Done Exercise Sets Reps Intensity Notes
Rules & Glossary

Goal

  • 4 sessions per week
  • Each muscle group trained twice per week
  • Hypertrophy focused
  • Near-failure (0–1 RIR) hard sets drive adaptation

Definitions

Hard Set (HS)
0–1 RIR (Reps In Reserve), the primary hypertrophy driver.
Non-HS
1–2 RIR, used for technique practice, volume accumulation, and recovery management.
RIR (Reps In Reserve)
How many more reps you could perform before muscular failure.

Progression Rules

  • Progression: If a HS reaches the top of its rep range, add 2–5% load next session.
  • Stagnation: After 2–3 weeks without progress, add 1 HS for the affected muscle only.
  • Fatigue management: Reduce non-HS sets first.
  • Failure: Allowed for isolations; compounds should stay at ~1 RIR.
  • Rest periods: Compounds 2–3 min, isolations 1–2 min.
  • Cycle length: 6–8 weeks, then deload.
  • Deload: Volume −40–50%, add +2 RIR to all sets.