Getting Started

Everything you need to know to set up Big Brain Barbell and start training.

What is Big Brain Barbell?

Big Brain Barbell is an intelligent strength training app that automatically generates training programs tailored to your goals and equipment. Unlike generic trackers, it actively adapts your programming week-to-week based on how your body responds to training.

The app uses evidence-based principles from exercise science to manage your training volume, intensity, and periodization — so you can focus on lifting while the app handles the programming.

Downloading the App

Big Brain Barbell is coming soon to the App Store for iPhone and iPad running iOS 17 or later. Visit the home page for the latest updates on availability.

Big Brain Barbell will offer a monthly subscription with a free trial to unlock all features. Once installed, the app will guide you through a short onboarding flow to personalize your training experience before creating your first program.

Onboarding Walkthrough

When you first open Big Brain Barbell, a guided onboarding flow collects the information needed to personalize your training. Each screen focuses on a single piece of information so you can move through the process quickly. Here is what to expect at each step.

Welcome Screen

The first screen introduces Big Brain Barbell and gives a brief overview of what the app does: generate intelligent, periodized training programs that adapt to your progress. Tap "Continue" to begin setting up your profile.

Name Entry

Enter your first name so the app can personalize your experience. This is the name that will appear on the Home tab and throughout the interface. You can change it later in Settings.

Unit Preference

Choose between Imperial (pounds) or Metric (kilograms) for all weights throughout the app. This preference applies everywhere: prescribed weights, plate calculator, and weight tracking. You can switch between unit systems at any time in Settings.

Training Location

Choose where you primarily train: Commercial Gym, Home Gym, or Both. This selection determines which equipment the app assumes you have access to. If you select Commercial Gym, the app assumes full equipment availability. If you select Home Gym or Both, you will be asked to specify your equipment on the next screen.

Equipment Checklist

If you selected Home Gym (or Both), this screen presents a checklist of common equipment. Check everything you have available so that the app only programs exercises you can actually perform. The checklist includes:

• Barbell and rack
• Flat bench
• Incline bench
• Dumbbells
• Pull-up bar
• Dip bars
• Cable machine
• Leg press
• Leg curl / extension machine
• Lat pulldown / row machine
• Trap bar
• Safety squat bar
• EZ curl bar

You can update your equipment list at any time in Settings. If you acquire new equipment later, just add it and your future programs will incorporate exercises that use it.

Notifications

Optionally enable push notifications so Big Brain Barbell can send you session reminders. If you skip this step, you can always enable notifications later through your device's Settings app.

Liability Agreement

Before you begin training, the app asks you to review and accept a liability waiver acknowledging the physical risks associated with exercise. This is a standard step to ensure you understand that strength training carries inherent risks. You can review the full terms on the Terms of Use page.

Completion

That is it — your profile is set up. The final screen confirms that everything is ready and invites you to create your first training program. Tap "Get Started" to jump straight into the program creation wizard.

Navigating the App

Big Brain Barbell is organized around five main tabs, accessible from the tab bar at the bottom of the screen:

• Home — Your dashboard. See a personalized greeting, your active program status, upcoming sessions, training volume outlook, and daily tips.
• Training — Where you log your workouts. View today's session, mark sets as complete, and record your actual weights and reps.
• Progress — Track your training history and volume trends over time.
• Programs — Create, view, and manage your training programs. See your active program details, goals, and phase status.
• Settings — Update your profile, equipment, unit preferences, notifications, and other app configuration.

You can navigate between tabs at any time. The app remembers your place within each tab, so switching away and back will return you to exactly where you left off.

Creating Your First Program

After completing onboarding, you will be prompted to create your first program. The program creation wizard walks you through selecting a program type, choosing your training days, and configuring your goals. Big Brain Barbell supports three program types:

• Strength — Phase-based periodization for building maximal strength. Structured around compound barbell lifts with planned intensity peaks.
• Bodybuilding — Pure hypertrophy training focused on muscle growth. Higher volume with exercise variety targeting individual muscle groups.
• Powerbuilding — A hybrid approach combining strength phases with hypertrophy goals. Ideal if you want to get both stronger and bigger.

Once you have chosen a program type and configured your preferences, Big Brain Barbell generates a complete, periodized training program. Your first week of sessions will be ready to go immediately.

See the Programs guide for detailed information on each program type, the creation wizard, and how programs are structured.