Hey everyone, Cameron here from Grapplers Graveyard!
I wanted to share my real experience using the Ladder Fitness app, because this isn’t a review I planned to write, it’s one that happened organically. Like a lot of people, I first came across Ladder through a TikTok ad. Normally I scroll past those, but curiosity got the best of me. I downloaded the app, started the 7-day free trial, and figured I’d give it a fair shot.
What immediately stood out was how much structure and time-saving value the app gave me. Within the first week, I realized I wasn’t wasting time guessing workouts, second-guessing programming, or hopping between routines.
Everything was laid out clearly, progress was tracked automatically, and the coaching felt intentional. By the end of the trial, it was obvious this was something I’d stick with long term — and now, eight months later, I’m still using it consistently.
In this review, I’ll break down:
- Why I chose the Ladder Fitness app as my go-to gym programming
- Why I think it’s especially useful for grapplers and busy professionals
- A straightforward overview of my experience using the app and training under different coaches
If you’re short on time, train hard, and want a system that actually removes friction from working out, this breakdown should help you decide if Ladder is worth trying for yourself.
Why I Decided to Try the Ladder Fitness App
Outside of pure curiosity, the real reason I gave the Ladder Fitness app a shot was because I’d been struggling with something for a long time: consistent, structured workouts that actually felt like progress.
As an online business owner, a working professional, someone in a relationship, and someone who still wants a life outside of work, fitting in quality training isn’t always easy. For years, I’ve lifted weights and trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but if I’m being honest, my weight training always took a back seat to jiu-jitsu. I showed up, I lifted, but there wasn’t much intention or structure behind it.
Lately, that shifted. I started feeling more drawn to lifting consistently and spending more time in the gym — and that’s when the lack of structure really became obvious. I was training more, but I wasn’t following a plan. No clear progression, no real system, just workouts that felt fine but weren’t moving the needle.
So when I saw Ladder pop up in a TikTok ad, it actually caught my attention. It felt targeted — in a good way. I figured I’d try the free trial and see if it could solve the exact problem I was dealing with.
What immediately stood out is how flexible and customizable the app is. Ladder lets you choose:
- Your ideal workout time
- The style of training you actually want to do
Whether that’s:
- Cardio-focused training
- Pilates or strength training (especially great options for women)
- Bodybuilding-style workouts for muscle and strength
There’s a trainer and program for pretty much every goal and schedule. Instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all routine, Ladder adapts to how you want to train. That level of structure combined with flexibility was exactly what I was missing — and it’s what made me stick with the app long-term.
My Training Background Before Ladder
Before using Ladder, my training was heavily centered around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with weight training playing more of a supporting role than a primary focus. I’ve spent years on the mats, consistently training and prioritizing grappling, while my gym sessions were often unstructured and secondary.
I lifted regularly, but without a clear progression or long-term plan, which meant my strength training lagged behind my overall athletic goals. As my priorities started to shift toward building strength and training more consistently in the gym, that lack of structure became impossible to ignore.
The Problem I Was Trying to Solve
The main problem I was trying to solve was consistency and progression in the gym without adding more mental load to an already busy life.
Between running online businesses, working full-time, maintaining a relationship, and still training jiu-jitsu, I didn’t want to spend extra time programming workouts or guessing whether what I was doing was actually moving me forward.
I needed structure, clear progression, and time-efficient workouts that fit into real life—not another system that required more planning than the training itself.
What the Ladder Fitness App Actually Is (Quick Overview)
The Ladder Fitness app is a structure-first workout app that gives you guided training plans created by certified coaches and tailored to your goals — whether that’s strength, conditioning, fat loss, or general fitness.
Instead of random workouts or guesswork, Ladder provides a step-by-step training program you follow on your schedule, with built-in progression, tracking, and personalization.
It’s designed for people who want a clear training roadmap without spending time planning routines, making it ideal for busy professionals, athletes, or anyone who wants results without the guesswork.
How Ladder Works
Ladder works by pairing you with a real coach and a structured training plan that updates weekly based on your goals, schedule, and performance. When you sign up, you choose what you want to focus on (strength, conditioning, hypertrophy, Pilates, etc.), how many days per week you can train, and how long your workouts need to be. From there, Ladder assigns you to a coach and program that fits those preferences.
you always have the option to change your trainer at any given moment. I’ve gone through five at this point before. I stuck with Corey from Team Forged!
In short: Ladder removes decision fatigue, saves time, and gives you a proven structure—so you can focus on showing up, training hard, and getting results.
Who Ladder Is Built For
Ladder isn’t trying to be everything for everyone and that’s actually one of its biggest strengths. It’s built for a very specific type of person who wants results without overthinking their training.
Ladder is a great fit if you are:
- A busy professional who wants effective workouts without spending time planning, guessing, or wandering the gym.
- Someone who craves structure and consistency, but still wants flexibility around workout length, training days, and goals.
- An athlete or active person (including grapplers) who wants strength training to support their sport—not compete with the rest of their life.
- Anyone tired of random workouts and looking for a clear progression plan that actually makes you stronger over time.
Ladder may not be for you if:
- You already love writing your own programs and enjoy experimenting without guidance.
- You want purely unstructured, “do whatever you feel like today” workouts.
- You’re only looking for free content and aren’t ready to commit to a consistent training routine.
- You expect 2-hour gym sessions with zero regard for time efficiency.
At the end of the day, Ladder works best for people who value clarity, efficiency, and long-term progress. If that sounds like you, this app makes training feel simple again—in the best way possible.
My Real Experience After 8 Months of Using Ladder
Overall, my experience with Ladder after eight months has been genuinely positive. From starting on the free trial to committing to the annual membership, I haven’t run into anything that made me question using the app long term. It’s done exactly what I hoped it would do: remove friction from training and make strength work feel simple, structured, and sustainable.
While I don’t use every feature religiously (like nutrition or water tracking), that’s more about personal preference than a flaw in the app. I already have my hydration and meal prep dialed in, and Ladder lets me focus on what I actually need it for—showing up and training consistently.
How Often I Actually Trained
Realistically, I train with Ladder about 2–3 times per week. That’s intentional. I set a goal this year to complete 104 Ladder workouts, which averages out to two per week. As someone who’s juggling work, relationships, and other priorities, that felt realistic and achievable.
I’ve also tried four or five different trainers inside the app, and switching between programs has been seamless. Whether I wanted more strength-focused work or something slightly different week to week, the transition never felt disruptive or confusing.
How Ladder Fits Into a Busy Schedule
My days are full. I’m up early, working a demanding job that involves talking to clients and customers all day, and by the time work is done, mental energy is usually pretty low.
This is where Ladder really shines for me. After work, I can head straight to the gym knowing my workout is already planned. No thinking. No wandering. No debating what I should be doing. I just open the app, hit start, and get to work.
Could I wake up earlier and train? Sure. But I value my sleep—and Ladder makes training after work feel efficient instead of draining.
What Kept Me Coming Back
What ultimately kept me consistent was how easy Ladder makes showing up. I wanted a system where the only responsibility I had was to give my best effort once I walked into the gym. Ladder does exactly that.
It removes decision fatigue, respects your time, and gives you structure without being rigid. For me, that autonomy—combined with real progression—has been the difference between wanting to train and actually doing it week after week.
Pros & Cons of the Ladder Fitness App
Pros
- Clear structure with real progression
- Saves a ton of time
- Perfect for busy professionals
- Flexible programming
- Great for grapplers looking to balance lifting with other training
- Easy to stay consistent even at just 2–3 workouts per week
- Minimal mental effort
Cons
- Not ideal if you hate structured programs or want total freedom every session
- Nutrition and hydration tracking may feel unnecessary
- Better suited for consistency than max-intensity daily training
- Subscription-based (not a one-time purchase)
I have a 30-day guest pass. Click below if you want to try and test out the app for 30 days.
Ladder has been a complete game changer for our daily gym routine while mixing it in with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you are a busy professional or someone that is looking for structure in the gym, Ladder is amazing. Join Ladder today and get 30 days for free using my referral code!
Is the Ladder Fitness App Worth It?
Yes if you’re a busy professional or grappler who wants structured, time-efficient workouts without overthinking your training, the Ladder Fitness app is absolutely worth it. It delivers real progression, saves mental energy, and makes staying consistent in the gym far easier than trying to program everything yourself.
