Writing this BLAUGH is much easier, I can google big words to use, research a topic before I realize I was totally wrong and generally make it seem like whatever I'm saying looks good because it ends up well written. I could probably advocate the consumption of donkey shit post workout and still someone would tell me it was a good post. Shout out to my wife!
That said, this is info that is certainly not a pile of scat. Scat is another word for shit that I just googled. This is going well.
I think, as a powerlifter, the idea of constantly knowing your max on any of the lifts is a detriment to your total. "But Josh, entire training methodologies are based upon calculating percentages of your max for each lift, yadda yadda yadda." I know. They're based off your OLD max.
When I say or write the above title, I mean it as a mental block IN TRAINING. A lifter, hell lets just call him Michael Douglas. Lets say Michael Douglas squatted 500 pounds at a meet a few months ago and he based the percentages of that lift for the weight he'll use for the next 10 weeks on (pick your favorite e-book program.)
When Michael Douglas is 6-7 weeks in and starts hitting heavier numbers, he's already got a limit stuck in his head. His 100%, 500lbs. Even though that's an old number, in this template, that is his absolute ceiling... mentally. And although that isn't the intention of the program, at the very first sign of trouble, the first hard rep or bad set or day, Michael Douglas is thinking to himself: "I'm getting close to my 500lb max" or "That's too close to my max to rep." That was a long ass sentence but the grammar check didn't flag it so I'm moving on.
It's that type of mentality that is the beginning of stagnation and plateau for Michael Douglas. Time to blame the program and switch it right away Mike! 5/3/cube-side sucks!
Strength levels are fluid ladies and gentlemen. Max's are a snap shot in time of a wave of potential. Unless you have a great coach or are a genius, you probably didn't take that snap shot at the absolute peak of the wave.
Your absolute top level of strength should be a guestimate at best. A projection based on training, current health, sleep, this, that, everything. We have no fucking clue what our absolute max is except the very moment that we're executing it. When you know that this is the strongest you've ever felt and it would only take another pound or two for gravity to win, you're truly maxing. That is how training should be. Using an OLD number to get a NEW one while you're somewhere in between.
Training is work. We work and we build our house. We build a sturdy foundation with volume, we build upon that with accessories. We temper the steel with increased loads to tie it all together and then on meet day we unleash a hurricane from hell on ourselves.
Too often I see younger guys and older guys unleashing a self inflicted category 5 of whoop ass trying to "know" their max in training week after week after week. When does the building take place? How can you build upon the foundation when it just isn't there or erodes away? Why is knowing your limit in training so important and what at are you supposed to do with that information when you get it? (side note, I had like 10 more house references but you get the point.)
That's when your max may be limiting you. Mentally and physically, constantly knowing what you CANNOT do isn't going to help you do it. Your max at this moment should be an absolute mystery. Like a gift you give yourself at mock meet or God help you, a REAL MEET.
In preparation for a meet, some guys have all 3 attempts planned out already. Really? Who are you, Tiny Meeker now? Ok Andy Bolton, skip your second attempt to be fresh for your third like you planned out 6 months ago. Why are you so damn sure you're going to set a record as a class 2 lifter? How do you know exactly where you're going to land? Plan the opener and enjoy the feeling of totally surprising yourself after that. What's the point of even going to the meet if you know how it's going to turn out? That would suck the fun out of it for me, and I fucking love fun so hard.
Fuck your max, there I said it. Let go of your preconceived notions of how strong you are. Your max is old and you're a different person day to week to month. Work hard and consistent and reach for the stars. (I found that last one when I googled cliché.)
