Novice

[Wroathe]

Rip,

6'3"
198lbs

I bought your book a few weeks ago and since then have read it almost cover to cover. I had never set foot in a gym even once until 6 months ago when I started running religiously to drop weight and now I've begun making the transition to the weight room.

My question is concerning a problem I've had with my completing my reps on a set at a certain weight bench pressing.

When I load the bar at 115lbs the first rep feels perfect, like this is the right weight for me to be at. The second rep feels a little worse and then the fourth rep is extremely difficult. On my last workout I wasn't able to finish off my set.

Is this typical of new lifters you see? And should I lower the weight even if it feels like it's not a challenge for me to lift at? Is there a way to make it so my muscles don't fatigue as rapidly?

[Mark Rippetoe]

The way you know -- automatically, every time, without any doubt personally and without having to ask anybody else -- that the weight is in fact a challenge to lift even though it "feels" like it's not, is when you can't lift it. Adjust it accordingly.

[Wroathe]

The way you know -- automatically, every time, without any doubt personally and without having to ask anybody else -- that the weight is in fact a challenge to lift even though it "feels" like it's not, is when you can't lift it. Adjust it accordingly.

Good enough for me. I'll drop down a bit. Thanks