Insights

Evidence-based training science & research.

What’s New

The latest from the Kenso research desk
Training
Jun 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Weekly Brief: June 2-8, 2026

This week examined power development through contrast training, recovery metrics that actually matter, and the latest advances in VBT technology for home athletes.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 31, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Contrast Training for Power?

Learn how contrast training combines heavy lifting with explosive movements to unlock your maximum power potential through post-activation potentiation.

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 28, 2026 · 6 min read

Best App for Bulgarian Method Training in 2026

Find the best app for tracking Bulgarian Method training with daily max singles, high-frequency progression, and detailed analytics.

Gear & Reviews
May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Which Sleep Metrics Actually Predict Lifting Performance?

HRV and sleep duration matter most for lifters. Learn which recovery metrics actually predict your training performance.

Exercise Guides
May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best PNF Stretching Method for Lifters?

Contract-relax PNF stretching uses muscle contraction followed by passive stretching to improve range of motion more effectively than static stretching alone.

Gear & Reviews
May 26, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best Gym Bag Setup for Powerlifters in 2026?

The right powerlifter gym bag essentials can make or break your training session. Here's what serious lifters actually pack.

App & Tracking In-Depth
May 26, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Track Strength Asymmetries?

Discover the most effective methods for tracking strength asymmetries between your left and right sides, from high-tech force plates to practical gym assessment

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 25, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best VBT Device for Home Athletes in 2026?

Compare the top velocity based training devices for home athletes, from budget-friendly MyLift to professional-grade GymAware systems.

Training
Jun 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Weekly Brief: June 2-8, 2026

This week examined power development through contrast training, recovery metrics that actually matter, and the latest advances in VBT technology for home athletes.

Training
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Brief: May 26 - June 1, 2026

New research shows consistent training beats menstrual cycle timing, while motor variability emerges as a key predictor of strength training response.

Training In-Depth
May 23, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Strength Endurance Training for Work Capacity?

Master the balance between strength and endurance with proven training methods that build work capacity while preserving explosive power.

Training
May 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Brief: May 19-25, 2026

This week examined advanced programming techniques and AI integration in strength training, featuring new research on muscle preservation during cutting phases.

Training In-Depth
May 16, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Structure Training Microcycles?

Microcycle planning transforms random workouts into intentional weekly structures that maximize adaptation and minimize fatigue accumulation.

Training
May 11, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Brief: May 12-18, 2026

This week's research highlighted optimal training frequency for natural lifters and recovery-based programming, with practical guidance on equipment selection and minimum viable workouts.

Training
May 9, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best Minimum Viable Workout for Busy Days?

When life gets crazy, a 15-minute minimum viable workout beats skipping entirely. Here's how to design sessions that maintain your streak without compromise.

Training
May 5, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Difference Between Helpful and Harmful Inflammation?

Not all inflammation is created equal. Understanding when exercise induced inflammation helps versus hurts your training can make the difference between consist

Training
Apr 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Why Your Second Week Back at the Gym Is Harder Than Your First

The second week back at the gym is notoriously harder than your first—here's why your workout momentum stalls and how to push through it.

Training
Apr 21, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best Sleep Schedule for Muscle Growth in 2026?

Quality sleep isn't just rest—it's when your muscles actually grow through protein synthesis and hormone optimization.

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Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 31, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Contrast Training for Power?

Learn how contrast training combines heavy lifting with explosive movements to unlock your maximum power potential through post-activation potentiation.

Exercise Guides
May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best PNF Stretching Method for Lifters?

Contract-relax PNF stretching uses muscle contraction followed by passive stretching to improve range of motion more effectively than static stretching alone.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 22, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Pre-Exhaust Training?

Pre-exhaust training fatigues specific muscles with isolation exercises before compound lifts, enhancing muscle recruitment and targeting weaker muscle groups.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 15, 2026 · 6 min read

What Are the Benefits of Paused Reps for Strength Training?

Strategic pauses during reps force controlled tension and build explosive strength by targeting weak points in your lifts.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 7, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Muscle Specialization Program for 2026?

Learn how to design an effective muscle specialization program that prioritizes lagging body parts through strategic training placement and progressive tracking

Exercise Guides In-Depth
May 1, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Staggered Loading Patterns?

Staggered loading patterns use uneven weight distribution to build the kind of functional strength your body actually needs for real-world activities.

Exercise Guides
Apr 30, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Connection Between Breathing and Mobility?

Poor breathing patterns create a cascade of movement restrictions that limit your range of motion and training potential.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
Apr 26, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Antagonist Muscle Training?

Training opposing muscle groups together creates better balance, stronger lifts, and reduced injury risk through the principle of reciprocal inhibition.

Exercise Guides In-Depth
Apr 22, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Program Accessory Work That Supports Your Big Lifts

Learn how to strategically program accessory exercises that directly strengthen your squat, bench, deadlift, and overhead press for better long-term progression

Exercise Guides In-Depth
Apr 14, 2026 · 6 min read

What Is Compensatory Acceleration Training for Strength?

Learn how compensatory acceleration training maximizes force production by emphasizing maximum bar speed during lighter loads.

The Kenso Brief

One research breakdown a week.

The study, the effect size, what it actually means for your training. No fluff. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

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Gear & Reviews Guide
May 28, 2026 · 6 min read

Best App for Bulgarian Method Training in 2026

Find the best app for tracking Bulgarian Method training with daily max singles, high-frequency progression, and detailed analytics.

Gear & Reviews
May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Which Sleep Metrics Actually Predict Lifting Performance?

HRV and sleep duration matter most for lifters. Learn which recovery metrics actually predict your training performance.

Gear & Reviews
May 26, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best Gym Bag Setup for Powerlifters in 2026?

The right powerlifter gym bag essentials can make or break your training session. Here's what serious lifters actually pack.

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 25, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best VBT Device for Home Athletes in 2026?

Compare the top velocity based training devices for home athletes, from budget-friendly MyLift to professional-grade GymAware systems.

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 21, 2026 · 6 min read

What Are the Best Cable Machine Attachments for Home Gyms?

Essential cable machine attachments transform your home gym's versatility. Here's what serious lifters need for complete upper and lower body training.

Gear & Reviews
May 20, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Faster Recovery: Cryotherapy vs Ice Baths?

Discover which cold therapy method delivers faster muscle recovery and fits better into your training routine.

Gear & Reviews
May 19, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Best Seam Type to Prevent Chafing in Gym Clothes?

Seamless construction eliminates chafing during long training sessions by removing friction points entirely, while flatlock seams reduce but don't eliminate irr

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 18, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best Smart Cable Machine for Home Training?

We tested the top smart cable machines and adjustable resistance systems to find which offers the best combination of technology, versatility, and tracking for

Gear & Reviews Guide
May 15, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best Lifting Chain for Accommodating Resistance?

Complete guide to choosing lifting chains for variable resistance training, from 10lb starter sets to heavy 40lb chains for advanced lifters.

Gear & Reviews
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read

What's the Science Behind Epsom Salt Baths for Recovery?

Research reveals how magnesium from Epsom salt baths crosses the skin barrier to support muscle recovery and reduce post-workout soreness.

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App & Tracking In-Depth
May 26, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Track Strength Asymmetries?

Discover the most effective methods for tracking strength asymmetries between your left and right sides, from high-tech force plates to practical gym assessment

App & Tracking Guide
May 20, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best Way to Interpret Kenso Analytics in 2026?

Master Kenso's advanced analytics dashboard to turn your training data into actionable insights for consistent progression.

App & Tracking In-Depth
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Understand Muscle Activation Patterns?

Understanding muscle activation patterns helps explain why some exercises feel different despite similar movements, leading to more effective training decisions

App & Tracking Guide
May 14, 2026 · 7 min read

Kenso AI Coach Guide: Smart Workout Programming in 2026

Learn how Kenso's AI Coach creates personalized workout programs that adapt to your training progress and goals.

App & Tracking Guide
Apr 28, 2026 · 6 min read

What's the Best Way to Export and Backup Workout Data in 2026?

Learn how to export and backup your workout data across different fitness apps, ensuring your training history stays safe when switching platforms.

App & Tracking Guide
Apr 19, 2026 · 6 min read

What's the Best App for Creating Custom Exercises in 2026?

Compare the best workout apps for creating custom exercises beyond default libraries, from Kenso's unlimited exercise editor to Strong's template system.

App & Tracking In-Depth
Mar 11, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Accommodating Resistance?

Learn how bands and chains create variable resistance that matches your natural strength curve, helping you build explosive power and overcome sticking points.

App & Tracking Guide
Mar 8, 2026 · 7 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Autoregulation in Training?

Learn how autoregulation training uses daily readiness signals to optimize your workouts and prevent overtraining.

App & Tracking Guide
Mar 1, 2026 · 6 min read

What's the Best iOS Workout App with AI Coaching?

Compare the top iOS workout apps with AI coaching features, from Kenso's intelligent progression tracking to Strong's automated recommendations.

App & Tracking Guide
Feb 28, 2026 · 6 min read

What's the Best 531 Wendler App for Serious Lifters?

A comprehensive comparison of the best apps for tracking Jim Wendler's 531 program, including features, pricing, and platform availability.

Research & Industry
May 24, 2026 · 5 min read

What Does This Week's Strength Training Research Tell Us?

New research shows that consistent training trumps menstrual cycle timing, while motor variability may predict who responds best to strength programs.

Research & Industry
May 21, 2026 · 4 min read

What's the Best Time to Train for Muscle Hypertrophy?

A 2024 study reveals that timing training around menstrual cycles offers no advantage for muscle growth or strength gains compared to consistent programming.

Research & Industry
May 13, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Maintain Muscle During a Cut?

New research on a Mr. Olympia competitor reveals how much muscle mass you can expect to lose during a cutting phase and what factors matter most for preservation.

Research & Industry
May 6, 2026 · 4 min read

What's the Optimal Training Frequency Based on Recovery?

New research reveals optimal training frequency should be based on individual muscle recovery patterns and protein synthesis windows, not traditional body part

Research & Industry
May 4, 2026 · 4 min read

What's the Best Split for Natural Lifters? Science Review

New research shows full-body routines outperform traditional splits for natural lifters, with frequency trumping volume for muscle growth.

Research & Industry
May 1, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Training Frequency: 2x vs 3x Per Week?

New research comparing 2x vs 3x weekly training frequency reveals surprising results when total volume is equated between groups.

Research & Industry
Apr 29, 2026 · 5 min read

What's the Best Way to Count Volume for Muscle Growth?

New research reveals how compound exercises contribute to smaller muscle growth and whether indirect volume should count toward your weekly targets.

Research & Industry
Apr 29, 2026 · 4 min read

What's the Best Way to Use Blood Flow Restriction Training?

Recent research examines the safety protocols needed for blood flow restriction training, particularly for athletes at risk of blood clots.

Research & Industry
Apr 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Is 4 Sets Per Exercise the Sweet Spot for Hypertrophy?

New research reveals the optimal number of sets per exercise for maximizing muscle growth without excessive fatigue accumulation.

Research & Industry
Apr 24, 2026 · 4 min read

What's the Maximum Training Volume Before Junk Volume?

A comprehensive meta-analysis identifies the threshold where additional training volume becomes counterproductive for muscle growth.

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The Kenso Brief

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Kenso Insights

Research, expert analysis, and evidence-based training strategies.

The Kenso Brief

One research breakdown a week.

The study, the effect size, what it actually means for your training. No fluff. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Joining lifters who want the science, not the hype.

Research & Industry

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Partner

Product

Beginner Foundations

The Kenso Brief

One research breakdown a week.

The study, the effect size, what it actually means for your training. No fluff. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Joining lifters who want the science, not the hype.