Im training for my first actual USPA meet in October. Juggernaut AI has me doing a lot of max attempts programmed every 4 weeks. I feel like when I max out my squat for reps, i’ll bury the first rep but then the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th rep will be borderline on depth. Usually right at parallel or even an inch above, its hard to tell by filming. Would you say those reps are failed reps and a failed set if they aren’t buried. I sort of obsess about squat depth. Its different with bench and deadlift because I either complete the lift or I don’t, there’s no question about depth or no depth. Personally I would rather have all my reps completely buried for it to count in my head. So sets that I am calling an 8 are probably more like a 9. And my max sets are just too heavy and not good reps. Sort of like when im doing HBBS and front squat I really bury all my reps almost ATG for the bounce. Also my LBBS squat sets at rpe 8.5 and above feel super grindy. I remember hearing you guys talk about how grinding reps is not worth it. I agree with this. Personally I feel like I grinded for a long time, and it did nothing to increase my squat. You told me on this forum a while ago that my squat sets were probably too heavy. Do you think its better to just never grind until you are doing super heavy singles or going all out in competition? Thanks for everything, you guys rule I need to buy some more BBM swag.
Kradatz,
Thanks for the post and best of luck at the meet.
Not sure that max sets of 4 are terribly useful for powerlifting. In any case, the load should be reduced so that each rep is performed to the technical standard of the sport. I can’t see them from here to weigh-in on this particular set, but if one of my lifters is squatting high- I usually don’t “count it” as a successful attempt. You should be able to get a clear view from the side view. I don’t think manipulating the RPE one way or another helps here. I suppose if the future programming is determined by RPE rating and successful completion of a set, then adjusting the RPE based on technical considerations may be indicated. Idk, we don’t really program like that.
I don’t think that much of your training for strength should be to failure or above RPE 8.
-Jordan