How often should you test your 1rep max?

[Soma]

Hey all, how often should you test for 1 rep maxs? Also, on the days you test your 1rm, do you still continue with your regular workout, or do you just use that day for your 1rp and wait until the next week to train that bodypart again?

 

[stimpy]

I don't see why you would ever need to test your one rep max unless your completely stalled and can't find another way to "shock" your muscles.

 

[oyaji poi]

usually people build up to it. you should think of your training in terms of weeks, months, and years, and all the things you'll be doing to build up to your goals. it's usually something i do on a whim, if i'm feeling good that day and it seems to be a good idea. usually this comes as a result of an increase in volume followed by increases in intensity. but testing a 1RM is just one small part of your overall programme.

Dave Tate says you can tell inexperienced lifters by the people who ask/talk about 1RM. It varies and depends on a lot of factors. Day, time, competition, stresses in your life, health, lots of things.

 

[J Storm**]

or do you wait until the next week to train that bodypart again?

i think that your thinking might be flawed. also i think someone posted an article about how ur 2rep max is a much better measurement of ur strength as u are prone to cheat on a 1 repper

 

[LilMonster**]

every month, i was dling and squating for 1 rep every week for a while still making prs, but not good to do a lot

take a week off before u do it

 

[Zerocrew1984]

i rest a week before i try. i will set a date in advance about 3 months or so and on that date i will just do the 3 big lifts for maxes. like a powerlifting meet. so no matter if i feel stronger or not. thats the date to bring it. thats right. i said bring it.lol

 

[h7jb7sg1e]

every 3-4 months for the big 3, other exercises when I'm up to it

 

[mschatz]

It really depends for me. Theres times when i am working down to 1 rep sets and i am hitting PR's every week. As far as setting tme aside to test my max, thats less frequently. in these cases, i would go to the gym specifically to test my max for one lift. I would warmup, pyramid up in weight to get used to larger pundages and then test a new pr. If i hit it, i would rest a couple minutes and add weight until i fail

 

[Lusst]

I don't see why you would ever need to test your one rep max unless your completely stalled and can't find another way to "shock" your muscles.

That made me giggle.


Anyway, I usually test my 1RM on each lift once a month.