01/05/2026
π€ Should you??π€
Short answer:
Only if you want to, and age should not be a limiting factor.
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Long answer:
You don't NEED to 1RM in order to improve strength or challenge yourself. A 3 or even 5RM are great proxies for strength & objectivity.
1RM efforts should be reserved for athletes who:
1οΈβ£ Want to
2οΈβ£ Have proper training experience
3οΈβ£ Have a proper training plan
4οΈβ£ Have a competition-related goal
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Even then, one can make a sound argument for training single reps at 90-95% pre-competition.
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There's been some talk about how 1RM lifting is dangerous for athletes over 40, but that statement has lacked nuance.
I don't believe these lifts are dangerous if the above criteria are fulfilled. Is there risk? Of course, as with anything else, there is risk. There is risk training at 90% or testing a 5RM.
My point is that speaking in absolutes and instilling fear in athletes is more dangerous than a well-trained, well-planned 1RM itself.