Easier in the final 2 sets?
QueenMother14
Posts: 438 Member
I put this question on my status but thought I would post it in here as well since I'm new to Stronglifts. Why is it the last 2 sets of each exercise seems easier than the first 3? I would think I would be fatigued at that point and it would be harder.
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QueenMother14 wrote: »I put this question on my status but thought I would post it in here as well since I'm new to Stronglifts. Why is it the last 2 sets of each exercise seems easier than the first 3? I would think I would be fatigued at that point and it would be harder.
that quite often happens to me, especially with squats. idk if it's because i'm a slow warmer-upper, or because i don't settle down with my form, or i'm just lifting too light, or what. but you're not alone anyway.
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Definitely not alone in this. I often find that my third set is the best -- form feels right, weight feels lighter somehow, and things just flow.
I think @Canadian is right -- the first couple sets are still kind of about getting warmed up / settled in at a certain weight. It makes sense that locking in form and getting used to a weight would make things easier -- efficiency of movement and all that.
For me, the last one or two sets, I start to feel a bit of the fatigue, so that middle on is the sweet spot.0 -
Thanks for your comments! I'm new to lifting. Almost a month in to my Stronglifts routine.0
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I notice this too. I think it's a warmup thing, both physically and mentally. I liken it to when I am out on a run-the first mile is usually rough, and by the middle of the second mile I've hit cruise and am good, then the last mile always feels super long because I'm almost done.
Make sense?0 -
It makes sense for me. I usually feel more confident with my fourth or fifth set with a load because, hey, I already lifted it 15 times, I can do it again.
Even if I love deadlifts, it's the lift I feel the less confident with for the same reason, I usually do only one or two warmup sets and then, you only get one shot (do not miss your chance to blow, tthis opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo - sorry for everyone who is singing Eminem right now) and it's not a lot to feel the position, the grip and the load.0 -
Happens to me too. Usually, my first and second sets are usually OK, my third set is the hardest, then my last two are pretty good. This is not the case if the weight is really heavy for me, though, and those last two sets are hard because I'm fatigued.0
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My last ones are often quicker/easier as well. I always assumed it was more of a "hey I am almost done" sort of mentality.. kind of like you maybe reserved some power in the first few sets saving for the last few... and then you can let it all out in the last few.0
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I notice this too which is why I always poo-poo (at least mentally) suggestions of a 3x5 plan. I'm usually only hitting my stride by set 3. If I stopped there it would feel pointless.0
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^I've been concerned about that too but I wonder if perspective would change. I know I have 5 sets so the middle sets are like, ugh are we done yet? When I get to the last two, it's the final stretch. If I knew I only had three, maybe I would focus differently.0
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I have noticed the same thing. For me it is like getting over the hump and I know I can finish.0
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For the lifts with larger muscle groups - squats and dreads- this is the case. Rows and bench too probably. Definitely not the case for OHP. I need to wait much longer between the last two sets to make sure I get my reps in.0
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