A common frustration for intermediate lifters in their first couple years of training is an inability to maintain their peak strength. Whether it's a 1RM, a 5RM, or even a PR for sets across, for the vast majority of people something will interrupt their strength training progression and knock them off track, and they'll miss lifts they have previously hit. On top of that, attempting new PR's will become more unpredictable, and even if they did everything right, the weight sometimes just won't move. Did they get weaker? Is all their previous work in vain?

 

Of course not. What these trainees experience is the difference between building strength and expressing strength. Learning to manage your expectations over the long haul is an important part of training for life. You won't always be at your peak (after all that's what makes a peak, a peak), but if you pay attention to moving up your floor over time, then new, higher peaks will eventually come. In the meantime, learn to set reasonable expectations, understand what's happening when you stall out, and set yourself up for success by committing to the process, rather than hanging your enjoyment solely on PR's.

 

Weights & Plates: https://weightsandplates.com

Robert Santana on Instagram: @the_robert_santana

 

Trent Jones: @marmalade_cream

https://www.jonesbarbellclub.com