Strength Endurance

[joshman]

I'm a bit confused by my latest 3 rep and 1 rep max on the squat:

3 reps, I got to about 240, and possibly could have gone to 250. Using one of the 1-rep max calculators out there I extrapolated that to a 265 lb, 3 rep max.

But I continued going into singles and got to 295! Why did I wear out so fast on the 3-reps?

I do tend to use the shorter rest periods of < 2 minutes on all but my last couple of sets -- all singles. Would that make up for this difference?

I'm interested in increasing my 3-rep max so that I can avoid working in the 1-rep max zone for fear of injury. I'm following a Westside template, so going heavy is important.

Any advice? If I start staying at 3 reps, will I adapt? It seems like that should be the case, but I thought I'd get a second opinion from the brains !YOU!

Thanks,
Josh

[coalminer]

Originally posted by joshman:
3 reps, I got to about 240, and possibly could have gone to 250. Using one of the 1-rep max calculators out there I extrapolated that to a 265 lb, 3 rep max.

I think these are more of a guide line and may not be exact for any individual.

But I continued going into singles and got to 295! Why did I wear out so fast on the 3-reps?

I do tend to use the shorter rest periods of < 2 minutes on all but my last couple of sets -- all singles. Would that make up for this difference?

I think your logs would be the best indication if the rest period is appropriate for the work load. I know that for me at a 3RM I need about 3 min.

I'm interested in increasing my 3-rep max so that I can avoid working in the 1-rep max zone for fear of injury. I'm following a Westside template, so going heavy is important.

Why is working out with a 3RM safer than a 1RM? Is it because you can bail after 2 if you don't think you can get a third? Just curious.

[joshman]

Coal,

Thanks for the response.

As I understand it using a 1RM weight is extremely taxing on your body, and the potential for things to snap or pop is higher. It is a 1 RM for a reason.

How's that for a scientific answer?

[Q.]

joshman, I think that's a great question and I'm very intereted in the responses. I hope to see more informed responses so that's part of why I'm bumping this up.

By the way, are you a UT student???

[joshman]

Thanks for the bump, Q.

I'm a Dellionaire. Except for the million+ dollars.

What are you up to in Tejas?