BridgeAthletic offers powerful percentage-based weight prescription options to help you program effectively for your athletes. You can choose between %1RME, %1RME LINKED, and %Difficulty to customize training loads based on individual athlete data.
This article covers:
What is %1RME?
%1RME (Percentage 1-Rep Max Estimate) calculates weight prescriptions for each athlete based on their recorded test results, such as 1RM, 3RM, or 5RM. Before using this parameter, you'll need to input test results into the system for your athletes.
Bridge Tip: Learn how to update an athlete's 1RME for an exercise here.
The %1RME Formula
BridgeAthletic uses a proprietary formula to calculate the relationship between an athlete's 1-rep max and their X-rep max equivalent:
Weight(reps,1RME) = oneRME*(-3.1631e-05*reps^5 + 0.0022551*reps^4 - 0.058792*reps^3 + 0.66911*reps^2 -5.6984*reps + 104.7705)/100
The table below shows how this formula translates 1RM percentages across different rep ranges:
Using %1RME LINKED
%1RME LINKED allows you to calculate weight prescriptions by referencing test data from similar exercises. This is especially useful when you don't have direct test results for a specific movement.
Example: If you're programming dumbbell bench press but only have 1RME data for barbell bench press, you can link the dumbbell variation to the barbell data. Bridge will calculate the appropriate weight based on the linked exercise's test results.
Understanding %Difficulty
%Difficulty represents an evolved approach to weight prescription that eliminates the need for constant testing and manual calculations. This parameter uses an algorithm that analyzes all completed sets and tests for each exercise to determine individualized weight prescriptions.
How %Difficulty Works
When you prescribe a set using %Difficulty, Bridge calculates weight based on the athlete's historical performance for that specific rep range. If you assign 5 reps at 80% difficulty, the athlete receives 80% of their 5RM as determined by the system.
100% Difficulty means the athlete can complete the prescribed reps but no additional reps. For example, at 100% difficulty for 5 reps, the athlete should complete all 5 reps but be unable to complete a 6th rep.
Factors That Influence %Difficulty Calculations
The algorithm weighs several factors when calculating rep-max estimates:
Recency: Recent sets impact calculations more than older data
Set type: Required sets influence calculations more than worksets
Rep count: Sets matching the prescribed rep range have greater impact
Automatic Progression and Individualization
The %Difficulty algorithm continuously adapts to each athlete's performance. When an athlete completes more or fewer reps than prescribed, the system adjusts future prescriptions accordingly. This means if you assign the same program to multiple athletes using %Difficulty, each athlete receives individualized weight prescriptions based on their unique performance history.
Choosing Between %1RME and %Difficulty
Use %1RME when:
You have recent, accurate test results for your athletes
You prefer traditional percentage-based programming
You want direct control over the relationship between test results and training loads
Use %Difficulty when:
You want individualized, auto-progressing prescriptions
Testing athletes regularly isn't practical
You're managing large groups with varying experience levels
You want the program to adapt based on athlete performance
Bridge Tip: %Difficulty removes the need for repetitive testing and manual calculations while creating programs that evolve as athletes progress through training.
Need Help?
If you have questions about weight prescription parameters, contact us at support@bridgeathletic.com. We're here to help!