max out

Definition

Testing your one-rep maximum on a lift to measure absolute strength and fuel your ego for approximately three weeks. The gym equivalent of seeing how fast your car goes.

Example Usage

We're maxing out on squats today, which means everyone will lift more than they should and someone will definitely tweak something.

Origin

Weightlifting and powerlifting culture testing absolute strength capabilities

Fun Fact

Frequent max testing can interfere with training progress, which is why most programs test true maxes only every 8-12 weeks.

Source: Weightlifting and powerlifting terminology

Related Terms

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mobility drills

Active exercises that improve range of motion and movement quality through controlled motion, as opposed to static stretching that just makes you bendy and weak. It's the difference between being a functional human and a wet noodle.

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Intermediate

proprioception

Your body's ability to sense its position and movement in space without looking. The mysterious force that usually works great until you try to touch your nose with your eyes closed after spin class.

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rate of perceived exertion

A subjective scale (usually 1-10 or 6-20) used to measure how hard you feel you're working during exercise. Science's way of asking 'but how do you *feel* about that?' to your cardiovascular system.

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Advanced

detrain

The strategic reduction of training intensity during the off-season, giving your overtaxed muscles a well-deserved break before ramping back up. Think of it as the athletic equivalent of a controlled burnout prevention program. Smart athletes detrain; broken ones just stop showing up.

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Beginner

pre-workout

A supplement consumed before training, typically containing caffeine and various stimulants to increase energy and focus. It turns regular humans into temporarily jittery superhumans with questionable decision-making abilities and tingling skin.

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Advanced

dynamic effort

Training with submaximal weights (50-70%) moved at maximum speed to develop explosive power. Louie Simmons' way of making light weights feel purposeful.

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