What a fascinating, important question.
What does it mean to be "Stronger"?
Of course strength is defined as the ability to produce a force against an external resistance.
Let's say a novice lifter squats 300 at some arbitrary set and rep range, for the sake of argument we'll go with 3x5. The last rep of the last set is a ball buster (RPE 10 ha! you know you love it) and it is the first time they have squatted this weight over the course of their training, so a personal record max. The next session our lifter squats 305 but for fewer reps either because he is having a bad day or because of a programming decision, say (choose one) 5,5,4, 3x3, or x1.
Is our lifter stronger because he lifted more weight ergo produced more force, or does he need to do the 305 x 5 x 3 in order to say he is stronger ie apples-to-apples comparison at our previously identified arbitrary set and rep range?
Thanks I'll be sitting out in the yard anxiously awaiting your reply...
What a fascinating, important question.
The gut says sarcasm but the ego says sincerity.What a fascinating, important question.
Regardless...
While searching I somehow happened upon this article which contains some pertinent information. To (possibly?) answer my own question if I may...
Short answer:
Yes they got stronger
Long answer:
It doesn't really matter. Maybe they were capable of doing 305 the previous session, maybe they weren't. Human physiology doesn't operate on the same increments as our programmed loading, which is simply a tool to achieve a longer term goal. That is what is important, the continuous weekly, monthly, and yearly progress. The difference between 250 and 350 is more relevant than the difference between 300 and 305, which is just part of the way to get there.
Seems like here's the subtle distinction between testing and training strength. Right?
3x5 or 3x3 isn't a pure test of strength anyway, so the question "is he stronger?" is void. Maybe, maybe not.
Wouldn't the real question be "is there a training effect in workout 2 that is comparable to workout 1, even though he used less volume"? Which I think is the question that governs intermediate training, where programs mess around with volume and intensity in order to continue producing a training effect, instead of just testing strength with heavy singles.
TL;DR: yes, he's stronger because he recovered from his 300 workout before doing 305. But he didn't display it fully during the 305 workout, and maybe didn't get a significant training effect from the 305 workout either.
Someone who can dead lift 3 plates is much stronger than a lifter who does 2 plates. 5-10 lbs can be a normal daily strength/mind variation.
Ha well thanks for humoring me, Sully I lol'd sorry Steve a little late on the draw.
Just a couple disclaimers for future current and past reference:
1) When I had hair it was blonde
2) I am a degreed engineer (electrical) but currently work as a tradesmen which does help temper that slightly
3) I'm from Rock Springs 'nuff said
Finally I guess this is what I get for dredging up stupid shit from the programming forum...
- Jeremy