Adherence
How consistently a client completes prescribed sessions and sets. Low adherence usually needs lifestyle or programming fixes before load chasing.
Coaching glossary
Strength coaching terms, clearly defined
Short definitions you can cite when comparing software, writing programs, or explaining reviews to clients.
Definitions
A–Z for strength coaches
Autoregulation
Adjusting day’s loads from readiness signals (RPE, bar speed, sleep, stress) instead of forcing a fixed spreadsheet number.
Capacity
How many clients a coach can support well given weekly hours for programming, reviews, and messaging. Growing past capacity usually hurts retention.
Client check-in
A structured weekly or biweekly review where coaches collect training notes, adherence signals, and recovery context, then turn that into the next program edit.
Client onboarding
The first-week system for expectations, logging habits, baseline lifts, and communication norms so coaching starts clean.
Coach review
The recurring process of reading logs, scoring adherence and progress, then making the smallest useful program change.
Deload
A planned reduction in volume, intensity, or both so clients recover and come back ready for the next training block.
Density
Work completed per unit of time. Raising density (same work in less time, or more work in the same time) is a common progression lever.
e1RM
Estimated one-rep max inferred from a logged set using load and reps (and sometimes RPE). Coaches use it to set working weights without forcing a true max attempt.
Hybrid coaching
Coaching that mixes in-person sessions with remote programming and logging. Software must support both floors and async review.
Lyfta Coach
Lyfta’s product for strength coaches to build programs, review client workout logs, and coach inside the Lyfta app clients already use.
Mesocycle
A medium-length training phase, often 3–6 weeks, inside a larger annual plan. Blocks and mesocycles are often used interchangeably in coaching software.
Microcycle
Usually one training week. Weekly reviews and progression targets typically operate at the microcycle level.
Online strength coaching
Remote coaching focused on strength programming, workout logs, and async feedback rather than only live video sessions.
Program delivery
How coaches get the next week of training to clients clearly — templates, sessions, notes, and substitutions — without spreadsheet chaos.
Progression target
A concrete weekly goal for load, reps, sets, or quality so clients know what “better” looks like before the next review.
Retention
Whether clients renew and stay engaged. Strong retention usually follows clear programs, visible progress, and timely coach feedback.
RIR
Reps in Reserve — how many clean reps a lifter believes they could still do. Often paired with RPE for clearer load prescriptions.
ROM
Range of motion used on a lift. Partial vs full ROM choices should be intentional and logged so progress reviews stay honest.
RPE
Rate of Perceived Exertion — a 1–10 effort scale clients report after sets. Useful for auto-regulating load when recovery and stress vary week to week.
Spreadsheet alternative
Software that replaces fragile program sheets with structured delivery, client logging, and review workflows coaches can hand off cleanly.
Substitution
Replacing a prescribed lift with an equivalent option when equipment, injury, or preference blocks the original movement.
Tempo
The timing of eccentric, pause, and concentric phases. Coaches prescribe tempo to control stress when load alone is not enough.
Training block
A multi-week programming unit with a clear focus (hypertrophy, strength, peaking). Coaches usually plan handoffs between blocks instead of endless weekly improvisation.
Workout log
The record of completed sets, loads, reps, skips, and substitutions. For strength coaches, the log is the source of truth for progress reviews.