24/04/2026
What a difference a week makes.
Last week I couldn’t hit even one rep at this weight, let alone a double.
Strength isn’t just about the weight on the bar. There are so many reasons that affect how a lift feels on any given day:
1. Fatigue
If you’ve been training hard, sleeping less, or dealing with life stress your nervous system just isn’t firing at full capacity. Even if the weight is “normally easy,” it can suddenly feel like the world.
2. Poor recovery
Not enough food (especially carbs), hydration or sleep will negatively affect your performance fast.
3. Mental load
If your head’s elsewhere - school runs, meal planning, life admin - your body feels it too.
Focus matters more than you think when it comes to lifting.
4. Technical issues
Even though we’ve worked on it over the last few weeks a small shift in position can make or break a lift.
5. Where are you in you cycle
Days 1–5: lower hormones = lower energy
Days 6–14: rising oestrogen = more energy and drive
Days 15–21: progesterone rises = strength can still feel good
Days 22–28: hormones drop = lower energy and stress tolerance.
A “bad” session doesn’t mean you’re getting weaker.
It just means you’re human.
1 week to go!!
