What is My Texas Method?

My Texas Method is a dedicated mobile application built exclusively for athletes following the Texas Method strength training protocol, as detailed in Practical Programming for Strength Training by Mark Rippetoe. This app eliminates the tedious manual calculations associated with percentage-based programming, allowing lifters to focus entirely on execution and recovery. It provides a seamless, integrated experience across iPhone and Apple Watch, ensuring your training plan is always accessible and up-to-date.

This tool is engineered to handle the specific structure of the Texas Method—balancing high-volume work, intensity days, and recovery—by automatically calculating working weights based on your tracked one-rep maximums (1RMs). Whether you are a beginner running the default program or an advanced user creating highly specific variations, My Texas Method serves as your intelligent training partner, ensuring precision and consistency in every session.

Key Features

• Texas Method Compliance: Built directly around the principles of TEXAS METHOD PHASE I & II for accurate periodization.
• Custom Program Design: Complete freedom to design your own weekly structure, including custom workout days, volume schemes, and intensity percentages.
• Automatic Weight Calculation: Enter your Max Weights once, and the app instantly calculates all working weights for volume and intensity days.
• Smart Weight Updates & Plate Configuration: Automatically recalculates all future weights when you log a new Personal Record (PR). Configure your specific plate sizes and rounding preferences for precise bar loading.
• Max Weight Charts: Visualize your strength progression over time with beautiful, interactive charts to track 1RM gains for every exercise.
• Apple Watch Integration: View today's workout directly on your wrist for convenient, hands-free reference during training sessions.
• Custom Exercise Support: Go beyond the standard lifts (Squat, Bench, Deadlift) by adding and tracking any custom movement you utilize.
• Program Sharing: Easily share your perfectly configured custom programs with training partners via link or QR code for instant import.
• Data Backup & Restore: Securely export and restore all your training data, ensuring safety when switching devices.

How to Use My Texas Method

Getting started with My Texas Method is straightforward, whether you use the default template or build from scratch:

1. Initial Setup: Download the app and choose the Free tier to start with the default Texas Method program structure based on Rippetoe's guidelines.
2. Enter Max Weights: Navigate to the Max Weight tracking section and input your current estimated or confirmed one-rep maximums for your primary lifts (Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift, etc.).
3. Review Calculations: The app immediately uses these 1RMs, along with configured percentages, to calculate the exact working weights for your upcoming Volume and Intensity days.
4. Train and Log: Follow the workout displayed on your iPhone or Apple Watch. After completing an exercise, log the weight lifted and reps achieved.
5. Update PRs: If you successfully lift more than your previous best, log the new weight. The app will instantly prompt you to update your 1RM, and all future programmed weights will adjust accordingly.
6. Customize (Pro Feature): For advanced users, access the program editor to modify sets, reps, percentages, add exercises, or create entirely new weekly templates tailored precisely to your recovery and goals.

Use Cases

1. The Dedicated Texas Method Follower: Lifters committed to the specific volume/intensity cycling of the Texas Method who need an accurate, automated tool to manage the complex percentage calculations week after week without error.
2. Strength Athletes Needing Precision: Users who train with specific plate sizes (e.g., 2.5kg increments) and require the app to handle the rounding and plate configuration so they can load the bar exactly as programmed.
3. Coaches Sharing Templates: Coaches who have developed highly effective, customized Texas Method variations can instantly distribute these exact program templates to their remote athletes using the sharing feature.
4. Busy Lifters Requiring Convenience: Individuals who prefer quick access to their workout details during their session can utilize the Apple Watch companion app to view sets, reps, and weights without needing to constantly check their phone.
5. Intermediate Lifters Transitioning from Starting Strength: Athletes who have stalled on linear progression and are moving to the Texas Method can use the app's default program to learn the methodology while benefiting from automated tracking and charting.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to be an expert in the Texas Method to use this app? A: No. The app includes a default program structure based on Mark Rippetoe's book. You can start immediately with the preset program and customize it as you become more familiar with the methodology.

Q: What is required to create custom programs and use advanced features like sharing? A: Creating custom programs, editing templates, accessing Week 2+ programming, and sharing features require an active Pro subscription (Monthly, Annually, or Lifetime access).

Q: How does the app handle logging a new Personal Record (PR)? A: When you log a weight that exceeds your previously recorded max for that lift, the app prompts you to confirm the new 1RM. Once confirmed, all future working weights across your entire program are instantly recalculated based on this new maximum.

Q: What operating systems are supported? A: My Texas Method requires iOS 16.2 or later for the iPhone application. The companion workout viewer requires watchOS 16.2 or later for the Apple Watch.

Q: If I purchase a subscription, can I use it across multiple devices? A: Yes, your subscription status (Pro or Lifetime) is tied to your Apple ID and will sync across all your authorized devices (iPhone/Watch) where you are logged in.