The term "for reps"

**Livinlean** · 04-29-2013, 11:41 PM

Probably a really stupid question but I didn't know where to post it so I will post it here.

What does the term "for reps" mean.

For example I've heard people say: Deadlift 1RM of 495 but I can do 405 for reps. Does that literally mean 4 reps or "for reps" meaning multiple reps and if so how many reps would this be. Again probably a really stupid question but I've wondered this and what better place to ask than on these board right lol.

**Tron3219** · 04-29-2013, 11:42 PM

It means for repetition...as in multiple times

**Lunk1** · 04-29-2013, 11:44 PM

I didnt ever believe it but YES, there is a thing as a stupid question

J/K

**tigerspawn** · 04-29-2013, 11:54 PM

Reps means exercise is to be performed multiple times. 1RM means that is max weight person can perform for one lift.

**Livinlean** · 04-30-2013, 12:19 AM

Only 1 out of 3 calling it a dumb question lol not bad.

Well I get the multiple part but that's just a dumb term. My definition of multiple would be 8 minimum. But I bet alot would consider 3-4 as "multiple"

**Tron3219** · 04-30-2013, 12:24 AM

Multiple just means more then one, though an ambiguous term, 2 is considered multiple. And 8 is a little much. I hit 365 x 4 on bench the other day, I'd say that's reps

**Livinlean** · 04-30-2013, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by Tron3219

Multiple just means more then one, though an ambiguous term, 2 is considered multiple. And 8 is a little much. I hit 365 x 4 on bench the other day, I'd say that's reps

I would have to say that 3-4 is what most people would consider multiple. But realistically for me 3-4 reps is usually my warm up for a 1RM attempt. But than again I guess it all depends on your training because occasionally I do follow a power lifting routine and only go up to 8 reps for warms up and rarely if at all go over 6.

Again, weird term to use. Just thought maybe in the BB or power lifting community their might be a guideline for when this term is used.

**Tron3219** · 04-30-2013, 12:33 AM

Those 4 reps were my last 4 of a workout, 8-6-4 all to failure.

**HitIt** · 04-30-2013, 05:38 AM

there's warmups, then there's "for reps"

**Knockout_Power** · 04-30-2013, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Livinlean

Well I get the multiple part but that's just a dumb term. My definition of multiple would be 8 minimum. But I bet alot would consider 3-4 as "multiple"

I tend to agree with you on your definition. Yes, Reps being plural would imply anything more than 1, but I love hearing how some scrawny kid brags about hitting 2 plates on bench for reps when what he actually means is he can do 225 for 1 semi clean and then the back arch and spot come into play so he gets a second and therefore he is doing it for "reps"

But as Tron says, if you are doing drop sets, then you are just burning out the muscle so it could very well be 3,4,5...

**tigerspawn** · 05-01-2013, 02:26 AM

I’m not a big fan of low rep sets because I’m not a power lifter. I’m more interested in developing muscle size and not hurting myself while lifting. I never perform any exercise with less than 6reps.

Originally Posted by Knockout_Power

I love hearing how some scrawny kid brags about hitting 2 plates on bench for reps when what he actually means is he can do 225 for 1 semi clean and then the back arch and spot come into play so he gets a second and therefore he is doing it for "reps"

I saw two skinny kids struggling and only way they moved 135 was with help. Their next set they increased the weight by 50lbs. First kid barely moved weight and had to have second kid help him rerack it. Second kid stepped up and I had to go over and save the kid's ass because his “spotter” couldn’t even lift the weight. Then later they are telling their friends that they just did, "185 for reps".