Editorial policy

Credit the people who built the programs

Starting Strength, StrongLifts 5×5, 5/3/1, GZCLP and the other programs we cover were created by other coaches. Every program guide names its creator, links the creator's own material and makes clear that our guide is independent commentary, not the program itself and not endorsed by its creator. We summarize structure; we don't reproduce paid books, spreadsheets or apps. When we can't verify who created something, we say so rather than guess. Generic structures such as push/pull/legs are labeled as having no single creator.

Sources we check, and sources we don't invent

Research claims link to the paper (PubMed or DOI) or the official body that issued the guideline or rule. Program rules link to the creator's page. We open each source before citing it. When evidence is thin, we say the advice is practical coaching guidance rather than dressing it up as science.

Tools that show their math

Each calculator page explains its formula, assumptions, input limits and where the result stops being reliable. The strength standards tool uses a dated public OpenPowerlifting snapshot with every filter listed; we don't publish percentile tables we can't reproduce, and we never describe competition data as the general population.

Dates mean something

• A published date records the article's first publication. Existing articles retain an original date only when we can verify it. When the original date is unknown, we show a substantive update date without inventing a publication history. New articles use their actual first publication date.
• An "Updated" date appears only after a substantive revision, such as new guidance, corrected facts or new sources, never for a typo fix.
• Calculator pages show when their method was last reviewed.

How articles are produced

Articles and guides are drafted and edited with the help of AI writing tools. Every research citation is checked against the paper's PubMed or DOI record, or the official page that issued the guideline, rule or program, and claims we can't source are reworded as practical guidance or removed. We don't list authors, credentials or reviewers we can't stand behind.

Images and models

Our page illustrations are realistic graphite pencil drawings made with AI image generation and checked by eye before use; two Olympic weightlifting guides reuse a reference drawing supplied by Jay (the person behind Strength Progression). The people in them are fictional adults. They do not portray Jay, program creators, or clients, and they are not evidence of anyone's results or a check of technique. Training images provide context; the written guidance and linked sources explain the technique, equipment, and limits that matter.

Independence

We don't run ads, sponsored posts or affiliate links. If that ever changes, the affected page will say so plainly.

Corrections

Spotted an error or a missing credit? Email contact@nerdbrainz.com. Corrections to facts or credits are made promptly and marked with an updated date.

Not medical advice

Everything here is general education. It can't account for your health, injuries or circumstances; see the medical and fitness disclaimer.