Mastering PR Attempts: A Strategy for Success

By: Jared Enderton & Tiffany Ammerman

Why tying your PR should be avoided at all costs:

Setting a new PR is an exhilarating achievement for any athlete. It’s the culmination of hard work, dedication, and often months of training. However, there’s a common pitfall that many athletes encounter when attempting PRs – tying their existing record. In this post, we’ll delve into the importance of strategic PR attempts and why tying your PR should be avoided at all costs.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at the gym, feeling strong and confident. You load the bar to your previous PR weight and successfully lift it. Excited by your accomplishment, you decide to attempt the same weight again. But here’s the catch – you miss the opportunity to push yourself further and set a new benchmark for success. Nobody ever sets out to run the same mile time or lift the same weight repeatedly. The essence of progress lies in surpassing one’s previous achievements. Just as a runner aims to shave off seconds from their mile time, a lifter should strive to add even the smallest increments to their lifts.

So, how can you avoid falling into the trap of tying your PR?:

It all comes down to strategic planning and calculated jumps. Rather than attempting to match your previous best, plan your lifts in a way that allows for incremental progress. Let’s break it down with an example: Say your previous deadlift PR is 120 pounds. Instead of loading the bar to 120 pounds again, consider making smaller jumps in weight. Start with 95 pounds for warm-up, then progress to 105, 112, 117, and finally 121 or 122 pounds. While a 1-2 pound increase may seem insignificant, it can make a world of difference both physically and mentally. Jumping 5 pounds (almost 5%) from your previous PR is a substantial leap, increasing the likelihood of encountering a significant challenge. By opting for smaller increments, you can maintain better form, reduce the risk of injury, and build confidence with each successful lift.

Moreover, the psychological impact of breaking your PR versus tying it cannot be understated:

The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction derived from surpassing your previous best is unmatched. It fuels motivation and instills a sense of progress that propels you toward even greater heights.

In conclusion, when it comes to PR attempts, strategy is key. Plan your jumps meticulously, avoiding the temptation to tie your previous records. Embrace the challenge of pushing past your limits and reaping the rewards of your hard work. Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous improvement, not stagnation. So, the next time you approach the barbell, aim not to tie your PR, but to surpass it. Your future self will thank you for it.

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