A New Cycle Begins

Iron Will: 9 weeks of speed, explosiveness, and power.

Hey [recipientfirstname],

Super excited to kick off a brand new training cycle this week. We just wrapped up The Forge, which was all about slowing things down and dialing in tempo, position, and time under tension. The goal was to improve movement quality across the board, and it delivered.

Now we build on that foundation.

What Is Iron Will?

Iron Will is a 9-week strength cycle running from April 20 through June 26. Where The Forge focused on control and position, this one is all about speed, explosiveness, and power.

The three main lifts:

▶ Conventional Deadlift (3 Rep Max test)

▶ Shoulder Press (1 Rep Max test)

▶ Hang Power Clean (2 Rep Max test)

The cycle is built around cluster sets. If you haven't seen these before, here's the short version: a cluster set is a working set broken into mini-sets with about 15 seconds of rest between them, same weight throughout. It lets you train heavier without grinding through ugly reps. Definitely going to be cool.

Here's how the 9 weeks break down:

▶ Week 0 (this week): Introduction

▶ Week 1: Test your starting maxes

▶ Weeks 2 through 4: Build phase

▶ Week 5 (Memorial Day): Deload

▶ Weeks 6 through 8: Final build

▶ Week 9: Retest. See how far you've come.

We'll also have a few conditioning benchmarks mixed in for good measure. You'll find out what those are next week.

This Week: Introduction

Come to class this week to learn the cluster set format and get comfortable with all three movements before the test hits Monday, April 27. This is your chance to set yourself up for a great 9 weeks.

Dial It In

This is also a great time to dial in nutrition and recovery, especially as we head into summer. Whether your goal is performance, looking your best, or just feeling better in general, those two things move the needle more than anything else. If you want help in either area, talk to your coach or talk to me directly. We would love to spend more time serving the community in that way.

This Saturday: Xenon Launch Event

Xenon Launch Event at Black Iron Athletics

Speaking of exciting things this week. This Saturday, April 25, we're hosting the Xenon Launch Event right here at the gym.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Doors: 0830 / First Heat: 0900

Format: 1 Rep Max Snatch

Setup: 4 heats of 8 athletes (32 total spots)

Attempts: 4 attempts per athlete, one every 90 seconds, in a 9-minute window

Open to: Everyone. First come, first serve. Reservation required.

No minimum performance level required. Whether you want to go for a true max or just come lift and have a good time, you should be there.

Active members: just reserve your spot in a heat in Wodify. It's free for you.

So what is Xenon?

It's a brand new competition format being called the "Decathlon of Fitness." Think of it as a mix between traditional functional fitness competition and Hyrox, with 10 standardized events that never change. The events are well rounded across weightlifting, gymnastics, and conditioning. The goal is to standardize the sport of fitness with a modern approach.

People from Xenon HQ will be at the gym on Saturday talking about what they're building and what's coming next. The very first official Xenon event ever will be right here in Frisco in June, so this is a great chance to learn more and get in early.