How Does Bazu Calculate Personal Records (PRs)?

Key takeaways

• Bazu tracks multiple PR types because progress is not just "more weight."
• PR logic changes by exercise type: load-based, bodyweight, weighted-bodyweight, and duration-based movements each need different rules.
• Bazu uses deterministic PR rules first, then estimated 1RM (e1RM) as a secondary model where useful.
• Only valid completed sets are eligible, which helps keep PRs reliable.

Most lifters think of a PR as one thing: more weight.

In real training, progress shows up in more than one way. You might hit more reps at the same load. You might hold a plank longer. You might get your first clean set of weighted pull-ups.

That is why Bazu tracks multiple PR types.

This guide explains each PR type, how Bazu calculates it, and why it matters.

If you are building a simple progression system, this pairs well with Progressive Overload 101.

Why Bazu uses multiple PR types

As a coach, I can tell you this is common: lifters get stronger before they notice it on a 1-rep max day.

Progress can look like:

• one extra rep at the same weight
• the same reps at a heavier load
• better output in bodyweight movements
• longer duration under tension

If an app only tracks one PR type, it misses a lot of real progress.

How does Bazu calculate PRs by type?

1) Load PR

A Load PR means you lifted a heavier weight than your previous best for that exercise with valid completed reps.

Example:

• Previous best: 40 lb for Face Pull
• New set: 42 lb for Face Pull
• Result: New Load PR

Why it matters:

• It is the clearest sign of absolute strength going up.

2) Reps PR at the same load

A Reps PR @ Load means you did more reps at a fixed weight.

Example:

• Previous best: 40 x 10
• New set: 40 x 12
• Result: New Reps PR @ Load

Why it matters:

• You improved work capacity and strength endurance without changing weight.

3) Strength PR (estimated 1RM / e1RM)

A Strength PR uses estimated 1RM (e1RM) to compare sets across rep ranges.

Bazu uses this formula:

e1RM = weight × (1 + reps / 30)

Rules:

• If reps == 1, e1RM is the actual lifted weight.
• Reps are capped at 20 for estimate stability.
• Sets must be explicitly completed (isCompleted = true).

Example:

• Set A: 100 x 5 -> 100 × (1 + 5/30) = 116.7
• Set B: 90 x 10 -> 90 × (1 + 10/30) = 120.0
• Set B has the higher modeled strength score.

Why it matters:

• It helps compare different set styles in one strength trend.
• It provides a practical benchmark when your best set is not always a true 1-rep attempt.

4) Set Volume PR (optional metric)

A Set Volume PR tracks best single-set tonnage:

set volume = weight × reps

Example:

• Previous best set volume: 80 × 10 = 800
• New set volume: 85 × 10 = 850
• Result: New Set Volume PR

Why it matters:

• Useful for hypertrophy-focused blocks.

Bodyweight PRs: with and without added weight

Bodyweight movements need their own logic because weight = 0 should still count as real progress.

5) Bodyweight Reps PR (unweighted)

Used when added load is zero.

Primary rule:

• New PR if reps are higher than your previous best at bodyweight.

Example:

• Previous: Pull-Up 0 x 8
• New: Pull-Up 0 x 10
• Result: New Bodyweight Reps PR

Why it matters:

• This is often the most important progression for pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and similar work.

6) Added Load PR (weighted bodyweight)

Used when bodyweight movement has added external load.

Primary rule:

• New PR if added load is higher than your previous best with valid completed reps.

Example:

• Previous: Weighted Pull-Up +20 x 5
• New: Weighted Pull-Up +25 x 5
• Result: New Added Load PR

Why it matters:

• It captures strength progression once bodyweight reps are solid.

7) Reps PR at added load (weighted bodyweight)

Secondary weighted-bodyweight rule:

• If added load is the same, more reps = new PR.

Example:

• Previous: +25 x 4
• New: +25 x 6
• Result: New Reps PR @ Added Load

8) Weighted bodyweight Strength PR (modeled)

If deterministic wins are not triggered, Bazu can still compare weighted-bodyweight sets with the same strength model:

e1RM = weight × (1 + reps / 30)

This acts as a secondary modeled benchmark.

Duration PRs

For time-based exercises (planks, carries, holds), Bazu compares duration directly.

9) Duration PR at load

Rule:

• New PR if duration is longer than your previous best at the same load.

Example:

• Previous weighted plank: +10 lb for 45s
• New weighted plank: +10 lb for 60s
• Result: New Duration PR

Why it matters:

• Time-under-tension progress should not be forced into rep formulas.

10) First Record

If you have no valid history for that exercise or variant, Bazu marks your first valid completed set as a First Record.

Why it matters:

• It gives useful momentum for new movements and new variants.

How Bazu decides which PR to show first

In one session, a set can qualify for more than one PR type.

Bazu’s display priority is:

1. First Record
2. Load PR or Added Load PR
3. Reps PR (including bodyweight/added-load variants)
4. Duration PR
5. Strength PR (e1RM)
6. Set Volume PR

This keeps the headline focused on the most intuitive win.

Important guardrails

To keep PRs meaningful, Bazu applies these checks:

• Only explicitly completed sets are eligible.
• PR comparisons stay within the same exercise identity.
• Unweighted and weighted bodyweight variants are tracked separately.
• Modeled PRs use thresholds to reduce noise from tiny estimate changes.
• Modeled Strength PR threshold: current e1RM - best e1RM >= max(best e1RM × 0.005, 1.0).

Why this PR system works for real lifters

In real coaching, we do not wait for one “perfect” metric.

We look for repeatable signs of progress:

• heavier load
• more reps
• better output at bodyweight
• longer quality effort

That is exactly what Bazu’s PR system is designed to reflect.

If you are consistent in logging, you should see progress sooner and with less guesswork.

To review those trends weekly, use this lightweight checklist from How to Spot PRs and Training Trends Faster.

FAQ

What is the best way to calculate a PR in lifting?

Use the PR type that matches the movement and goal.

• For loaded barbell and dumbbell lifts, track load PRs and rep PRs at the same load.
• For mixed rep ranges, use e1RM as a secondary comparison.
• For bodyweight movements, prioritize rep PRs first and added load PRs once external weight is used.

How does Bazu calculate estimated 1RM (e1RM)?

Bazu calculates e1RM with weight × (1 + reps / 30), with reps capped at 20 for estimate stability. This is used as a modeled strength benchmark, not a replacement for deterministic PR wins like heavier load or more reps at the same load.

Do bodyweight exercises count as PRs if weight is zero?

Yes. Unweighted bodyweight movements still produce PRs through higher rep counts. This is why pull-ups, push-ups, and dips can show meaningful progression even before added external load.

Where can I track all PR types in one place?

You can log sessions in Bazu and review PR history by exercise and set style.
Bazu on the App Store