StrengthPeriodization

intermediate strength peaking

v1

Evidence-based progression and peaking for intermediate lifters targeting 1RM milestones in compound lifts.

Available
strengthpeakingperiodizationpowerlifting

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FitnessGrid is an AI coach that plans your week and adapts as you go. Install intermediate strength peaking and your coach will follow this protocol every week, learn from what you actually do, and adjust on the fly.

  • Your coach builds the week from this skill
  • Adapts to your actual progress, not a static template
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Procedure

  1. Assess Intermediate Readiness

    • Review training history using get_user_history to confirm the user has moved past simple linear progression (no longer making session-to-session gains).
    • Use compute_one_rep_max on recent heavy sets to establish current 1RM baselines for target compound lifts.
  2. Phase 1: Accumulation (Weeks 1–6)

    • Implement a Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) model using create_workout.
    • Structure weeks with 3 distinct day types for target lifts:
      • Hypertrophy Day: 70–75% 1RM for sets of 8–12.
      • Power Day: 60–70% 1RM moved with maximum velocity.
      • Strength Day: 80–85% 1RM for sets of 5.
    • Focus on building the "fitness" base and muscle cross-sectional area.
  3. Phase 2: Intensification (Weeks 7–10)

    • Transition to Block Periodization. Update existing workouts using update_workout.
    • Increase intensity to 80–90% of 1RM.
    • Reduce set volume and shift rep ranges to 3–5 per set.
    • Prioritize specific compound lifts (Squat, Bench, Deadlift) over accessory movements.
  4. Phase 3: The Peaking Taper (Weeks 11–12)

    • Taper Week 1: Reduce total volume (sets x reps) by 50% using update_workout. Maintain intensity at 85–90% to keep the nervous system primed.
    • Peak Week 2:
      • Early Week: Perform 1–2 heavy singles at 90%+.
      • Mid-to-Late Week: Schedule 3–7 days of complete rest or very light active recovery to dissipate accumulated fatigue.
    • Explain the "Fitness-Fatigue" paradigm: lowering fatigue to unmask actual performance capacity.
  5. Milestone Attempt

    • Guide the user through a 1RM attempt at the end of the taper.
    • Upon completion, use complete_exercise and update_training_max to log the new milestone.
    • Reset the macrocycle or transition to a maintenance/deload phase.

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