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TemplateTrainer
Jordan DuBois

Jordan DuBois

Founder of Template Trainer

Jordan DuBois is the founder of Template Trainer, the free workout app that runs strength and bodybuilding programs and works out each session's weights from progression rules.

Training and competition

Jordan has been lifting for 20 years. In 2013, competing as a natural athlete, Jordan won the men's lightweight bodybuilding division at an NPC show in Mesa, Arizona. Getting stage-ready without shortcuts takes the same things every guide on this site is about: a well-built program, steady progressive overload, smart recovery and deloads, and patience.

Education

  • Arizona State University: Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics (2014 to 2017), summa cum laude, with undergraduate research.
  • Arizona State University: Bachelor's degree in Biology (2014 to 2016), summa cum laude.
  • Glendale Community College: Associate's degree in Physical Sciences (2011 to 2014).

The biology background means Jordan can read the exercise science literature as a scientist would, and the mathematics background shows up in Template Trainer itself, where every program is a set of rules that works out your next weights.

Why Jordan writes these guides

Jordan is an avid reader of strength and hypertrophy research and writes these guides to turn it into plain, practical answers. Every guide cites its sources, and claims about Template Trainer are checked against the app itself.

Why Jordan built Template Trainer

Most workout apps log what you did. Jordan wanted one that knows what you should do next: pick a proven program, and let its rules set every weight, the way a coach or a well-built spreadsheet would. That idea became Template Trainer.

Connect

Find Jordan on LinkedIn, and follow Template Trainer on Instagram.

Written by Jordan DuBois

BodybuildingThe free bodybuilding app that runs your splitA free bodybuilding app with classic splits like PHUL, PHAT, Y3T and Blood and Guts, double progression built in, and weekly sets per muscle.TimersFree online circuit timerA free circuit training timer that runs in your browser. Add your exercises, set work, rest and rounds, and it calls out every change with sound. No app, no sign-up.TimersFree Tabata timerA free online Tabata timer set to 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off for 8 rounds, with sound cues and a get-ready countdown. Change the times for any HIIT workout.ProgramsFree workout templates that set your weights for you31 free workout templates, from StrongLifts 5x5 and GZCLP to 5/3/1, PHUL and push pull legs, that work out every session's weights from your own lifts.Workout appsThe best Boostcamp alternative for lifters who want controlLooking for a Boostcamp alternative? Compare Boostcamp and Template Trainer on programs, progression, analytics and price, and see which one suits how you train.RecoveryWhat is a deload?A deload is a planned week of easier training that lets fatigue fade so you keep getting stronger. What it is, why it works, and the signs you need one.RecoveryHow to deloadFour proven ways to run a deload week, with exact numbers for sets, reps and weight, plus how to pick the right one for your program and get back to heavy training.Workout appsThe best JEFIT alternative for running a real programLooking for a JEFIT alternative? See how JEFIT and Template Trainer compare on progression, programs, price and everyday logging, and which one fits you.CircuitsWhat is a circuit workout?A circuit is a set of exercises done back to back with little rest, repeated for rounds. How circuit training works, what it's good for, and how it compares.CircuitsHow to run a circuit workoutHow to set up and run a circuit workout: choosing exercises, setting work and rest times, and progressing each week. Includes four sample circuits.Workout appsThe best Hevy alternative for following a programLooking for a Hevy alternative? Compare Hevy and Template Trainer on programs, automatic progression, history limits and price, and see which fits your training.ProgrammingWhat is progressive overload?Progressive overload means doing a little more over time so you keep adapting. The five ways to apply it, how fast to progress, and what to do when you stall.ProgrammingHow long should you rest between sets?How long to rest between sets for strength, muscle growth and endurance, with simple rest times for each and why resting too little can cost you progress.ProgrammingHow to choose a workout programHow to pick a strength program that fits your experience, schedule and goals, with proven options from StrongLifts 5x5 and GZCLP to 5/3/1 and PHUL.Workout appsThe best Strong app alternative that tells you what's nextLooking for a Strong app alternative? Compare Strong and Template Trainer on templates, charts, progression, circuits and price, and see which one fits you.