Hello!
I’ve heard things about measuring a max effort lift with a tendo unit (sounds cool) and being able to use velocity measures to autoregulate your training. (Lift slows down by x%, you’re done with the reps?)
I’m not clear on how this works, but there are some gyms in the area that have this and I would find it fun to give it a try.
How do?
Leon,
Bar velocity is another metric that can be used to determine performance potential on a given lift on a particular day. That said, different lifters will have different velocities at various RPE’s on different lifts, e.g. some lifters will move the bar faster (or slower) on some or all lifts. In other words, it’s not possible to use one velocity chart across a population to autoregulate training. Additionally, there’s a volitional component to bar speed as well, e.g. if you’re not moving every rep with maximal velocity, you might get some false readings. Finally, the “slowing down” by a certain percentage is not a reliable metric for controlling volume or intensity IMO.
So, I’m not sure if you’re asking for advice on how to use velocity as a metric in your own training, but there are reasons why we don’t use this widely in our coaching practices- though it can be done.
I’d probably skip it unless you just want to experiment and build your own velocity/rep/rpe charts.
-Jordan
Nope, as both the peak velocity and velocity decay are unique to each individual, each rep range, and each exercise.