If you use PushUp Time and want more exercise options, form checking, and Hard Lock and PIN lock, Repscroll is the closest alternative. Both apps block TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other apps until you do reps, counted on-device by your phone's camera. Repscroll adds form checking where half-reps don't count, six exercises, Apple Health activity, Hard Lock and PIN lock, and 1v1 challenges with friends.
PushUp Time is a simple, well-rated app that does its main job well. Here's an honest look at when it's worth switching and when it isn't.
What PushUp Time Does Well
According to its App Store listing, PushUp Time: App Blocker (by KAMAN LABS LLC) offers:
- Blocking for apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and X
- Reps to unlock: push-ups, squats or sit-ups before a blocked app opens
- On-device AI to count your reps
- Unlock windows of 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes, for one app or all blocked apps
- No internet needed
- Platforms: iPhone and iPad
- Price: free to download with a subscription. The description lists $12.99 per month and $29.99 per year, and the in-app purchase list shows other tiers too (check the App Store for current prices).
It has thousands of ratings and a strong average. The fixed unlock windows are easy to understand.
Why People Look for a PushUp Time Alternative
1. More exercise options
Three exercises are a good start. Some people want more choice for days when push-ups or sit-ups aren't comfortable, or when they want a different type of workout.
2. Stricter rep checking
Counting reps and checking reps are different things. People who catch themselves rushing through shallow reps often want an app that only counts full ones.
3. Other activity should count
If you walked 10,000 steps or went for a run, it feels strange to still owe push-ups before you can open Instagram.
4. Locks that hold
For people who've switched off blockers in the past, how hard the app is to turn off matters as much as how it unlocks.
How Repscroll Is Different
Six exercises, and growing
Repscroll supports pushups, squats, situps, planks, pull-ups and jumping jacks, and new ones are added regularly. See every exercise you can do with Repscroll.
Form checking
Both apps count reps on-device. Repscroll also checks form, so a half-squat or half-pushup doesn't earn time. Read how Repscroll uses AI to count reps and form correction vs basic pose detection.
Apple Health activity earns time
Steps, walks, runs, cycling and workouts from Apple Health can earn screen time in Repscroll. See how Repscroll uses Apple Health.
Hard Lock and PIN lock
Hard Lock and PIN lock make it much harder to turn Repscroll off on impulse, with an emergency option for real emergencies. The Hard Lock and PIN lock guide has the details.
1v1 challenges
Repscroll lets you challenge a friend 1v1, including Double or Nothing.
PushUp Time vs Repscroll: Comparison Table
| Feature | PushUp Time | Repscroll |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free download + subscription | Paid subscription |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad | iPhone (iOS) |
| Core idea | Do reps to unlock blocked apps | Do reps to earn screen time |
| Exercises | Push-ups, squats, sit-ups | Pushups, squats, situps, planks, pull-ups, jumping jacks |
| Rep detection | On-device AI | On-device ML with form checking; half-reps don't count |
| Unlock model | 15, 30, 60 or 120 minute windows | Minutes earned through exercise |
| Apple Health activity | Not mentioned in its listing | Steps, walks, runs, cycling, workouts earn time |
| Lock strength | Not detailed in its listing | Hard Lock + PIN lock, with an emergency option |
| Social | Not mentioned in its listing | 1v1 friend challenges, incl. Double or Nothing |
Who Should Stay With PushUp Time
PushUp Time is the better fit if you:
- Want something simple. Three exercises and fixed unlock windows are easy to set up and stick to.
- Use an iPad and want the same blocker there
- Want to start without paying. It's a free download with a subscription (its listing shows $29.99 per year). Repscroll is a paid subscription with no free tier and no free trial.
- Only need push-ups, squats and sit-ups
- Rarely bypass it. If it holds for you, it's doing its job.
Who Should Switch to Repscroll
Repscroll is the better fit if you:
- Want planks, pull-ups or jumping jacks as unlock options
- Want reps checked for form, not just counted
- Want your steps, runs, rides and workouts to earn screen time
- Have switched off blockers before and want Hard Lock and PIN lock
- Want to compete with a friend
Other PushUp Time Alternatives
- PushScroll is a larger exercise-to-scroll app with a long exercise list, guided workouts and step-based minutes. See our PushScroll alternative guide.
- Sweat Lock (also listed as "Push Up Time - Sweat Lock") is a smaller, newer iPhone app with a similar push-ups-for-screen-time idea. It's a different app from PushUp Time despite the similar name.
If you're not sure exercise-based unlocking is for you, a pause-first app like One Sec may be enough. See our One Sec alternative guide.
Switching Tips
- Lock the same apps you blocked in PushUp Time.
- Start with the exercises you already know, then add planks or jumping jacks for variety.
- Expect form checking to feel stricter at first. Slow down and use full range of motion.
- Connect Apple Health so your walks and workouts count.
- Turn on Hard Lock once your setup feels right.
FAQ
Is PushUp Time the same as Sweat Lock?
No. PushUp Time: App Blocker is by KAMAN LABS LLC. "Push Up App Blocker Sweat Lock" is a different app from a different developer, with a similar name.
Is Repscroll free?
No. Repscroll is a paid subscription with no free tier and no free trial. PushUp Time is a free download with a subscription.
Does Repscroll count reps on-device like PushUp Time?
Yes. Repscroll counts reps with on-device machine learning and also checks form, so half-reps don't count.
Can I unlock apps with steps in Repscroll?
Yes. Steps, walks, runs, cycling and workouts from Apple Health can earn screen time.
Is Repscroll on Android?
Repscroll is an iPhone (iOS) app. It isn't available on Android.
The Bottom Line
PushUp Time is a clean, simple blocker that turns three exercises into screen time. If you want more exercises, stricter form checking, Apple Health activity, Hard Lock and PIN lock, and friend challenges, Repscroll is the alternative built for that.
Make every rep count. Get Repscroll.