Once you have calculated your 1RM for an exercise it is not necessary to do it again during the 3 month program. A 1RM test sole purpose is to help you find the right weight for a certain amount of reps. You could experiment on your own trying different weights to see how many reps you could do, but a 1RM test saves you time since once it is completed you can use it to determine the correct weight for any amount of reps.
If you find your strength increases and you’re not approaching failure during an exercise you simply just increase your weight. The 1RM is just a guide to help you more quickly find the correct weight for the amount of reps you want to do. Feel free to make adjustments as needed. The important thing is to do the correct amount of reps at a weight that challenges you and is not too heavy or too light.
How often you do a 1RM test is up to you and whether or not you have taken breaks from your workout program. Many will never do a 1RM test again after completing it once. They use the 1RM test to help them get started and then make adjustments as they progress with their weights. I would recommend that you do a 1RM test at least once per year just to see your progress. Again, the 1RM test is only purpose is to help you quickly find the correct weight for any amount of reps. You will know when it is time to increase or decrease a selected weight because you will not approach failure at the targeted amount of reps. If the weight is too light and you can do 20 reps instead of 12, it is time to increase your weight – no test is needed.
