5RM Vs 1RM

[Adam Dunn]

If you use formulas for your own "gee wiz" knowledge then great. If you're on a program where you're working 5RMs a lot and not doing a 1RM then how else are you supposed to figure out your 1RM? Oh, just pull a 1RM real quick? If it's a true 1RM and it's not programmed in a meaningful way it will probably mess up your recovery if you're just throwing in extra max effort work like that.

I don't think anyone is claiming that their confirmed 1RM is what a formula tell them, but it's good to know what you should attempt after making gains on a program that works 5RMs.

[Greg Pellegrini]

Using formulas is a good way to make sure your 5RM are consistent across lifts. This can be important in a strength program. To be honest I didn't know my 1RMs when I started my strength program so I kinda just guessed my 5RM by taking 75% of my goals for each lift. It's worked well so far.

[Keith Miller]

Originally Posted by Adam Dunn

I don't think anyone is claiming that their confirmed 1RM is what a formula tell them, but it's good to know what you should attempt after making gains on a program that works 5RMs.

BUT, people do this all the time!! Get on a board and you will see people claiming some ridiculous 1RM's, but when asked about them, they hem and haw around it, or admit that they have never lifted it!! I see it all the time on all of the boards!!

To me, formulas are okay if you're using them for programming, but it's best if you just lift it and know for sure!! Keep a record of these kind of numbers, that way you know what they are. If a program has you working up to a new XRM, then either try and hit the one you had before or, even better, break it!!

[Eric A. Brown]

Originally Posted by Adam Dunn

If you use formulas for your own "gee wiz" knowledge then great. If you're on a program where you're working 5RMs a lot and not doing a 1RM then how else are you supposed to figure out your 1RM? Oh, just pull a 1RM real quick? If it's a true 1RM and it's not programmed in a meaningful way it will probably mess up your recovery if you're just throwing in extra max effort work like that.

I don't think anyone is claiming that their confirmed 1RM is what a formula tell them, but it's good to know what you should attempt after making gains on a program that works 5RMs.

Several points:

1. Spend a few weeks working up to it, maybe? I realize peaking and periodization are not all that popular in some places, but when it comes to determining your 1RM there is a good reason why the method is not only successful, but more accurate that an alleged formula.

2. If the formula is not accurate, how is it a representation of what you should attempt?

3. If you are so over-trained, so out of condition, or so whatever that you cannot attempt an occasional 1RM after working in the 5RM range, there is something wrong with your programming.

Didn't someone claim that Crossfit would take you from a 250 deadlift to a 500 - 750 deadlift in two years only pulling max singles four times a year or something like that?

[Ross Dijulio]

Originally Posted by Matthew Swartz

My 1RM squat is 405 @185bw and just hit a 340 5RM @170bw.

My 1RM deadlift is 425 @170bw and just recently pulled a 375 5RM @170bw.

Don't know about press.

What programming did you use???

[Matthew Swartz]

Originally Posted by Ross Dijulio

What programming did you use???

Lift heavy things. Self invented.

[Jared Ashley]

Squat: 5RM 260, 1RM 300
Dead: 5RM 295, 1RM 320 (deads are always subjective... some might call this "5 singles" because there's 30-40 seconds pause between the last couple reps)
Press: 5RM 110, 1RM 124
Bench: 5RM 150, 1RM 176

BW ~145

[Ross Dijulio]

Originally Posted by Matthew Swartz

Lift heavy things. Self invented.

lol well hopefully what i do works. I am at a similar bodyweight and your lifting at my goals thats why i asked, thanks.

[Matthew Swartz]

Originally Posted by Ross Dijulio

lol well hopefully what i do works. I am at a similar bodyweight and your lifting at my goals thats why i asked, thanks.

I don't follow a strength program right now. I usually do CFFB and follow John Welbourne's SWOD.

[Michael Loucas]

Originally Posted by Matthew Swartz

My 1RM squat is 405 @185bw and just hit a 340 5RM @170bw.

My 1RM deadlift is 425 @170bw and just recently pulled a 375 5RM @170bw.

Don't know about press.

Thats interesting.

My 1RM squat is 370 @ 205 bodyweight, and my 5RM is 340 @ 205 bodyweight. I tried 380 recently and failed it. Do you high bar or low bar?