What's My Set: A Simple, Accessible Set Counter and Workout Timer for iPhone

Table of Contents

  1. Key Highlights
  2. Introduction
  3. Why a dedicated set counter still matters
  4. Accessibility-first design: what that means in practice
  5. How What's My Set works: core features and interaction flow
  6. Design choices that help people who use assistive technologies
  7. Real-world examples: how different users benefit
  8. Where What's My Set fits among fitness apps
  9. Community feedback and iterative design
  10. Practical tips for users to make the most of a set counter
  11. How the developer packaged accessibility in product strategy
  12. The technical mechanics that make timers reliable on iOS
  13. How to get What's My Set and what’s included
  14. Best practices for developers building accessible fitness apps
  15. Limitations and opportunities for improvement
  16. The role of small tools in broader fitness ecosystems
  17. Developer background and credibility
  18. How to give feedback and what to expect
  19. Privacy and data considerations
  20. Where this fits in a user’s training workflow
  21. Future directions and plausible feature roadmap
  22. Why simplicity often wins in fitness tooling
  23. Closing thoughts
  24. FAQ

Key Highlights

  • What's My Set is a minimalist set counter and rest-timer for iOS focused on accessibility, created by Chris, an AppleVis Golden Apple nominee.
  • The app emphasizes simplicity, clear VoiceOver support, large tappable controls, and configurable timers to prevent lost sets and long rest periods.
  • A fully functional free version is available; the developer shared five promo codes for the full version and is actively seeking user feedback.

Introduction

Losing track of a set or letting rest intervals stretch beyond the intended time undermines both strength progress and workout efficiency. Many fitness apps layer complex features onto a basic problem: counting sets and timing rests. What's My Set, a new iOS app from developer Chris, answers that need with a focused, accessibility-first design. Chris built the app after finding few options that combined simplicity with strong support for people using assistive technologies. The result is a purpose-built tool intended to work reliably for gym-goers who want to stay on task, whether they rely on VoiceOver, prefer tactile feedback, or simply want an uncluttered experience.

The app arrives with a generous free tier covering nearly all functionality, plus an option to unlock extras. Chris has published additional background on design choices and accessibility testing in a companion blog post. Users and accessibility advocates are invited to try the app and share feedback as it evolves.

Why a dedicated set counter still matters

Counting sets and tracking rest intervals are elemental tasks in many training programs. While multi-feature fitness suites offer timers, workout builders, and logging tools, their breadth can become a liability. A single unnecessary tap or a confusing screen can cost a set.

Consider three common workout scenarios:

  • Circuit training with quick transitions. Losing track by even one set disrupts the flow and can shorten or lengthen rest inadvertently.
  • Strength training with prescribed rest. Timed rests between heavy sets are part of the stimulus. When rests balloon, the workout stimulus changes; when rests are too short, performance suffers.
  • Partnered or assisted training. Users who rely on spotters or training partners may want a clear, audibly confirmed indicator of when to begin the next set.

A compact, reliable set counter preserves training intent. It reduces cognitive load, minimizes screen time during heavy lifts, and addresses accessibility needs that mainstream apps sometimes overlook.

Accessibility-first design: what that means in practice

Accessibility is often treated as an add-on, but the most effective apps bake it into interaction models from the start. Chris described his approach to What's My Set as trying to "make it as accessible as possible to the maximum amount of people." That statement implies several concrete principles that informed development.

Large, focused controls

  • Buttons large enough for comfortable tapping reduce missed inputs while breathing heavy or wearing gym gloves. They also aid users with motor control differences.

Clear VoiceOver labeling

  • Every interactive element needs a concise, descriptive label and a predictable order so VoiceOver users can navigate without confusion. Labels should convey the control's function, current state, and any contextual value (for example: "Set 3 of 5" or "Rest timer: 45 seconds").

Minimal visual clutter

  • Removing extraneous elements prevents distraction and speeds recognition. Contrast, typography, and spacing should favor legibility across ambient gym lighting.

Multiple feedback channels

  • Not everyone relies on sight. Audible cues, spoken prompts, and haptic feedback provide redundant confirmation that an action completed or a timer finished.

Persistent background timers

  • A timer that stops when the device locks defeats the goal of allowing users to step away from their phone. Background execution or notifications ensure the timer completes even if the screen sleeps.

Configurable defaults

  • Users should set comfortable rest durations and default set counts, reducing the number of interactions required to begin a session. Presets can reflect common routines like 3×5 or 5×5.

Siri Shortcuts and voice activation

  • For hands-free operation, voice-activated shortcuts unlock starting, pausing, and advancing sets without touching the screen.

These elements combine into a reliable experience that helps users keep pace with their intended plan.

How What's My Set works: core features and interaction flow

What the app does is straightforward: it counts sets, tracks rest, and signals when to move to the next set. The execution of those features determines whether the app is an aid or a distraction.

Initial setup

  • After installing, users enter a target number of sets. The app likely offers common defaults and lets users input a custom number.

Starting and advancing

  • A prominent “Start” control begins the first set. When a set is completed, users tap an “End Set” control or use a voice/siri action to mark completion. The app increments the set count and starts the rest timer automatically.

Rest timing and alerts

  • At the end of the rest interval the app signals the user via sound, haptic pattern, and spoken VoiceOver announcement. Users can configure tone and vibration intensity. Some users prefer an escalating countdown (e.g., spoken “3, 2, 1”) in the final seconds to prepare for movement.

Pausing and skipping

  • Quick adjustments are essential. A pause control freezes the timer. A skip control advances the set count without a rest timer, useful for warm-up progressions or unplanned changes.

Visual display

  • While the UI is sparse, it gives immediate context: current set number, total sets, residual rest time, and the last completed set. Accessibility considerations mean those visual elements have complementary VoiceOver and auditory outputs.

Background behavior and notifications

  • Users can lock the screen or switch apps without losing the timer. Local notifications reassert the alert. For gyms where devices may be in pockets or lockers, audible and haptic alerts remain crucial.

Free vs. full feature set

  • The available free tier covers most daily needs. The full version unlocks advanced options—custom vibration patterns, multiple saved presets, or more granular audio cues—depending on the developer’s model.

What distinguishes What's My Set is the design trade-off favoring immediate function over extensive secondary features. It refuses to be a workout manager and instead focuses on reliability.

Design choices that help people who use assistive technologies

Accessible design must anticipate how people interact with devices when vision, fine motor control, hearing, or cognitive load are variables. What's My Set appears to have incorporated multiple accessibility features familiar to assistive-technology users.

VoiceOver-first labeling and navigation

  • When VoiceOver is active, controls speak their roles and values. The app’s primary controls likely appear in a simple, logical reading order: start/stop, set count, rest time, and settings. Sounds trivial, but many apps willy-nilly layer tappable elements and cause confusion for screen-reader users.

Focus management

  • A predictable focus path ensures that when a user starts the app, the most relevant control receives initial focus. That reduces taps and spoken navigation steps.

Audio cues tailored for different environments

  • Some gyms are noisy; others are quiet. Providing louder tones, low-frequency beeps that penetrate ambient noise, and the option for spoken cues gives users flexibility.

Haptic confirmation

  • Apple devices support nuanced haptic feedback. A single learning pattern for “set complete” versus a different pattern for “timer finished” communicates meaning without sound.

High contrast and Dynamic Type

  • Large, high-contrast text benefits users with low vision. Support for Dynamic Type respects a user’s font size preference system-wide.

Accessible iconography

  • When icons are used, embedded labels ensure meaning is not conveyed by graphics alone. Icons pair with text for clarity.

These features lower the barrier to independent exercise. They also reduce reliance on a partner or excessive fiddling with a phone during active training.

Real-world examples: how different users benefit

Concrete scenarios illustrate why focused tools matter. Below are profiles showing the app's potential value.

Blind athlete using VoiceOver

  • Samantha trains alone and uses VoiceOver for most iPhone interactions. With What's My Set she starts her session, taps an accessible control, and listens for spoken updates: “Set 1 of 5 started.” When the rest timer ends she hears a spoken prompt or haptic pattern that signals it’s time to lift again. Small, labelled buttons let her end sets without hunting visually.

Gym newcomer with motor-control challenges

  • Miguel has limited fine motor control due to a hand injury. Large, well-spaced start and stop controls minimize accidental taps. He sets rest intervals to 90 seconds and uses haptic feedback for silent cues when the gym environment requires discretion.

Experienced lifter tracking progressive overload

  • Priya favors minimal interruptions. She wants to preserve tempo and intensity. She pre-sets three different routines—heavy triples, hypertrophy clusters, and warm-ups—and quickly chooses a preset at the gym. She appreciates that the app doesn’t force logging but lets her focus entirely on execution.

Outdoor fitness group leader

  • Karl teaches a small bootcamp where participants do repeated stations. He uses the app to keep the group synchronized. Spoken countdowns and audible bells prevent confusion between stations. The app’s simplicity means he doesn’t need to explain a complex interface to the group.

These examples show how straightforward features scale to diverse needs. They also spotlight an important truth: accessibility improvements often benefit all users.

Where What's My Set fits among fitness apps

Large fitness platforms combine exercise libraries, progress tracking, social features, and in-app coaching. These platforms attract users seeking holistic tracking, but they often introduce friction for people whose main requirement is a tidy timer and counter.

Niche timers, gym watches, and wearable integrations

  • Wearable devices—smartwatches and fitness bands—provide convenient timers and haptics at the wrist. They excel at in-activity nudges but often lack a simple, focused app experience that pairs with phone-based features like spoken prompts. What's My Set occupies an intermediate niche: a phone-native, accessible timer for users who want more configurability than a basic watch offers, yet less overhead than a full fitness suite.

Workout-logging apps

  • Apps that log workouts often require building a session, adding sets and reps, and then tapping to record each set. That flow supports long-term metrics but complicates the immediate task of counting. What's My Set removes logging as a requirement, making it faster to start and easier to maintain focus.

Specialized gym timers

  • Many crossfit-style timers emphasize interval training and complex rounds-or-Rx systems. This breadth can confuse users looking just to count sets and track rest. What's My Set strips features to essentials and prioritizes accessibility, an advantage for users who find multi-purpose timers overbearing.

Choosing which tool to use depends on goals. Someone building a long-term training log might pair What's My Set with a logging app: use What's My Set during the workout for timing and counting, then enter results into a separate tracker afterward. For users whose priority is a repeatable, reliable cue system, What's My Set is a direct solution.

Community feedback and iterative design

Chris publicly invited feedback on accessibility and usability. That invitation reflects a development model centered on user testing and iterative improvement. Community input can shape priorities like:

  • Adding presets for common rep/set schemes.
  • Offering more robust Siri Shortcut integration for hands-free starts.
  • Refining VoiceOver phrasing for clarity during rapid transitions.
  • Implementing watchOS support for wrist-based confirmation.

Open channels for feedback help surface issues that automated testing cannot. Real users reveal edge cases: peculiar gym lighting, Bluetooth headset latency causing audio cues to fail, or preferences for different haptic patterns. Iteration based on that feedback improves reliability and widens the app’s appeal.

Accessible development also benefits from diverse testers. Recruiting users representing different assistive technologies—screen readers, switch control, motor aids—provides coverage for scenarios developers might not otherwise encounter.

Practical tips for users to make the most of a set counter

Fine-tuning an app enhances the experience. Below are practical tips for users who try a set counter like What's My Set.

  1. Set default routines ahead of time
  • Create presets for your common protocols. That reduces setup time at the gym and avoids cognitive load when in the middle of training.
  1. Pair audio with haptics
  • Use combined feedback in noisy environments. Haptics confirm the cue when the audio cannot be heard, and audio helps when a device is not on-body.
  1. Use voice shortcuts for hands-free control
  • If you prefer not to touch your phone while lifting, configure Siri Shortcuts to start and advance sets. Test the latency and execution in your gym environment to ensure prompt response.
  1. Keep a secondary logger
  • If progressive overload tracking matters, use a simple notes app or a dedicated log to record weights and reps after each session. Automations can speed this process.
  1. Test background behavior
  • Lock your phone and simulate a completed timer so you know how the app signals the end of a rest period when the screen sleeps.
  1. Customize alert tones and volumes
  • A tone that’s pleasant and unmistakable prevents startling feedback. Adjust volumes and vibration intensity based on gym policies and personal comfort.

These adjustments make the app feel like an extension of your routine rather than another device to manage.

How the developer packaged accessibility in product strategy

Building an app around accessibility is both a moral and strategic choice. Accessibility opens the product to a broader audience and reduces friction for many users. Chris’s background—his prior app Please Don't Rain and recognition from AppleVis—suggests a developer who values inclusive design.

Accessible products:

  • Address under-served markets. A segment of users includes people with vision loss, mobility differences, and older adults who appreciate larger controls and voice feedback. Many mainstream apps don’t serve these users well.
  • Encourage word-of-mouth in tight-knit communities. Accessibility communities share reliable tools. A well-built accessible app can gain traction through advocacy and personal recommendations.
  • Reduce cognitive overhead for all users. Features meant for assistive technologies often simplify workflows for everyone. Clear labels, simple layouts, and consistent interactions help users of all abilities.
  • Foster better long-term retention. When an app reliably performs a focused job with minimal friction, users are more likely to adopt it as a daily tool.

Strategically, prioritizing accessibility early improves long-term product quality. It also reduces expensive retrofits later, which are often costly and never as effective as native accessibility integration.

The technical mechanics that make timers reliable on iOS

A dependable timer requires correct handling of iOS behaviors that may interrupt execution.

Background execution and local notifications

  • iOS restricts background activity for most apps. To ensure timers complete, developers typically use scheduling APIs for local notifications. When a timer ends while the phone is locked or the app is backgrounded, a local notification re-alerts the user.

Audio routing and Bluetooth headsets

  • Many gym users use Bluetooth earbuds. Audio cues should route through connected devices and be resilient to brief audio route changes. The developer must handle interruptions—phone calls, media control conflicts—and resume timers appropriately.

Haptics and Taptic Engine

  • Haptic feedback uses system APIs to produce distinct patterns. Developers test patterns with real devices because simulated feedback does not capture user experience nuances.

VoiceOver output

  • Speech synthesis and VoiceOver announcements require disciplined timing. Announcements must not interrupt each other or produce overlapping speech. Careful queueing of spoken prompts ensures clarity.

Low-latency UI updates

  • When timers count down, the UI must remain responsive. Using efficient rendering and avoiding UI thread blocking ensures that pressing pause or end set responds instantly, even mid-countdown.

Data persistence

  • If the app offers presets or history (even minimal), it should store user preferences securely and restore them quickly on relaunch or device updates.

These technical considerations determine whether the app performs reliably under realistic use.

How to get What's My Set and what’s included

Chris released What's My Set on the App Store. The free tier provides most of the functionality needed for everyday workouts. The full version likely unlocks extras such as additional presets, custom haptic patterns, or additional configuration options. The developer shared five promo codes for those who want to try the full version without purchase.

Direct App Store link

Redeem codes (as shared by the developer)

If those codes have already been redeemed, the free version remains functional for most users. The developer also published a detailed blog post about the accessibility choices and testing processes that guided the app’s creation; users seeking deeper technical context may find that post helpful.

Best practices for developers building accessible fitness apps

Chris’s approach offers a template for other developers aiming to make practical, accessible fitness tools. Concrete practices include:

  • Start with a clear, narrow scope. Solve one core problem well before expanding features.
  • Consult real users early. Recruit testers who use different assistive technologies and diverse devices.
  • Prioritize a consistent focus order. Use the accessibility API to define traversal order rather than relying on layout alone.
  • Provide redundant cues. Pair speech, sound, and haptics so users can choose the feedback modality that suits them.
  • Test with real devices. Simulators don’t reproduce audio, haptics, or many accessibility interactions accurately.
  • Respect system settings. Honor Dynamic Type, Reduce Motion, and audio routing preferences.
  • Document shortcuts and gestures. Users who rely on hands-free interactions need clear instructions for Siri shortcuts or accessibility gestures.
  • Keep visual design minimal. A clean layout reduces cognitive load and makes accessibility mapping simpler.

These practices accelerate development while producing more inclusive apps.

Limitations and opportunities for improvement

No app is perfect on day one. Common limitations and potential enhancements for a focused set-counter app include:

  • No integrated logging: Users seeking performance tracking must use a separate log. Offering opt-in integration with logging apps or simple export features could bridge that gap.
  • Advanced workout structures: Complex periodization schemes, supersets, or cluster sets require additional logic. Adding modular features while preserving the simple core experience would be a careful balancing act.
  • Wearable integration: Apple Watch support would let users receive tactile confirmations at the wrist and reduce device handling during lifts.
  • Customization depth: Power users may request granular control over audio cues, ramped countdowns, or per-set rest times. Exposing those options without cluttering the baseline UI is a design challenge.
  • Offline sharing and presets. Allowing users to share preset configurations could help coaches distribute standardized routines.

Each enhancement carries UX trade-offs. Community feedback will help identify which additions deliver the greatest value without diluting the app’s purpose.

The role of small tools in broader fitness ecosystems

Fitness outcomes hinge on consistent, correct execution. Small tools that reduce barriers play an outsized role in habit formation. What's My Set operates at that micro-level: it removes a single point of friction—keeping count and timing rests correctly—and thereby supports broader goals like progressive overload, consistency, and efficient time use.

The app’s narrow focus means it can integrate into a user’s existing tooling without replacing larger systems. Athletes often prefer specialized instruments—a reliable stopwatch, a calibrated scale, a simple pen-and-paper log—because they trust them under specific conditions. Apps that emulate that focused reliability can gain a loyal following.

For coaches, small accessible tools help trainees adopt consistent practices across ability levels. A coach might recommend What's My Set to clients who struggle with complex interfaces or who require accessible cues. The app’s simplicity makes onboarding easier.

Developer background and credibility

Chris previously developed Please Don't Rain, a weather app recognized with an AppleVis Golden Apple nomination in 2023. That recognition signals engagement with accessibility communities and a track record of crafting usable experiences. His stated aim for What's My Set—to make it accessible to the maximum number of people—aligns with practices that produce software that is both inclusive and practical.

Public-facing documentation and a blog post about design choices reflect transparency. Open communication like this fosters trust and helps users understand why certain features exist or how to configure the app for their needs.

How to give feedback and what to expect

Chris asked for feedback on accessibility and usability. Users who test the app should consider sharing:

  • Clear bug reports: Specify device model, iOS version, the specific action taken, and the observed behavior.
  • Accessibility notes: Describe any VoiceOver mislabels, focus order issues, or confusing phrasing.
  • Feature requests: Explain the use case, not just the desired feature. Context helps the developer prioritize.
  • Environmental constraints: Report how audio or haptic cues behave with Bluetooth headsets or in noisy gyms.

Expect iterative updates in response to reported issues. Many small apps improve quickly through focused patches. When providing feedback, be specific and include steps to reproduce any issues.

Privacy and data considerations

A set counter that primarily times and counts sets holds little sensitive data by default. Nevertheless, privacy best practices remain important:

  • Minimize data collection. If logging is optional, keep offline storage local unless users explicitly opt into backup or sync.
  • Be explicit about permissions. Explain when and why the app needs access to notifications, audio, or background refresh.
  • Secure exports. If the app supports exporting presets or logs, ensure any shared files don’t contain unintended metadata.

Chris’s app design focus on simplicity suggests minimal data collection, but users should check the App Store privacy details and in-app settings to confirm.

Where this fits in a user’s training workflow

Integrating a dedicated set counter into a broader training routine is simple:

  • Pre-workout: Choose a preset or set the number of sets and rest time for the primary lift.
  • During workout: Use the app to start and mark each set. Let the app handle rest timing and provide end-of-rest cues.
  • Post-workout: Optionally record results in a separate tracking app or a manual log. Using consistent terminology—exercise name, weight, reps—makes subsequent analysis easier.

This separation of concerns—timing on one tool, logging on another—can streamline the user experience. It reduces the temptation to fiddle with the device during lifts while preserving the ability to analyze progress later.

Future directions and plausible feature roadmap

Based on typical user requests and the accessibility focus, an organic feature roadmap could include:

  • watchOS companion app. Wrist-based haptics and quick controls would lower phone dependence.
  • Preset sharing. Allow coaches to distribute standardized session templates to clients.
  • Voice shortcuts library. Pre-built intents for common flows like “Start warmup” or “Advance set.”
  • Multi-phase rest sequences. Allow asymmetric rests or pyramid-style timing for complex sessions.
  • Improved export options. Simple CSV or JSON exports for logging integrations.

Each addition should adhere to the founding principle: avoid bloating the core experience. New features must not impair VoiceOver clarity, increase accidental taps, or add visual clutter.

Why simplicity often wins in fitness tooling

Fitness routines depend on repetition and minimal friction. Complex tools can enhance insight but also interrupt execution. A single reliable function—start, mark, rest—reduces cognitive load and makes adherence easier. Simple tools also scale across ability levels and environments. They fit into pockets, pair with any earbuds, and adapt to the habits of diverse users.

What's My Set commits to that simplicity while addressing a crucial gap: accessibility. Its emphasis on clear controls, robust VoiceOver support, and combined audio-haptic cues positions it as a practical choice for users who value reliability over bells and whistles.

Closing thoughts

Small, focused utilities improve daily habits by reducing friction. What's My Set enters a field crowded with multifunctional apps and finds its place by prioritizing usability and accessibility. The developer’s prior recognition in the accessibility community and the decision to publish the app’s design rationale suggest genuine commitment. For those who simply need a dependable set counter and rest-timer—especially users who rely on assistive technologies—this app deserves a trial. The free tier delivers core functionality, and the developer’s openness to feedback signals a willingness to refine the experience over time.

FAQ

Q: What exactly does What's My Set do? A: It counts sets and times rest intervals. The app provides a simple interface to start a set, mark it complete, automatically start a rest timer, and notify you when rest is finished using audio, haptic, and VoiceOver cues.

Q: Is the app accessible to VoiceOver users? A: Yes. The developer emphasized VoiceOver labeling, logical focus order, and spoken feedback. Users who rely on screen readers should find controls clearly announced and navigable.

Q: Is there a free version and what does it include? A: A free version is available that covers most functionality: setting the number of sets, starting and ending sets, configurable rest timers, and the primary audio and haptic alerts. The full version unlocks additional options.

Q: Where can I download the app? A: The app is on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whats-my-set-workout-timers/id6761863467

Q: Are there promo codes for the full version? A: The developer shared five promo codes. They were posted with the app announcement; availability depends on whether they’ve already been redeemed. The links provided were:

Q: Does the app log workouts or track progress over time? A: The app’s primary function is timing and counting. If logging is important to you, you can pair the app with a separate tracking tool or manually record results afterward. Future updates may add optional logging features.

Q: Will it work with my Bluetooth headphones or Apple Watch? A: Audio and haptic notifications should route to connected Bluetooth devices. watchOS support was not part of the initial release, but users have requested wrist-based controls in user feedback. Check the App Store page for updates on watchOS features.

Q: How does the app behave when the iPhone locks or another app is in use? A: Timers use iOS local notifications to ensure alerts fire even when the device is locked or the app is backgrounded. Users should test behavior with their specific device and headset combinations.

Q: How can I provide feedback or report bugs? A: The developer has invited feedback. Use the contact information on the App Store page, the app’s support link, or any contact channel provided in the developer’s blog post to report issues. Include device model, iOS version, and steps to reproduce the problem for the fastest response.

Q: Is user data collected or shared? A: The app’s minimal scope suggests limited data collection. Check the App Store privacy details and the app’s settings for specifics about data handling and permissions.

Q: Who developed the app and what’s their background? A: The app was developed by Chris, who received an AppleVis Golden Apple nomination in 2023 for his weather app Please Don't Rain. He has publicly discussed accessibility choices and solicits community feedback for What's My Set.

Q: Can coaches share presets with clients? A: Preset sharing may not be available in the initial release. If sharing presets is important, submit it as feedback. Developers prioritize features based on demand and accessibility considerations.

Q: Does the app support complex workout formats like supersets or different rest times per set? A: The initial focus is on single-timer rest intervals and simple set counting. Advanced timing schemes may be considered in future updates, but preserving the simple core experience remains a priority.

Q: How do I request new accessible features? A: Describe the use case and the accessibility benefit when submitting feature requests. Clear context helps the developer evaluate whether a feature aligns with the app’s design goals.

Q: Where can I learn more about the design decisions behind the app? A: The developer published a blog post with details on accessibility choices and the app’s launch. The App Store listing and developer’s website also point to additional resources.

If you have a specific use case or an accessibility need not covered here, send a detailed report to the developer. They welcome real-world scenarios that help prioritize improvements.

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