What if RPE is too low for the last set?

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I might be overthinking this but let’s say I’m returning to training again after a few months. On day 1, I have to do squats: 1. 4 reps @ RPE 6
2. 4 reps @ RPE 7
3. 4 reps @ RPE 8 Let’s say I end up undershooting the weight selections and end up doing 4 reps @ rpe 4, 4 reps @ rpe 6, then 4 reps @ rpe 6 again even though I added more weigght since the last set but my RPE calibration is rusty so it’s possible that the previous set was actually RPE 5 or maybe the accumulated fatigue ended up causing the latest set to be RPE 6.

Should I call this workout complete and increase the weights next time or should I keep adding sets until I hit the prescribed RPE?

2

I would just add weight until you hit the 4 @ 7.5 to 8 in this case. Should only be ~ 1-2 weeks of getting back into the flow of rating RPE, then you should have enough “intel” to do the programming as written more or less.

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