How to Use Smolov / Sheiko / Texas Method Cycles
The Smolov / Sheiko / Texas Method Cycles planner generates week-by-week training loads for three high-frequency powerlifting programs from a single training max. Select your program and enter your training max; the tool returns the full cycle's set and rep prescriptions plus a weekly tonnage breakdown so you can track the loading wave and spot any weeks where the jump exceeds what the program's recovery model assumes.
What It Does
Use the calculator with intent
The Smolov / Sheiko / Texas Method Cycles planner generates week-by-week training loads for three high-frequency powerlifting programs from a single training max. Select your program and enter your training max; the tool returns the full cycle's set and rep prescriptions plus a weekly tonnage breakdown so you can track the loading wave and spot any weeks where the jump exceeds what the program's recovery model assumes.
Athletes, coaches, and AI agents who need a quick, reproducible answer with named limitations rather than a generic estimate.
Interpreting Results
The hero number is your projected peak weight or total volume for the cycle. Check the secondary stats for weekly tonnage or volume load across the cycle weeks — a well-structured program should show increasing tonnage in the first 2–3 weeks and a reduction before peak. If week-to-week tonnage jumps by more than 15% in a single week, the training max input may be too high for the recovery demands of that specific program.
Input Steps
Field by field
- 1
Enter inputs
Enter your values using the sliders and steppers. Defaults represent a reasonable midpoint.
- 2
Read outputs
Read the hero number first. Secondary stats provide context and ranges.
- 3
Follow
Follow the methodology link for formulas, coefficients, and citations.
- 4
Adjust parameters
Adjust each input one at a time to see how the hero number responds.
Run the planner for one cycle at 90% of your true 1RM as the training max, not your actual max — all three programs are designed to be run conservatively to peak correctly at the end of the cycle.
Common Scenarios
Use realistic starting points
FAQ
Questions people ask next
The short answers readers usually want after the first pass.