Compact Mode and Prescription Shorthand
Most strength coaches think in shorthand: `3×8 @RPE8 90s` is faster to write than filling four separate cells. Compact mode lets you do that without giving up the structured fields underneath.
Switch to Compact mode:
Click the Compact pill in the WORKOUT PLAN header (next to Columns). The Sets and Prescription columns collapse into one wide text field per row. Your preference is saved per browser, so all future templates open in the mode you last picked.
Supported shorthand patterns (case-insensitive):
| Type | Result | |---|---| | `3×8` or `3x8` or `3*8` | sets=3, reps=8 | | `3×8-12` | sets=3, reps="8-12" (rep range) | | `3×8 @RPE8` or `3×8 @8RPE` | + RPE 8 | | `3×8 @75%` | weight as "75% 1RM" | | `3×8 @30kg` or `3×8 @30lb` | + absolute weight (unit suffix required) | | `3×8 90s` or `3×8 2min` | + rest period | | `3×8 @RPE8 @30kg 90s` | combine all four tokens in any order | | `5/3/1` | 3 sets with literal "5/3/1" reps (descending power scheme) | | `EMOM 10` | every-minute-on-the-minute, 10 min total (cardio time) | | `AMRAP 12` | as many rounds as possible, 12 min total (cardio time) | | `15 min` or `30 minutes` | pure-time prescription (cardio time) |
Why explicit weight units (`kg` / `lb`):
Bare `@30` is ambiguous — could mean RPE 30, 30kg, or 30lb. We won't guess. Add the unit suffix or use the dedicated Wt cell. Weight value is stored as a number; your profile setting (Metric/Imperial) decides what the number means at display time.
Parsing happens on blur or Enter:
Type your shorthand, then Tab, click away, or hit Enter. The parser writes the values into the Sets/Reps/Wt/RPE/Rest cells underneath. You can override any individual field by clicking its cell directly. The Wt/RPE/RIR/TUT/Rest columns stay visible in Compact mode for exactly this reason.
When the parser doesn't recognise your input:
A yellow underline appears with the hint *"Couldn't parse — try `3×8 @RPE8 90s`"*. Nothing is overwritten silently. You can keep typing, or switch to Detailed mode.
Benefits:
• Faster data entry — `3×8 @RPE8 90s` is 5 keystrokes saved over filling four cells • Matches how strength coaches think and write — most spreadsheet-based programming uses this notation • No data loss — failures show a hint instead of saving a blank field • Works alongside structured cells — type the parts you know in shorthand, click the cells for anything tricky
Stick with Detailed mode if:
• You're new to BuildStability and prefer field-by-field entry • You program a lot of unusual schemes that don't fit the supported patterns • You always work with one specific metric (e.g. only TUT) and want it visually anchored to its own cell