Fluctuating Strength Levels

jijin · 12-13-2006, 03:57 AM

What causes the fluctuation in strength levels from day to day? I felt great this morning pre-training, but when I started my first set of push press with a slighty heavier than the last training session (after waiting for the rack to be free), and I couldn't really lift more than 2 out of 4 reps.

This then seem to have some impact on my other lifts (i.e. my pullups - which suffered in terms of reduced reps, and my DB incline press - which suffered in terms on the weight I could lift)

Is this normal? Or is this a sign of my stalling? or overreaching?

Newlife · 12-13-2006, 07:21 AM

Very normal.

Things that can alter your numbers...

Sleep
Hydration
Diet
Stress
Prior Workouts

You should view progress like you would the stock market. As long as the general trend shows improvement, you shouldn't sweat it if you see a day or two that lacks progress. So many factors play into it.

Jason B · 12-13-2006, 07:27 AM

Newlife is right, everyone has off days. As long as you're making progress in the long term, don't worry about it.

karky · 12-13-2006, 07:36 AM

yeah. If it keeps up though, it could be a sign of overreaching.

Lisa~ · 12-13-2006, 11:35 AM

What Newlife said.

jijin · 12-13-2006, 12:37 PM

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I just got really irritated when I couldn't make all four reps of my first set of push press. I really felt like pushing myself a little further, but was afraid I would burn out before the end of the program. I so feel like going back to the gym now and repeating the workout