Dōse

Short version: app is too rudimentary without 1 on 1 support that has been removed. I initially signed up for this app because of the advertised one on one support from Thoren. It is all over the Dōse website, it’s in all the reviews, it’s on the App Store description. It seemed that it would justify the higher price of entry. Once you get into the app, you see why the 1 on 1 support is needed. Exercises don’t show set up, just the movement. There are no replacements. No tips for progression. Some exercises don’t even have video. Just “do this as shown”, or, ask Thoren for alternatives. And with that even came caveats: you had to look ahead days in advance to ask Thoren, as you could easily go 3 days without a response. Imagine my reaction when Thoren decided to stop supporting “1 on 1” as he’s only one person and the 1 on 1 support was never a product offering. Again: 1 on 1 support is advertised everywhere the app is marketed, and he even made Instagram reels promoting the app citing he would be giving 1 on 1 support. The App Store reviews all praise the app for the 1 on 1 support, and it’s been going on for years now. Now, I understand that once an app hits a scale point, the owner has to scale back. Usually scaling back is gradual, over time, to help the users adjust. Thoren gave users 15 days before cutting support with no off ramp, other than the vague promise of “can’t wait to show new features in the coming months” with no actual timeline. I pointed this out to Thoren, and he said he would provide me with a long term plan, complete with macro guidance (the in-app macro calculator vs what he gives is vastly different, 1000 calories worth). All I had to do was provide him with my long term goals. I did that, via the in app messaging. I never got a response. I tried to DM him. No response. I tried to email. No response. So now I’m going into a new program without much guidance, and having to sort through the sea of YT fitness influencers, hoping to find something credible to not leave me injured. Which, I could have done for free. The programs themselves are “fine”, provided you have some level of support from the creator. Without that, this app is lacking the robust features it needs.

Love it I downloaded because I saw it on instagram of you and decided to get it. Very much recommend this.

Man. I have never ever found an app that I love the way I love this one for a billion reasons - videos, education, nutrition, Thorne himself will write you back to answer your questions he helped me figure out some calories and macros to try and how to work out around my BJJ schedule, the workouts are 🔥🔥🔥 and the videos explain in the moment how to do them. I was skeptical as a 43 yr old woman this would work since he is a young dude but let me tell you this is it. Highly recommend. If you want to actually see gains and lose weight and get fit and age well and learn the how AND the why with actual ability for communication look no further.

The meat of this app is the excellent fitness programming, which isnt a copy-paste of every other programs. I was worried, as someone with back problems, that a lot of the exercises wouldn't he suitable for someone with this issue. However the programs are written in quite a clever manner that you can see has been thought out to accomodate many fitness levels and hindrances-- and there is definitely a focus on injury prevention though it's not really "front and center." Where the programs on the app needs some minor improvement is on proofing the sets. For example, on my Hinge day today, it prescribed 6 sets of right leg cossack squats, and no left leg. It's clear that it's supposed to be 3 right 3 left from the way it's programmed, but still an oversight. And that exercise also didnt have a video (whereas the all the ones i have encounter so far do). Bigger scope suggestions are to highlight the targeted muscles in someway. I have trouble engaging my posterior chain sometimes, so it's helpful to visualize the muscles i am supposed to be working. This could be done with an image with the muscles highlighted, or for a low-budget but highly marketable way, Thoren could just color the muscle with a sharpie like Athlean-X does so we can see the muscle working. That's a fair reason to ask him to take off his shirt, right? Also, a feature i would love to see some year down the road, swipe up or down on an exercise for substitutions. Especially having the ability to record exercises that might cause pain for the user, and have suggestions for "if this than that" scenario. Maybe add an "injury" in a settings that could inform an algorithm to swap out some exercises. Anyway, great app, room to grow. I paid for the 1 year after testing for a month. Definitely worth.

This is not to say the app is bad at all, it’s not. Just honest feedback for potential app development. As for true strength training beginners, maybe ease your way into this one or fix your expectations. I started the at home 30 day program and here are the things I wish I knew. One, there is no vocal description for the set up or performance of each move just a looped video of Thoren performing the move. Not all videos worked for me and I found depending on how my body was situated, I had to keep moving my phone around to track and see the moves. Two, it’s silent. I needed a second device for music. I ended up using this app on my ipad and running music through my headphones/phone. Not a deal breaker but I definitely need music when I workout. Three, the intro video for the 30 day home program says all you need is a jump rope, yoga ball and lift bands. I went and bought all three but then on day one, I needed a bench. I substituted by running around for compatible use items (edge of couch for tricep dips, bed frame side for one legged hip thrusts etc.). It totally busted the fluidity of my workout not being adequately prepped for that. On day three, there’s a move with a step back lunge using stacked plates and a weight bar across the shoulders. Which brings me to the fourth thing I wish I knew, theres no modifications offered. I don’t have a weight bar so then what? I would consider coming back to this but I just have to start somewhere else. I’m going to work with the macros I was given but I’m only a few days in and I didn’t use the chat feature so I can’t really speak to those. I’m definitely sore in a good way from what I was able to complete. Overall, the app is user friendly and lots of folks can vouch for that. Bummer it isn’t compatible for what I need.

I downloaded this to start my seven week trial, and as soon as I downloaded the app, the app kept crashing. I have tried to delete it and troubleshoot it but nothing. It just keeps opening and crashing every time I open it. It’s disappointing. I was looking forward to this!

I love this app❤️ Thoren is a great teacher and he is so honest and authentic😃 Great job, thank you🙏🏻

Worth the money. The one on one coaching is great. Started the program and am well pleased with the results so far. I had no confidence at first but everything is so well explained and the results make the motivation easier as you go.

Thor and this app been have been instrumental in making some big changes in my life. There are many things to love about this app. You are not alone; there’s a community board where you can share parts of your journey and questions and get encouragement from others. There’s a variety of workout programs including one for at home if you don’t have a gym. There are also single session workouts to target specific areas and educational videos. I have not use the macros component out of fear that it may trigger some things with disordered eating but Thor has been really helpful in giving advice on dietary changes to make. Since I started about a month ago I’ve lost 25 pounds with the changes I’ve made. It’s been fun and feels like a sustainable lifestyle I can keep.

Like many of you I was excited to download the app by the hot lumberjack but I didn’t know that with all the beauty he had brains. Expert knowledge and personalized macros with a community support in the palm of your hands. 10/10 would recommend and continue to recommend this app to anyone and everyone. Thor as your personal trainer, with this app who answer questions as well and providing encouraging information and comments to the community is encouraging. The macros alone will help, but there is a plethora of workout plans and tutorials available. Love it !!