When or how often do you go for a PR?

LiftAllThePizzas

Just curious how often you try for a PR that isn't just a part of your normal progression on your lifting program.

For example if you're on a 5x5 program, trying your 1RM either instead of or in addition to your normal sets of 5.

tubzzy77

Good question. When you're just starting out go for a PR every time I lift as long as you're safe about it and use some spotters with good form.

For those intermediate and advanced lifters usually go for at the end of a cycle which can last anywhere from 6 - 18 weeks which usually coincide with a competition.

I shoot for a PR at the end of my 8-12 week cycles.

LiftAllThePizzas

I do similar, I'm doing 2 weeks each of sets of 15, 10, 5, then negatives where possible. So for example on my last day of 15s I might see how far I can keep going beyond 15 reps. At the end of the big cycle I just ramp them up to where I'm comfortable and then compare to the last cycle. Then I use those numbers as a standard to set up my goals for the next cycle.