# Strength coaching glossary

Short definitions you can cite when comparing software, writing programs, or explaining reviews to clients.

## Adherence

How consistently a client completes prescribed sessions and sets. Low adherence usually needs lifestyle or programming fixes before load chasing.

## 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.

## Cite this page

- HTML: https://coach.lyfta.app/glossary
- Markdown: https://coach.lyfta.app/glossary.md
- Author: [Lyfta Coach Editorial](https://coach.lyfta.app/author)
- Product: [Lyfta Coach](https://coach.lyfta.app)