Adaptive hypertrophy training
ALGORITHM · §1.0

No black box.

Every prescription Calyber gives you traces back to the weight, reps, effort, and recovery you logged, shown in plain terms with the formula one click away.

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Trace BENCH · W3D1Traced
Input
145 lb × 10 @ RIR 2
Engine
e1RM
193 lb
MGFI
normal
Rule
load +5 lb
Output
150 lb × 8-12 @ RIR 1
Explainer · 70 seconds

The 70-second explainer follows one logged set through strength estimation, the fatigue check, and the fixed autoregulation rules to produce your next prescription.

Newer lifter

You do not need to understand every formula to use it.

Intermediate lifter

You can see why load or volume changed.

Advanced lifter

You can inspect the inputs, thresholds, and rules.

How it works

From one logged set to your next prescription.

One logged set flows through four steps to your next prescription. Each step is a fixed rule, so the plan reacts only to your training, not a guess or a generic template, and the same training always produces the same plan.

  1. InputLogged set145 lb x 10 @ RIR 2
  2. ComputeStrength estimatee1RM 193 lb
  3. CheckFatigue indexMGFI normal
  4. RuleAutoregulation rulesLoad +5 lb
  5. OutputNext prescription150 lb x 8-12 @ RIR 1

§1 · Strength estimate

What you can lift, from what you just lifted.

Calyber estimates your current strength from the set you actually performed: load, reps, and reps in reserve. That estimate becomes the anchor for your next target, and it updates set by set.

Inputs
Load145 lb
Reps10
RIR2
Formula
e1RM = W x (1 + R / 36)
Effective reps: 12
Output193 lbestimated 1-rep max
Plain English

You lifted 145 for 10 reps with 2 left in reserve, so Calyber treats it as a 12-rep performance and estimates a 193 lb single.

Try it
e1RM = 193 lbs

Terms:

Show the modified Epley formformula

Calyber uses a modified Epley-form estimate. R is reps plus reps in reserve. The constant is 36 for a same-weight round trip, and 40 when you enter a weight above your working baseline, so a strength jump is not over-credited.

Full breakdown, variants, and calculator

§2 · Fatigue index

One reading per muscle, two questions.

Each muscle carries a single fatigue reading drawn from how you performed and how worked it was. When fatigue starts to limit performance, the plan eases volume before it quietly costs you a productive week.

MGFI is the per-muscle fatigue reading Calyber tracks, combining current readiness with accumulated workload.

ChestReady
Readiness0.82
Accumulation0.41
BackMonitor
Readiness0.74
Accumulation0.55
QuadsReduce volume
Readiness0.48
Accumulation0.72
Readiness
Can this muscle perform today?
Accumulation
How much fatigue has it carried across the block?

Crossing a threshold reduces the next set count or schedules a recovery session.

Terms:

Show the sub-scoresformula
readiness    = performance x 0.60 + soreness x 0.40
accumulation = sets x 0.50 + soreness x 0.30 + workload x 0.20
Inputs table, worked example, and thresholds

§3 · Autoregulation

Fixed rules, not feelings.

After every session, three checks run in order: should the load change, should the volume change, and does a muscle need recovery. Each is a fixed rule with a measurable threshold, never a feeling.

Load

Adjusts the weight from your e1RM trend and measured RIR bias.

Volume

Moves the set count within your MEV to MRV range for each muscle.

Recovery

Prescribes a deload or recovery session when the fatigue index crosses its threshold.

Every output is deterministic: the same logged data and training state produce the same prescription.

Detailed rule tablerules
SignalWhat Calyber seesWhat Calyber does
Strength upe1RM rising, RIR on targetIncrease load
Strength flate1RM flat, effort already highHold load
Fatigue highMGFI crosses thresholdReduce volume or recovery session
Volume lowSets below the productive rangeAdd sets
Volume highSets near the recovery ceilingHold or reduce sets

§4 · Traceability

Every number shows its work.

Every prescription shows the inputs that produced it: a visible Basis line in the app. Nothing is hidden behind the scenes. Every output shows the inputs and rules that produced it, so you can check the math on any number the engine gives you.

No black-box model. Calyber uses visible inputs, stored training state, and fixed rules, so the same logged data and training state produce the same prescription.

Next session
Bench Press150 lb · 8-12 reps · RIR 1
Basis
Previous
145 lb x 10 @ RIR 2
e1RM
193 lb
Fatigue
normal
Rule
load increased

§5 · Boundaries

What this algorithm does not do.

  • Does not diagnose injuries.
  • Does not analyze your form.
  • Does not replace coaching judgment.
  • Does not use black-box predictions.
  • Does not guarantee linear progress.

Questions

Common questions.

Is every prescription personalized?

It is calculated from your own logged training, not copied from a population template.

Can I see why a weight changed?

Yes. Every prescription includes a Basis line with the inputs and the rule that produced it.

Does the algorithm replace a coach?

No. It does not assess technique, injury risk, or context outside your logged training data.

Will progress always be linear?

No. It adjusts load, volume, or recovery based on your measured performance and fatigue.

Does Calyber use black-box predictions?

No. It uses fixed rules, visible inputs, and stored training state. The same logged data and training state produce the same prescription.

References

Citations

Epley, B. (1985). Poundage Chart. Boyd Epley Workout. Lincoln, NE: Body Enterprises.

Zourdos, M.C., Klemp, A., Dolan, C., et al. (2016). Novel resistance training-specific rating of perceived exertion scale measuring repetitions in reserve. J Strength Cond Res, 30(1), 267-275. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001049

Schoenfeld, B.J., Ogborn, D., Krieger, J.W. (2017). Dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training volume and increases in muscle mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci, 35(11), 1073-1082. doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1210197

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