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How to Determine Loads for PR-Based Programs

I’ve received a lot of questions so far by 2 x 4: Maximum Strength customers inquiring as to how to go about determining maximal loads. Apparently I wasn’t clear enough on this topic, so I filmed a video to further explain.

I hope this clarifies things. If you have any more 2 x 4 questions, please ask in the comments below.

P1010208

4 Comments

  • Brian Thompson says:

    Thanks for the video (I was going to email you today asking the very same question). As I understand it, although you are going for PRs on the first 3 sets of the first exercise of the day, you should not deplete all your energy (i.e., maximing out on the last set — going for 10 reps as opposed to the required 5 reps) since you should leave “something in the tank” for the other big lifts later that same week.

    • Bret says:

      Brian, that’s exactly what I recommend. Your PRs will keep going up over time, and you don’t need to crush yourself every session. Now, if the PR you set wipes you out and comes to a grinder on the 3rd set, so be it. But if you have a rep or two left over in the tank, just be happy about your PR and save the energy for later in the week.

  • Michael says:

    Hi Brett. How would you use this program if the client only trains 3 times a week? Most of my clients are either on a Mon, Wed, Fri split and some on a Mon, Tues, Thurs split

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