cpl
Posts: 5667
Joined: 5/26/2003
From: New York City
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That's just the way muscle works, and an example of the possible differences between any two people.
Let's take a look at how muscle adapts to different stresses first- If on your chest day you bench, let's say, 220 for as many reps as you can, your body will get used to doing just that- Handling 220 pounds. Let's say you can do ten reps with that weight. It stands to reason that if you put 250 on the bar, you'll be able to lift it, but for less reps than you lift 220- However, if you're just used to benching 220 all that time, your muscles won't be used to lifting anything heavier. You might have all the muscle needed to do so, but your body won't really know how to use all of that muscle as effectively as possible, since it's never had to do so on a regular basis.
On the other hand, someone who's used to lifting heavy weights for low reps probably won't be able to perform as well with lower weights and high reps- His muscles are used to moving larger amounts of weight less times, and won't be prepared for the fatigue that comes with low weights and higher reps. So, it's entirely possible for someone to be able to lift more weight for their one rep max than someone who can crank out a ton of reps at a lower weight. It's the difference between endurance and strength, basically.
Then, of course, you have the differences between any two people- Some people are just naturally strong no matter what they do- I knew someone who rarely worked out, didn't look like he was in the best shape at all, but when he decided to get on the bench he could knock out reps with 320 pounds after a half assed warmup. I couldn't come close to this guy- But you have to realise that not everyone was created equal. Whatever you do, don't risk hurting yourself by trying to play catch up with someone else- Challenge yourself with the amount of weight you lift or the number of reps you do, trying to beat your numbers from the week before.
(in reply to sft34521)
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