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Ascend Training
Intelligent Progression
Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad
Train smarter. Progress further.
Ascend brings evidence-based periodization to strength training—intelligent programming that actually drives progress, whether you're doing pull-ups in a park or weighted squats in a gym.
I built Ascend because the RFEM system transformed my own training, and I wanted an app designed around it. So I made one.
TRAIN BY YOUR NUMBERS. PROGRESS BY DESIGN.
Ascend uses the RFEM (Reps From Established Max) methodology to calculate your target reps from your actual tested performance:
Test your max → Train below it → Progress systematically → Retest → Repeat
You always know exactly what to do. The app handles intensity management automatically based on your real numbers.
PERIODIZATION THAT RESPONDS TO YOU
Your training intensity varies across workouts, with each session having its own RFEM value (e.g., 4 → 3 → 2 → 4 → 3 → 2). This creates natural harder and easier days that match how recovery actually works. Miss a workout? The periodization stays intact.
WORKS FOR ANY STRENGTH TRAINING
Bodyweight or weighted—Ascend handles both:
- Calisthenics with rep-based progression
- Weighted exercises with load tracking
- Time-based holds like planks and hangs
- Simple progression (add weight, add reps, or both)
- Conditioning exercises for high-rep or time-based endurance work
Use RFEM for exercises where it makes sense, simple progression where it fits better, or mix both in the same cycle.
FEATURES THAT MATTER
Today View — Your current workout on one screen. Swipe right to complete at target, left to skip.
Smart Scheduling — Tell Ascend how many days per week you train. It distributes your volume intelligently.
Rest Timer — Optional timer with audio cues. Set it to start automatically after each set, or turn it off entirely.
Max Testing Cycles — Dedicated assessment periods to keep your training targets current.
Offline First — Full functionality with or without internet. Train anywhere, anytime.
Cloud Sync — When you connect, your data syncs across devices automatically.
CYCLE TYPES
RFEM Training — Automatic intensity waves based on your tested max (Standard)
Max Testing — Structured assessment periods to update your numbers (Standard)
Simple Progression — Linear weight or rep increases for straightforward goals (Advanced)
Mixed Mode — Choose RFEM or simple progression per exercise (Advanced)
WHO THIS IS FOR
Ascend is for people who want structured, intelligent training that programs itself:
- Athletes ready for systematic progress
- Busy adults who value efficient, effective sessions
- Calisthenics enthusiasts and home gym users
- Lifters who want real periodization in their pocket
- Anyone working toward their first pull-up or their next PR
WHAT ASCEND FOCUSES ON
Ascend is a training tool built around progression and periodization. It tracks your work, manages your intensity, and tells you exactly what to do each session. That's what it does well, and that's what it stays focused on.
PRICING
Start with a full-featured 28-day trial. Then choose:
- Standard ($9.99 lifetime) — RFEM and Max Testing cycles
- Advanced ($19.99 lifetime) — All cycle types including Simple and Mixed modes
One purchase. Lifetime access.
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Questions or feedback? Contact support@fredericbahnson.com
Smarter set distribution — Exercises of the same type now share volume more evenly across
the week, so one exercise no longer always gets the extra set.
Flexible warmup sets — Warmup visibility is now a daily toggle on your workout screen
instead of a one-time cycle setting. Skip warmups when you're short on time without
changing your whole training plan.
Faster rep logging — New +/- stepper buttons on the rep count input let you quickly adjust
reps without typing.
Improved time-based progression - Progressive time-based exercises are now scheduled based on RFEM-style methodolgy, with 10% of max "per RFEM." (RFEM-2 = Max time - 20% of max time)
Reliable iOS timers — Rest timers now track wall-clock time, so they stay accurate even
when your phone goes to sleep or you switch apps. Audio cues are pre-scheduled to fire on
time.
Learn the methodology — New links in Settings > Help connect you directly to the RFEM
Methodology explainer and detailed App Guide on the Ascend website.
Minor bug fixes and UI improvements, including better touch handling on iOS, layout fixes
at larger font sizes, and improved logout behavior.
The developer, Frederic Bahnson, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
- Health & Fitness
- Contact Info
- Diagnostics
The developer indicated that this app supports the following accessibility features. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Frederic Bahnson
- Size
- 10.6 MB
- Category
- Health & Fitness
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 15.0 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 15.0 or later. - iPod touch
Requires iOS 15.0 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later. - Apple Vision
Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
9+
- 9+
- Contains
Health or Wellness Topics
- In-App Purchases
Yes
- Standard to Advanced Upgrade $12.99
- Ascend Standard $9.99
- Ascend Advanced $19.99
- Copyright
- © 2026 Frederic Bahnson