# Level Method

> Level Method is a fitness data company built on one belief: fitness should fit the person, not the other way around. Its calibrated dataset (1.9M+ data points across 1,000+ gyms, 10 years) powers one system — know the person, match the work, make progress visible, keep the coach in the loop — accessed four ways: in gyms, self-serve in an app, through one-on-one coaching, and (in beta) through software for working coaches.

Level Method ships through four offerings that share the same underlying system:

- **Level Method for Gyms (B2B)** — a training platform for gyms running group fitness. 7-level programming with scaling built in, coach intelligence, and the MAP (Method of Assessment & Progression) so every member's level and progress are visible. https://levelmethod.com/gyms
- **LM Individual (B2C, also called LM Indy)** — a subscription training system for solo athletes who train outside a coached gym. Daily workouts scaled to a personal 10-category MAP, so members stop program-hopping and start progressing. App launching soon; early access via the Level Predictor. https://levelmethod.com/individual
- **Level Method Coaching (B2C, one-on-one)** — premium 12-week coaching blocks delivered by the people who built the system: assessment first, then a complete program build (training, eating, habits) designed to be handed off and run independently. Sold per block, never as a monthly subscription. Starts are dated and limited. https://levelmethod.com/coaching
- **LM Coach (B2B, closed beta)** — software for working 1:1 coaches, trainers, and program designers: coach-branded assessment, call-prep dossiers, lead pipeline, deeper intakes, program delivery, and check-ins — with the coach responsible for every meaningful decision. Invite-only beta; interest list at https://levelmethod.com/coach

The system is built to be philosophy-agnostic. The same calibration logic that runs functional fitness today is designed to extend to Hyrox/hybrid training, strength, endurance, longevity-focused training, and any methodology that lends itself to leveled progression. Custom MAPs let gyms and athletes define what fitness means in their context across the Four Worlds: Performance, Function, Longevity, and Aesthetic.

## Core concepts

- [The MAP (Method of Assessment & Progression)](https://levelmethod.com/objective-relative-strength-fitness-the-map): A visual, color-coded fitness profile that shows where an athlete stands across multiple categories and where they're going next. Powers scaling, prescription, and progression.
- [The 7-Level System (White through Black)](https://levelmethod.com/how-it-works): Seven levels ship in every workout, not three (Rx/Scaled/Beginner). Each level is its own complete prescription, not a dilution of the top. An eighth belt, Red Elite, exists for competitors.
- [The Scaling Engine](https://levelmethod.com/the-scaling-problem): The methodology and (in 3.0) the software that takes any workout and produces all 7 levels using the calibrated dataset. Methodology-agnostic by design.
- [Custom MAPs and the Four Worlds](https://levelmethod.com/from-one-map-to-infinite-customizable-maps-are-here): Gyms and athletes build measurement around their own philosophy across Performance, Function, Longevity, and Aesthetic. Structure stays. Rigidity goes.
- [Every Niche Needs a MAP](https://levelmethod.com/every-niche-needs-a-map): Why every training niche benefits from a measurement framework, not just functional fitness.
- [Measure What Matters: Custom Categories](https://levelmethod.com/measure-what-matters-custom-categories): How to tailor the assessment categories to a gym's training focus.
- [Objective Relative Strength and the MAP](https://levelmethod.com/objective-relative-strength-fitness-the-map): How LM defines fitness as level-based across categories rather than a single score.
- [LIT: The Level Method Group Programming Philosophy](https://levelmethod.com/lit-the-level-method-group-programming-philosophy): The programming philosophy behind leveled group classes.

## Level Method (for gyms)

- [Home](https://levelmethod.com): Programming that scales to every member. 7 Levels. Every Workout. Every Coach.
- [How It Works](https://levelmethod.com/how-it-works): Walkthrough of the system, the 7 levels, and how coaches use it on the floor.
- [Pricing](https://levelmethod.com/pricing): Current plans for affiliate gyms.
- [Programming](https://levelmethod.com/programming): Standalone 7-level programming and the upcoming Scaling Engine for gyms that want to bring their own programming.
- [About](https://levelmethod.com/about): Founder story (Nathan Holiday, 2016), team, and company history.
- [Contact](https://levelmethod.com/contact): Get in touch with the Level Method team.
- [One Workout, 7 Ways (free guide)](https://levelmethod.com/7ways): Sample showing how a single workout becomes seven completely different training experiences across the levels.
- [Two-Brain Summit 2026 offer](https://levelmethod.com/tbs): Conference-specific landing page for Two-Brain Summit attendees.

## LM Individual (for solo athletes)

- [LM Individual](https://levelmethod.com/individual): The same Level Method system, designed for athletes training alone (home gym, garage gym, or globo gym with their own plan). Daily workouts scaled to a personal 10-category MAP. The new LM Individual app is launching soon — current path: get your predicted level and request early access at https://levelmethod.com/level-predictor

The LM Individual MAP measures across 10 categories: Front Squat, Upper Body Pull, Lactic Tolerance, Deadlift, Upper Body Push, Weightlifting, Squat Endurance, Kettlebell, Running, and Aerobic Power Intervals (API). Members get a personal MAP PDF, daily programming (full equipment and minimal equipment tracks), assessment tracking, calibrated scaling via Level Considerations, and an optional Custom MAP + 6-Week Cycles upsell for goal-specific personalization.

## For gym owners and coaches

- [The Scaling Problem: Why 3 Levels Isn't Enough](https://levelmethod.com/the-scaling-problem): The core argument for leveled programming over Rx/Scaled/Beginner.
- [Systematic Scaling with Levels: Considerations](https://levelmethod.com/systematic-scaling-with-levels-considerations): Practical guidance on how level-based scaling actually works.
- [Improving on Fitness: Scientific Scaling for Real-World Clients](https://levelmethod.com/improving-on-fitness-scientific-scaling-for-real-world-clients): Applying scaling science to real gym members instead of idealized athletes.
- [Why Program Generation Is the Monster Problem](https://levelmethod.com/why-program-generation-is-the-monster-problem): The hard problem behind producing good programs at scale.
- [Shortcut vs. System](https://levelmethod.com/shortcut-vs-system): Why a system beats a shortcut for long-term coaching outcomes.
- [A Coach's Real Job](https://levelmethod.com/coaches-real-job): What coaches are actually paid to do.
- [Tips for Being an Effective Level Method Coach](https://levelmethod.com/tips-for-being-an-effective-level-method-coach): Practical coaching guidance inside the system.
- [The Scary-High Churn Rate for Coaches on the Floor](https://levelmethod.com/the-scary-high-churn-rate-for-coaches-on-the-floor): Why coaches leave and what to do about it.
- [CrossFit Affiliate Programming Guide](https://levelmethod.com/crossfit-affiliate-programming-guide): Practical programming guide for affiliate owners.
- [CrossFit Problems and What You Can Do](https://levelmethod.com/crossfit-problems-and-what-you-can-do): Common affiliate problems and remedies.
- [Removing the Rx-Bust Mentality](https://levelmethod.com/removes-rx-bust-mentality): Moving past Rx-or-bust thinking.
- [Member Achievement: Positivity and Abundance](https://levelmethod.com/member-achievement-positivity-and-abundance-3-simple-ways-to-maximize-it): Three ways to maximize member achievement.
- [A Tale of Three Members](https://levelmethod.com/a-tale-of-three-members): Three member archetypes and how to coach them.
- [2025 Programming Themes: Quality and Innovation](https://levelmethod.com/2025-programming-themes-quality-and-innovation): The programming team's themes for the year.

## Assessments and measurement

- [Assessments: A Data-Driven Fitness Future](https://levelmethod.com/assessments-data-driven-fitness-future): The case for measurement in fitness training.
- [Assessments and Long-Term Success](https://levelmethod.com/assessments-long-term-success): How regular assessments drive retention and progress.
- [Global Assessments. Part 1: Before](https://levelmethod.com/global-assessments-part-1-before): Preparing a gym to run global assessment weeks.
- [Global Assessments. Part 2: During](https://levelmethod.com/global-assessments-part-2-during): Running an assessment week.
- [Global Assessments. Part 3: After](https://levelmethod.com/global-assessments-part-3-after): What to do after global assessments.

## Movement and physiology

- [The Simplest Way to Understand Energy Systems](https://levelmethod.com/the-simplest-way-to-understand-energy-systems): Energy systems explained simply.
- [The Simplest Way to Understand Energy Systems. Part 2](https://levelmethod.com/the-simplest-way-to-understand-energy-systems-part-2): Part 2 of the energy systems primer.
- [Are Your Lungs Holding You Back? (Part 1)](https://levelmethod.com/are-your-lungs-holding-you-back-part-1): Respiratory limits in conditioning.
- [Pose Method of Running for Coaches and Athletes](https://levelmethod.com/pose-method-of-running-for-coaches-and-athletes): Pose method overview.
- [Kipping Pull-ups: Stupidity or Genius?](https://levelmethod.com/kipping-pullups-stupidity-or-genius): The case for and against kipping.
- [Rhabdo](https://levelmethod.com/rhabdo): Rhabdomyolysis and what coaches need to know.

## Stories and updates

- [Level Method 3.0](https://levelmethod.com/level-method-3-0): The most recent major evolution of the system.
- [Level Method 2.0](https://levelmethod.com/level-method-2-0): An earlier major release.
- [January 2026 Level Method Update](https://levelmethod.com/january-2026-level-method-update): Product and company update.
- [Level-Based Fitness with Dave Castro](https://levelmethod.com/level-based-fitness-dave-castro): Conversation with Dave Castro on level-based fitness.
- [Leveling Out the Open](https://levelmethod.com/leveling-out-the-open): Applying level-based thinking to the CrossFit Open.
- [Why I Love Level Method, by Chris Cooper](https://levelmethod.com/why-i-love-level-method-by-chris-cooper): Chris Cooper on why he uses Level Method.
- [Level Up Life and Business with Jen Shelby](https://levelmethod.com/level-up-life-business-jen-shelby): Jen Shelby on leveling up.

## Company

- [Founder](https://levelmethod.com/about): Nathan Holiday, CEO and co-founder. Created Level Method in 2016 after coaching thousands of athletes.
- Year founded: 2016
- Headquarters: United States
- Categories the company occupies: fitness data company (strategic), training and programming platform (B2B), consumer fitness subscription (B2C, LM Individual)
- Scale: 1.9M+ calibrated data points, 1,000+ gyms have used the system, 10 years of refinement

## Optional

- [Blog index](https://levelmethod.com/blog): Full blog archive.
- [RSS feed](https://levelmethod.com/rss.xml): Subscribe via RSS.
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- [Terms of service](https://levelmethod.com/terms)