Occasionally, MacroFactor Workouts may recommend a much higher number of reps than you expect. This is not a bug or error. It happens when the app is working within equipment or loading constraints based on your equipment and smart progression.
When weights are very light, small changes in load represent large relative changes in difficulty. If the next available weight increase would make the set much harder than intended, the app may increase reps instead.
For example:
Going from 10lb to 15lb is a 50% increase in load.
Going from 100lb to 105lb is a 5% increase in load.
No, not necessarily and certainly not if you don’t want to.
High-rep recommendations are just one way you can approach this challenge when load options are limited. Fewer reps at a heavier weight are another way to approach it.
And remember, Smart Progression is a guide, not a requirement. While they are mathematically derived suggestions based on your specific logged performance and available equipment, you can easily choose a heavier load for lower reps.
What do I do if I have decided not to follow the high reps?
Use a heavier weight and less reps
If you believe you can complete the target reps while staying near the programmed RIR, you can increase the weight and log what you actually perform. Additionally, your future recommendations will adjust based on that performance.
Adjust equipment settings
If your machine or setup allows smaller weight jumps than the default, update the equipment settings so the app can recommend more gradual load changes.
Swap to a similar exercise
If an exercise has very limited load resolution, you can also swap it for a similar movement that allows smaller weight changes.
In the end, you have several options for handling rep suggestions if they feel higher than you prefer.
Now that you’ve learned why MacroFactor Workouts sometimes recommends very high reps, you might enjoy one of these articles next:
Understanding and Using Smart Progressions
