Gains with light RPE

[Shaz]

Hello

Ive discovered while training that my body doesn’t respond well to RPEs 8+. My body shuts down, recovery is tough, and my CNS gets burnt.

Is it still possible to make gains with -RPE8 and what would you recommend for programming? More volume/reps to compensate?

thanks in advance, big fan

Shaz

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Shaz,

Can you be more specific about what you mean when you say your "body shuts down" and "CNS gets burnt"? What program(s) were you running and how long have you been training?

-Jordan

[Shaz]

Yeah. I just feel like my energy is depleted and I get really bad DOMS. For example if I do RPE 8s or 9s, I feel like sleeping after, even if I train in the morning, or lunch time etc. I can’t move my body.

Ive been training about 2.5 years. I did a year of stronglifts/starting strength which really burnt me out and a year of juggernaut method which included a lot of RPE 8s and 9s. Now currently running a program a local coach put together (which I don’t think I’ll switch with as not very individualised)

Strangley enough I never seem to gain much. I’m 70kg and my 1RMs are Squat - 85kg, Bench - 70kg and deadlift - 120kg so still “newbie” numbers despite lifting 2.5 years

thanks in advance

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Sounds more like a programming issue, as LP and SL do not use RPE to manage load, e.g. you're just supposed to add weight. Why don't you try our Beginner Prescription for free and see how you like it.

https://www.barbellmedicine.com/blog...-prescription/