The Truth About Max Strength Training Frequency

The Infamous Russian Sports Scientists Vladimir Zatsiorsky classified max strength training (the maximum effort method) as working above 90% of your 1 rep max (1RM) - I personally classify max strength as anything above 85%, but maybe I am not as hardcore as the Russian lifters!

It is well established that lifting maximal loads elicits the most significant strength increases. However, there is, of course, a risk of overtraining and injury when regularly pushing things to the limit.

I know many lifters that work above 85% multiple times a week, every week, and others that incorporate max effort lifts every 3rd week followed by a week-long deload.

For example, a common strength protocol I use looks like this (percentages are for the main lifts - program 2-4 assistance exercises on each day):

3 Sessions per week:

Day 1: Bilateral Squat & Single-Leg (Lower Push)

Day 2: Bench/Overhead Press (Upper Push)

Day 3: Deadlift & Rows (Lower Pull & Upper Pull)

1RMs are tested at the start of the 12-week program and at week 11.

Note: At the start of the program, 1RMs can be estimated from 5RMs: 5RM x 1.15 (add 15%) if the lifter is not ready to perform a 1RM.

1st Phase:

W1: 4x8 at 70%

W2: 5x5 at 75%

W3: 3x3 at 85%

W4: 4x10 at 65%

2nd Phase:

W5: 4x8 at 75%

W6: 5x4 at 80-85%

W7: 2x2 at 90%

W8: 4x10 at 70%

3rd Phase:

W9: 4x6 at 80-85%

W10: 5x3 at 90%

W11: Test 1RM

W12: 4x10 at 75%

How often do you lift maximally and test your 1RMs?

Author, Jason Curtis