Hi Marc,

Yes, I think we're saying the same thing.

What I meant was this:

You would set that option for each exercise, and not each workout.

Of course, let's say you tell the app you want to exercise for up to 20 reps in the squat, the app will compute everything for you and give you a weight that's just heavy enough for you at 20 reps. No pink weights! 

But you would have more flexibility by changing that setting for each exercise than you would for each workout.

Hi Marc,

Always nice to hear from you.

We've had a similar request in the past (http://muscle.userecho.com/forums/1-submit-your-feedback/topics/11-restrict-rep-range-for-some-exercises/). I wasn't very popular. Let's see if this one takes off...

You mention having the option to adjust the rep range for a workout. What I had in mind was to set this option at the exercise level. So every time you did an exercise, you'd get the rep range you selected, independently of the workout it's in. You could have the same exercise in multiple workouts and get your chosen rep range. You could also have different rep ranges for different exercises in the same workout. It seems more flexible that way.

How do you feel about that? Should we set that option at the workout or at the exercise level?

Quick update on this suggestion:

I've discovered and tested a technique that's faster and perhaps even more effective than drop sets. It's the rest-pause technique.

With the rest-pause technique, you can build muscle just as fast (or faster) with 1 set than you would with 3 normal sets, according to a study published in 2017 by researchers from Brazil (Prestes et al. 2017).

Here’s a quick overview of the results of that study, with a tutorial on how to use that technique inside Dr. Muscle:

For more info, check out this post on our blog:

How to Build Muscle in Half the Time With The Rest-Pause Technique Inside Dr. Muscle

We plan on implementing this technique further in Dr. Muscle, but for now, this quick and dirty way does the trick.

Reference

Prestes J, Tibana RA, de Araujo Sousa E, da Cunha Nascimento D, de Oliveira Rocha P, Camarço NF, Frade de Sousa NM, Willardson JM. Strength And Muscular Adaptations Following 6 Weeks Of Rest-Pause Versus Traditional Multiple-Sets Resistance Training In Trained Subjects. J Strength Cond Res. 2017 Apr 4.

We've begun implementing this suggestion. ETA is 2 weeks. Can't wait to hear what you guys think.

Hi Marc,

Yes, you can rename and edit custom workouts. Simply swipe left (on Apple) or long press (on Android). Then, you'll have the options to:

- Edit

- Rename

- Delete

We're working on an update right now to make that more clear. You'll see three small dots (...) next to each exercise and workout. Taping the dots will open the options (edit, rename, delete).

Best,

Carl

With the latest update, you can view a single exercise at a time. In the chart and in the logs. I'm marking this feature request as "Completed".

Thanks!

* * *

Charts are out in beta! You can now see your progress for any or all exercises, over the timeframe you want (from 3 workouts to all time).

On the screenshot I'm attaching, you can see my progression for the shoulder press for all time. You'll notice 3 peaks and 2 valleys. The valleys are deloads. As you can see, each deload leads to a bigger peak, and a bigger 1RM.

That's exactly why you should deload when you stop making progress. Deloads wipe away fatigue and let you progress again. Good news is, the app takes care of that for you, and makes you deload exactly when you need it, so you can break your plateaus, get stronger, and build more muscle.

Beta users on Android have access to charts right now, and those on iOs will have access tomorrow (hopefully) after Apple reviews the update. The update should be live for all users next week.

I'm marking this feature request as "Completed."

Cheers!

Good news! The latest update is out in beta on Android (and under review on iOs).

In the menu (top right), you'll find the "My progression" screen. This screen shows you your progression across all your recent exercises (see image):

If your progression slows down under 2%, it means you're getting used to doing the same exercises over and over. At that point, you should level up your workout plan to add new exercises in rotation. I've explained why in this article: http://drmuscleapp.com/news/build-muscle-faster/#3.

Level 1 and level 2 workouts are already in the app. Level 3 workouts are coming soon. Also, soon, the app will manage your workouts and level them up automatically for you. You'll be able to follow that progress from the "My progression" screen.

With the next update (next week hopefully), on that same screen, you'll also be able to chart your progress for a single exercise, over the timeframe you want (from 3 workouts to all time). So, @Dan, we got you covered with at least one year :) I'll update you guys here as soon as that's available.

This update is overdue by two weeks. We've taken steps to prevent that moving forward. But for now, you've been patient -- and I'm grateful. Thank you!

Carl

Love the idea Marc.

We could ask about injuries during account creation, have a list of "no-go" exercises, and have the app replace them automatically, like you suggest. You could edit that list in your profile.

We're getting started on that path with the next "My progression" screen (currently in beta). Actually, I was even thinking of naming that screen "My profile" (for when we add more options there later).

I look forward to implementing this.

Thank you for your suggestion,

Carl

Hi Marc,

Yes, absolutely, the app will apply the same machine learning to those like it does with the prebuilt programs.