Workout of the Day
Back Squat
1 Rep Max
Notes
Establish a 1 rep max today. In this training cycle, we will be following a “5/3/1” template. This protocol uses percentages based off of a Training Max, which is 90% of your 1 Rep Max. Don’t worry… we’ll get to the math next week! For now, focus on getting balanced, braced, and psyched up for a heavy single squat. And write down what you did!
We last tested a heavy single (BSQ or FSQ) on 12/17/25 as well as 6/23/25. You can use those exposures as guidance if appropriate.
If you are not 110% sure you’re standing up your rep, use two spotters. Your coach will review how to spot a heavy squat in class.
Newer lifters (less than 1 year of consistent squat exposures) are recommended to find a heavy weight but not fail today. They may also opt to perform a heavy triple instead.
Expect a thorough warm-up and review on bracing and how to approach the test. If we finish early there also be a cashout
(Programming Template: Week 1/8 )

Photos from 26.3 Friday Night Lights by RJ are up on our Flickr!
Submit your 26.3 Scores by 8pm!
Do not forget to complete and submit your 26.3score by 8pm today. If you still need to do it, we have scorecards at the front desk. Ask a gym buddy and get’r done!!!
The Art & Science of Warming Up Your Lifts (for 1RM Testing)
Today we’re providing examples for 6 different target weights based on today’s programming. Use these as jumping-off points for your own numbers, but over time you’ll find what works best for you individually.
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# of sets: Typically 5-7 warm-up sets prior to your 1RM attempt. More runway means more chances to prime the movement and gradually acclimate to heavy loads.
Weight jumps: Go from larger to smaller as you approach your max. The sets closest to your max should be small jumps where you can just “taste” those heavy loads and not let them fatigue you.
Rep ranges: Keep reps low across the board. You’re not here to accumulate fatigue, you’re here to get ready to lift as heavy as possible.
Perceived exertion & time: Your first few sets should not be challenging. Rest adequately between sets, especially as you get close to your max. 3-5:00 is not an unusual rest period for this kind of work.
WHAT IF I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING!? Add weight conservatively set by set, doing 2-3 reps, until you feel like you’re approaching something heavy. Stop before you lose your confidence to hold mature positions.
Example Progressions
Here are some examples working up to given weights. If you hit that target and have more room, keep going.
1RM of 75 lbs
35 x 5 / 45 x 3 / 55 x 2 / 65 x 1 / 70 x 1 / 75 x 1
1RM of 100 lbs
45 x 5 / 65 x 3 / 80 x 2 / 90 x 1 / 95 x 1 / 100 x 1
1RM of 150 lbs
95 x 5 / 115 x 3 / 130 x 2 / 140 x 1 / 145 x 1 / 150 x 1
1RM of 200 lbs
135 x 5 / 160 x 3 / 180 x 2 / 190 x 1 / 195 x 1 / 200 x 1
1RM of 250 lbs
135 x 5 / 175 x 3 / 205 x 2 / 225 x 1 / 240 x 1 / 250 x 1
1RM of 300 lbs
135 x 5 / 185 x 3 / 225 x 2 / 255 x 1 / 280 x 1 / 295 x 1 / 300 x 1









