Quote:
Originally Posted by DBall
Quick question... Mondays are the day where I try to max out on bench presses. I started off with the bar x5, 95# x5, 115# x3, 135# x2, tried 150# and failed, tried 135 again and failed. Is it safe to assume that once I fail, I'm pretty much done with benches for the day and I shouldn't try to work my way back down?
I know I can do 135# a few times (I could have done more on my first run, but I wanted to save myself for the 150# attempt).
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Dball you shouldn't be trying to max out every week. Most people only max out every 2-6 months. If you are trying to max out, you should spend less time using lighter weights. Maxing out also is extremely fatiguing and wrecks havoc on the central nervous system.
For example, instead of doing what you did. 45x5 - 95x5 - 115x3 - 135x2 then 150. You should have done something like this... 45x5 - 95x3 - 135x1 - 150.
Some people may say different when it comes to working back down it weights. If you are training for strength, this is a HUGE NO-GO. If you are doing something for size than maybe, but I still wouldn't do it. There are many reasons why. The biggest in regards to strength is not only is it mentally fatiguing, but your body remembers the weight you did last, and so does your mind.
In the bodybuilding sense I would avoid it also, often after maxing out or really pushing the limits, there is a degree of strength and technique breakdown. Most lifters will then perform sub-maximal weights with bad form or worse. In essence you will teach yourself into worse form. You are better off hitting your weights, and moving onto something else.