Strength planning

Training Max calculator

Enter a one-rep max or estimate, choose a percentage, and get a Training Max you can use for planned strength work.

Barbell Wiz percentage-based progression plan for strength training.

Use the Training Max

This page includes an interactive Training Max for strength training. Open it in a browser to enter your numbers, switch units where supported, and save the result in Barbell Wiz.

  • Use 85-90% when you want room for steady progress.
  • Round to plates you can actually load.
  • Save the Training Max inside your Barbell Wiz routine.

What is a Training Max?

A Training Max is a deliberately conservative number used to calculate working weights. Instead of basing every set on an all-time best, you plan from a number you can own on normal training days.

Why it helps

Planning from a Training Max gives you repeatable loading, cleaner jumps, and fewer forced misses. It is especially useful for percentage-based blocks and programs inspired by 5/3/1-style loading.

Reference

Training Max formula

A Training Max is a conservative planning number, usually set below a tested or estimated one-rep max. Most lifters use it so percentage work starts from a number they can repeat on normal training days.

Training Max = one-rep max x chosen percentage

Worked example

405 lb x 90% = 365 lb Training Max after rounding

Common Training Max choices

Typical starting points for percentage-based strength training, shown from a 405 lb one-rep max.

ChoiceUse when405 lb 1RM
90%The lift is consistent and repeatable365 lb TM
85%The estimate is optimistic or the lift varies345 lb TM
80%You are rebuilding or returning from time off325 lb TM

Related

Keep building the same training system.

Plan the percentages in Barbell Wiz.

Calculate the number here, then build the routine with planned set targets in the app.