Exercise Classifications for Resistance Training Prescriptions

In the previous installment, we explored the comprehensive but complex “place-of-things” approach to classifying resistance training exercises. While insightful, this method can be overly detailed and complex to manage in daily practice. Recognizing this challenge, this final installment introduces a more straightforward, more practical solution: the “forum-for-action” classification system.

The "forum-for-action" method streamlines exercise selection by focusing on practical, real-world applications. Rather than starting from broad theoretical categories, it uses a “bottom-up perspective”. For example, if you’re looking to perform a single-leg hip hinge that targets your hamstrings but only have specific equipment, such as a Swiss ball, available, this system quickly guides you to suitable exercise choices.

To bridge the gap between exercise prototyping and program design, this installment demonstrates a novel tool that I am currently developing, known as the Grid Planner (also referred to as the Matrix Tool; both are “working titles”). This tool facilitates intuitive and efficient training design, seamlessly integrating exercise selection into structured workout programs. For practical implementation, I recommend using our Strength Training Prototyping Tool and the Strength Card Builder—both available through the Complementary Training platform:

$12

$20

$12

$20

Strength Training Prototyping Tool

Strength Training Prototyping Tool is a very simple Excel template that allows you to create, add, modify, and delete movement patterns/categories and their exercises/lifts, as well as prescription categories (e.g., schemes) and their items.

$60

$100

$60

$100

Strength Card Builder

Create perfectly designed printable workout cards, using user-defined set and rep schemes, exercises, and 1RMs database. Beautifully organized and equipped with 200 exercises and over 1900 set and rep schemes already filled in (out of 2000 possible)

Additionally, this classification system enhances training analytics by enabling detailed assessments, such as calculating tonnage across different muscles and movement patterns, ultimately improving training load monitoring and management.

As with previous installments, you’ll have immediate access to downloadable materials to support your practice. These resources include a comprehensive exercise library organized with clear, practical tags, as well as a user-friendly mind map illustrating the simplified classification system. The mind map is available in multiple formats—MindNode software, Excel, CSV, Word, and PDF—ensuring accessibility and ease of integration into your workflow.

Your insights and practical experiences with this streamlined approach are highly valued. Please share your thoughts and approaches in the comments below.