My Texas Method

Product Introduction

1. Definition: My Texas Method is a specialized iOS strength training application built using SwiftUI. It falls into the technical category of fitness software designed for intermediate to advanced lifters following the Texas Method programming framework.
2. Core Value Proposition: This app exists to provide lifters with an efficient, customizable, and data-driven tool to implement and track the Texas Method strength program directly on iPhone and Apple Watch. Its primary value lies in enabling custom Texas Method programs, visualizing strength gains with interactive charts, and offering seamless Apple Watch workout tracking, all within a native, ad-free environment.

Main Features

1. Custom Program Creation:
   • How it works: Users design bespoke weekly Texas Method structures. They can add specific workout days, define volume (higher rep/set) and intensity (higher weight/lower rep) patterns, and assign exercises to each day. The app allows granular control over sets, reps, and percentages for every exercise within the program, directly based on the user's tracked one-rep max (1RM).
   • Technology: Utilizes SwiftUI for dynamic UI updates. Program logic enforces Texas Method periodization principles (volume, intensity, recovery days). Data is stored locally on-device (Core Data/SwiftData) with iCloud sync options.
2. Max Weight Charts & Progress Tracking:
   • How it works: Users input and update their 1RM for each exercise. The app automatically generates interactive line charts visualizing the historical progression of these max weights over time. This allows lifters to see clear trends in their strength gains.
   • Technology: Employs native iOS charting frameworks (likely Swift Charts) for rendering interactive visualizations. Data points are tied to workout history and max weight entries.
3. Apple Watch Workout View & Sync:
   • How it works: Today's prescribed workout, calculated based on the active program and the user's current max weights, is seamlessly synced from the iPhone to the paired Apple Watch. Lifters can view exercise names, sets, reps, and calculated working weights directly on their wrist during training sessions.
   • Technology: Leverages WatchKit for the watchOS companion app and WatchConnectivity framework for real-time, bidirectional data synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch.
4. Smart Weight Updates & Calculation:
   • How it works: Users configure their available barbell plates (e.g., 45lb, 25lb, 10lb, 5lb, 2.5lb) and rounding preferences (up, down, nearest). When a new 1RM is logged for an exercise, the app instantly recalculates all working weights across the entire program for that exercise, using the defined plates and rounding rules. This eliminates manual math.
   • Technology: Implements custom weight calculation algorithms based on user-defined plate inventory and rounding logic, triggered automatically on max weight updates.
5. Program Sharing & Backup:
   • How it works: Custom programs can be exported via a shareable link or QR code. Other My Texas Method users can scan the QR code or use the link to import the exact program structure, exercises, sets, reps, and percentages. Users can also export a full backup of their data (programs, maxes, history) for safekeeping or device transfer.
   • Technology: Utilizes iOS sharing frameworks (UIActivityViewController) for links/files. QR code generation/scanning uses native iOS APIs (Core Image/Camera). Backup files likely use a proprietary JSON or similar structured data format.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Generic workout trackers lack the specific structure and percentage-based calculations required for the Texas Method, forcing lifters into cumbersome manual calculations and program template rigidity. My Texas Method solves this by providing a purpose-built Texas Method app with automatic weight calculation based on maxes.
2. Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced strength athletes specifically following or interested in the Texas Method program; iOS and Apple Watch users seeking a streamlined gym experience; Lifters focused on tracking strength progression with data; Individuals wanting to move beyond the default Texas Method template found in books like Practical Programming for Strength Training.
3. Use Cases: Creating a personalized 4-day Texas Method split; Adding exercises like Power Cleans or Overhead Press to the standard template; Quickly viewing complex workout details (sets/reps/weight) on Apple Watch mid-session; Accurately tracking 1RM progress over months of training; Sharing a meticulously crafted custom program with a training partner instantly via QR code; Safely recovering training data after switching to a new iPhone.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike generic fitness apps (e.g., Strong, Hevy) or broader strength apps (e.g., 5/3/1 apps), My Texas Method is exclusively optimized for the Texas Method's weekly periodization. It deeply integrates max-based weight calculations, program customization specific to this method, and visualization tools competitors lack. Its native SwiftUI build ensures performance and a premium feel absent in cross-platform solutions.
2. Key Innovation: The combination of Smart Weight Updates (automatic recalculation of all working weights upon logging a new PR using user-defined plates) and Program Sharing via QR Code provides a level of automation and ease of collaboration specifically tailored to percentage-based strength programs that is uncommon in the market. The deep Apple Watch integration for viewing complex, calculated workouts is also a significant technical advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does My Texas Method differ from other workout tracker apps? My Texas Method is specifically designed for the Texas Method strength program, featuring automatic percentage-based weight calculations from your max lifts, customizable Texas Method weekly structures, interactive strength gain charts, and deep Apple Watch integration, unlike generic trackers.
2. Can I view my Texas Method workouts on my Apple Watch? Yes, the My Texas Method Apple Watch app syncs seamlessly with your iPhone, displaying today's calculated workout details (exercises, sets, reps, weights) directly on your wrist for convenient gym reference without needing your phone.
3. What are Smart Weight Updates in the My Texas Method app? Smart Weight Updates automatically recalculate all working weights across your entire Texas Method program whenever you log a new one-rep max, using your specific barbell plate setup and rounding preferences, eliminating manual math.
4. What features are included in the free vs. paid (Pro/Lifetime) versions of My Texas Method? The free version includes the default Texas Method program (Week 1), preset exercises, max weight tracking, and shared program import. Pro/Lifetime unlocks full custom program creation, editing, sharing, all weekly patterns (Week 2+), priority support, and requires iOS/watchOS 26.2+.
5. What iOS version is required to run the My Texas Method app? My Texas Method requires iOS 26.2 or later. The companion Apple Watch app requires watchOS 26.2 or later for full synchronization and workout viewing functionality.