So week one I squatted 280x5 for my RPE 8 at one set.
On week two the squat was 3 sets of 5 @ RPE 8. I kept the weight at 280 for all three sets.
Is it reasonable to think my performance was better? 3 sets of 5 @ 280 > 1 set of 5 @ 280 or should I ideally be increasing weight on the bar while doing extra sets?
Also, when there are sets across at a consistent RPE should I aim to do the same weight for each of the sets?
I realize the main thing I shouldn’t be doing is grinding out or missing reps and taxing recovery.
This has been discussed a ton around here recently, so I’d recommend searching for those threads.
The goal (and expectation) of the program is for your e1RM to increase over time. This process is never perfect (particularly in the setting of someone getting their first experience with RPE), but that’s the idea.
If the sets across are written at a consistent RPE, it’s OK to adjust the weight to maintain that target. For example, if your 280 x 5s are turning from @8 into @9.5, I’d drop things down a bit.