What if every TikTok session started with pushups? A new wave of apps is making that a reality, requiring physical exercise before you can access social media. Here are the 5 best apps that make you exercise to scroll.
Why Exercise-to-Scroll Apps Work
Before diving into the apps, let's understand why this approach is so effective:
- Friction: Any barrier between urge and action reduces the behavior
- Behavior replacement: You're not just stopping a bad habit, you're replacing it with a good one
- Dopamine regulation: Exercise releases natural dopamine, reducing cravings for artificial hits
- Mindfulness: The pause makes you question whether you really want to scroll
Now let's look at the best apps in this category.
1. Repscroll
Price: Free to download Platforms: iOS Best for: Accurate exercise tracking and strict blocking
Repscroll uses advanced AI to count your reps and check your form, with a constantly updated exercise library. If your pushup doesn't go low enough, it doesn't count.
Key Features
- AI form correction: Won't count sloppy reps
- Multiple exercises: Pushups, squats, and planks
- Hard Lock mode: Can't uninstall or bypass until reps are done
- Emergency Scroll: Borrow time in emergencies (pay extra reps later)
- Health sync: Writes to Apple Health automatically
Exchange Rates
- Pushups: 2 reps = 1 minute of screen time
- Squats: 3 reps = 1 minute
- Plank: 5 seconds = 1 minute
Why Choose Repscroll
The form correction ensures you're actually getting exercise, not just going through the motions. The Hard Lock mode is perfect for people who know they'll try to cheat.
2. PushScroll
Price: Free with premium features Platforms: iOS, Android Best for: Variety of workout options
PushScroll is the most well-known app in this category, with over 200K users. It started the "pushups for screen time" trend.
Key Features
- Pose detection: Counts reps automatically
- 40+ exercises: In the dedicated workout section
- App scheduling: Set specific times for blocks
- Smart blocker: Customize which apps to block
Why Choose PushScroll
If you want a broader fitness experience beyond just screen time blocking, PushScroll's extensive exercise library is appealing.
3. ClearSpace
Price: Free with premium Platforms: iOS, Android Best for: Social features and accountability
ClearSpace combines exercise requirements with social features, letting you compete with friends and join challenges.
Key Features
- Pushup challenges: Do pushups to earn screen time
- Kinematic tracking: Uses AI to track movements
- Friend groups: Compare progress with friends
- Breathing exercises: Alternative to physical exercise
- Streak tracking: Stay motivated with streaks
Why Choose ClearSpace
If you're motivated by social accountability and friendly competition, ClearSpace's community features might keep you engaged longer.
4. Fit to Scroll
Price: $9.99/year Platforms: iOS Best for: Most exercise variety for screen time
Fit to Scroll offers the widest variety of exercises specifically for unlocking screen time (not just in a separate workout section).
Key Features
- 7 exercise types: Push-ups, knee push-ups, squats, planks, lunges, sit-ups, leg raises
- AI rep counter: Automatic counting via camera
- Per-app tracking: Track screen time for each blocked app separately
- Fitness goals: Set daily movement targets
Why Choose Fit to Scroll
If you get bored doing the same exercise and want variety specifically for unlocking apps, Fit to Scroll has the most options.
5. StepBloc
Price: Free with premium Platforms: iOS Best for: Walking instead of floor exercises
StepBloc takes a different approach: walk to unlock your apps. It's perfect for people who can't or don't want to do floor exercises.
Key Features
- Steps for screen time: Walk to earn app access
- Pushup option: Also supports pushups and squats
- AI tracking: Camera-based rep counting
- Daily goals: Set step and exercise targets
Why Choose StepBloc
If floor exercises aren't your thing, StepBloc lets you unlock apps by simply walking - great for people with mobility issues or those who prefer getting outside.
Comparison Table
| App | Price | Exercises for Screen Time | Form Check | Social Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repscroll | Free | Pushups, Squats, Planks | Yes (AI) | No |
| PushScroll | Free+ | Pushups, Squats | Basic | No |
| ClearSpace | Free+ | Pushups | Yes | Yes |
| Fit to Scroll | $9.99/yr | 7 exercises | Yes | No |
| StepBloc | Free+ | Steps, Pushups, Squats | Yes | No |
Which App Should You Choose?
Choose Repscroll if:
- You want advanced AI form correction
- Form accuracy is important to you
- You need strict blocking (Hard Lock mode)
- You want pushups, squats, or planks with more exercises coming regularly
Choose PushScroll if:
- You want a broader fitness app experience
- You don't need strict form checking
- You're okay with some premium features
Choose ClearSpace if:
- You're motivated by social accountability
- You want to compete with friends
- You prefer breathing exercises sometimes
Choose Fit to Scroll if:
- You want the most exercise variety
- You don't mind paying $10/year
- You get bored with one exercise type
Choose StepBloc if:
- You prefer walking to floor exercises
- You have mobility limitations
- You want to get outside more
Tips for Success
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Start with one app: Don't try multiple at once. Pick one and commit for 2 weeks.
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Block only your worst apps: Start with 2-3 apps, not everything.
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Set achievable goals: 20 pushups for 15 minutes is better than 50 for 5 if you'll actually do it.
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Use form checking: Apps like Repscroll that check form ensure you're getting real exercise.
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Track your progress: Monitor both screen time reduction and exercise increase.
The Results You Can Expect
Based on user reports across these apps:
Week 1: Frustration as you adjust to the new friction Week 2: Acceptance and starting to feel the routine Week 3: Noticeable physical changes, reduced screen time cravings Week 4+: Many users report doing 100-200+ exercises daily and 50% less screen time
Start Today
The best app is the one you'll actually use. All of these work - the key is commitment.
Our recommendation for most people: Repscroll. It has the most accurate form checking, a constantly updated exercise library, and the Hard Lock mode keeps you honest.
Ready to earn your scroll? Download Repscroll free and turn your phone addiction into a fitness habit.