So, when I began this blog in December it was really the next step in trying to figure out my next step in training. I was working with Nancy Arnold (aka The Big Girl) on her bodybuilding routine and learning a lot about bodybuilding nutrition and training regimens.
Looking a Jon Yeo's (now defunct) weblog and Scott Bird's Straight to the Bar, I noticed people mentioning a lot of PRs (personal records). Nancy and I started to report them to for our multi-rep bodybuilding routines. Of course, nothing was comparable, and as Scott pointed out, it was hard to keep track.
So, now we're about to launch on this periodization routine, and we've decided to measure one rep max (1RM). The question is: how do you measure 1RM and what for? I think we are going to pick some benchmark exercises and do it for those. Stay tuned.
Most people are measuring their one rep max for bench, squat and deadlift. Other's do it for their olympic lifts. I'm sure you could come up with a 1 rep max for just about any exercise, but some of them I'm sure would get you laughed at!
Posted by: Chris D. | May 28, 2006 at 10:06
I had noted the bench, squat, and deadlift reports. It sort of seems like we should do these. Maybe we should do more.
Posted by: Bud Gibson | May 28, 2006 at 10:34
You do not need to do a one repetion maximum (1RM) for testing, as the other RM's are correlated. For instance, the two repetition maximum, or even the 10RM, is very correlated to the 1RM. If you plan to train for testing your 1RM, then that will increase them to higher levels. But that is the basis of that sport and of necessity determines the style of training.
Posted by: Ralfe | May 28, 2006 at 22:50
Hi Ralfe, Thanks for the note. I was noting that there are conversion tables available and that the authors of serious strength training did not overstress the 1RM if you thought you felt better doing three or five. Maybe the thing we need to do is just find some consistency.
Posted by: Bud Gibson | May 28, 2006 at 23:38