Single rep problem

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

My issue is doing single reps. They are for some reason much harder for me to do than multiple reps. This is making RPE somewhat difficult for me. For example, a single rep deadlift of 450lbs is more like an rpe 9 or 9.5 but I can do 410lbs for 5 reps which is more like an rpe of 8 or 8.5. Grip is not the issue. This also happens on the squat. I’m using the rpe calculator for the next sets.

Should I use the rpe for the single rep to caculate the next set, even knowing that it’ll be too light? This is in regards to strength III program in which the first set is 1 rep at rpe 8 and the next set is 5 reps at rpe 9

Also just curious as to why this is? I figured maybe it’s momentum but I don’t bounce the weight and pause for a second before the next rep. Also happens in the squat.

Been lifting for 1 year 7 months. I’ve done strength I, strength II, powerbuilding II, and just started strength III

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5 reps with 410 at RPE 8.5 spits out an e1RM of ~ 500, which would translate to a single @ 8 of around 450. Seems like that’s pretty close to where you’re at, though perhaps not as good at singles yet as you are at reps.

I’d just lower the RPE of the single rep efforts by one (so RPE 7 instead of 8) for the time being.

Just to reiterate, the calculator is a tool for selecting weight, not the end all be all. I wouldn’t recommend following it to a T outside of bracketing your expectations.