Max lift prep

Im getting close to maxing again (end of routine) going to be either next week or week after, havent decided if I have it in me to break some more PR's...

anyway, I was thinking that maybe I have been hindering maxing just a bit by not doing a few things prior correctly. Im still learning and I know there are some better nutrition oriented members around here.

Obviously getting enough sleep and warming up are two no brainers, a long with having spotters or safety bars...but as for some other things...

would you load up on carbs the night before? as in if you preparing to play in a big game or run long distance?

Would you take caffeine? or an energy drink before/during maxing attempts? I sometimes drink coffee 30 mins before I lift if I feel like im dragging ass...it helps a bit. One of the most memerable times where I felt so energized in the gym was when I had a suger free red bull earlier in the day and a sports energy drink before and during lifting ( sleep deprived due to work )

Maybe something else im missing?

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

Nm0ney34


Im getting close to maxing again (end of routine) going to be either next week or week after, havent decided if I have it in me to break some more PR's...

anyway, I was thinking that maybe I have been hindering maxing just a bit by not doing a few things prior correctly. Im still learning and I know there are some better nutrition oriented members around here.

Obviously getting enough sleep and warming up are two no brainers, a long with having spotters or safety bars...but as for some other things...

would you load up on carbs the night before? as in if you preparing to play in a big game or run long distance?

Would you take caffeine? or an energy drink before/during maxing attempts? I sometimes drink coffee 30 mins before I lift if I feel like im dragging ass...it helps a bit. One of the most memerable times where I felt so energized in the gym was when I had a suger free red bull earlier in the day and a sports energy drink before and during lifting ( sleep deprived due to work )

Maybe something else im missing?

Yeah, caffeine will definatly give you an edge.

If I carb load my max actually goes down, idk how it would work for you though...

Id wear a belt too when maxing.  Since youre not really working the muscle and more just testing strength, itll add some pounds and be on the safe side. 

Getting psyched up with some heavy music and clearing your head right before the lift will make a huge difference.  In a squat for instance, the weight feels so much lighter if I get real pumped up before I unrack.  Maybe have a partner hit you a couple times or slap yourself in the face.  May look silly but it works.

Most importantly, make sure youre fully recovered from all your previous workouts and at your best.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

I think your over-thinking it a bit too much pal.

sure be well rested, have plenty of energy rich food throughout the day before hand, listen to "phych up" music, etc etc but it boils down to IMO how your body's gonna perform on that day.

surely in the past you've hit the gym and everything just seems light and vice versa sometimes everything just seems really heavy (hate those days!!!) well when going for your RM is no different, just do what u can before and lift.

actually u keep reminding yourself that the the weight your about to lift is heavier than u have ever lifted before could play mind games with u and u fail before u even unrack the damn bar!!!

Maybe I am, and maybe not.

Im more concerned with the nutritional aspect of maxing then the psyching up part, that im not worried about.

I really would like to know if carb loading the night before would be beneficial or if spiking energy before/during lifting would be beneficial.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

Nm0ney34


Maybe I am, and maybe not.

Im more concerned with the nutritional aspect of maxing then the psyching up part, that im not worried about.

I really would like to know if carb loading the night before would be beneficial or if spiking energy before/during lifting would be beneficial.

fair enough,
 
r u looking to achieve your 1RM or higher numbers?

I would think starting a day adequately fed the prior night and then having two good meals before the lifting would be the perfect situation. Get lots of fluids too. The rest is down to focus and if caffeine is needed then you might aswell. I'm pretty sure you'll surprise yourself anyway. Positive thought is perhaps most key. You know as with cleans, if you for a femto second doubt its going up, it wont.