partners
Target identification and lead optimization support
US operations since 2025
Integrations
Strava
Apple Health
Apple Watch
Apple Fitness+
Powerbeats Pro 2

What real users say: SmartGym vs Isomorphic Labs

Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.

SmartGym

56 mentions across 3 sources · 100% positive

Product Hunt, App Store, Bluesky

What users praise

  • Excellent Apple Watch integration with full offline independence
  • AI Smart Trainer uses periodization to auto-adjust weights and reps
  • Over 730 animated exercises with step-by-step instructions
  • 130+ professionally designed, ready-to-use workouts

What frustrates them

  • Only available on Apple devices, no Android or web
  • Mac subscription popup lacks close button in reported bug
  • Full features require a subscription after 7-day trial
  • Limited negative feedback sample may hide real issues

Researched Jul 3, 2026

Isomorphic Labs

46 mentions across 3 sources · 73% positive

Hacker News, YouTube, Lemmy

What users praise

  • Backed by DeepMind's AlphaFold legacy and Nobel-winning science.
  • Massive pharma partnerships: Novartis, J&J, Eli Lilly.
  • Drug Design Engine (July 2026) moves beyond structure prediction.
  • Generative AI for molecule design, simulating drug behavior.

What frustrates them

  • Not a self-serve tool; partnership-only model limits access.
  • CASP16 shows no clear advantage over older prediction methods.
  • Clinical outcomes unproven; no approved drugs yet.
  • Returns tied to performance milestones, uncertain timeline.

Researched Aug 26, 2026

Who should pick which

  • Apple Watch fitness enthusiast
    Pick: SmartGym

    SmartGym is the only app here, designed for Apple devices with offline watch support, 730+ exercises, and AI periodization. Perfect for tracking strength training progress.

  • Big pharma VP of R&D
    Pick: Isomorphic Labs

    Isomorphic Labs partners with Novartis and J&J for large‑scale AI drug discovery. Their Drug Design Engine leverages AlphaFold for predictive protein‑ligand modeling—ideal for accelerated lead optimization.

  • Athlete wanting customizable AI coaching
    Pick: SmartGym

    SmartGym’s Smart Trainer adjusts weights and reps based on actual performance. Latest update adds custom exercises and heart‑rate zones for fine‑tuned training.

  • Early‑stage biotech startup
    Pick: Isomorphic Labs

    If you seek a deep‑pocketed pharma partner with foundational AI (AlphaFold), Isomorphic Labs is the only option. Their collaboration model is built for long‑term drug development programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

SmartGym vs Isomorphic Labs: which should you choose?

These tools serve entirely different markets—SmartGym for individual Apple fitness users, Isomorphic Labs for big pharma AI drug discovery. Your choice comes down to whether you need a personal AI coach for strength training on Apple devices (go SmartGym) or want a high‑investment partnership for AI‑driven therapeutic design (go Isomorphic Labs). There is no overlap in use case.

Can I use SmartGym on Android?

No. SmartGym is exclusive to Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Does Isomorphic Labs offer a public API?

No. Isomorphic Labs works only through direct pharma partnerships with Novartis and Johnson & Johnson.

What does the SmartGym subscription cost?

SmartGym Premium costs $9.99/month or $49.99/year. A free tier exists with limited features.

How much does Isomorphic Labs charge?

Pricing is not public; it is negotiated per partnership, likely involving multi‑million dollar commitments.

Does SmartGym integrate with Strava?

Yes, Strava sync was added in SmartGym v7.8 (Feb 2026).

What is the latest news about Isomorphic Labs?

Isomorphic Labs closed a Series B in February 2026, after a $600M external investment round in 2025. It also established US operations and appointed a CMO.

Can I create custom workouts in SmartGym?

Yes. You can create routines from scratch or paste text using Apple Intelligence. The latest v7.10 also adds custom exercises to the Smart Trainer.

Is SmartGym good for beginners?

Yes, it includes 730+ animated exercises with step‑by‑step instructions and automatic progression via the Smart Trainer.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026