The new EGYM+ Smart Strength programmes represent a deliberate evolution with a clear focus. This one-pager explains the core vision behind the changes and why specific design decisions were made.

Who are these programmes built for?

The EGYM+ Smart Strength programmes are explicitly designed for beginners and circuit users—by far the largest user group on EGYM+. For this audience, habit formation and long-term adherence are key: the best training programme is always the one somebody actually sticks to. Structured progression beats variety of methods—not because variation lacks value, but because for beginners, it often creates a hurdle rather than added value.

Making sure progress remains tangible is no accident: the programmes are designed so users can see concrete progress between phases—whether that is increased weight, more repetitions, or shorter rest periods. This boosts motivation and makes progression easy to feel and track.

Why do the phases now use training method names?

The phase names (Standard, Eccentric, Explosive) directly describe the training method used in that specific phase. Previous terms such as "Robustness" caused confusion on the gym floor, and members and staff did not always understand what was actually being trained. The new names are more transparent, easier to explain, and make it instantly clear to trainers and members which methods are scheduled throughout the programme. The overarching goal—such as muscle building or weight loss—continues to be communicated at the programme level.

Sports science foundation

The programmes have been meticulously developed based on sports science, with method variation integrated on two distinct levels.

1. Across the full offering:

• Standard, Eccentric, Explosive, and Isokinetic are all used, intelligently combined depending on the programme and phase.

2. Within each individual programme:

• Even where all phases stick to the same method, every phase follows a clear progression in intensity and/or volume—systematically adapting repetition counts, proximity to muscle failure, and cadence. Switching training methods is one way to handle periodisation, but it is not the only option.

Why was Isokinetic removed from most programmes?

This decision was driven directly by customer feedback. The distinct user interface often required guidance from gym staff, creating friction in daily operations. For beginners outside of a rehabilitation context, it offered no unique benefits that could not be achieved through other methods. Isokinetic remains a core part of the Rebuild programme—and users who want to use the method for a specific set can still select it manually before starting their set.

Why is Adaptive no longer included in the programmes?

Adaptive requires training experience and a willingness to push to complete muscle failure—neither of which can be assumed with beginners, making it unsuitable for this target group. However, Adaptive remains fully available on the machine: users wishing to apply it to a specific set can select it manually before their set.

Why are hold phases removed and time under tension per rep shortened?

Excessive time under tension frequently leads to over-fatigue and severe muscle soreness in beginners—both of which harm short-term motivation and long-term habit formation. The primary training stimulus originates from proximity to muscle failure, which is developed systematically through a four-phase periodisation. Isometric hold phases would add complexity and physical load without offering clear added value for this target group.

What about experienced users?

Simplifying the EGYM+ programmes does not mean method depth and individualisation have disappeared—they live on in EGYM Pro Mode. Unlike Circuit Mode, Pro Mode is fully configurable manually: all training methods, including Adaptive and Isokinetic, as well as Max Out, are available without restriction.

Experienced users looking for an even more personalised experience will find it in EGYM Genius—an AI-driven training planner that builds tailored plans while leveraging the full method depth of Pro Mode.