Feels Normal

A high-level, gym skill you can develop is understanding how certain movements feel when you perform them.

Over time, you should develop a baseline of what a normal rep feels like.

Something like, this is how 5 push ups feel when I'm well-rested and my shoulders are cooperating.

Somedays push ups won't feel like that, and that's okay too.

This is what 65 pounds feels like when warming up my back squat, or 135 when deadlifting, or 85 when bench pressing, anything like that.

On those days they're off from baseline, make some sort of modification.

Cut the reps back, add more warm up sets in, or alter your top end weight. All of those are good training options, and the more experienced in the gym you are, the more you need to be able to notice those small nuances - it’s what will keep you in it longer.

On the opposite of the spectrum, if you're feeling really good, you should recognize that too.

Squeeze out a couple of extra reps, or if your squat is feeling particularly strong, it's a great chance to put some more weight on the bar!

Although it may seem obvious to do a little less if it doesn't feel great and a little more if you're into it, this is advanced gym-goer skill, sharpen it!

Justin Miner

@justinminergain