Confusion about 70-74% range and RPE in the 12 week template

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello,

So I’m about to start the 12 week strength template and I’m a bit confused.

So the template says following:
“For example: Week 2, Day 1 would be Competition Squat for 1 rep @ RPE 8, followed by 5 repetitions @ RPE 8 for 5 sets.”

But then later in the sheet it prescribes Week 2, Day 1 as “1 @ 8, -20% from single for 25 reps (5 sets of 5)”.

My e1rm is 141kg, so if I use the first method and calculate 5 reps @8 I would end up with 114kg 5x5
But if I use method 2 and do my single at 130kg @8 (92% of e1rm), and then subtract 20% I end up with 104kg 5x5 and that’s like RPE 6.5??
That’s a significant difference.

Am I really supposed to do 25 reps with a weight that is classified as “Almost insignificant. An easy warm up weight.” in the rpe sheet?

Did I miss something?

2

The instructions you are reading are “General” instructions to be applied across all templates. We’ll edit them to make them seem less specific to the given template you’re looking at.

Yes, you are supposed to do the second method, where you hit a single at @8, take 20% off the bar, and complete 5 sets of 5 with reasonable rest periods.

Additionally, remember that the “calculators” are meant to give you ballpark ranges. It’s your job to pay attention to how you’re performing on that day, in case the numbers need adjusting up or down.