gaining strength in Meso 1....

[grad2010]

This may sound like a crazy question, but is it possilbe to gain strength during the meso 1 phase? I am doing the 6month rotation and on some of the exercises I have to constantly increase my weights. For example, when doing the barbell rows I tested at the max rep of 53 pounds. In the beginning I had to adjust the weight because it was not heavy enough (in the first week). So I recalculated for the repeat week and each time I go to a new week (disc) I have to change the poundage again. I am currently at 70lbs for my 1 rep max, there is no way I could lift 70lbs one time. I am just wondering if it is possible to gain strength, especially because I am repeating each week twice? The same thing happens for deadlifts, I need to increase the poundage because I am not feeling it. I hope my question is not confusing.

Btw, when I upped my weight for the barbell row, I had a good burn and had some serious DOMS that evening.:eek

Thanks, Veronica

 

[grad2010]

Cathe could you answer please....

Wow, 78 views but no answer or feedback. Cathe can you please answer. Maybe I did something wrong in my intial one rep max test. Thanks, Veronica

 

[cb1924]

Yes, you can definitely gain strength in meso 1. As long you are pushing yourself, you will see strength improvements in all the cycles. Muscle endurance, strength, and power are all related, you cant really separate them. You may emphasize one using different rep variations, but all will
be affected.
After meso 3 your muscle endurance will most likely improve too. Even though technically you are training for hypertrophy. You are stronger so you can therefore lift longer (more reps). After meso3, if you go back to meso 1, all your 1RM will be higher.

Does that make sense?
chrissy

 

[Connie07]

Yes! I"ve increase my weight every week, this is week 4 for me and I've really struggled with CSB even though I increase wt, this week seemed to be harder for some reason. I haven't been sleeping well so I"m sure thats part of it.

 

[grad2010]

Thanks, Connie and Chrissy for replying. I just thought I did something wrong in the testing, because I am changing my weight in order to "feel it". I will be starting week 4 of meso 1 next Thursday and I hope that I wont need to change my weights because I will be using 70% of my rep max test.
Thanks, Veronica