The short version
Training data is stored on your device and syncs through Apple's private iCloud storage when iCloud is available. iCloud sync is included with LiftCoach. AI features use the provider you choose. Apple Intelligence runs locally on supported devices; optional cloud AI sends requests directly to the provider you select.
What data is collected
LiftCoach has no developer-operated analytics or training-data server, no advertising, and no tracking. Workouts, exercises, templates, programs, and measurements entered in LiftCoach are stored locally and, when iCloud sync is active, in your private iCloud account. Apple controls that storage; we never see it. Weight-unit preferences can coordinate through iCloud so existing weights keep their meaning across devices. Communication with your paired Apple Watch works independently of iCloud sync.
If you choose a cloud AI provider, the text you submit is sent directly to that provider. Your LiftCoach and Apple Health training history is attached only when you separately enable Share Training History. This consent also applies to cloud features that analyze a specific workout or exercise, including recaps, workout naming, and plateau analysis. Those features send the figures needed for the requested analysis. Text you type yourself is still sent when you submit it to a cloud provider. Submitted prompts and conversation content, fitness history, and health measurements may be processed or retained by your selected provider for the requested AI functionality. Because requests use your API key, the provider can associate that content with your provider account. Retention and other processing are governed by that provider’s terms and your account settings. LiftCoach does not use this information for advertising or tracking.
HealthKit data
If you grant Apple Health permission, LiftCoach reads your workout history, heart rate, active and resting energy, and body measurements (weight, body fat, lean mass, waist, height) to show live stats during a workout, chart your progress, and build context for the AI coach. It also writes finished strength workouts and their active energy back to Apple Health so they show up in the Activity and Fitness apps. Body measurements you log can be saved to Apple Health.
HealthKit data stays on the device unless you select a cloud AI provider and explicitly enable Settings → AI → Share Training History. That toggle is off by default. When enabled, a compact recent-training summary can be included with requests sent directly to the selected provider. Disable it at any time to stop attaching future training history. HealthKit data is never stored in iCloud by LiftCoach.
Widgets
The Muscles Trained widgets use your recorded completed workouts to show workout names and dates, muscle groups, and workout and working-set counts on your Home Screen. These widgets do not make AI requests or send workout information to an AI provider.
AI providers
LiftCoach lets you pick where AI requests go:
- Apple Intelligence — runs entirely on your device. Apple's privacy terms apply.
- OpenAI / Claude (Anthropic) / Grok (xAI) (optional LiftCoach Pro purchase) — bring-your-own-key. The provider receives your prompt directly under its privacy terms; LiftCoach does not proxy requests.
API keys are stored in the Apple Keychain, encrypted at rest by Apple, and never transmitted to a LiftCoach server or anyone but the provider you configured. The separate Sync AI Provider and Key setting controls whether your provider choice and key are available on your other devices through iCloud Keychain. It is separate from workout and backup sync.
OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI process requests under their own privacy policies and your account settings.
Purchases
Apple processes the optional LiftCoach Pro lifetime purchase through the App Store. LiftCoach verifies Apple’s transaction information and caches purchase ownership on the device. Restore Purchases retrieves eligible ownership through Apple. Family Sharing is enabled for LiftCoach Pro. iCloud sync is included and uses your existing iCloud storage. Apple handles billing and payment details; the developer never receives them.
Third-party services
LiftCoach uses Apple services including the App Store, iCloud, HealthKit, StoreKit, and Apple Intelligence. Optional cloud AI connects directly to OpenAI, Anthropic, or xAI, depending on your selection. Exercise form demo images are loaded on demand from the open-source free-exercise-db project hosted on GitHub (raw.githubusercontent.com); GitHub sees your IP address and which image was requested, but no account or workout data.
The cloud provider catalog is maintained in the public hechen/ai-model-catalog repository. The app can check for catalog metadata updates on GitHub; GitHub receives standard connection information, such as your IP address and the requested catalog URL, but no prompts, API keys, or training history. A bundled or cached catalog remains available offline.
None of these integrations are used for advertising or cross-app tracking.
Backups
Managed backups contain your workouts, templates, programs, custom exercises, measurements entered in LiftCoach, and the weight unit needed to interpret them. Managed backups use your iCloud Drive when available and local storage otherwise. Existing cloud backups remain accessible for recovery, sharing, or deletion. Manual export lets you choose where to save or share a portable JSON file without an additional purchase. Backups do not include API keys. Treat backup files as personal data if you share them.
Data retention
Completed weekly AI recaps are cached locally on your device so the same result can be reused during the day and after app relaunch. The app requests a fresh recap when completed training data or relevant AI settings change, or on a new day. This cache does not send an additional copy of the recap to a server.
Changes in iCloud availability do not erase local workouts or existing backups. Deleting a workout in the app removes it from the local store and can propagate to your other devices when sync is active. Backup files are separate copies and must be deleted separately. Uninstalling LiftCoach removes its local app data but does not delete cloud data or exported files. Signing out of iCloud stops access on that device; it does not erase the data in your iCloud account. Manage cloud data through your Apple Account's iCloud storage settings and backup files through iCloud Drive or the location where you saved them.
Children's privacy
LiftCoach is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes to this policy
If material changes are made, the "Last updated" date above changes.
Contact
For privacy questions, email chen.he@icloud.com.