Is it really necessary to measure maxes in advance?

[fixpoint]

What is the benefit of having 15RM/10RM/5RM measured before the cycle as opposed to switching to the lower number of repetitions when you encounter failure?

 

[gbglifter]

I understand what you mean. I cant answer regarding the physiological side of things but working out your maxes allows you to plan your training in advance. You know what the goal is and you can work out backwards what you should be doing each session. If you just guess you could be way out, I suppose, either starting too heavy or too light. You could end up having far too long cycles where the SD comes too seldom, or on the other hand: starting off far too near your max.

 

[Old and Grey]

http://thinkmuscle.com/forum/showthread.php?41978-Help-answer-my-question-please

However, if this is your very first cycle, it is imperative that you have as accurate maxes as possible.

Also, please refer to Totz's ebook available at the top of the forum title page. http://thinkmuscle.com/forum/showthread.php?41974-The-HST-Ebook

 

[fixpoint]

Thanks for the answers. I can see how not measuring in advance can lead to crooked cycles.