1RM calculators

HealthyBodySickMind

Perhaps this is an odd question, but before Sunday, I didn't have a squat rack and because of that was not squatting as heavy as I would have liked, instead doing more reps of a lower weight. I was creative and less than safe in getting the bar to my back. Now that I've got a squat rack, this question is perhaps less relevant, but I'm still curious so that I can compare past results.

For most 1rm calculators (I like this one: http://www.strstd.com/) where do you think the cut off is for number of reps for a good estimation?

For example, if you can only get 4 reps at a certain weight, I'm sure that would be a pretty close estimate to a 1rm, but if you are doing 20 reps at a weight and trying to calculate a 1rm from that, it's certain to be off a bit. So where is the cut off for a fairly accurate estimate?

I know this is a vague question, and I'm sure I will get some smart as s replies, and that's all fine and entertaining, but if anyone has an actual guideline that they've found, and maybe even a source, for the tolerance of those calculations, I would appreciate it.

jonnythan

Depends on the person, but in my experience I'd say 8+ reps is getting to be too many.

For example, I can bench 135x8. The calculators say that gives a roughly 168-lb 1RM. I will tell you straight up there's no way I could bench 168. I can also do 140x5, which comes out to around 158 which is a bit more realistic.

danimalkeys

I always found that anything past 3 reps or so they were off by an increasing margin. If you really want to figure out your 1RM, take 6-8 weeks and use a periodization routine to gradually increase your weight used and lower your reps, and then test for your 1RM.

I looked at that 5/3/1 site. My last deadlift workout I did 5 reps of 395 and it was pretty hard to finish. It projects my 1RM at 475. There is no way I could pull that right now without training for it like I mentioned above.

HealthyBodySickMind

I always found that anything past 3 reps or so they were off by an increasing margin. If you really want to figure out your 1RM, take 6-8 weeks and use a periodization routine to gradually increase your weight used and lower your reps, and then test for your 1RM.

I looked at that 5/3/1 site. My last deadlift workout I did 5 reps of 395 and it was pretty hard to finish. It projects my 1RM at 475. There is no way I could pull that right now without training for it like I mentioned above.

I think I can actually safely test for a 1rm, now that I have a squat rack.

Is there another calculator you use/like, since the 5/3/1 one is off?

danimalkeys

I don't use any of them. When I needed to know my 1RM, I trained and tested for it by doing a powerlifting meet.