RPE 6, 7, 8 ascending vs. descending sets

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi guys,

I’ve noticed that you generally prefer programming sets in the order of RPE 6, RPE 7, RPE 8 (and then for example repeat the RPE 8 sets). I can see the practicality in theoretically needing less warmup when starting with the RPE 6 sets, however the weight difference between RPE 6 sets and RPE 8 sets for me are low enough (something like 5-10kg for the higher-rep sets). If you’re the kind of lifter that prefers having the heavier sets when still being fresh and then doing “back-off” sets, would it make sense to simply reverse the scheme to RPE 8 (multiple sets if applicable), RPE 7 and finally RPE 6 or are there other reasons for it being specifically programmed like this?

Thanks in advance!

2

I don’t think I could recommend doing the set @ 8 first because of the difficulty in calibrating the load properly, i.e. you’re likely to undershoot or overshoot. I think you should still be fresh for your top sets after the warm up sets as well.

3

Alright, I forgot about that. It is kind of intuitive when warming up to a heavier single but I don’t know why I wasn’t thinking it’s the same for non-singles.