Obviously when we train with purpose, then we are always striving to get better and better; stronger and stronger. Defining the intention of our workouts is a good place to start. Why are you working out? To become an RKC? For a specific sport? To get more fit?

Personal records (PRs) are certainly important. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I think focusing on incremental improvement is a surer way to improve your fitness than focusing on body composition as an example. I strongly believe if the focus is on performance all else will fall in line.
Still, if your focus is only on setting PRs, you will at some point either cross the line into the dreaded place of over trained or worse, injured.

Imagine if you are an NFL football player. You build your foundation. Then you place your improvement on top of the foundation and then you finish up the work. Just like building a house. You have to have a plane and then execute. If you go to the gym and plan on training intuitively each and every workout, then I wish you good luck. And I hope it works out for you.

I show up for each session on an index card. It’s all mapped out the night before. Seems to make sense. Sometimes the workout doesn’t go as planned. I take note and move on. I don’t somehow figure out how I PRed.

I’d venture to say if you have to set new PRs in every workout that you have the emotional intelligence of a 5 year old. Harsh maybe, but true. True PRs are elusive if you are truly fit. For those that feel it is necessary to somehow prove themselves every workout, I’d say “get a life.” Or look at your workouts with intelligence.
Look, no one can improve linearly for long. At some point, the game is up. If you can bench press 100 lbs.,then when will you reach a 200 lb one rep max? Let’s say you can bench add 5 lbs to each bench press session. That may not sound unreasonable. So you’d arrive at 200 in 20 sessions. Or less than 7 weeks if you are benching 3 times a week. 100% gain in 7 weeks is not going to happen for most folks.
So how would you double your one rep max? With patience, intelligence and planning. It’s pretty simple but not easy.
Power To The People from Pavel gives some great programming ideas. If you want to get stronger and you want to do it without injury, then I’d say that it may be one of the best books on the subject. The volume focuses on the dead lift and the barbell side press for sure but the school of strength is “Hardstyle” and can be applied to dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells.
I’m currently using a modified version of the PTTP from Pavel himself. Check it out here and leave any questions or comments for me and I’ll be happy to help you.

Train With Purpose,

Sandy Sommer RKC