Likely too hard because we’re so much weaker than that generation
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I haven’t read all all the answers in this thread but I what currently do is start a lift with a weigh that allows me to get around 15 reps.
Then gradually increase the weight the following sessions, with small jumps, until I’m getting 6-8 reps, depending on the movement.
Sometimes I am able to match the same number of reps from the previous session, and sometimes even surpass it. But obviously, the trend is for reps to go down.
So, when get to the 6-8 rep range, I’ll go back to the weigh that I couldn’t get at least 15 reps (lets say I got 13 or 14) and start over from there, and get a rep PR until I’m hitting the bottom rep range again, now with a heavier weigh than before.
Sometimes, if I’m bored of a lift I’ll change it and go back to it later, with the same procedure.
I also don’t TRY to match the number of reps or anything. I just write down the weights I will hit for a given session and then record the reps. Only when I get home and put it in my log I will see how I performed in comparison to the previous session.
I do this because trying to up the weigh AND perform the same number of reps have made me use worse form that I should have and caused me het a banged up shoulder or a lower back tweek, just to get that extra rep or two.
I’d rather not know or remember my previous reps and just try to get as many clean reps with good form as I can get.
I started doing this after befriending stronger and bigger guys in the gym who don’t ever log their workouts or try to get PRs.
This is an admittedly rather slow progression but faster isn’t happening. Not anymore.
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