Overview
The SBS Strength Program "Last Set RIR" variation (Stronger by Science / Greg Nuckols). The structure matches the other two variations (21 weeks in three blocks, deloads in Weeks 7/14/21, main lifts 70%→95%); the difference is the adjustment signal: each exercise gets a fixed 5 sets of the same reps, and after the final set you self-rate your RIR and compare it against the target, which is gentler than final-set-to-failure and more objective than set-count autoregulation.
Who it's for
- Intermediate to advanced lifters who can rate RIR fairly accurately and don't want to truly fail every week.
- The 4-day full-body version (official default; 2x-6x and low-frequency versions also exist).
Weekly structure
Same as the series: D1 squat + incline + sumo pull; D2 bench + front squat + push press; D3 deadlift + close-grip bench; D4 press + paused squat. Main-lift intensity waves and rep lookup are the same as the RTF version; the final-set RIR target falls as intensity rises: ≤72.5% → 3, 75-82.5% → 2, 85-95% → 1, 97.5%+ → 0.
Progression rules: training max (TM) autoregulation
5 sets per exercise (the @RPE8 single check is counted separately). Compare your self-rated final-set RIR against the target and adjust that lift's 1RM (= TM):
| Final-set performance |
TM adjustment |
| 2 or more sets short |
-5% |
| 1 set short, or final-set RIR 1 above target (too easy, in reverse) |
-2% |
| All sets completed and final set right at target RIR |
No change |
| Final set 1 notch more in reserve than target |
+0.5% |
| 2 notches more |
+1% |
| 3 notches more |
+1.5% |
| 4 notches more |
+2% |
| 5 or more notches more |
+3% |
The measured @RPE8 single ÷ 0.9 can directly update TM; deload weeks make no adjustments.
Notes
- Self-rating RIR takes some experience; novices should calibrate their feel with the "final set to failure" variation first.
- Upper back/accessory choices have no placeholders; paused squat is attached to squat (tempo 0-2-0, reduce for its own lower max).