RPE or Something Else?

[David A. Rowe]

I've been trying to do some research into finding out why, after a certain point when lifting progressively heavier weights, does the perceived difficulty and exertion of effort during the lift being to outpace the standard lift.

I have observed this seemingly purely subjective "wall of effort" myself. It did not affect my physical performance in the lift. Since reading and posting on the forums, as well as speaking to my friends and wife who have started lifting with me, it seems I am far from being alone in experiencing this.

The question I have is... is this related to RPE (something I believe, in my limited knowledge and experience, to be ancillary at best in regards to coaching/training/programming at best) or is it something else entirely?

Is the problem entirely psychological? A mental construct formed subconsciously by intimidation of a number or the volume of black plates on a bar? Or is it caused by a previously undetermined physiological effect? Pressure on fluid bearing systems (circulatory/nervous or abdominal cavity)? Intra-thoracic pressure? Neural feedback through the CNS as the body experiences tension and/or compression?

If any one has any good resources, or even personal experience of the empirical, theoretical or otherwise, I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

[Tom Campitelli]

Verily though I would be happy to expound at great length and depth upon the undoubtedly important topics that are laid bare before us, I fear that I struggle to fully comprehend your circumlocutions. I would humbly beseech you revisit your verbiage and to extirpate any and all obfuscations that may present themselves to you and, perhaps more importantly, those around you.

I remain, as always, your humble and faithful servant.

[lou t]

Verily though I would be happy to expound at great length and depth upon the undoubtedly important topics that are laid bare before us, I fear that I struggle to fully comprehend your circumlocutions. I would humbly beseech you revisit your verbiage and to extirpate any and all obfuscations that may present themselves to you and, perhaps more importantly, those around you.

I remain, as always, your humble and faithful servant.

lmao

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

I've been trying to do some research into finding out why, after a certain point when lifting progressively heavier weights, does the perceived difficulty and exertion of effort during the lift being to outpace the standard lift.

I have observed this seemingly purely subjective "wall of effort" myself. It did not affect my physical performance in the lift. Since reading and posting on the forums, as well as speaking to my friends and wife who have started lifting with me, it seems I am far from being alone in experiencing this.

The question I have is... is this related to RPE (something I believe, in my limited knowledge and experience, to be ancillary at best in regards to coaching/training/programming at best) or is it something else entirely?

Is the problem entirely psychological? A mental construct formed subconsciously by intimidation of a number or the volume of black plates on a bar? Or is it caused by a previously undetermined physiological effect? Pressure on fluid bearing systems (circulatory/nervous or abdominal cavity)? Intra-thoracic pressure? Neural feedback through the CNS as the body experiences tension and/or compression?

If any one has any good resources, or even personal experience of the empirical, theoretical or otherwise, I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Nobody that is strong has ever asked this question.

Nobody that is strong knows the answers to this question.

[lou t]

I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

I really hate when moving iron become an intellectual exercise. Too much conversation about science and theories. I'm love to read and have been a student of the iron game for over 40 years. But I'm a garage gorilla. What that means is nothing, who gives a rats ass. we make shit happen in the gym, basements, garages...not in between the pages of a book or articles.

This sport suffers from information overload.

All that matters is results...the why's and how comes is an exercise for those who want to show off how smart they or for coaches who need to know.

I will point you in the only direction that matters....go lift something heavy, follow a program and be fucking happy you don't no shit about why.

KISS

[djsilvera]

When I was weak, 225 felt heavy. Now that I am less weak, 225 still feels like 225. Shit doesn't get easier.

[David A. Rowe]

Sorry, it's the way I write when I write things and stuff. I have to write a lot of stuff... and things... in a professional environment.

Why does picking up heavy shit feel a lot fuckin' harder than it should?

Also, Coach Baker... everyone seems to ask or at least wonder out loud why this happens. If you don't know the answer I get it, but your answer is a non answer at best... and some seriously jaded accusatory bullshit at worst.

I understand you deal with some serious asshats around here, but come on. Is this the level of professionalism and support I can expect for my $800 dollars at a seminar?

[Nick Delgadillo]

Do your coworkers all write like this, too? That would be fun to be a part of in therefore irregardlessly.

This ain't an $800 seminar. It's not that serious. And yes. It's certainly possible to mind-fuck yourself with regard to a certain poundage, workout, etc, etc, etc.

[Karl Schudt]

From the Legend:

"You embrace the fear. You love it when it feels heavy. You hate variety. You think people who make up bullshit excuses to justify their desire to do something easier are just scared, and you are not one of them. You are a lifter, and you lift heavy things. When you walk into the gym, you look around at all the bros doing arm work and five different chest exercises, and you smile because you know they don't know what you know. Or, maybe they do, but they don't have the balls to stay the course, put more weight on the bar and squat something they're afraid they can't squat. But you do that. You do that three days a week. You face your fear over and over and over. And sometimes you fail. Sometimes you can't get another rep. But you show up for your next session, and you try again. You stick to your plan. You learn how to fail. You learn how to try again. You learn that it won't kill you. And that, my friend, is more important that how much weight is on the bar. It's supposed to feel heavy. You're supposed to be scared. If you're not, you're not living." - Paul Horn, Starting Strength Coach

[Nick Delgadillo]

Classic.