Strength Series
Updated Oct 16, 2026
What is a Strength Series?
Ladder uses year-long plans broken into 6-week Strength Series, followed by 2-week Open Season periods (Deloads). This keeps programming fresh, allows recovery, and considers real-world priorities.
How do I join a Strength Series?
You automatically join when you join a team. All teams follow the same schedule. Join a team anytime.
What Strength Series are we currently in?
Here are the dates for the 2026 Ladder Season:
| Period Type | Name | 2026 Dates | Focus / Notes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Season | Early Year | Jan 1 – Jan 4 | Rest, recovery, team changes | 4 days |
| Strength Series | RESET | Jan 5 – Feb 15 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 weeks |
| Open Season | Between RESET & BASELINE | Feb 16 – Mar 1 | Team changes, rest | 2 weeks |
| Strength Series | BASELINE | Mar 2 – Apr 12 | Absolute Strength | 6 weeks |
| Open Season | Between BASELINE & SHRED | Apr 13 – Apr 26 | Team changes, rest | 2 weeks |
| Strength Series | SHRED | Apr 27 – Jun 7 | Conditioning | 6 weeks |
| Strength Series | SUMMER SERIES | Jun 8 – Jul 12 | Conditioning, lean muscle | 5 weeks |
| Open Season | Between SUMMER SERIES & RELOAD | Jul 13 | Team changes, rest | - |
| Strength Series | RELOAD | Jul 13 – Aug 23 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 weeks |
| Open Season | Between RELOAD & MAX | Aug 24 – Sep 6 | Team changes, rest | 2 weeks |
| Strength Series | MAX | Sep 7 – Oct 18 | Absolute Strength | 6 weeks |
| Open Season | Between MAX & SUSTAIN | Oct 19 – Nov 1 | Team changes, rest | 2 weeks |
| Strength Series | SUSTAIN | Nov 2 – Dec 13 | Conditioning | 6 weeks |
| Break | WINTER BREAK | Dec 14 – Jan 3, 2027 | Rest, recovery | 3 weeks |
What happens after or between Strength Series?
Your coach continues delivering new workouts every Sunday ("Deload Weeks"). Intensity might be lower to prep for the next Series, but workouts remain challenging.
Can I restart the strength series program if I start late?
No not at the moment. We recommend jumping in and doing as much as you can. The workouts and movements will get easier with practice and then you will be ready to start the next Strength Series. The programming is progressive and we do not see training as a beginning or end.
What is the Strength Series Leaderboard?
To participate in the Strength Series Leaderboard, you must complete 3 workouts during the active dates of a Strength Series.
Ladder features six Strength Series in a calendar year. Each Series is a 6-week block that revolves around team-specific goal(s) and consistency.
During each Strength Series, your workout stats will be aggregated to see clear progress. To add in some friendly motivation, your stats will be benchmarked against your teammates in the form of a percentile.
- Each Series begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, your local times.
- Team percentiles will re-calculate daily.
- Deload weeks, or the two-weeks leading up to a new Strength Series, will not be included.
What is Open Season?
Open Season is a two-week period during which all members can change teams an unlimited number of times. Use the filters in the Teams tab to find a new team that's the right fit.
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