i’ve been on 5/3/1 for 3 months now and im making some great gains, but sometimes on the 3rd week, on the last set, the-balls-out-set, i can squeeze out 6-8 reps is this normal? should i up the weight more on the next cycle or should i keep adding weight as prescribed by Jim? (5 lbs. for upper bod lifts and 10 lbs for lower bod lifts) because i was thinking the last balls-out set should have reps in the 3-5 range. what do you guys think?
the reps will drop with time, dont suddenly add 20 pounds to a lift because you hit a new rep PR, just keep it slow and steady
reread the book, read the Q&A on elite, read the 531 threads on here
[quote]monatu wrote:
the reps will drop with time, dont suddenly add 20 pounds to a lift because you hit a new rep PR, just keep it slow and steady[/quote]
Agreed.
Remember, your strength won’t constantly keep up with the program. Eventually you’ll only be getting the prescribed reps, so for now, enjoy the high reps.
This is exactly what happened to me. I only hit a new PR every once in a while. Like last week i hit a new DL PR with 300x8 and (I couldve gone for more if my straps didnt give out) but anyway, the point is, like monatu said, dont go nuts with it. I made that mistake and my bench is suffering because of it. So, in conclusion, just take it easy and the strength will come no doubt.
Are you sure your bench isn’t suffering because of the hour and a half to hour and forty five you’re spending in the gym?
And ditch the straps, eh?