Hey so a bit of background i just turned 20, have been training about 17 months; want to compete in powerlifting (hoping to do 1st meet in the next 6 months).
1RM’s (these are from roughly 2months ago)
squat: 455
deadlift: 505
bench: 290
weight ~185lbs, height 5’8.5"
So my training over the past 8 weeks has been interesting. I’m running Madcows (with a bit of improv) and strength has fluctuated a lot. For example last Monday I hit 405x5 squat, benched 275x3, and 5 days ago hit a deadlift of 435x8. That was the last time I lifted until today. Today squatted 385x3 barely, benched 235x3 barely, and overall just felt weak as fuck (all weights in pounds).
These strength fluctuations have been happening semi-frequently over the past 8 weeks or so. My question is: it time for me to change my training?
I’ve essentially only run Madcows intermediate since the beginning of my training.
For the past 2 months I don’t think I’ve made any really significant progress, if anything I feel as if my 1RM’s are probably right around where they were 2 months ago.
I don’t have much experience with this and have no mentor when it comes to lifting. What would you guys suggest? I’m sure everyone on this forum has much more experience than I do, and I would greatly appreciate any and all opinions on what I should do with my training, and how I can minimize these strength fluctuations and continue making progress; not regressing.
If it matters at all I’m a natural lifter and don’t plan on using any major supplements for some time.
Thanks for reading and if you’re able to give some suggestions it would mean very much.
Edit: typo*