Believe it or not, most veteran lifters don’t follow a pre-written 12-week program. Maybe if they’re really locked in, sure, but most are what I like to call 'audible ready'. They have a general guideline, whether it’s in the form of linear periodization , conjugate, or 5/3/1, and they know what they should shoot for that day.
But they also listen keenly to their body and whether they need to back off or hammer down and go for it.
This “flexible” approach also helps on the other end, as it let’s you strike when the iron is hot. We’ve all had that day when everything just feels awesome – weights fly up and even PR’s feel light.
What’s happening is you’ve locked into something technique-wise and your neuromuscular system is firing correctly. Everything is just “on” and what you should do is take full advantage of it, as it might not happen again for weeks or months!
Don’t let such an opportunity pass by just sticking to your percentage-based goal.
Embracing the moment can be the difference between being a 700-pound deadlifter (and calling yourself that) and being a 660-pound deadlifter. Which would you rather be?
This is why I think set deloads are so dumb. Deloads should happen automatically – it’s called having a life. You get sick, you go on vacation, your kids get sick, your boss makes you work late, your wife throws you out. If you don’t have an accidental life deload then you don’t have a fucking life!
But if one of these life deloads occurs right after your planned deload, now you have a problem.
Now don’t think for a minute you will go 6-8 weeks on full blast. What people misunderstand the most when I say "set deloads are dumb" is how often a lifter needs to back off. The higher the level, the more they need to back off. Err on the side of backing off too much not on the other side.
Learn your body!
