Why does the volume change so much between blocks?
Because it is meant to. Every week trains all three classes, but the block decides how the sets are shared. A Strength block puts most of them on the heavy barbell lifts, which are low volume by nature, so the sessions are shorter. A Volume block moves most of them onto machines and cables, where it is cheapest on your joints to push hard, so the week gets much bigger. The loads you build in the heavy blocks get turned into muscle in the volume blocks: that is the design, not an accident. Volume drives growth, but with diminishing returns, so it climbs while it is still paying and backs off before it stops. The recovery week at the end of a block is not time off, it is where the growth you just trained for actually arrives. A week that feels light is the programme working, not going soft.
What is Cost-Based Training?
It is my method, built from the research on training volume and effort and from the joint-by-joint approach used in strength and conditioning. Every exercise carries a joint cost, and every week trains all three classes: barbell work loaded heavy and never taken past two reps in reserve, supported and single-leg work close to failure, and machines to failure. As the joint cost falls, the volume and the effort rise, so you push hardest where it is cheapest to push. The classes are our synthesis of the research, not a tested framework.
How many days a week is it?
Four by default: upper body and lower body twice each, with optional easy cardio on the days off. If you can train six, Track 2 runs push, legs, pull, a restoration day of mobility, breathing and easy cardio, hip and upper, then a pump day, with Sunday off. The restoration day is not filler. It is the day that keeps the other five honest.
What level do I need to be?
If you can train with a barbell, dumbbells and machines, you can run this. Effort-based targets scale every session to your current strength, and every movement has a video demo and a matched substitution.
Does the programming ever run out?
No. It is continuous. When a cycle ends the next one starts from the strength you just built, the exercise variants rotate so it never goes stale, and nothing resets to zero.
What if I miss a rep?
Missing by a rep is not failing. Every exercise has one rep number rather than a range, so there is no buffer built in to hide in. If the target is eight and you get seven, log it and carry on. The thing that actually stalls progress is dropping the weight to guarantee the number.
What equipment do I need?
A standard gym: barbell, dumbbells, cables and the usual machines. The machines matter here, because they are where the failure work belongs. A matched substitution is shown whenever a piece of kit is missing.
Is this for competition prep?
No. This is for building muscle and looking better for the long run, not for stepping on stage. If you want prep-level coaching built around you, apply for 1:1 coaching.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing breaks. Pick up where you left off and the block simply shifts. Consistency over weeks matters far more than any single session.
How do I access my workouts?
Through the training app on your phone. Sign up, log in and today's session is on the home screen with sets, reps and video demos.
Can I switch to 1:1 coaching later?
Yes, and programme members get priority when coaching spots open. Your training history comes with you.
Is my payment secure?
Payments are handled by our payment providers. Card details never touch our servers.