1RM's are pretty common in the gym. Those that are into lifting weights, wanting to gain muscle and strength often complete 1RM's as part of their training. But too often, 1RM's are used on a regular basis, sometimes weekly or monthly. Here's the problem with 1RM's.
The risk to reward ratio. When completing a lift, take the bench press for example, there is always an element of risk. If you haven't warmed-up properly, used the correct form or given yourself enough chance to recover, we understand this increases our risk of injury. But too often we overlook weight selection. When we decide to load the bar up to PR we increase the chance of injury massively. Especially if you aren't experienced in the lift, what often happens is form breaks down. For example, when completing the bench press, the shoulders and scapula may protract leading to more weight placed on the shoulder joint. Or elbows flair leading to again greater load on both the shoulders and elbow. In beginner, novice and intermediate lifters, this is far too common. Dial back on the weight, maybe go for a 3x3 or 5x5.
Training is not testing. When going for a 1RM, it's a test of strength. Don't confusing testing your strength with building or training to improve strength.
Unless you're a competitive powerlifter or weightlifter, there isn't a need to constantly test your 1RM. Even powerlifters and weightlifters incorporate 1RM's very little. Which begs the question, why are you doing them every other week?
Hopefully this will help you make some adjustments to the way you think and go about about training for strength and hypertrophy.
*1RM's= One repetition Max
*PR= Personal Record
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