What degree of variation in weight lifted is considered a “normal” fluctuation? For whatever reason this week (week 9 of Powerbuilding I) my 1 rep @ RPE 8 for all the main lifts went down by 5% from last week. I’m not sure why this happened, but I assume it’s just “one of things” and is part of normal fluctuation?
Sunil
Yes, this is well within the “usual” fluctuation in strength we sometimes observe from week to week due to various reasons. We have experienced swings upwards of 10%.
This is a relief to hear.
How do you know if you’ve gotten stronger if there is such variability? Do you look at the general trend in average e1RMs over time?
Just want to say that this is a reassuring response - I myself have struggled with strength fluctuations and worried a lot around where I’m going wrong. My strength levels are still quite low, so when I see a 10% reduction on bench from 100kg down to 90kg in a week for example, this is quite concerning. Good to know that this happens even at higher levels.
Yes, you shouldn’t over-interpret single session-to-session or week-to-week fluctuations.