Two Different ways to do Max Effort Work
At OG, we have two days a week where we typically have “Max effort”. On these days (Monday, Friday) we typically work up to a heavy one rep max for the day(occasionally 3-5 reps – reasons for this deserves its own blog). Max effort work is the greatest method of strength training(see Science & Practice of Strength Training). There are a bunch of different ways where you can do max effort work. Today I will discuss two different ways, both of which are commonly seen on CrossFit.com.
CrossFit.com will post workouts such as this one:
They write 5-5-3-3-3-1-1-1-1. How would I make this work inside of what we are doing at OG? Let me answer this question for all of you. We will use the deadlift the same as CrossFit.com did. At OC the workout would be written as “work up to a 1 REP max deadlift”. The suggestion would be to follow Prileprin’s chart.
Using the chart as a guide we would complete 5 reps at just under 50% of our 1 rep max. Let’s say I deadlift 200 – just under 50% of this would be 95# and I would knock those deadlifts out. So I have 1 set of 5 completed. (Remaining sets 5-3-3-3-1-1-1-1).
On the next set
I would complete 5 more deadlifts at slightly above 50% – lets say 105#. (Remaining sets-3-3-3-1-1-1-1).
Now we’re onto the 3’s in the sequence
What I suggest doing is taking a deadlift at 60% for 3 reps which would be 120#. (remaining sets -3-3-1-1-1-1).
Next set of 3 would at 70% which would be 140#. (remaining sets-3-1-1-1-1).
Next set of 3 deadlift…
We would at 70% which would be 140#. (remaining sets-3-1-1-1-1).
The final set of 3 reps would be completed at 80% which would be 160#. (remaining sets-1-1-1-1).
For the final 4 deadlifts
We would want to be those to be at 85%, 90% and 95% and then save the last one for a PR(personal record attempt) or 101%. Those weights would be as follows: 170#, 180#, 190#, and finally lets get a 5# PR and hit 205. (no more remaining sets).
Why would I want to tackle max effort day like this?
A lot of research has been coming out recently pointing to the benefits of doing more reps before a max effort to gain strength and hypertrophy. Another reason is you want more volume or reps so that you can practice technique or drill technique while your moving up in weight(especially important for those who have less training time at OG).
Another way to go after max effort work seen here on CrossFit.com
The first CrossFit workout has 5×1 and the other example has 7×1. Both of which can fit into our max effort days at OG.
How we can approach only doing singles in a Friday max effort Bench press strength portion of class. Let’s say that our 1 rep max bench press is 100 pounds (for this example) and we want to do 7 heavy singles.
Our first set(not counting towards our seven heavy singles)
We would complete 2 sets of 5 reps warming up and completing some technique work. After that set we would put 50%-60% of our 1 rep max on the bench.
60% for one single would be 60#’s and we could complete one single. (remaining sets-1-1-1-1-1-1)
The next set would be 70% of our 1 rep max bench press or 70#. (remaining sets -1-1-1-1-1)
We could then jump to 80% or another 10# jump and knock out a single at 80#. (remaining sets1-1-1-1)
From here we might want to make a smaller jump and hit a rep at 85% or 85#. (remaining sets1-1-1).
Now we have 3 attempts remaining and we are trying to get a new PR(personal record bench)
We will complete the following reps:
One single at 90%(90#), another rep at 95%(95#) and then depending on how that last repetition went we could jump up to 101% and get a small PR(if the 90 and 95% were super difficult) or if the 90 or 95% were really easy maybe we want to get 105% or 105#. Both of these structures gives us the opportunity to Bench Press more than we ever have, it allows us to handle weights that we have never moved before in the lift and it gives us a great stimulus.
Please note:
As you gain strength relative to your size/body weight it might be a better plan to not hit 90%,95% and 101% or 105%, as your strength goes up your jumps between weights might need to change. On occasion, people hit 87% and then 95% and then 102% or something similar. The idea is that your understanding your body and the stimulus of max effort.
Frequently asked Questions:
Q: What if I don’t feel “great” on Monday and we are supposed to max out our straight bar back squat, what should I do?
A: OC Coaches always suggest that you just change something – change the bar and work up to a heavy single. Or complete the max effort without weightlifting shoes or with them(depending on what you usually do). Finally, another option would be to work up to max effort with a belt or without one. The variables give you another option to perform the workout as “written” but without having to worry about the “negative” of not PR’ing. Set yourself up for success.
Q:Is Max effort dangerous?
A: Simple answer is NO. Max effort is based on what your body is currently capable of. Training in the gym is not a competition with another member or a competition at all. Max effort work is an evaluation of each individuals level of preparedness.
Q: I max out on (deadlift, bench, box squat, etc, etc) will my form be 100% perfect and/or should it be?
A: Perfect world situation everyones form would always be great. As a result of max effort, there will be some breakdown of your form. However, this is normal with a lift that is pushing your physical preparedness. Struggle or strain happens before you successfully complete the lift. OC coaches job and your job as an athlete, is to analyze when it is time to stop. Then we analyze what caused the struggle or strain.
Q: What doe you mean analyze where the struggle or strain is the lift?
A: Typically, there is a portion of your body that is “lagging” behind and that portion causes you to miss the lift. For example in a bench press – if you lift the weight but struggle and barely lock it out – or don’t get the lock out – then your triceps could need some work. We would then target your triceps for more work to help you lock out those weights.
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