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Auto-Regulation System

Train smarter with RPE-based adjustments

What is Auto-Regulation?

Auto-regulation is a training methodology that adjusts workout intensity and volume based on your daily readiness and performance. Instead of rigidly following predetermined weights, you use Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to guide your training loads in real-time.

MyPowerliftingCoach implements a sophisticated auto-regulation system that learns your individual patterns, tracks fatigue accumulation, and provides intelligent recommendations to optimize your training day by day.

The RPE Scale Explained

RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) uses a 1-10 scale to measure how difficult a set felt, based on Reps in Reserve (RIR):

RPE 6 4+ reps in reserve - Very easy, warm-up weight
RPE 7 3 reps in reserve - Moderate effort, could do many more
RPE 7.5 2-3 reps in reserve - Working weight
RPE 8 2 reps in reserve - Challenging, but sustainable
RPE 8.5 1-2 reps in reserve - Hard, approaching limit
RPE 9 1 rep in reserve - Very hard, one more possible
RPE 9.5 Maybe 1 rep in reserve - Almost maximal
RPE 10 0 reps in reserve - Maximum effort, nothing left

Auto-Regulation Methods

1 RPE Stop Method

Work up to a target RPE and stop. For example: "Work up to a single @ RPE 8" means find a weight that leaves 2 reps in the tank.

Squat: Work to 1 @ RPE 8
Then: 3x5 @ -10% from top single

2 Fatigue Percentage Method

After hitting a top set, use fatigue percentages to determine backoff weights. App calculates this automatically based on your logged RPE.

Top Set: 180kg x 3 @ RPE 9
Backoff: 4x3 @ 5% fatigue = 171kg
fatigue_drop = top_weight × (1 - fatigue%)

3 Repeat Set Method

Perform sets at a target RPE until you can no longer hit that RPE. Volume is auto-regulated by daily performance.

Bench: 5x3 @ RPE 8 (stop if reaches RPE 9)
Good day = more sets at same weight
Bad day = fewer sets, same quality

Fatigue Management System

The app tracks accumulated fatigue using multiple data points and provides real-time recommendations:

Performance Markers

  • • RPE vs predicted discrepancy
  • • Bar speed (if tracked)
  • • Set-to-set performance decay
  • • Week-over-week strength trends

Recovery Markers

  • • HRV data (via HealthKit)
  • • Sleep quality and duration
  • • Subjective wellness ratings
  • • Resting heart rate trends

Fatigue Alert Example

"Your RPE ratings have been 0.5-1 higher than expected for the past 3 sessions. Combined with decreased HRV, we recommend reducing today's volume by 20% or taking an extra rest day."

Estimated 1RM Tracking

Every set you log contributes to a rolling estimated 1RM (e1RM) that accounts for fatigue, RPE accuracy, and rep ranges:

// RPE-based e1RM calculation
base_e1RM = weight × (1 + reps × 0.0333)
rpe_adjustment = (10 - RPE) × 0.033 × base_e1RM
adjusted_e1RM = base_e1RM + rpe_adjustment
// Example: 140kg × 5 @ RPE 8
base = 140 × 1.167 = 163.4kg
adjustment = (10 - 8) × 0.033 × 163.4 = 10.8kg
e1RM = 163.4 + 10.8 = 174.2kg

The app maintains separate e1RM values for each lift and uses weighted averages that prioritize recent data and competition-specific rep ranges.

Key Benefits

  • Prevents overtraining
  • Maximizes good training days
  • Accounts for life stress
  • Reduces injury risk
  • Accurate e1RM tracking
  • Learns your patterns

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