@FitnessEmpiree Recovery is everything- especially if you’re training to failure for a full week. The body has a full 7 days to repair. It’s important to consider how this rest period is used tho - restful sleeping and proper nutrition etc.
HOW TO WARM UP FOR HEAVY SQUATS IN
10 - 15 MINUTES
Most people fuck this up, and then fall short when they go all out. Bookmark this and read it at the gym.
A 2016 review of stretching studies found holds of 60 seconds or longer per muscle dropped performance more than shorter holds
the plan: get warm > empty bar > ramp up with fewer reps > last single > work sets
FIRST STEPS (Don't skip this!)
5 minutes on a bike, rower or brisk walk. stop before you feel tired
a few bodyweight squats or goblet squats
empty bar for 1 or 2 sets of 5 to 10. same stance, grip and depth as your work sets
add weight in steps. reps go down as the weight goes up
last warm up: a single or double one jump below your first work set
full ramp and rest times: go to: !
example ramp for work sets at 315 x 5
bar x 10
135 x 5
185 x 3
225 x 3
275 x 1
295 x 1
rest between warm ups
light sets: as long as it takes to load the plates
near the top: 1 to 2 minutes
the nsca pattern uses about 1 minute after the easy set, 2 after the medium set, and 2 to 4 before heavy attempts
THE CATCH
a heavy single near your work weight may help your first set. a 2024 study of 14 trained men found more volume in set 1 after a heavy warm up, but total reps and volume weren't significantly different
stronger lifters need more steps. squatting 135 for 5 might take 2 warm ups. 405 might take 5
this is general training info. if squatting hurts, see a qualified professional
WHAT NOT TO DO
don't hold static stretches for 60 seconds or more right before you squat
don't jump from 135 to 405 to save energy
don't run a 15 minute warm up in the only open rack at 5 pm. do goblet squats away from the rack and let someone work in during your light sets
if your warm up feels like a second workout, cut a set
reply with your work weight and i'll write your ramp
bookmark this and open it at the rack
Screenshot: the example ramp section of the article.
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#Powerlifting
Sometimes just have to grind. I’m new here. My name is Mike and I like to lift heavy things. Plan to share my progress-
Drop a message if you’d like a free power lifting program.