Hey guys,
QQ- For down sets do I need to assign an RPE, or just do the sets at the prescribed percentage?
Im doing the 3-day Low ISF template.
I would rate the RPE whenever possible for data purposes. You may review your training at some point in the future and having RPE ratings can be useful. Otherwise, no big deal if you just do the work and don’t record anything.
Thank you Jordan, and Happy Sunday.
I saw after I posted, you told another person that the intended RPE for down sets on low ISF is 7.
The reason I asked though is I saw a video of Mike T who was saying, just get the work done. lol. So, it got me wondering, just do the work, or keep it around RPE 7.
Sorry to bother you with such a trivial question. What Im hearing is either way won’t break the bank.
No worries. I’m usually happy to talk training 
I don’t know the specific video you’re referring to, but I DO think there’s a difference between just getting the work done and keeping sets at a specific (ish) proximity to failure. Heck, we both use a number of strategies to do just that:
- 8 reps @ RPE 8. Repeat weight x 8 reps until RPE 9
- 8 reps @ RPE 8. Repeat weight @ RPE 8 for “x number of total reps”
- 8 reps @ RPE 8. Repeat weight x 8 reps x 2 sets (RPE be damned)
For some exercises, I agree that getting the work done close-ish to failure is more than enough attention to detail, e.g. many isolation exercises. For other exercises, I do think it would matter if all sets were done to RPE 7 vs. RPE 9 or 10. Examples would be comp lifts, particularly at high volumes.
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Thank you Jordan. Sounds good. I’ll keep all this in mind. I am absolutely loving the Low ISF template.
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