The short answer
A notes app works when you only need a simple diary. A workout log is better when you want exercise history, personal records, volume, and faster decisions during training.
Notes are flexible
You can write anything in a notes app. That is the strength. It is also the problem. After a few months, finding your last exact set can take more time than it should.
A workout log gives structure
Lifting has a natural shape: exercise, sets, weight, reps, date, and history. A good workout log keeps that structure ready, so you do not rewrite it every session.
The real test is the next workout
If your log helps you choose the next weight quickly, it is working. If you have to search, scroll, and decode old text while standing near the rack, it is slowing you down.
Use both if you want
Keep workout numbers in the log and keep personal notes wherever you like. You do not need one app to hold every thought. You need the training data to be easy to use.
Where Gymli fits
Gymli is designed for the repeating parts of lifting. It remembers workouts, exercise history, top lifts, volume, and clean shareable stickers, so your next session starts with useful context.