Finding your 1rm and 5rm?

[bango skank]

so you bumped a super old thread from 2007 because you found a cool new toy!

The best way to find your 1RM and 5RM is to do it.

Those calculators could tell you your max squat is 1000kgs but until you do it's all BULL****!

I was promoting an article I wrote on how to actually test your one rep max, so that when people do a search they'll find it more easily. I've actually bumped several threads in each of the main forums, which seemed better than starting a new one.

I couldn't agree more about the calculators, although they can be helpful when estimating how much to test it with.

[demike]

Since I work out at home without a spotter, I use the calculator to see if I'm in the ballpark before attempting a heavier weight. I don't see much point in a one rep set, so I'll take a weight I'm lifting 10 times, and see what I should be able to lift 5 times.

I have a power rack, best investment I made in my home gym. BUT even without one you should be able to estimate if you can handle the next rep of a certain weight or not. IMO of course.

[Dominik]

How To Test Your One Rep Max

Well written post, but most people reading it will just want a link to the calculator so they can compile their e-stats.

And for people who are training for bodybuilding, not powerlifting, I really don't see the point of working off a max that they're not going to test often or at all. Makes more sense to work off something more practical, something they might test regularly, like a 5RM.

All I do is use what I have lifted before as a starting point for heavier attempts. If I lift it easily then I'll either increase the weight for the next set or come back the next week and try to lift more until I find it. When I do, that's my ?RM.

Sure beats "virtual lifting."