Resistance Types
Every set you log has a resistance type that determines how the load is measured and tracked. The default is traditional weight, but HyperIron supports 10 types to cover any exercise.
All resistance types
| Type | What it tracks | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Barbell, dumbbell, plate-loaded | 225 lbs |
| Band | Resistance bands (linked to your band profiles) | Red band (40 lbs tension) |
| Bodyweight | Pure bodyweight exercises | Bodyweight |
| Bodyweight+ | Bodyweight plus added load | BW + 45 lbs |
| Kettlebell | Kettlebells (linked to your profiles) | 24kg Blue |
| Machine | Plate-loaded or selectorized machines | Chest Press, Pin 8 |
| Cable | Cable machines with pin/plate settings | Setting 5, 70 lbs |
| Angle | Incline/decline angle (linked to bench profiles) | 30 degrees |
| Time | Isometric holds, timed sets | 45 seconds |
| Distance | Carries, sled pushes | 40 yards |
When to use each type
Weight
The default for barbell and dumbbell exercises. Tracks load in lbs or kg. This is the only type that contributes to 1RM estimates — there's no universal way to convert band tension or machine pins to a true one-rep max.
Band
Select from your configured band profiles. Each band has a name, color, and tension rating, so you can track progression on banded exercises over time.
Bodyweight and Bodyweight+
Use Bodyweight for exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, and dips where your body is the only load. Use Bodyweight+ when you add external weight (weighted pull-ups, weighted dips) — enter only the added weight.
Kettlebell
Select from your configured kettlebell profiles. Useful for tracking which specific kettlebell you used, especially if you have several.
Machine
Link to your machine calibrations. Machines vary between gyms, so HyperIron lets you record the machine name, gym, and setting. This makes comparisons meaningful over time.
Cable
Similar to machine but for cable stations. Track the pin/plate setting and the weight it corresponds to.
Angle
For exercises where the angle is the variable being tracked, linked to bench angle profiles. Primarily used alongside a weight resistance type for exercises like incline press.
Time
For isometric holds (planks, dead hangs, wall sits) and timed sets. Tracks duration in seconds.
Distance
For loaded carries, sled pushes, and any exercise measured by distance. Tracks in yards or meters.
Equipment profiles
Setting up equipment profiles makes logging faster. Instead of typing "Red band, 40 lbs" every time, you just select "Red Band" from your list. Profiles store all the relevant details.
Accommodating resistance
For exercises that combine barbell weight with bands or chains:
- Log the barbell weight as the resistance type (Weight)
- Note the band or chain setup in the equipment context field
Banded Bench Press: 225 lbs × 5 reps
Equipment context: double red bands
This keeps 1RM calculations based on the barbell weight while recording the full setup.
How resistance type affects analytics
- 1RM estimates: Only calculated for the Weight type. Bands, machines, and cables don't have a universal equivalence.
- Volume (tonnage): Calculated for Weight, Bodyweight+, and any type with a numeric load. Band tension and machine pins contribute to set counting but not tonnage.
- Progress charts: Filtered by resistance type. Your cable row progress is tracked separately from your barbell row progress.