Evidence-based Resistance Training Model (EBRTM): Unprecedented Accuracy and Effectiveness

This course presents the first comprehensively evidence-based resistance training model for endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power. The goal for developing this model was an unprecedented level of accuracy and effectiveness. This course consolidates the Brookbush Institute’s systematic reviews of every modifiable acute variable and the four goal-specific models derived from them into a single practical resistance training model.

Rather than relying on expert opinion, mechanistic hypotheses, traditional coaching models, older textbooks, or trending beliefs, this course integrates findings from approximately 1,500 peer-reviewed studies, with a focus on comparative research, to determine the best evidence-based recommendation for each acute variable and each goal. The central finding is that endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power share the vast majority of their programming and differ only in a handful of goal-dependent variables, and surprisingly, those variables do not perfectly align with previously published acute variable tables and models.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on outcomes over mechanisms. Mechanistic hypotheses can be useful for generating ideas, but when research directly compares practical programming decisions, those outcomes should determine the recommendation. This includes decisions related to load, repetition range, tempo, proximity to failure, rest intervals, circuit training, sets per muscle group, training frequency, set strategies, periodization, range of motion, exercise order, and exercise selection.

The model is organized into three parts. The first section covers acute variables for novice exercisers during the first 6 to 12 weeks of training, when the evidence suggests programming should remain largely the same regardless of long-term goal. The second section covers Shared Variables, the recommendations that remain largely the same across endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power. The third section covers Goal-Dependent Variables, the small set of variables that differentiate the four goals, including the primary variable progressed, load emphasis, proximity to failure, tempo, exercise selection, and advanced set strategies. The course concludes with a brief review of the optimal corrective warm-up, including how movement preparation, mobility, activation, core exercise, and integration strategies fit into the model.

The manifold increase in evidence used to develop this model resulted in recommendations with a significantly higher probability of accuracy and effectiveness; however, a practical model is still needed to make those recommendations easy to scan, reference, and apply. This course reduces the conclusions from the Brookbush Institute’s systematic reviews into a single model demonstrating that most acute variable recommendations are shared across goals, and only a small number of key variables need to be modified for endurance, hypertrophy, strength, or power. This makes programming decisions faster, clearer, and easier to apply. For professionals who want to refine their programming further, the goal-specific model courses demonstrate where details can be dialed in and where flexibility is available. For expert-level decision-making, the acute-variable courses explain how each recommendation was developed and how to fine-tune programs for specific clients, patients, athletes, and situations. In short, this model makes the rules easy to apply, the goal-specific models make the details easier to adjust, and the acute-variable courses provide the depth needed for expert-level precision.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply the novice model for the first 6 to 12 weeks of training, when programming recommendations are largely the same regardless of long-term training goal.
• Use the Shared Variables to quickly build the foundation of a resistance training program, including recommendations for rest intervals, circuit structure, range of motion, concentric intent, exercise order, sets per muscle group, training frequency, training splits, and periodization.
• Modify the Goal-Dependent Variables, including the primary variable progressed, load emphasis, proximity to failure, tempo, exercise selection, and advanced set strategies, to match endurance, hypertrophy, strength, or power goals.
• Create sophisticated resistance training programs for clients, patients, and athletes with the highest probability of success based on the available evidence.
• Evaluate existing resistance training models, acute variable tables, and programs against the EBRTM, and identify where they do not align with the available research.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Evidence-based Resistance Training Model compare to the NASM OPT Model, ACSM’s Progression Models in Resistance Training for Healthy Adults, and the NSCA Acute Variables Table?

The NASM OPT Model, ACSM’s resistance training position stand, and the NSCA acute variables table are useful resources for organizing resistance training programs. However, the Evidence-based Resistance Training Model (EBRTM) was not developed merely to be different. It was developed to improve the probability of accuracy and effectiveness, and there are objective reasons to believe it accomplishes that goal.

The EBRTM was developed from the Brookbush Institute’s systematic reviews of every modifiable acute variable that significantly influences resistance training outcomes. These reviews integrated findings from approximately 1,500 peer-reviewed studies, with a focus on comparative research. This represents many times more relevant research than previous resistance training models, position stands, and acute variable tables.

This matters because a larger and more complete evidence base increases the probability that recommendations are accurate, well-calibrated, and robust. A partial review may still produce some correct recommendations, but it may also miss studies, variables, or relationships that would change a conclusion. A comprehensive review is more likely to identify the best available recommendation for each variable, reveal which variables matter most, and clarify when recommendations should differ by goal, population, or outcome.

The EBRTM was also developed using a systematic process. Each acute variable was reviewed, studies were sorted into comparable categories, effect directions were extracted, and recommendations were developed from the trends that emerged from the systematic reviews. Mechanistic hypotheses were not ignored, but when research directly compared practical programming decisions, outcome data determined the recommendation.

This process resulted in conclusions that differ from previously published models and acute variable tables. One of the central findings is that endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power share the vast majority of their programming, and differ only in a handful of goal-dependent variables. These include the primary variable progressed, load emphasis, proximity to failure, tempo, exercise selection, and advanced set strategies.

In short, the NASM OPT Model, ACSM position stand, and NSCA acute variables table are helpful references, but the EBRTM was developed from a larger, more comprehensive, and more systematic review of the available research. The result is a practical model with a higher probability of accuracy and effectiveness, while also making programming decisions easier to scan, reference, apply, and refine.

What is a resistance training model?

A resistance training model is an organized framework for building exercise programs. It helps professionals decide how to manipulate acute variables such as load, repetitions, tempo, rest intervals, sets, training frequency, exercise order, range of motion, proximity to failure, and exercise selection.

A good model should make programming decisions easier, faster, and more accurate. Rather than treating every program as a blank slate, a model gives professionals a practical set of rules that can be applied, adjusted, and refined for specific goals and individuals.

What is the Evidence-based Resistance Training Model (EBRTM)?

The Evidence-based Resistance Training Model (EBRTM) is the Brookbush Institute’s comprehensive framework for designing resistance training programs for endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power.

This model consolidates the Brookbush Institute’s systematic reviews of every modifiable acute variable, and the four goal-specific models derived from them, into a single practical programming model. The goal of the model is to reduce the most accurate and effective recommendations (based on all available evidence) into a model that is easy to scan, reference, and apply.

Is there one best resistance training program?

Yes and No. There is no single best resistance training program for every person and every goal. However, there is likely a best recommendation for each modifiable acute variable to maximize the expected value of a program; that is, most reliably result in the best possible outcome.

The EBRTM is not one magic program. It is a framework for making better programming decisions built from manitimes the relevant research used to develop previous models, acute variables tables, and programs. The intent is to recommend the acute variable ranges with the highest probability of success for each of the 4 resistance training goals (endurance, hypetrophy, strength, and power).

Can the EBRTM be used for clients, patients, and athletes?

Yes. The EBRTM was designed as a practical resistance training framework for professionals working with clients, patients, and athletes. The model provides a clear starting point, identifies which recommendations are shared across goals, and clarifies which variables should be modified for endurance, hypertrophy, strength, or power.

The model also works with clinical and performance decision-making because it can be adjusted based on pain, injury history, movement assessment findings, sports demands, recovery status, and training experience.

Pre-approved Credits for:

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certificate
• Strength and Performance Coach (SPC) Certification

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Group Exercise Instructors
• Massage Therapists
• Occupational Therapists  - Intermediate
• Personal Trainers
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Physiotherapists

This course includes:

• AI Tutor
• Course Summary Webinar
• Study Guide
• Text and Illustrations
• Audio Voice-over
• Research Review
• Sample Routines
• Generated Routines
• Practice Exam
• Exam Coach and Custom Study Plan Generator
• Pre-approved 3 Credit Final Exam

Acute Variable Courses:

• Repetition Tempo
• Repetition Range
• Circuit Training
• Rest Between Sets
• Sets Per Muscle Group
• Training Frequency
• Load
• Set Strategies
• Sets-to-Failure/Set
• Periodization
• Exercise Order
• Range of Motion
• Post-activation Potentiation
• Complex training

1. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Acute variables: Repetition tempo. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-repetition-tempo
2. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Repetition range. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-repetition-range
3. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Training load. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-training-load-weight-and-resistance
4. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Acute variables: Performing sets to failure. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-performing-sets-to-failure
5. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Exercise range of motion (ROM). Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-exercise-range-of-motion-rom
6. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Acute variables: Rest between sets. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-rest-between-sets
7. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Acute variables: Circuit training. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/circuit-training
8. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Set strategies (supersets, pyramid sets, and drop-sets). Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/set-strategies-supersets-pyramid-sets-and-drop-sets
9. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Sets per muscle group per session. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-sets-per-muscle-group
10. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (n.d.). Acute variables: Training frequency and recovery between sessions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-training-frequency-and-recovery-between-sessions
11. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Acute variables: Periodization training. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-periodization-training
12. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (n.d.). Acute variables: Exercise order. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-exercise-order
13. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Power (high-velocity) training: Introduction. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/introduction-power-training-high-velocity-training
14. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Stability training. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/stability-training
15. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Back exercise and pulling progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/back-pulling-progressions
16. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Chest exercises and pushing progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/chest-pushing-progressions
17. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Shoulder exercises and shoulder pressing progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/shoulder-overhead-pressing-progressions
18. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2023). Leg exercise progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/legs-triple-extension-progressions
19. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2023). Deadlift exercises and deadlift progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/deadlift-progressions
20. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Total body exercises and functional exercise progressions. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/integrated-exercise-progressions
21. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2025). Upper body power exercises and total body power exercises. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/power-training-upper-body
22. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Lower body power exercises. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/power-training-lower-body
23. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (2026). Acute variables: Complex training (strength and power). Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-complex-training
24. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (n.d.). Acute variables: Post-activation potentiation (PAP). Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/courses/acute-variables-post-activation-potentiation-pap
25. Brookbush, B., & Boettcher, D. (n.d.). 3 workout strategies you should avoid before practice and games. Brookbush Institute Strength & Rehabilitation Review. https://brookbushinstitute.com/articles/3-workout-strategies-you-should-avoid-before-practice-and-games